The Labrador Retriever is officially recognized by 10 National Kennel Clubs throughout the world. Following is a brief discussion and background of a selection of clubs. Similarities and differences between the clubs regarding the Labrador Retriever standard is also discussed.

American Kennel Club (AKC)
Originally started in 1884 with a 12 group panel of dedicated sportsman in Philadelphia, PA. The purpose of the AKC is to maintain a purebred dog registry and promote responsible dog ownership. The AKC has local clubs all throughout the United States which offer events confirming to the AKC guidelines. For more information on the AKC visit the AKC Website or to find a local chapter visit the LocalChapter Search.

The current Labrador Retriever standard was last revised in 1994 and the breed makes up part of the Sporting Group. The standard specifies that the breed may be Black, Yellow or Chocolate in color. The height of a Lab is very specific with 22½ to 24½ inches for a male and 21½ to 23½ for a female. Any deviation from this is a disqualification.


United Kennel Club (UKC)
The UKC is second only in age and registrations to the AKC in the United States. The club was founded in 1898 and has always focused on a total dog (one which both shows and performs well). The UKC is made up of three divisions, Registry, Publications and Field Activities. The registry division handles over 250,000 purebred registrations each year. The Publications division distributes the magazines BLOODLINES, HUNTING RETRIEVER and COONHOUND BLOODLINES. The Field Operations division coordinates 10,000 dog events a year through a network of local clubs adhering to the UKC guidelines. For more information on the AKC visit the UKC Website

The current standard of the Labrador was last revised in 2000 and the breed makes up part of the Gun Dog Breeds. The standard specifies that the breed may be Black, Yellow or Chocolate in color. The height of a Lab is very specific with 22½ to 24½ inches for a male and 21½ to 23½ for a female. One half inch greater or less than the standard height is a fault.


Canadian Kennel Club (CKC)
Founded in 1888, the purpose of the Canadian Kennel Club is to register, preserve and promote the breeds recognized within the club. The club is incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act and consists of close to 1,000 clubs throughout Canada. To learn more about the Continental Kennel Club visit the Candian Kennel Club Website.






Contiential Kennel Club (CKC)
Founded as an open registry, in 1991 the CKC has grown into an international club. The club is a For-Profit club and with an open registry has much broader standards than other clubs. Currently there are 449 breeds recognized by the club. To learn more about the Continental Kennel Club visit the Contiential Kennel Club Website.

The Labrador Retriever is classified as part of the Retriever Group. The standard specifies the allowed colors are black, yellow, liver, or chocolate. Height for the bred should be 21 1/2-24” at the withers.


Additional Clubs that Recognize the Labrador Retriever Breed

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)
Kennel Club of Great Britain (KCGB)
Australian National Kennel Club (ANKC)
National Kennel Club (NKC)
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC)
Canadian Canine Registry (CCR)

Additional Resources
Find several unique Dog Names for your puppy.

View member submitted Dog Pictures of several different breeds.

Find Black Lab, Chocolate Lab and Yellow Lab gifts for your home.