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; the character and quality to win in the ring and the temperaments to be a family companion.
Physical features and mental characteristic of the male Labrador Retriever should denote a dog bred to perform as an efficient retriever of game and a stable temperament suitable for a variety of pursuits beyond the hunting retriever environment. The most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador Retriever is its short, dense, weather resistant coat, an “otter” tail; a clean-cut head with broad back skull and moderate stop; powerful jaws; and its “kind” friendly eyes, 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 lumber or cloddiness. The Labrador is bred primarily as a working gun dog; structure and soundness are of great importance.