The Labrador Retriever is a medium-sized, short-coupled, powerfully-built dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat; small, drop ears; and a short, thick otter-like tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The length of body is equal to or only slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the distance from the elbows to the ground is equal to one-half the height at the withers. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; tall, leggy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. The Labrador Retriever should be evaluated as a working gun dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog's ability to work.
Characteristics
The Labrador Retriever is an enthusiastic hunter with a good nose and a soft mouth. They excel in all performance activities. Another essential characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is the short, dense, double coat that protects the dog when retrieving from water. The short, "otter" tail is another distinctive feature of this breed. Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are extremely intelligent and easily trained to perform a variety of complex tasks.
Serious fault: Any evidence of shyness in a mature dog.
Disqualifications: Aggressiveness toward humans or other dogs.
"....exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog's ability to work."
Like the English Standard, this is a good general statement which allows the judge discretion to determine how sever a particular fault may be, as opposed to strict disqualifications.
