Judging the Labrador Retriever: It’s Not as Easy as It Might Seem

During my seminars on “Judging the Labrador Retriever,” a surprising number of participants comment that judging this breed is a challenge. They are particularly concerned with the concept of different styles within the breed. Entries in a class may have the essential characteristics that define Labrador Retriever breed (type), but they are not “cookie cutter” replicas. The defining features of type might come in different packages, or styles. Sometimes extreme variations in style can interfere with Labrador type characteristics. However, all the essential characteristics in the Breed Standard that define a Labrador must be present if an exhibit is worthy of an award in the conformation ring.

The Labrador is an exceptionally versatile breed that can perform numerous service dog jobs, from leading the blind to detecting bombs and narcotics; it is at home in virtually any climate and any situation and is the most popular family dog in the world. Such versatility often directs attention away from the Labrador’s primary function as a retriever. Yet, it is the breed’s history and character as a retriever that has allowed it to adapt so well to the modern world.

The Standard recognizes this versatility but also emphasizes that, from the tip of its nose to the tip of its tail, the Labrador is designed to retrieve. The written Standard provides a clear description of the ideal Labrador Retriever and is the “bible” for judging the breed. It emphasizes the breed’s function as a water retriever par excellence.

The Standard also emphasizes that sound temperament is “a hallmark of the breed.” From its beginnings, the Labrador has been closely associated with humans. Its work as a fisherman’s dog and as a retriever demanded that the dog be trainable and cooperative. Early writers constantly used the terms “useful” and “sagacious” to describe the breed. There are numerous reasons why the Labrador has gained such extraordinary popularity as a retriever and a companion; none is more important than the breed’s consistently outstanding temperament. Labrador temperament requires that the dog be outgoing (but not out of control), friendly, and confident. The words the Standard uses to describe the ideal temperament are: kindly, adaptable, tractable, intelligent, gentle, and eager to please.

The Standard also provides a detailed physical description of a dog whose form (physical appearance) allows it to perform its primary function—retrieving, particularly in water or marsh. It uses words such as strong, powerful, and athletic to describe a medium-sized, efficient working retriever. While the dog is described as strong and powerful, nowhere does the Standard say the dog should be fat and cumbersome. The Labrador is a breed that, because of its genetic background, is prone to excessive weight in the overabundance of our modern world. Often one of the main problems with conformation dogs is that they carry excessive weight. However, the powerful build of a Labrador should not be confused with being too fat. Judges need to be cautious that their placements do not reward excess.

The Kennel Club in England has instituted a review of all breed standards with the guideline “Fit for Function; Fit for Life.” One breed singled out for attention is the Labrador, whose standard has been revised to read, “well-sprung ribs—this effect not to be produced by carrying excessive weight.” Another change is the inclusion of “very agile,” which precludes excessive body weight and substance. Sadly, this problem of excess is more than evident in North American Labradors.

While the question of excessive weight has been in the forefront of discussions about Labradors, the important and more contentious issue of excessive substance garners less attention. Are our Labradors too massive? Are we caught in that particularly modern mentality that bigger and more are always better? If a broad skull is good, isn’t a “bucket-head” even better? Isn’t a too short, thick tail more desirable than a tail that balances the dog? Isn’t more coat what we should aim for? Shouldn’t a Labrador have the shortest possible coupling?

Perhaps not!

An early writer (1833) on the Labrador, Peter Hawker, described the breed as “very fine in the legs.” This was, one must note, in comparison to the Newfoundland dog. Pictures of early Labradors show dogs that do not have excessive bone and substance. They are what I would call moderate, dogs that looked agile and athletic. Are we getting away from that moderation because breeders are producing dogs with more substance that severely lack agility and athleticism because that is what is rewarded in the conformation ring?

The Labrador Standard calls for a medium-sized dog that is “strongly built” with good bone and muscle. This is a far cry from the ponderous, massive dogs of extreme substance and bone that can be found in some conformation rings today. Too often, those who decry this situation are labeled as supporting the “generic dog” or advocating “field type.” However, there is a long distance between generic and medium, athletic, active, and strongly built. If judges are committed to maintaining breed type, focused on maintaining the integrity of the breed, and devoted to not betraying the history of the breed, should we not pay more attention to the form and function of the Labrador and less to rewarding a dog that is often an unfortunate caricature of what the breed was and should be?

The details of the Standard describe a dog that can work effectively in the harshest conditions. The Labrador’s head is ideal for the dog’s function—from the wide, well-developed nostrils needed to scent fallen game to the powerful muzzle essential to carrying heavy waterfowl and the ears that fit close to the head to keep out water and debris. The clean-cut, chiseled head is strong but without exaggeration. The medium-sized dark eyes reflect intelligence and good temper, with a kind and approachable expression. Those judging the Labrador should never tolerate any indications of shyness or bad temperament.

The Labrador’s body should be compact, with good spring of ribs, strong bone, a moderately wide chest, and a well, but not overly angled front and rear. The dog is clothed all around with a hard outer coat and soft undercoat that virtually sheds water. Indeed, the Labrador’s coat and unique “otter tail” are two of the breed’s “distinctive features.” The Labrador’s coat may be the bane of many households, where the breed’s heavy shedding is one of its few detractions. However, the coat is an essential element in the dog’s ability to perform its function and should be an important consideration when judging the breed.

While ‘fault judging’ can be the refuge of those who do not know the breed, judges should be aware that current areas of concern for breeders are poor front assemblies, weak toplines, rounded croups and low-set tails, too short legs, and faulty movement. These problems should be kept in mind when judging the Labrador.

Many Labrador breeders are frustrated by judges’ lack of knowledge about the breed, by the trend in Group judging to put up “hair” and “flash,” and by the Labrador’s lack of placement in Groups. The Labrador is the workingman of the Sporting Group. He lacks the glamorous flowing coat of some breeds and the flair and showmanship of others. His coordinated movement is typical of a breed whose work involves swimming and short bursts of speed rather than running over long distances. It lacks the tremendous reach and drive common to some breeds in the Group. However, any knowledgeable judge of the Labrador will focus on the breed’s function—on what it is designed to do, not on what it should possess to be a successful generic show dog. Exhibitors have the right to expect that judges know the standard for the breed and can make an educated decision between type and soundness in each breed.

There are some very good judges of Labradors, and many judges new to the breed are taking every opportunity to attend seminars and study groups on the breed, as well as attending specialties. The National Specialty, which rotates across the country and includes a Judges’ Study Group, provides such an opportunity. Additionally, numerous Labrador Retriever regional specialties held throughout North America offer judges the chance to see sufficient numbers of Labradors to become familiar with breed type. Breed experts, both domestic and foreign, often judge these specialties, providing a sounding board for evaluating one’s own judgments.

The Labrador Retriever is not an easy breed to judge. Those who wish to do service to the breed should approach judging with a firm understanding of the breed’s history, its function as a water retriever, and those characteristics emphasized in the Standard that make the Labrador a truly unique retriever. In the show ring, awards should never be given to shy or aggressive dogs. Judges should remember that this is a natural, balanced, unexaggerated breed whose presentation should reflect the dog’s ability to do an honest day’s work in a cold water environment. The Labrador should be strongly built, powerful, and athletic and should be neither cloddy nor weedy. A knowledgeable judge of the Labrador focuses on the breed’s function—on what it is designed to do, not on what it should possess to be a successful generic show dog.

The post Judging the Labrador Retriever: It’s Not as Easy as It Might Seem appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Introducing the Labrador Retriever

Despite the contradiction in name, the Labrador Retriever’s origins can be found in Canada. Early in the 19th century an Englishman, Lord Malmsbury, purchased several Labradors (Lesser Newfoundland or St. John’s Dogs as they were called) from Newfoundland. He was attracted to the dogs because of their highly developed retrieving instinct and their willingness to please, and he developed a breeding program to preserve those characteristics.

From this early beginning the dog developed into the Labrador of today—one that excels in a variety of uses beyond the hunting field. The adaptability and trainability of the breed finds it utilized in many dog guide and assistance programs, as well as excelling in substance detection or search and rescue work. And, of course, with proper training and socializing, Labrador Retrievers are wonderful family companions.

Because the Labrador is a dual-purpose dog, the breed soon attracted the attention of sportsmen in the United States and it came back to this continent in the early part of the 20th century. Today the Labrador Retriever is the breed with the largest number of annual AKC registrations in the United States, and it has held that position since 1992.

General Appearance

A Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, medium-size, short-coupled dog possessing an athletic, well-balanced conformation that enables it to function as a retrieving gun dog for long hours under difficult conditions. The most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador Retriever are its short, dense weather-resistance coat; an “otter” tail; a clean-cut head with broad back skull and moderate stop; powerful jaws; and its “kind,” friendly eyes that express character, intelligence and good temperament.

Labrador Retriever coat colors, as recognized in the official AKC Standard for the breed are, “black, yellow and chocolate. Any other color or a combination of colors is a disqualification.” A small white spot on the chest is permissible, but not desirable. White hairs from aging or scarring are not to be misinterpreted as brindling (a mixture of white or tan and black hairs). Blacks are all black. Yellows may range in color from fox-red to light cream, with variations in shading on the ears, back, and under parts of the dog. Chocolates can vary in shade from light to dark chocolate.

Temperament

Ideal Labrador temperament can be described as friendly and outgoing, indulgent with its peers, strongly human-oriented and tractable.

Young Dog Needs

If you plan on adding a Labrador Retriever puppy to your household, it is important to consider the needs of a young dog and to plan a program to address those requirements. Here is a list for review:

1. Proper diet at regular intervals.
2. Regular checkups and inoculations.
3. Clean, roomy housing.
4. Daily exercise—this is an active breed.
5. Regular grooming.
6. Companionship and love.
7. Early training to become a canine good citizen:

• Puppy Socialization
• Obedience Class
• Crate Training

Crate Training

Crate training can be a significant milestone in a puppy’s early regimen. Your puppy can learn to accept a crate happily and the crate will become a mobile “home” so there will never be a problem about where to keep your dog when you travel. Finally, should your puppy require time at the veterinarian’s office because of an illness, it will not be stressed if it is placed in a crate during a hospital visit. In addition, the puppy will be much easier to house train if you confine it to a crate when you cannot observe it. Puppies do not want to soil their bed so the puppy will wait to relieve itself until you take it outside. There are many types of dog crates. They can be made of plastic, wood or wire. A collapsible wire version is often the crate of choice if it is to be used within the house or when traveling by car. The puppy cannot chew it, ventilation is good, and it allows viewing from all sides. You can partially cover a wire crate with a blanket if you want to provide your puppy with a “den-like” environment. Airlines may require a closed (plastic) crate if you ship your dog by air. Do not allow the crate to become a substitute for valuable time spent in play and socializing.

Responsible Ownership

A key part of your responsibility as the owner of a Labrador Retriever is to make sure that your Labrador is not only trained, but also supervised. If left outside, your dog should be in a fenced yard or kennel run, not roaming the neighborhood. Loose dogs run the risk of being hit by a vehicle, causing an accident, annoying the neighbors or even being stolen. Your dog should always be on lead when walking with you unless you are hunting or training. In urban and suburban areas, the responsible owner never fails to curb and pick up after his dog.

Training

Basic obedience training is an essential part of responsible dog ownership. It helps to establish a bond between you and your Labrador and makes him/her a welcome part of the family and in the neighborhood. In urban areas, there are obedience training clubs that offer classes where you and your dog can learn the fundamentals of basic obedience training. These classes can range in scope from puppy socializing to advanced training for obedience competition. If training classes are unavailable in your area, there are numerous books and videotapes that can be purchased on the subject and many are available through your local library. Early training and consistency are the keys to having a well-behaved dog. If you plan to hunt your Labrador, basic obedience training is essential.

Health Care

Veterinarian care is an important part of your responsibility in providing for a Labrador. You should select a veterinarian and have your new puppy examined, and an immunization schedule set up. After the initial series of immunizations, your puppy should see the veterinarian on an annual basis for protection against regional health threats and early detection of debilitating disease. It is important to establish a relationship with a veterinarian in your area, so he or she can be contacted if an emergency arises. A good diet is essential for keeping your Labrador healthy and strong. Most commercial foods are well balanced and palatable.

To Spay or Neuter

Not all dogs need to be bred to live a happy and fulfilled life. Spayed bitches and neutered males do not exhibit extreme personality changes by removing their reproductive capability. They often live longer and healthy lives free from cancer, uterine infections and perianal tumors. While most Labradors should be surgically sterilized at some time during their lifespan, the sex hormones have been proven to have important health benefits. Early spay and/or neuter has been associated with an increase in size, an increased risk of some orthopedic diseases, bone cancer and some undesirable behavior. It is recommended that the timing of surgical sterilization involve a conversation regarding risk/benefits between the veterinarian and the owner of the dog.

The AKC Parent Club for the Labrador Retriever

Since its inception over 80 years ago, The Labrador Retriever Club, the AKC Parent Club for the Labrador Retriever, has been dedicated to preserving the integrity of the breed as a retriever gun dog that is equally at home as a hunting companion, at a dog show, or sleeping on a child’s bed. Given the breed’s popularity, it is remarkable the degree to which Labradors have retained their ability as working retrievers. That achievement is a measure of the health and vitality of the breed.

A Breed Standard for Labrador Retrievers was developed when the Club formed. It is an approved written description of the ideal Labrador—how it should move, look and act. Only  Labrador Retrieves without known heredity defects or severe temperament flaws should be used as breeding stock. Because of the popularity of the Labrador Retriever, breeders have the added responsibility of maintaining healthy stock, free from hereditary defects and possessing the qualities that make this breed versatile and educating new puppy owners on proper care and training. Raising a litter of Labradors is a serious consideration and involves a significant financial investment, as well as extended time commitments.

The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. encourages everyone who is considering using their Labrador Retriever for breeding to radiograph the dogs’ hips and elbows (OFA) to have eye exams by an ACVO (veterinary ophthalmologist) specialist and to do genetic tests for EIC (exercise induced collapse) and CNM (Centronuclear myopathy) and for prcd (PRA). These tests can insure that the puppies produced will remain healthy companions for many years. The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. has funded many research projects through the AKC Canine Health Foundation and the Morris Animal Foundation to assure that these tests are available to owners and breeders of Labrador Retrievers.

The LRC, Inc. provides educational material for new owners as well as breeders and potential judges of the breed, and donates funds toward breed specific health issues.

For novices interested in training their dog for fieldwork, the LRC has an introductory program called a Working Certificate Test. A Working Certificate will be issued to any Labrador that passes the basic test requirements. The Club also sponsors a Conformation Certificate program whereby a dog is evaluated against the written Standard for the breed. Both these programs are open to Labradors of all ages, as well as spayed or neutered animals. It is also recommend that you have your dog pass a Canine Good Citizen Test sponsored by the American Kennel Club. A list of local Labrador Retriever clubs that support similar activities on a local level can be found on the Club’s website.

In addition, the Club sponsors a rotating National Specialty Event Week that includes a specialty conformation show, Obedience and Agility competitions, retrieving tests and educational seminars in October of each year. The LRC, Inc. also hosts two retriever hunting tests and two field trials annually, as well as publishing a quarterly Newsletter and an annual Yearbook.

The post Introducing the Labrador Retriever appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

The Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States, where it has maintained its popularity as number one in registration for the past 20 years. This is certainly due to their phenomenal temperament and trainability, which allows the Labrador unusual versatility. The breed dates back to at least the 1830s when it was introduced from ships trading between the Labrador region of Canada and Poole in Dorchester. Early fans of the breed include the Earl of Malmesbury, the Duke of Buccleuch, the Earl of Home, and Sir John Scott.

At first, the dogs were not referred to as Labradors. The first Labrador was described as not being larger than the English Pointer, more often black than other colors, long in its head and nose, with a deep chest, fine legs, a short and smooth coat, and did not carry its tail as highly as the Newfoundland. In 1887, the Earl of Malmesbury wrote a letter: “We have always called mine Labrador dogs and I have kept mine as pure as I could from the first that I had from Poole.”

There is a stud book of the Duke of Buccleuch’s Labrador Retrievers which makes it possible to work out pedigrees of the two dogs that contributed most to produce today’s Labradors. The Labrador was first recognized as a separate breed by the English Kennel Club in 1903. The American Kennel Club registered its first Labrador Retriever in 1918, Brocklehurst Nell, who was imported from Scotland.

The first yellow Labrador on record was born in 1899 (Ben of Hyde). Chocolate Labrador Retrievers appeared in the late 1800s, with brown puppies documented at Buccleuch kennels in 1892.

From the Labrador Breed Standard, the essence of the breed can be described as follows:

General Appearance

The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, medium-sized, short-coupled dog possessing a sound, athletic, well-balanced conformation that enables it to function as a retrieving gun dog. It has the substance and soundness to hunt waterfowl or upland game for long hours under difficult conditions, the character and quality to win in the show ring, and the temperament to be a family companion.

Physical features and mental characteristics should denote a dog bred to perform as an efficient Retriever of game, with a stable temperament suitable for a variety of pursuits beyond the hunting environment. The most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador Retriever are its short, dense weather-resistant coat, an “otter” tail, a clean-cut head with a broad back skull and moderate stop, powerful jaws, and its “kind” friendly eye, expressing character, intelligence, and good temperament.

Above all, a Labrador Retriever must be well-balanced, enabling it to move in the show ring or work in the field with little or no effort. The typical Labrador possesses style and quality without over-refinement and substance without lumbering or cloddiness. The Labrador is bred primarily as a working gun dog; structure and soundness are of great importance.

It is inappropriate to judge Labradors strictly on the ever-nuanced idea of type. Movement is a critical element of the Labrador Retriever, given the emphasis in the Labrador standard on structure and soundness. There are differences in the breed standard from country to country. In the United States, as in many other Sporting breeds, there has been a divergence in physical appearance and in energies and aptitudes.

Conformation Labradors, or as John Q Public identifies them, “British” Labradors, tend to be bulkier and stockier, with broader heads, heavier coats, big otter tails, and calmer dispositions. Our conformation-bred dogs need to be differentiated from the British field dog, which is an additional style heavily marketed in the United States. These dogs are smaller than their US counterparts and tend to have longer bodies, longer muzzles, and very slick coats. These dogs are famed for their natural hunting skill and low energy as family pets.

Our “American” Labradors, i.e., dogs from field and performance pedigrees, tend to be lankier, lighter-framed, longer-muzzled, and often do not have the classic “otter” tail. These American dogs have tremendous intelligence and stamina, a great work ethic, and great courage. They tend to have more energy than the typical conformation-bred dog.

It has been many years since the last Dual Champions, i.e., a dog that is both a Show Champion and a Field Champion. The differences seen today in our Labradors make it very unlikely we will see one again.

In the United Kingdom, dogs bred for hunting and field trial work are selected first for working ability, whereas the conformation dogs are selected for their conformation to the standard and other characteristics sought by show judges. A similar selection process occurs in the Labrador in the United States, although the purpose of a Breed Standard is to select for breeding animals and for dogs that embody the breed’s function.

The Labrador Retriever is pleasant, outgoing, and tractable, enabling it to serve the public in a multitude of venues. They are excellent family dogs that are trainable and need training. They generally love children. Labradors do shed, and it may be wise to match the coat color of your dog to the colors in your home.

Labradors are the most commonly used breed as guide dogs for the blind, and they excel as assistance dogs and therapy dogs. Labrador guide dogs have successfully guided their charges to safety in extreme situations. These dogs also work successfully as detection dogs and tracking dogs, both for the military and police forces, where a strong, indefatigable retrieve drive is needed. The Labrador Retriever has served the U.S. as military working dogs in multiple arenas.

Labradors are powerful and enthusiastic swimmers that can tolerate cold water. They are capable of remaining quiet, marking falls, and retrieving both dead and wounded birds. Many are also outstanding upland retrievers who work in the field and are eligible to compete in AKC Hunting Tests and AKC Upland Tests for Retrievers.

The Labrador Retriever is overall a healthy breed. The CHIC requirements for the breed are OFA hips, OFA elbows, OFA eyes, EIC testing, and testing for the dilute gene. Recommended additional tests include the prcd PRA test, cardiac testing, and CNM testing. While other testing is available, the tests should be selected based on Parent Club and veterinary advice.

The breed deserves the popularity it has attained, and it is the mission of breeders to maintain the qualities that make them the most desirable dog in the United States.

CHAMPION DOGS WITH MASTER HUNTING TITLES

#80 CH Briarwood’s Jumpin Jack Black Flash MH (bm, 2018)
CH Bidwell To Hiddensprings Covey Buster MH (bf, 2018)
CH Mar-Jo’s Major Attitude MH CGC (bf, 2018)
CH Wiscoy’s Carnival MH (bf, 2018)
CH Pathways Tygrrsaurus Rex Of Fair Haven MH WCX CGC (ym, 2017)
GCH Seawind Fergmar Bells and Whistles MH UDX OM1 BN (ym, 2017).
The ONLY GCH, MH, UDX Labrador Retriever in the world!!
GCH CH Boynes Avian Investigator MH (bf, 2016)
CH Falline Telemark CD, RN, MH (yf, 2016)
CH Rockycreeks Jack Daniels CD PCD BN RN MH (bm)
CH Duckback Armbrook’s Indigo CD MH (bm)
GCH CH Watersedge John Quincy Adams MH SHU CGC (bm)
CH Cedarwood’s Rollickin’ Good Thyme CD BN RE MH (cf, 2015)
CH B And M Meinhold Col. Hawker RN MH CGC (ym)
CH Klassic’s High Voltage F-18 MH (bm)
CH Oasis Diamond Del Rio MH (yf)
CH Deep Run Casablanca MH (ym)
CH Spirithawk Let It Ride MH (yf)
CH Mar-Jo’s Rough-N-Ready MH (ym)
CH Wiscoys Midnight Train MH (bm)
CH Kohlercreek Radiance At Honorbright MH (yf, 2013)
CH Briarwood’s Luna Brillante MH (yf)
CH Grampian Bedizened Viking RA MH (bf)
CH Briarglen’s Celtic Caper MH (yf)
Am/Can CH ReiMur Juz Fulla Myself CDX RE MH CGC (bm)
CH Sonlight’s Nachusa Storm Chaser MH (yf)
CH Topwater Hiddenspring Yuletide RN MH (bd)
GCH CH Lobuff Major Yeager At Asquam MH (yd)
CH Seawind’s Fergmar Edubard UD OM1 MH (bm)
GCH Am/Can CH Poplar Forest Topp Gunn MH (bm)
GCH Viking Hil’Die Tanzbarin CD RA MH (yf)
CH Nachusa’s I Walk The Line MH (ym)
CH Dickendall Buckstone Deck The Halls MH (bm)
CH Kerrybrook’s Vince MH (ym)
CH Yellow Roses Rio Bravo MH (bm)
CH Hollyhill Password To Bidwell MH (bf)
CH Raintree Wooly Bully RN MH (bm)
GCH CH Hidden Springs Blue Goose MH (ym)
Am/Can CH Poplar Forest Play It Again Sam UD RE MH (bm)
CH Ridge View No Fear MH (ym)
CH Lands End Whatever She Wants CDX RN MH (bf)
CH Caer Bren Superhero CD RN MH (ym)
CH Ransom’s I Wanna Be Good CD MH (bm)
Am/Can Ch. Lor-Al’s Got Our Power Play CD MH (bm)
CH Ransom Armbrook’s Hole In One CD MH (bm)
CH Pembroke Blk Mist Poplar Forest MH (bf)
CH Ransom’s Armbrook Indigo Hue CD MH (bm)
CH Bayview’s Aliho Denali MH (bm)
Am/Can Ch. Fawnhaven Hard Act To Follow CD MH (bm)
CH Waterbound Locke On Laddy MH (bm)
CH Sundance’s Paddy’s Irish Cream CD MH (ym)
CH Danikk Leap of Faith MH (ym)
CH Belle Tradition O’Broad Reach MH (bm)
CH Marit’s Slippry Round the Bend MH (bm)
CH/MACH Prospect’s Slam Dunk UD MH RN MXP5 MJP5 PAX (ym, 2002)
CH Winnie’s Block Buster MH (ym)
CH Ashridge Captain Wentworth MH (ym)
CH Naiken Indian Temple MH (cm)
CH Campbelcroft Peppermint Paddy CDX MH (ym)
CH Ashway’s Willcare Impression CD MH (cm)
CH Bayside’s Mark West CD MH (bm, 2000)
CH Avalon’s Regal Buck MH (bm)
Am/Can Ch. Clarion’s Bad As I Wanna Be CD MH CKC MH (bm)
CH Westwind’s Chilkoot Charlie MH (ym)
CH Brandywine’s Westdale Duggan MH (ym)
CH Franklin’s Pickpocket for Kerrybrook MH (ym, 1999)
Am/Can. Ch. Brookland’s Mischievous Sealion MH CDX NA (ym)
CH Ruthless Blazing Brentley CDX MH (cm)
CH Aliho’s Igloo Iggy UDX MH (ym)
Am/Mex/Int’l Ch. Cook’s Midnight Bandit MH (bm)
CH Topform’s Edward MH (bm, 1995)
CH Willcare’s Gypsy Talkeetna CD MH (ym)
CH Willcare’s Gypsy Chitina CD MH (yf)
CH Devon’s Rough Magic CD TDX MH (bf)
CH Harbortop’s Redwick Valhalla MH (bm, 1993)
CH Broad Reach Gripper UD MH (bf)
CH Duckback’s HiHope CD MH (yf)
CH Plantiers Ruthless Ruthie MH CD (cf)
CH Broad Reach’s Trace Of Grace MH (bf, 1991)
CH Buddy of Cedar Bush Creek UD MH (bm, 1989)
CH Simerdown Royal Canuck MH (ym)
CH Romany Sun Jester CD MH (ym, 1988)

The post The Labrador Retriever appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Labrador Retriever Versatility

The versatility of the Labrador is well known. For 20 years, they have been America’s dog, and for one reason: versatility. Labradors are regularly used by military and police departments, are valued family companions, and are among the most popular hunting partners for upland game, waterfowl, and dove. They are found in more homes than nearly any other breed, being gentle with children, other pets, and the elderly. They provide endless services to those with physical challenges, including assisting the disabled, blind, those needing emotional support, and those suffering from PTSD.

I am proud to have bred dogs that excel in these roles, in addition to being successful in conformation. The Labrador Retriever’s stable temperament allows them to handle any task willingly. I often joke that if my Labradors had opposable thumbs, they would help with housework, laundry, and yard chores. They give their all, even when exhausted, and are eager to be with their humans. Labradors are adept problem solvers who can work independently or as a team, and they excel in both all-breed and specialty shows. They hunt waterfowl, dove, pheasant, and occasionally field mice.

They do hunt tests, obedience, and can hang out and lounge around if needed. I have bred Labradors that are therapy dogs, Delta dogs, pet partners, and service dogs. I have bred two Labradors that hunt and have won Best in Show. One is also a specialty winner with his Junior Hunter title, while the other is working on his JH title. I am proud to say one of my Labradors has become one of the first crisis response dogs in Colorado, providing comfort to victims and their families at the trials for the Aurora theater shootings.

I know many breeders can boast similar achievements about their Labradors. They are the #1 dog for a reason: they are adaptable, happy, and loving creatures. I believe a Labrador can handle almost any task asked of any breed because they are so eager to do something, so wanting to be with you and please you. Their minds are open and pliable. A Labrador is a terrible thing to waste.

The post Labrador Retriever Versatility appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Judging the Labrador Retriever

I have been asked to say something about Labrador confirmation as if I were speaking to a Judge. I will comment on some things that to me need attention. A good judge for Labradors will judge the dog as a whole. A judge that knows and cares about the breed will have read the standard and be true to it. Labradors are not dramatic like a pointer or setter. The drama in a finely bred Labrador is in the subtle yet definite beauty as the entire dog fills your eye. Power without bulk. Seemingly effortless movement. A Labrador should move freely and effortlessly. They are not a big mover like the pointing breeds or the setters.

They also are not lumbering. A clean free gait that covers moderate ground. They should not be compared to the big movers of the group. They should be compared to their standard only. Labradors that are straight in the front and over-angulated in the rear tend to have a big go around. This is not right for the breed. What I would like to stress is the importance of balance and moderation in the Labrador. A Labrador should be close to the same standing still and in motion. If they have straight legs and are properly constructed, they should have a free clean gait. Going easy as the legs swing forward to reach the ground. The rear foot should step into but not in front of where the front foot just left. Oncoming and going, they should be clean with straight legs, somewhat converging on the center line. The legs should not be making circles or the feet flipping about. The foot, front or rear, should plant itself nicely. Show power in the lift-off. Drive or reach cleanly to the next planting.

Feet should be forward-facing, not toed in or out. The head should have even planes when viewed from profile. A moderate but definite stop is present, not like a Rottweiler and not sloping. The eyebrow should be noticed but not protruding. The muzzle should match the length of the head and be strong with clean flews. The ears are triangular, setting just off the side of the back skull, laying forward towards the eye. The leather should be impressively thick, not thin and drooping, but able to hold its own form. When viewed from the front, you should see a kind expression, a keen eye that denotes neither fear nor aggression, but friendly, joyful, intelligent, and ready. The eye should be almond-shaped with close-fitting lids. The lids should not be droopy or loose-fitting, as this could collect debris while hunting.

Equally objectionable would be round protruding eyes. The muzzle flows into the cheek with good fill under the eyes. The back of the ear helps form the shape of the head. The back of the ear is away from the head while the front of the ear is close fitting to the cheek. The top skull of a Labrador should be level without wrinkling. The ear set should not interfere with the level broad back skull. The head is on a powerful neck with good reach. The neck should be a sufficient length for the dog to be able to easily carry a goose without it touching the ground. Enough length to not have a bird impede its swimming movements while in the water. Enough to effortlessly reach the ground while quartering a field. I would like to stress that this dog is a working retriever.

His weight is of importance. They should not be over or under weight. They are a thick stocky dog. Not fat, not thin. Well muscled. Bones should not be visible but easy to find. The coat should be closed on itself. A good coat will follow the contour of the dog’s body. The length of the coat is somewhat debatable. I prefer a dog with a coat 1 to 1½ inches in length and very dense. It is very important that the coat lay close and tight to the body, rendering it weather resistant. If the coat is sticking up and you can see it open anywhere, you will know it cannot be weather resistant. You should be able to pour a bottle of water on a Labrador and every bit of it should run off as if running off a duck’s back. I have done this to my own dogs. The outer coat should not be soft. It should have a coarse, but not wiry feel. The undercoat should be soft and dense.

There should be no fringing, especially on the tail. The tail should not only be thickly coated but have a complete wrap. That means there is no fringing, no flagging—the standard says otter tail. The hair grows almost in a circular pattern from the top side of the tail, closing on itself when it meets on the underside, which can form a twist or twizzle at the tip of the tail. The tail should also be straight, continuing the line of the topline. The tail should not be curled or sabre-like. The feet should be tight and round, with well-arched toes akin to a cat foot. The toes should be tight together with no space between them. They should have webbed feet. They should not be down in the pasterns. The pasterns will have a slight flex when moving but not so much as to be noticeable. Leg to body ratio can be a confusing issue to some. Labradors are a somewhat-square breed.

They should be slightly longer than tall. A 48-52 ratio describes it best. They should be equal height front to rear standing or moving. They should not appear to be running downhill on the go-around. Balance and moderation are key to the Labrador. I would also like to address the height issue. I know it has been an issue at least since just before I started in Labradors. It is my understanding that Labradors were getting to be springer-sized and being advertised as apartment-sized dogs. So the parent club stepped in after it was noticed by several judges that this breed had a definite problem. The standard now allows for a three-inch variance in height for dogs and bitches. To me this is tremendous. Some breeders have a huge problem with height being a disqualification.

I don’t understand that, especially given the three-inch variance that is allowed. Again I stress that balance and moderation are (at least to me) key when judging a Labrador. I know there is no perfect dog. I also know that my own dogs have their shortcomings, even some that I have talked about. I want to also say something about temperament. No Labrador should be slinking around the ring, jumping at shadows, or afraid of really anything. They are a sound, balanced working hunter. Also, they should not be aggressive in any manner. To me, a Labrador has nothing to prove.

Here are two great ideas for judging the Labrador:

1. Read the standard as many times as you need to for it to sink in.
2. Stay true to the standard.

A Labrador is not a long-distance runner or a bodybuilder but a stocky, lean hunter that has the temperament to be set to any task and easily and happily accomplish it. This is only my opinion.

The post Judging the Labrador Retriever appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

In a previous article, I addressed relationships between handler and dog and especially how amazing it is to read dogs and figure out what is influencing their performances. In this article, I am excited to share two recent examples of handlers fixing problems simply by changing their response to the dogs’ problems.

My first encounter occurred at a tracking camp I coordinated with three of my best tracking friends* where our goal was to help tracking teams solve problems in preparation for entering and passing a TDX test. In a second adventure, I spent time field training dogs in the South working with a troubled dog/handler team. Both of these examples demonstrate how dogs respond to and perform based on our emotional states. Sometimes improving performance is more about changing a handler than changing the dog. I have now learned when asked to help someone with a problem, not only to ask the obvious questions but also, “How are YOU feeling when the problem occurs?”

At Camp X, our tracking camp, one handler explained to me that the problem she was having with her dog was that the dog gets lost on her track and quits, saying, “She loses confidence, searching everywhere and asking me for help, then quits.” So, I laid a nice challenging unmarked TDX track for her and her dog so that I could watch for the described behavior and analyze what was happening. The dog started very well and progressed through the first half of the track nicely. When she got to a left turn at the top of a hill, she struggled, searching everywhere for the turn. She did start down the leg twice, but the handler did not go along. The dog was confused and searched in the opposite direction, which the handler decided to follow.

The dog didn’t go very far since it was incorrect, coming back to search some more. As the handler reported, the dog did quit, sitting as if at a loss. I then stopped the handler who was trying to get the dog to go back to work. She confirmed to me that this was the behavior she had complained about. I asked her how she was feeling, which she described as frustrated and a little angry. BINGO! I explained to her how the dog had found and started down the next leg correctly twice, but the handler didn’t follow. I also pointed out that I thought her emotions were having an effect on the dog’s confidence. I then changed the tone of the environment with upbeat and happy talk to encourage the dog to find her track. In short order, the dog’s mood changed.

She went back to work and successfully found the next leg and continued the rest of the track. She was not perfect beyond that point, searching off track in another place, but this time she didn’t quit as her handler followed her as she searched. She succeeded, finishing the track and finding her last two articles. Her handler was amazed, especially after I explained to her that she had gotten off track in a couple other spots, but rather than quit, she continued to search until she found each leg and her articles. Lesson: Change your own feelings of frustration or anger, as these feelings impair the dog’s ability to function at its happiest, most competent state.

In the field training group, one gentleman was trying to learn how to handle his talented, high-strung Labrador Retriever at the Master level, the hardest level to learn. This dog was trained professionally, so he was very capable of doing the work well. This gentleman had never handled a dog before at an advanced level, so this was a bigger undertaking than he realized. He had watched the dog work nicely for a professional trainer and admired his dog’s work. But doing the handling himself made him very nervous. Unlike when he was with the professional handler, this dog became vocal and restless as he waited his turn to retrieve.

When it was his turn, the handler and dog did the marked retrieves pretty well, but as the owner tried to do the blind retrieves, the dog virtually ignored him, not sitting to the whistle command nor taking the correct casts the gentleman gave him. He then became frustrated and angry, which only worsened the dog’s performance. The following day, the gentleman admitted that he was ill-equipped to handle his dog as well as he needed to for any Master hunt test and made the decision to turn the dog back over to the professional trainer. The trainer ran him that day and found the dog to be less restless, steadier, and much quieter. He seemed more focused and responsive to whistle commands and casts, although he was not perfect. In this case, removing the nervous and then angry handler helped this dog improve his behavior and performance.

Lesson: Again, emotional expressions such as nervousness or anger interfere with a dogs’ ability to perform optimally, creating a dilemma for the working dog. He must decide how to proceed, which in this case was to ignore the owner and his feelings, take over, and get the job done. Great solution for the dog, but dogs that perform this way at hunt tests fail. Here’s where dog psychology comes into play. In a dog pack, leadership is projected onto the most confident member, so any emotional expression such as nervousness communicates weakness of that pack member. Since survival of the pack is the key goal, such weakness is a detriment and is not followed and often eradicated.

In this case, this young, confident dog sensed his owner’s feelings which he interpreted as weakness, giving him justification for taking over the hunt which is why he ignored whistles and hunted for himself. This situation was one in which changing the handler’s emotional state was not an easy fix such that changing handlers was more effective.In closing, we all get frustrated sometimes with our dogs’ performances, but if we can sit back and analyze what’s going on, we have better chances of changing something (maybe ourselves) so that we do better in the future.

Do you have any examples of changes you have made to impact outcomes at performance events? Care to share?

*Michelle Cullen, Penny Kurz & Sarah Cunningham*

The post Doing It All: How Do I Fix This? What’s Really Happening appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

The Labrador Retriever has consistently been one of the most popular dog breeds in American (and the world, for that matter), only recently surpassed from the top spot by the rising French Bulldog.

Affectionately nicknamed, simply, the “Lab” by many, the breed is involved in everything from hunting to search and rescue to certain types of police work, just to name a few activities. More than anything else, this breed is one of most widely owned companion animals, known especially for the dogs’ family-friendly personalities.

Breeder Tom Smith is just one of millions of people with involvement in the breed. He operates the highly regarded Wildrose Kennels, which has a clientele filled with public figures like Ole Miss Head Coach Lane Kiffin and professional golfer Greg Norman. The Wildrose dogs are enjoyed by people throughout this country, but well beyond it as well.

“We are blessed to have clientele all over the world in countries such as Peru, Bolivia, and Thailand,” Tom reports. “So, we meet folks from every walk of life from all over the world and Wildrose is a place where everyone gets together and it is all about the dogs.”

Tom himself does not compete with the dogs in the kennel, but some of his puppy people have competed in numerous sports like Hunt Tests and Field Trials, with some making it to the highest of levels.

While the canines of Wildrose are largely geared to work out in the field, other Labradors have been very successful in the Conformation ring. The AKC dog shows are something that Juan Carbonell of Loretta Labradors has enjoyed and reaped the rewards of his efforts, with a dog in his kennel currently in the Top 50 in the Breed rankings. The show ring has remained Juan’s primary focus, though Labradors out of Loretta have competed in a variety of events.

And building his vision for his kennel is something he’s invested a lot of time in, breeding dogs that are stable from a health and temperament perspective, while also adhering as closely as possible to the Breed Standard.

“There’s definitely research of pedigrees, clearances, and identifying the individual characteristics and qualities of the dogs I want to breed,” Juan shares. “I strive as a breeder to breed the best I can, never forgetting type, soundness, temperament, athleticism, and the other hallmarks of the breed. Transcending upon and leaving a mark on the breed is undoubtedly the most important thing for me.”

Despite their overall difference in priorities as far as dog shows and dog sports go specifically, the ultimate goal of breeding a sound companion remains the ultimate goal of both Tom and Juan.

Health testing and OFA clearances are at the forefront of all of that. Tom says he tests all breeding stock for genetic markers such as EIC, PRA, CNM, and SD2. They also have a canine ophthalmologist check their dogs’ eyes annually, not just once to get them certified. It does not end there, though.

“Personality traits are also important when you are matching sires and dams,” notes Tom “We have a quarterly breeding meeting with all the staff to discuss what pairs to breed and to decide if we need to change the pairs based on how the puppies turn out.”

“We strive to produce the best genetics possible with the goal of zero genetic issues. We are very fortunate to have been in business for five decades, so we have heritage lines of dogs that are now in their fifth and sixth generation. That gives us a lot of predictability with our breeding program.”

Intelligence and utilizing the breed for what it is bred for is the ultimate way to keep any Sporting dog happy and mentally stimulated. For Labradors, a lot of that obviously comes down to that last part of their name: Retriever.

“Obedience is always the foundation for a great Sporting dog, adventure dog, or family companion,” Tom says. “We use a memory-based training program that builds in a natural delay for the retrieve which teaches the dog patience. I want my dog to understand not every bird is his.”

As one of the smartest breeds of dog in existence, excelling at tasks comes naturally to the Labrador. It’s something Juan has seen as well with a breed that simply “makes it easy.”

“The reality is that the Labrador, being so intelligent, does not require so much time to train,” according to Juan. “It is relatively easy—I do everything based on playing and quality time.”

Looking at the versatile skill set the Labrador possesses, it’s easy to see why America has been so attracted to the breed for so long. And for Juan, Tom, and others, that comes down to the breed’s No. 1 personality trait: the will to please. As Juan insists, “Making them a part of your daily life allows them to adapt incredibly fast. In the end, Labs will always want to please you.”

The post The Labrador Retriever: Still the Favorite for Many appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
4. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

1. I live on a 40-acre farm in the Willamette Valley, about 30 minutes south of Portland, Oregon. My life in dogs actually started with horses. I was riding and training in England doing Three-Day Eventing in the 1980s. In the barns, I was around three breeds of dogs: Corgis, Jack Russell Terriers, and Labrador Retrievers. I chose a chocolate male Labrador puppy to bring home. He was out of a Lawnwoods Hot Chocolate daughter bred to a Sandylands Mark son. When I returned to the US, I continued my competitive riding, but as I got older, the ground was getting harder when I unexpectedly dismounted. My competitive side made the shift from competition with horses to competition with the dogs a natural transition. By then, there were several dogs in the family and because they were more loyal than my husband, the dogs stayed and he departed. I did make my kennel name from my last name at the time, which was “Geist.” Translated, it was “ghost” and Ghoststone Labradors was started. I bred my first litter in 1987, and in 1990 my first home-bred champion was born. My early dogs had Obedience titles as well as Field Working Certificates or JHs. I don’t know how I had the energy or time to do the training. I’m happy now if my puppies are leash-trained before their first show. I have produced champions in all three colors, and every dog I have bred that has finished its championship has been either WD/WB or BOB at a Labrador Specialty.

2. My process starts with careful selection of stud dogs for my girls, then lots of hope and prayers that the puppies will get the best of both parents, not the things I am hoping to improve on. As close to seven weeks as possible, I host a “Puppy Party.” Several breeder-friends and my handler are invited and we look at and grade the litter followed by dinner and wine. I only breed when I plan on keeping a puppy for myself. Sometimes this means I don’t keep a puppy if my hopes for the breeding were dashed, and sometimes it means I will run on 2-3 puppies if the litter has great depth.

3. Labrador breeders are lucky to have a large and diverse gene pool. The development of DNA tests for numerous diseases has enabled us to keep varied genetics in our breeding program and not produce puppies that are affected for the things we can test for. One occurrence that I feel is detrimental to the breed is the division not only between the Conformation breeders and the Performance (Field) breeders but between Conformation breeders who only attend Specialties and the breeders who exhibit not only at Specialties but also in the All-Breed venues.

4. Judging depends on the individual judge and I hate to make generalizations. There are excellent judges, both Breeder and All-Breed, who understand the conformation required to make a Sporting dog while exhibiting the traits that define the Labrador breed “type.” Good judging requires good education. I would encourage anyone interested in learning about the Labrador to attend the Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac Specialty held in Frederick, Maryland, in April. Usually, there is an entry of 1,000 Labradors from all over the world. The national club provides judges education and there are dozens of excellent breeders there to mentor those interested in learning. There are a lot of shows these days, and many have formed multiple-day clusters to attract exhibitors. Even with these clusters, entries are down, and costs are high for the clubs, and I foresee a time when the number of shows is self-limited as clubs go out of business due to costs and the difficulties in finding locations to hold shows. Entry costs for clusters will also limit some exhibitors’ entries.

5. Personally, I don’t think social media is much good for anything or anyone. While it’s a great way to showcase your dogs and advertise wins that you are proud of, it also leads to horrible behavior on the part of some. People feel they can say hurtful things behind the cover of social media that they would never say in person.

6. We need to bring young people into the sport. Breeders are ageing, judges are ageing, clubs and show committees are ageing. Who will carry the sport of purebred dogs forward for the next several decades? I would like to see the Junior Handlers better acknowledged and supported.

7. Advances in veterinary medicine through semen freezing, DNA testing and reproduction have helped to preserve the health of purebred dogs. Better food and nutrition help the longevity of our breeds. The development and acknowledgement of the Breeder/Owner-Handler by AKC encourages the people who dedicate and sacrifice so much in their life and lifestyle for purebred dogs.

The post Judy Chambers | Ghoststone Labrador Retrievers appeared first on Showsight Magazine.