Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Investigate physical properties
• Method 2 of 3: Get a DNA test
• Method 3 of 3: Analyze the parentage

The Labrador Retriever is an adorable and popular breed of dog that can make a great addition to your household. If you are not sure whether a puppy is purebred, there are several ways to check. In addition to a physical examination, you can have a professional DNA test performed to find out the genetic makeup of the dog. If you want to determine the puppy's background with even more certainty, you can use his parent's DNA to get an overview of the puppy's pedigree.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Investigate physical properties

1. Pet the dog to determine if its coat is water resistant. Run your hand over the puppy's coat and pat his back. The coat should be short and thick in texture. If not, there is a good chance it is not a purebred Labrador.
   • Since Labradors were originally bred for swimming, their coat is water resistant.
2. Find out if the puppy has a thick, strong tail. Search above the puppy's rear end to find its tail. It should be thick, similar to an otter's tail. Look closely to determine if the tail is thick at the base and is gradually thinning towards the tip. If the puppy's tail is narrow and spindly, it probably isn't a purebred dog.
   • Remember that the puppy's tail will get bigger and thicker as the puppy gets older.
3. Look for an angular head with a medium sized muzzle. Examine the puppy's skull shape and observe where the forehead gradually merges into the muzzle. If the dog's head looks triangular or has a very blunt muzzle, it is likely that the dog is not purebred.
   • A puppy's traits are naturally less clear-cut than those of an adult Labrador. While examining the dog, it is good to use a picture of a definitive purebred puppy to make an accurate comparison.
4. Determine if the puppy has black, brown, or blonde coat. Check that the puppy (and the other puppies in the litter, if relevant) does not have colorful patterns in its coat, such as partly one color and partly another color, or white patches in the coat. The puppy's coat should be one color such as black, chocolate brown or blonde. If the puppy is a different color, chances are it is a crossbreed.

   Did you know? While the American Kennel Club (AKC) accepts silver Labradors as purebred dogs, many other groups believe these dogs are crossbreeds with Weimaraners.

   
   
5. Check to see if the dog's eyes are brown or hazel. Watch the puppy's eyes to check its color. If the dog is a blonde or black Labrador, then it must have brown eyes. In the case of a brown labrador, the dog can have brown or hazel eyes.
   • In the past there have been purebred labradors with yellow-green eyes.
6. Look for a puppy with medium sized muscular legs. Examine the puppy's back legs to see if they are thick and muscular. Also check how long the legs are; while a Labrador should have longer legs than a Dachshund, they should be shorter than a husky's.
   • When examining the puppy's paws, compare them to the paws of a different breed. A young dog's paws will certainly be shorter than those of an adult Labrador.

Method 2 of 3: Get a DNA test

1. Take a swab from the puppy's mouth to get a DNA sample. Buy a genetics test for dogs and you will receive a specialized test kit. Use the supplied cotton swab to soak up a good amount of your dog's saliva or the cells in the cheek, depending on the instruction provided with the kit. Review the kit instructions to determine if you need to collect additional material or fill in information before mailing the sample.
   • You can buy a dog DNA test online. They usually cost between 75 and 200 Euro, depending on how detailed the test is. Some tests look for genetic markers, while cheaper tests are more concerned with the different breeds.

   Tip: try to prevent the puppy from sharing its food or playing roughly with other dogs as this can affect the integrity of the saliva sample.

   
   
2. Send the sample to a professional analysis company. Pack the sample according to the instructions provided by the company. Close the envelope or package tightly so that the sample is completely safe on its way to the laboratory.
   • If anything is unclear regarding the packaging process, feel free to call the analytics company for assistance.
3. Wait for the test results to come in after six weeks. Don't expect results after one day, or even one week. Expect it to take about a month and a half before you hear from the analytics company. If you've waited several months without hearing or receiving anything from the company, contact the lab to check the status of the sample.
4. Read the percentages in the report to find out the breed of the dog. Usually the test results are shown per variety, followed by a percentage. However, this can vary depending on the company. If the results show very high lab rates, then you probably have a purebred puppy!
   • Almost all DNA tests are at least 95% accurate. If you're not happy with the results, a second test won't be of much use, as you probably won't get a different score.
   • For crosses, multiple dogs will be listed with smaller percentages (e.g. 25% Border Collie, 37.5% Basenji, 12.5% ​​German Shepherd, etc.)

Method 3 of 3: Analyze the parentage

1. Take a DNA sample from the puppy's parents. Ask the breeder or shelter staff if you can see the puppy's mother and / or father. If possible, use a cotton swab to take saliva samples from one or both parents. Keep these samples in a safe place so that you can send them to a professional company.
   • Most DNA sets give you special cotton swabs to help you take the saliva sample.
   • Even if you can't get a sample from both parents, one of them can provide a lot of insight into the puppy's pedigree.

   Tip: the puppy's parents may be unknown. In that case it is better to have a DNA test done on the puppy.

   
   
2. Send the samples to a company that specializes in pedigree analysis. Package the samples according to the laboratory's instructions. Seal the envelope or package securely to package and ship the sample securely.
   • If you have any questions about this process, feel free to call the laboratory that analyzes the samples.
   • You will have to wait a few weeks before you receive a pedigree overview.
3. Check the summary for abbreviations such as "CH."Once you receive the pedigree results, look for abbreviations that indicate the puppy's genetic talents, such as "CH" (Confirmation Champion), "FC" (Field Champion), or "MACH" (Master Agility Champion). Also examine the summary for information about the puppy's health history, as certain dogs may be susceptible to certain conditions and illnesses.
   • Confirmation champion means that the puppy looks very similar to other Labradors.
   • Consult a vet if you have any questions about the puppy's pedigree chart.
4. Buy a pedigree certificate from a dog club. If your dog has a documented pedigree at a dog club, you can search that club's database and purchase a certificate confirming this. You can also register your dog once you have proof of its pedigree.
   • The cost for a pedigree certificate varies, depending on the species. For example, a certificate for three generations costs about 25 euros, while for four generations it costs 34 euros. A three-generation export pedigree, with which you can let your dog participate in dog shows, costs 69 euros.
   • When buying a puppy, make sure to ask for the dog's pedigree and parents.