Page 28 - The Labrador Retriever
P. 28
Judging the
LABRADOR RETRIEVER
by Stefanie Perrine
Ihave been asked to say some- thing about Labrador confirma- tion as if I we’re 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 defi- nite 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 lumber- ing. A clean free gait that covers mod- erate ground. They should not be com- pared to the big movers of the group. They should be compared to their stan- dard 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 proper- ly 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.
On coming 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 for- ward facing. Not toed in or out.
The head should have even plains when viewed from profile. A moder- ate, but definite stop is present. Not like a Rottweiler and not sloping. The eyebrow should be noticed but not pro- truding. The muzzle should match the length of the head and be strong with clean flews. The ears are triangular set- ting 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 aggres- sion. 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. This could collect debris while hunting.
