Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is a versatile and affectionate dog with an exceptional desire to work in partnership with people. Equally at home as part of a family, in the shooting field or in a wide range of dog sports, the breed is renowned for its steady temperament, trainability, and willingness to work under demanding conditions, particularly in water, where its strength and endurance truly excel.
Compared with other retriever breeds, the Labrador Retriever is generally more powerfully built and straightforward in both character and working style, while retaining the breed’s characteristic soft mouth and kind, friendly nature.

Breeding Requirements

Health and Genetic Testing

How to Qualify Your Dog for Breeding

Responsible Breeding

Breed Standard

	Overview of the FCI Breed Standard
Country of Origin	United Kingdom
Height	Ideal Height at the Withers: Dogs: 56–57 cm. Bitches: 54–56 cm
General Appearance	General Appearance: Strongly built, short-coupled, very active; broad in skull; broad and deep through chest and ribs; broad and strong over the loins and hindquarters.
Coat Colour	Coat: Distinctive feature: short, dense coat without wave or feathering, giving a fairly hard feel to the touch; weather-resistant undercoat. Colour: Whole-coloured black, yellow or liver/chocolate. Yellow ranges from light cream to fox red. A small white spot on the chest is permissible.
Gait	Gait: Free, covering adequate ground; straight and true in front and rear.
Head	Skull: Broad with clean-cut head; cheeks not fleshy; stop defined. Facial Region: Nose wide, with well-developed nostrils. Muzzle: Powerful, not snipy. Jaws: Medium length, strong.
Dentition	Strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. the upper incisors closely overlapping the lower incisors and set square to the jaws.
Eyes	Medium-sized, expressing intelligence and good temperament; brown or hazel.
Ears	Not large or heavy, hanging close to the head and set rather far back.
Neck	Clean, strong and powerful, well set into the shoulders.
Body	Back: Level topline. Loins: Broad, short and strong. Chest: Of good width and depth, with well-sprung barrel ribs; this effect must not be achieved by excessive weight.
Tail	Distinctive feature: very thick at the base, gradually tapering towards the tip, of medium length, free from feathering, but thickly covered all round with short, dense coat, giving a rounded appearance described as an “otter” tail. It may be carried gaily, but should not curl over the back.
Limbs	Forequarters General Appearance: Forelegs straight from the elbows to the ground when viewed from the front or side. Shoulders: Long and well laid back. Forearms: Straight, with strong bone. Feet: Round and compact, with well-arched toes and well-developed pads. Hindquarters General Appearance: Well developed; croup does not slope towards the tail. Stifles: Well bent. Hocks (Rear Pasterns): Hocks well let down. Cow hocks are highly undesirable. Feet: Round and compact, with well-arched toes and well-developed pads.
Temperament	Even-tempered and very agile; possessing an excellent nose, a soft mouth, and a strong love of water; an adaptable and devoted companion; intelligent, eager and biddable, with a strong desire to please; kind and friendly in nature, with no trace of aggression or undue shyness.
Faults	Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault, the seriousness of which should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on its ability to perform its traditional work.
Disqualifying Faults	Aggressive or overly shy dogs. Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
Note	Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

A Brief History

The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland (now part of Canada) and was brought to Great Britain in the early 19th century. Its ancestors were the St. John’s Dogs, smaller water dogs used by local fishermen to retrieve fish, nets and other equipment from the water.

In Great Britain, the Labrador Retriever was further developed, particularly by the British aristocracy, as a specialised gundog for retrieving game. Emphasis was placed on excellent scenting ability, willingness to work in partnership with its handler, a steady temperament, and reliable retrieving both on land and in water.

Over time, the Labrador Retriever became one of the world’s most popular retriever breeds. Today, it continues to excel not only in the shooting field but also in a wide range of roles, including assistance and guide work, animal-assisted therapy, search and rescue, and a variety of dog sports. Thanks to its steady temperament and friendly nature, it is also one of the world’s most popular family dogs.

Breeding Requirements

	Dog	Bitch
Ideal Height at the Withers	56 – 57 cm	54 – 56 cm
Dentition	*Scissor bite only; teeth may be missing except for incisors and canines.	*Scissor bite only; teeth may be missing except for incisors and canines.
Show award obtained after 12 months of age	At least two show results are required. One of them must be obtained at a Club Show or Specialty Show with the CAC title on offer (a Regional Club Show does not fulfil this requirement), organised by Retriever Club CZ or Klub chovatelů loveckých slídičů (KCHLS). The required minimum qualification is Very Good (VD) at both shows. The second qualifying show may be obtained at any International Show, National Show, Club Show, Specialty Show or Regional Club Show.	The same breeding requirements apply as for dogs.
Working Trials	The same requirements apply as for bitches.	Retriever Working Aptitude Trial (OVVR) or any hunting working trial or competition that includes a retrieving assessment.**
Hip and Elbow X-ray Examination (DKK + DLK)	HD A/A to C/C ED assessment mandatory, max. 1/1*	The same breeding requirements apply as for dogs.

Notes
- *The bite must be a scissors bite. M3 teeth (the third molars in the lower jaw) are not considered functional teeth and are therefore not included in the total tooth count.
- *Dogs with incomplete dentition may only be bred to a partner with complete dentition.
- **Dogs with a DKK result of A/C to C/C may only be bred to dogs with a DKK result of A/A to B/B.
- *** As of 1 September 2026, the maximum permitted ED result for breeding approval is 1/1.
  Dogs that fulfilled all breeding requirements before 9. 1 September 2026 may apply for breeding approval under the previous rules until 30 October 2026.

A list of FCI Group 8 breed judges authorised to measure height at the withers and verify the bite and dentition outside the show ring for breeding approval of retrievers can be found HERE.

Recommended Health Testing for Breeding Dogs

Annual ophthalmological examination (PRA/CAT/RD)

The examination screens for inherited eye disorders. Both planned breeding partners should be examined, including dogs that are genetically clear of prcd-PRA.

Recommended Genetic Tests for Breeding Dogs

PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)	At least one of the planned breeding pair must be genetically clear (N/N, clear, non-carrier) for PRA.
EIC (Exercise-Induced Collapse)	At least one of the planned breeding pair must be genetically clear (N/N, clear, non-carrier) for EIC.
HNPK (Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis)	At least one of the planned breeding pair must be genetically clear (N/N, clear, non-carrier) for HNPK.
CNM (Centronuclear Myopathy)	At least one of the planned breeding pair must be genetically clear (N/N, clear, non-carrier) for CNM.
SD2 (Skeletal Dysplasia 2 – disproportionate dwarfism)	At least one of the planned breeding pair must be genetically clear (N/N, clear, non-carrier) for SD2.
DM (Degenerative Myelopathy)	At least one of the planned breeding pair must be genetically clear of DM (N/N, clear, non-carrier).
STGD (Stargardt Disease)	At least one of the planned breeding pair must be genetically clear (N/N, clear, non-carrier) for STGD.
MCD (Macular Corneal Dystrophy)	At least one of the planned breeding pair must be genetically clear (N/N, clear, non-carrier) for MCD.
Copper Toxicosis (ATP7A, ATP7B, RETN – Copper Metabolism Disorder)	At least one of the planned breeding pair must be genetically clear (N/N, clear, non-carrier) for Copper Toxicosis (ATP7A, ATP7B, RETN).

List of Commonly Used Laboratories Offering Genetic Testing
- Tilila Laboratories CZ, www.tilialaboratories.cz
- Genomia (CZ), http://www.genomia.cz, http://www.genomia.cz, sleva pro registrované chovatelské kluby 10 % https://www.genomia.cz/cz/homepage/clubs/;
  - https://www.genomia.cz/cz/test/kombi-labrador-rkcz/
- Laboklin/Labogen (DE, pobočka v CZ), http://www.labogen.cz
  - XXL Package for Labrador Retrievers https://labogen.com/en/labogenetics-xxl-dog/

At least one of the planned breeding pair must be genetically clear of the respective mutation (N/N, clear, non-carrier).

Guidelines for the Use of Genetic Testing

The correct use of genetic testing is essential. It is important to understand that a carrier is, first and foremost, a healthy dog. Thanks to genetic testing, carriers can be safely used in breeding without the risk of producing affected puppies, provided they are mated to genetically clear partners. Excluding carriers from breeding unnecessarily and significantly reduces the breed’s genetic diversity.
It is therefore important to test not only stud dogs but also breeding bitches and to use the results when selecting a suitable mate. The ideal breeding partner should be as unrelated as possible, complement the bitch in both type and quality, help balance her weaknesses, and must not be a carrier of the same genetic mutation.
It is not advisable to breed exclusively from dogs that are genetically clear for all available tests. It is important to remember that genetic tests are not yet available for many inherited conditions, and unnecessarily reducing the breed’s genetic diversity may increase the prevalence of other hereditary diseases in the future.

Health Criteria for Responsible Breeding

Code of Ethics

Animals that are not in suitable health for breeding should not be used for breeding, regardless of whether they fulfil the formal breeding requirements. A healthy breeding dog is defined by far more than excellent hip scores and a handful of clear genetic test results. Dogs affected by diseases or conditions for which no genetic tests are available, or that may develop later in life, should not be used for breeding. This includes, in particular, epilepsy, congenital heart disease, thyroid disorders, metabolic and autoimmune diseases, severe allergies and chronic skin conditions, entropion, ectropion, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), bilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture, patellar luxation, spondylosis, and similar conditions.

Breeding is, above all, a long-term responsibility towards the breed, future puppies and their owners. Concealing or downplaying health problems within breeding lines contributes to their continued spread throughout the population and may result in lifelong health problems for future generations, placing a significant burden on their owners. Every puppy that is born will share many years of life with its family. Breeders therefore have an ethical responsibility to give every puppy the best possible chance of a healthy and fulfilling life. Openness, honesty and a critical, responsible approach to the selection of breeding dogs are the foundation of responsible breeding.

How to Qualify Your Dog for Breeding

Poradce chovu LR

Iva Vítková

Vysoká n. Labem 498
503 31

+420 602 375 624

LR@rkcz.cz

vitkova.iva@email.cz

① Meet the Breeding Requirements

Minimum age: 18 months
Dog Shows
Working Trials
Hip and elbow X-ray results (DKK + DLK)

② Prepare the Required Documents

Original pedigree and one copy
Two show critiques
Working Trial Certificate or OVVR Certificate
Hip and elbow X-ray results (DKK + DLK)
Photos

③ Submit Your Documents to the Breed Advisor

Send the documents by registered post.
Original pedigree for breeding endorsement
Registration by the Club
Registration with the ČMKJ

General Information

An individual dog may be approved for breeding by Retriever Club CZ from the age of 18 months, provided that all breeding requirements have been met.
Club members pay a breeding approval fee of CZK 100, payable to account 2900706251/2010.
Non-members pay a breeding approval fee of CZK 3,000.
Membership can be arranged online via the membership application form.
- https://www.retriever-klub.cz/matrika

Show Requirements

Only show critiques obtained after the dog or bitch has reached 12 months of age are accepted for breeding approval.
A minimum of two dog shows, including:
- At least one Club Show or Specialty Show with the CAC title on offer, organised by Retriever Club CZ or KCHLS.
- A minimum qualification of Very Good (VD) at both shows.
At least one show critique must include the dog’s height at the withers and dentition (unless these have already been assessed at a breed survey).

Working Trials

To qualify for breeding approval, the following must be completed:
- Retriever Working Aptitude Trial (OVVR)
- or another hunting working trial that includes a test of retrieving ability
The following qualify: Retriever Club CZ/KCHLS working trials and ČMMJ hunting working trials: Autumn Working Trial (PZ), Forest Working Trial (LZ), Water Work Trial (ZVP) and All-round Working Trial (VZ).

Hip and Elbow X-ray Examination (DKK + DLK)

The examination may be carried out from 12 months of age by an RK CZ approved evaluator.
Procedure:
- Complete the DKK and DLK forms.
- Print two copies of the RK CZ certificates. (Some approved evaluators print and complete the certificates themselves. We recommend checking this in advance.)
- The X-ray examination will be performed by a veterinarian (or the approved evaluator).
  - (The veterinarian will send the X-rays to the approved evaluator, unless they are the approved evaluator themselves.)
- You will receive the certificates.
The X-ray examination and evaluation may only be performed once.
We recommend checking the cost of the examination in advance.

Documents Required for Breeding Approval

Original pedigree and one copy
Original show critiques (minimum of two) and one copy
Breed Survey report (if applicable)
Working Trial / OVVR score sheet
Copies of the DKK and DLK results, together with the RK CZ certificates
Proof of membership fee payment / membership card
Two photographs of the dog or bitch (head and stacked pose) – to be sent to the Breed Advisor by email
Proof of payment of the breeding approval fee

Procedure

Once all breeding requirements have been met, send the required documents by registered post to the appropriate Breed Advisor. The Breed Advisor will process the breeding approval and record it in the dog’s pedigree.
After the Club has processed the breeding approval, the ČMKJ Stud Book will also record the breeding approval in the dog’s pedigree.
The original pedigree must be sent to the ČMKJ Stud Book:
- For dogs, immediately after registration by the Club.
- For bitches: together with the litter registration application.
Original documents are returned to the owner by registered post.