Is Labrador A Large Breed?
Is a Labrador a Large Breed
Is Labrador a large breed is a question many people ask themselves before adopting a Labrador. Despite their strong and athletic look, Labradors are a medium-large breed.
So yes, they are larger than other dog breeds, but they are not considered a large dog breed.
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Is a lab considered a medium or large breed?
As a responsible dog parent, you want to know what size dog Labrador would be in the future. Or, the other possibility is that you are moving to some area in which a large size breed is unacceptable.
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Highlighting the same point again, Labradors are powerful medium to large-sized dogs, whether male or female.
The normal Labrador height is twenty-four inches in range for both males and females. However, sometimes the size may vary from dog to dog depending on the routine and as well as health.
At the same time, the Labradors are too big to become lap dogs, but still, they will demand this to grab your attention.
Unlike other dog breeds, Labradors reach their full height within 12 months. Similarly, they put on their complete weight within twenty-four months of their age.
As a medium-sized dog breed, Labradors are pretty easy to manage during walks and playtime.
Labrador Great Dane Mix: Giant Lab Breed
Currently, the Great Dane Labrador Mix is the most giant lab breed with a height of 3.7 feet. Even their loving and friendly nature keeps impressing people from around the entire world.
Another name for this is Labra Dane which reflects the cross between Labradors and Great Dane.
Loyalty, protective nature, and playful behavior are inherited equally by both of these breeds. Labra Danes are famous for being great family dogs.
How do I know if my Labrador is purebred?
Without the official registration papers, it will be difficult to know if your Labrador is purebred or not. Labradors are one of the best breeds, and due to their amazing traits, they are always crossbred.
Most people favor adopting a purebred Labrador, so they think a DNA test is the last option to ensure their dog is purebred.
Along with a DNA test, some other features can also clarify whether the dog is pure Labrador or not.
1. Labrador Breed Standards
Luckily, there is a Labrador standard that helps dog parents to ensure the purity of the breed.
According to the standard, a male dog is between 22.5 to 24.5 inches in height at the shoulder. While on the other hand, females are between 21.5 to 23.5 inches.
| Labrador Standard Height | Measurement in Inches |
|---|---|
| Labrador Male | 22.5 – 24.5 |
| Labrador Female | 21.5 – 23.5 |
The weight of the male Labrador is usually between 65 to 80 pounds while females are 55 to 70 pounds. Both male and female Labradors have solid bones along with a powerful jaw.
The feet of the Labradors are compact but robust at the same time.
2. Coat colors
Coat color is another feature that makes Labradors unique from other crossbreds. Noticing the coat color at the time of adoption can clarify whether you are going with a real Labrador or the crossed one.
Purebred Labradors come in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. Other colors reflect the mixed or crossbreeds.
Moreover, purebred Labradors can contain white spots in the area around their chest; color may vary. But, the presence of white spots on the face or feet signifies that the Labrador is not of pure breed.
The color is a clear difference between the pure Labrador and a crossbreed, so it is easy to identify without even a DNA test.
3. DNA testing
DNA testing is the preferred method to know whether you own a pure or mix blooded Labrador. Purchase a DNA kit to determine the breed of your dog. The kit contains the swabs to fetch the sample along with the guide to use it properly.
All you have to do is put the swab into the mouth of your pup and put it back into the container. Mail it to the company and wait for the results.
4. Mixed breeds
Sometimes it’s hard to recognize the actual breed of a dog when it is a mixed breed. The ideal approach to differentiate is by a close investigation of the head, tail, and coat.
Labs have a twofold coat, with the undercoat a lot gentler than the coarse, water-repellent top coat.
5. Tail
The tail of a Labrador is somehow different from other breeds. The Labrador tail is swimming oriented therefore its shape is somehow different.
By noticing the tail you can easily identify whether you have a pure Labrador or a mixed breed. Notice the tail when you are about to adopt a Labrador.
6. Love for water
Pure Labrador dogs are more into swimming in streams and lakes; they just love it. It is a clear sign that you have a purebred Labrador and not a crossbred.
7. Barking
It is crucial to mention that Labradors are never frequent or excessive barkers.
They are pretty friendly, even with strangers, and you have to train them to bark when needed. Therefore it is another clear sign that you have a purebred Labrador.
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