Page 41 - The Labrador Retriever
P. 41
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 numerable 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.
By Michael J. Woods PhD
The Standard also emphasizes that sound temperament is “a hallmark of the breed.” From its beginnings, the Labrador has been closely associated with man. Its work as a fisherman’s dog and as a retriever demanded that the dog be trainable and co-operative. 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.
“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.”
