How to Tell If a Puppy Is a Purebred Labrador

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Analyze features, DNA & parentage to find out if they're purebred
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Knowing if a puppy is a purebred Labrador can tell you more about their behavior, health risks, and eligibility to be entered into shows. If you’re curious about the purebred status of your puppy or a puppy you’re interested in adopting, there are several physical features to look for that mean they’re close to the breed standards. The only true way to know if a puppy is a purebred Labrador is to do a DNA test. Keep reading to learn how to identify the key features of a Labrador puppy, test a puppy’s DNA, and analyze a puppy’s pedigree to determine if they’re purebred!

Things You Should Know

  • Check if the puppy has a short, dense coat that’s solid black, yellow, or brown. If they also have a tail that’s thick at the base, they’re likely purebred.
  • Test the puppy’s DNA by swabbing their cheek with a DNA test kit. Then, mail in the swab and read the results to see what dog breeds make up their DNA.
  • Ask the puppy’s breeder for the pup’s pedigree papers, which list their ancestor’s background and can verify their purebred status.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Examining the Puppy’s Physical Features

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  1. Step 1 Pet the puppy to see if it has a dense, water-resistant coat.
    Run a hand over the puppy’s fur, stroking the dog’s back. Most standard, purebred Labrador Retrievers have a short, thick coat. If the puppy doesn’t have dense fur, there’s a good chance that they’re not a purebred Labrador.[1]
    • Labradors were originally bred to hunt and retrieve waterfowl; today, their coats are still water-resistant.

    Note: Examining your puppy’s physical features is not a 100% guarantee that they are a purebred Labrador. While purebreds generally match the Labrador standards, they can have differing features. Likewise, Labrador mixes can look like purebreds even if they have different breeds in their ancestry.

  2. Step 2 See if the puppy has a solid black, brown, or yellow coat.
    Standard Labrador puppies come in 3 colors: black, chocolate brown, and varying shades of yellow. Check that the puppy is one of these colors and doesn’t have any patterns or markings of color on their fur, like stripes or splotches. Most Labrador puppies are completely solid in color, though they can sometimes have small patches of white on their chest or legs.[2]
    • If your puppy is any other color or has distinctive markings, there’s a good chance that they’re a mixed-breed pup.

    Did you know? There are silver labs, but silver is not an acceptable color in the breed standard. This color is believed to come from a cross with the Weimaraner. However, dogs with this coat color may still be registered with certain kennel clubs.

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  3. Step 3 Examine the puppy for a thick and sturdy tail.
    Look closely at your puppy’s tail to see if it’s thick at the base and then grows thinner towards the top. If it also has a rounded shape, like an otter’s tail, and is mostly straight, your puppy is likely a purebred. If the puppy’s tail is narrow, spindly, or very curved, they’re likely not a purebred.[3]
    • The fur on a purebred Labrador’s tail is also short and thick. If the puppy’s tail has long, feathery hair, they’re probably not a purebred.
    • Keep in mind that the pup’s tail becomes larger and thicker as they grow older.
  4. Step 4 Look for an angular head with a moderately sized muzzle.
    Examine the puppy’s skull shape for a wide head that gradually slopes into a muzzle that’s neither long nor stubby. If the pup’s head is more triangular or has an especially long or short or short muzzle, there’s a possibility that your dog isn’t a purebred.[4]
    • Pull up a picture of a purebred Labrador puppy to help you compare their features to your dog’s.
    • A puppy’s features are typically less pronounced than an adult Labrador’s.
  5. Step 5 Check if the puppy’s eye color is brown or hazel.
    Look into your pup’s eyes to see if they’re brown, hazel, or a different color. Purebred yellow and black labs typically have brown eyes, while chocolate labs often have hazel eyes. Some puppies also have yellow or green eyes, though they’re more rare.[5]
    • Labrador’s eyes typically also have a kind, intelligent look to them.
    • If the puppy has different colored eyes than brown or hazel, they’re likely not a pure Labrador.
  6. Step 6 Look for medium-sized, droopy, and triangular ears on the pup.
    Take a look at where the puppy’s ears lay on their head. If they’re set far back behind your pup’s eyes and only hang to the bottom of their jaw, they’re likely a purebred Labrador. If the puppy’s ears are rounded, stick straight up, or long, they’re probably not a pure Lab.[6]
  7. Step 7 See if the puppy has a brown or black nose.
    Check the pup for a wide nose that’s solid brown or black and has large, open nostrils. Purebred chocolate labs typically have brown noses while black and yellow labs have black noses. If the puppy’s nose is pink or unpigmented, they’re likely not a purebred Labrador.[7]
  8. Step 8 Examine the pup for muscular, average-sized legs.
    Look toward the puppy’s rear to see if they have thick hind legs that are roped with muscle. Then, inspect how long they are. Most purebred Labrador puppy’s legs are longer than a Dachshund’s but shorter than a bigger dog’s, like a Husky.[8]
    • Compare the puppy’s legs to a picture of a Labrador puppy or a puppy of a different breed. A Labrador puppy’s legs are much shorter than an adult’s.
  9. Step 9 Check if the puppy is 8-12 lbs (4-5 kg) and 7-12 in (17-30 cm) tall.
    Pick up the puppy to see how heavy they weigh. At around 8 weeks, purebred male and female Labradors weigh between 8 to 12 lbs (4-5 kg). Then, look at how tall they are. At this stage, both male and female labs stand at around 7 to 12 in (17-30 cm).[9]
    • These weights and heights are average benchmarks, so a purebred or mixed lab might fall outside of these measurements. However, if the pup is already much bigger or smaller, there’s a greater chance that they’re not purebred.
    • When Labrador Retrievers are fully grown, which is typically at the 1-year mark, male dogs weigh around 65 to 80 lbs (29-36 kg) and are 22.5 to 24.5 in (57-62 cm) tall. Female dogs weigh 55 to 70 lbs (25-32 kg) and stand about 21.5 to 23.5 in (55-60 cm) tall.[10]
  10. Step 10 Watch for an excited, outgoing, and friendly puppy.
    Purebred Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds, which mostly comes down to their sweet, enthusiastic nature. When you approach the puppy, see how they respond to you. If they run right up to cover you in kisses and beg you to play, they’re likely a purebred lab.[11]
    • Purebred labs aren’t known for being shy, so if the puppy is slow to warm up to you, it might be a mixed breed.
    • As their name suggests, Labrador Retrievers have a strong instinct to retrieve. If the pup chases after a toy, catches it, and brings it back to you, it might be a purebred!
    • Most puppies are energetic and excitable in their first few months of life, so look for other characteristics to tell if your pup is purebred or not.
    • As purebred Labs grow up, they still maintain their exuberant nature and eagerness to please.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Testing the Puppy’s DNA

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  1. Step 1 Swab the pup’s...
    Swab the pup’s mouth with a DNA test kit to get a DNA sample. Use the provided swab that comes in your DNA testing kit to swipe the inside of your puppy’s cheek. This coats the swab with the puppy’s saliva and cells, which are used to determine your dog’s genetics and breed background.[12]
    • Follow the instructions that come with your kit, as different kits have different directions for taking your puppy’s DNA sample.
    • Most DNA testing kits for dogs range around $70 to $200, depending on how detailed your test is. Some DNA tests just identify your pup’s breed, while others look for health risks and other genetic markers.

    Tip: Keep the puppy away from shared food, toys, and other dogs 1 hour before you take their DNA sample. Exposing the puppy to other dogs’ saliva can hurt the integrity of the DNA sample.

  2. Step 2 Send the sample to the DNA testing company for analysis.
    Package the testing swab according to the instructions that came with your DNA testing kit. Then, follow the kit’s directions for carefully sealing the swab in an envelope or package.[13]
    • Consult your DNA testing kit’s instructions to see if there’s anything else you need to collect or fill out before sending off the DNA sample.
    • If you’re confused about any step of the packaging process, call or email the DNA testing company for assistance.
  3. Step 3 Wait for the test results to come back in 2 to 6 weeks.
    It takes time for laboratories to analyze your puppy’s DNA. Expect to receive your pup’s results about 2 to 6 weeks after sending in the DNA sample. Depending on the kit you use, you might receive your results via email or mail.[14]
    • If you still haven’t received your puppy’s results after several months, contact the company to check on your sample.
  4. Step 4 Read the percentages listed in the report to find out your pup’s breed.
    Most test results list the dog breeds found in your puppy’s DNA followed by the percentage of their makeup. If your pup’s only listed as a Labrador or contains an extremely high percentage of Labrador, they’re likely a purebred puppy.
    • If your puppy is a Labrador mix, their results will list different dog breeds of varying percentages. For instance, their results might be 37.5% Labrador Retriever, 25% Border Collie, 25% Basenji, and 12.5% German Shepherd.[15]
    • Note: At-home dog DNA testing kits are not always 100% accurate, with most tests claiming 90 to 98% accuracy. The science of testing a dog’s DNA is still new, so with time, results may get more accurate.[16]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Analyzing the Puppy’s Parentage

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  1. Step 1 Ask the breeder for the puppy’s pedigree papers.
    A puppy’s pedigree papers are certified documents from a Kennel Club that list their ancestry, purebred status, and any show titles won by their ancestors. Most reputable breeders provide you with a puppy’s pedigree papers when you adopt them. If the breeder didn’t provide you with your puppy’s papers or you’re curious about a puppy that you’re looking at, simply ask the breeder for their papers.[17]
    • If all of the puppy’s ancestors are Labrador Retrievers, they’re a purebred pup.
    • Reading a pup’s pedigree papers is a great way to verify the puppy’s purebred status. Receiving false or forged pedigree papers is very rare.
  2. Step 2 Get a DNA sample from the puppy’s parents if there are no papers.
    If the shelter or puppy’s breeder does not have the puppy’s pedigree papers, ask if you can see their mother and father and collect a DNA sample. If they agree, use the swab from a DNA testing kit to collect saliva samples from 1 or both parents. Then, mail in the sample according to the kit’s directions.
    • If you can’t swab both parents, just 1 can provide a lot of insight into the puppy’s pedigree.

    Tip: In many cases, the puppy’s parents might be unknown or unavailable. In this event, get a DNA test from the puppy.

  3. Step 3 Check the DNA results for breed and pedigree markers like “CH.”
    Look at the puppy’s parents’ results for the dog breeds that make up their DNA. Then, check for acronyms that reveal the puppy’s hereditary talents, like “CH” (Confirmation Champion), “FC” (Field Champion), or “MACH” (Master Agility Champion). These markers indicate that the puppy is related to a dog that won an American Kennel Club championship title. This means they’re purebred and close to Labrador breed standards, making them a great candidate for showing, too![18]
    • Examine the chart for any information on the puppy’s health history, as some dog breeds are prone to certain conditions and illnesses.
    • Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions about the puppy’s pedigree chart.
  4. Step 4 Purchase a pedigree certificate from the American Kennel Club.
    If your puppy has documented parentage with the American Kennel Club, search the AKC’s database and purchase a certificate that affirms this. Or, register your dog through the AKC once you have proof of their pedigree.[19]
    • Fees for pedigrees vary depending on the type. For example, a pedigree that includes up to 4 generations costs $36 and a 3-generation export pedigree, which allows you to enter your dog into shows in other countries, costs $69.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/gundog/retriever-labrador/
  2. ↑ https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/gundog/retriever-labrador/
  3. ↑ https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/gundog/retriever-labrador/
  4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/labrador-retriever/
  5. ↑ https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/gundog/retriever-labrador/
  6. ↑ https://thelabradorclub.com/labrador-breed-standard/
  7. ↑ https://thelabradorclub.com/labrador-breed-standard/
  8. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/labrador-retriever/
  9. ↑ https://www.hepper.com/labrador-weight-chart/
  1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/labrador-retriever/
  2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/labrador-retriever/
  3. ↑ https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/sample-collection/dog
  4. ↑ https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/sample-collection/dog
  5. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/genetic-dna-testing
  6. ↑ https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/research/current-studies/dog-breed-identification/dog-breed-dna-and-survey-results/
  7. ↑ https://news.cuanschutz.edu/dbmi/how-trustworthy-is-your-dogs-dna-test
  8. ↑ https://www.akc.org/register/pedigree/certified-pedigree/
  9. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/discover-dogs-family-tree-akc-certified-pedigree/
  10. ↑ https://www.akc.org/register/pedigree/

About This Article

Brad Greene
Co-authored by:
Brad Greene
Fear Free Certified Professional Dog Trainer
This article was co-authored by Brad Greene and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Brad is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and a Fear Free Certified Professional. He is the owner of Fearless Dogs, which is based in the Bay Area of California and has a 5-star rating. Brad specializes in helping clients and their dogs work through challenges using effective and humane behavior change methods, enabling their relationship to thrive. His greyhound, Asher was featured in Greyhound Rescue’s 2022 calendar. This article has been viewed 278,988 times.
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Co-authors: 10
Updated: August 7, 2024
Views: 278,988
Categories: Labrador Retrievers | Dog Breed Identification
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