APPEARANCE OF LABRADOR : SHOW STANDARDS

Size 

Labs are a medium-large but compact breed. They should have an appearance of proportionality. They should be as long from the shoulders back as they are from the floor to the withers.

Males : 

1. stand 22 ½ to 24 ½ inches ( 55.9 to 62 ¼ cm ) tall at the withers 
2. weigh 65 to 80 pounds ( 30 to 36 kg ) 

Females : 

1. stand 21 ½ to 23 ½ inches ( 54 ½ to 60 cm ) 
2. weight 55 to 70 pounds ( 25 to 32 kg ) 

By comparison under UK Kennel Club standards : 

1. Males height should be 22 to 22.5 inches ( 55.9 to 57.2 cm ) 
2. Females height should be 21.5 to 22 inches ( 54.6 to 55.9 cm ) 

Coat 
The Lab's coat should be short and dense, but not wiry. The coat is described as 'water-resistant' or more accurately 'water-repellent' so that the dog does not get cold when taking to water in the winter. That means the dog naturally has a slightly dry, oily coat. Acceptable colors are chocolate, black, and yellow. There is much variance within yellow Labs. Colors should be solid, though varying shades of yellow on the same dog are acceptable in yellow labs and a white spot on the chest is acceptable in black labs, though not desirable. 

Head 

1. The head should be broad with a pronounced stop and slightly pronounced brow. 
2. The eyes should be kind and expressive. Appropriate eye colors are brown and hazel. The lining around the eyes should be black. 
3. The ears should hang close to the head and are set slightly above the eyes. 

Jaws 

1. The jaws should be strong and powerful. 
2. The muzzle should be of medium length, and should not be too tapered. 
3. The jowls should hang slightly and curve gracefully back. Body The body should be strong and muscular with a level top line.

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