Selective Breeding Principles
The selection of the breeding pair includes pedigree research, temperament evaluation, review of health clearances, and working ability.
The evaluation of conformation strengths and weakness is an important aspects in the selection process.
- Responsible breeders look for a sire that will complement the strengths of their female and help improve on any weaknesses.
- Both line breeding (a type of in-breeding) and out-crossing are common practices in quality breeding programs. A carefully planned line breeding helps fix desirable conformation traits and an outcross introduces genetic variation.
- Breeders that exhibit their dogs emphasize show conformation in their breeding program.
Dogs with moderate to severe conformation faults are not used in breeding programs.
- Dogs with minor conformation faults may be selectively bred with the goal of improving the conformation of the offspring.
Labradors exhibiting coat color and pigment faults or disqualifications are not candidates for breeding.
- AKC disqualifications includes the Dudley nose (a nose without pigmentation) and eye rims without pigment.
- Any color or combination of colors other than black, yellow or chocolate are disqualifications. Gray or silver coloration in Labradors is a serious fault.
- Occasionally, Labradors are born with brindle markings, black and tan markings, or a large splash of white.
- These puppies are not show quality. Usually, they are normal, healthy Labradors.
Dogs with temperament problems are excluded from ethical breeding programs.
- A Labrador should be a good natured dog that is friendly towards both people and dogs. Personalities and energy levels are variable.
- It is important that Labradors used in breeding programs have the appropriate temperaments for the breed. Many aspects of temperament are inherited. Aggressive, shy, or hyperactive dogs may pass these traits to their offspring.
The ability to learn and retrieve are desirable characteristics in the Labradors used in ethical breeding programs.
- A loyal, eager to please attitude is an important trait in the breed.
- Field work, search and rescue, and obedience competition and agility require an intelligent dog with a natural working ability.
- In field lines, good working attitude and hunting ability are emphasized in the breeding program.
Only healthy, sound dogs are considered potential breeding stock in ethical breeding programs.
- Labradors with hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, PRA, retinal dysplasia, TVD, SAS, epilepsy, autoimmune hypothyroidism, von Willebrand's disease, and a serious medical problem are excluded from breeding programs.
- OFA issues hip, elbow, heart, and thyroid clearances.
- CERF issues eye clearance.
The AKC and ethical breeders encourage responsible breeding practices. Reputable breeders utilize the AKC limited registration option to maintain the integrity and to improve the quality of the Labrador breed.
- Not all Labrador puppies are potential breeding stock and not all Labrador owners are potential breeders.
- The Labradors used in breeding programs should be carefully selected. Lab owners that are considering breeding should be well aware of the risks and responsibilities. Experienced breeders often serve as mentors for novice breeders.
- Companion dogs from ethical breeding programs are usually sold with a spay/neuter agreement and/or limited registration.
- AKC limited registration allows the new owner to register the puppy and participate in most AKC sanctioned dog events. The dogs can not be shown in conformation classes and the offspring of the dog cannot be registered.
- AKC limited registration can be changed to full registration by the breeder if deemed appropriate.
10 rules of Ethical
Breeding
AKC Labrador
Retriever Standard
OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)
CERF (Canine Eye
Registry Foundation)
PennHip
AKC Limited Registration