How can I tell if my Labrador is purebred?

Question

I have a 14 week old Lab puppy and I adopted him from a humaine society when he was 6 weeks old. On his papers from the humaine society it says "black mix unknown" then when I took him to the vet for his 1st check-up they put on his papers "black lab mix". But! I've had several people who say they breed labs tell me that he's not mixed, that he's full lab. And I really don't care either way because he's my child and I love him :)
... but, is there any way to REALLY know if he's mixed or pure?

Answer 1

No there isn't any sort of testing that can be done to be sure. The people at AKC would probably know best. They look at the face structure, hair, color, stride and stance for sure but they probably watch for natural instinct on how they do certain things. I have two black lab mixes and you can tell they are mostly black lab but each have there own little characteristics that disqualifies them as being pure breed. One is a black lab/German short hair. The other we think is got a bit of border collie in her but we aren't sure. We came up with that because she used to nip at my heels when I walked with flip flops on and border collies are known for doing that not to mention she built a bit more like a border collie. Watch for things like that not only in their appearance but attitude and habits. Hope it helps.

Answer 2

There is no true way to know unless he has registered papers. In this country Labs are the #1 breed, son many of the mixed animals appear to be full blooded

Answer 3

The only real way to tell if your Lab is pure breed is to see the parnets and even then that is no grenttee.

Most likey you dog is a Lab mix but looks like a Lab.

Answer 4

basicly the only thing you can do is lots of research on labradors,does he fit the standard those types of things,i also have a dog that was adopted from a shelter he was in the shelter as a Newfoundland mix,but when i saw him i knew right away what breed he was,he is a rare caucasian ovcharka he fits the standard to a tee,one of my favorite breeds but one i could never begin to afford as they are rare and EXPENSIVE,one mans trash is another's treasure i guess,enjoy your puppy even if he isn't a pure lab he is pure of heart and will love you unconditionally no matter what breed he is

Answer 5

There's no real way to know unless he has papers.

However, you can go on to the AKC website and read about the breed standard, get out your measuring tape and measure your dog and compare his coat and coloring to the pictures of the breed standard they provide.

An unmixed breed of dog will pretty much look exactly like every other dog of that breed, factoring in certain coat-color differences. I have a purebred black & tan coonhound (got him from a shelter but know he's purebred because he has tattoos from his original breeder) and he pretty much looks exactly like every other B&T on the planet.

Answer 6

American Kennel Club has standards for each breed. You can get one of their books from the library and check out the points. I assure though if the vet said that she is a mix---she is a MIX. Vets usually are familiar with breed standards. It would be a rare for a vet who to not be familiar with breed standards.

Answer 7

Not really no.

If people ask what he is, just say he's a Lab. Maybe if people see your dog and how "pure" he looks, they'll be more interested going to the shelter themsevles to find a dog. So many people believe shelter's only have "mutts" but that isn't true.

Answer 8

check out some picture of pure breed black Labs.
They are usually a little tubby.....chances are he is mixed.....but as you said he's still you're baby

Answer 9

No there's no way of knowing for certain unless they come with a pedigree.

Answer 10

youd need a pedigree or family tree from the breeder