10 Easy Ways To Tell If Your Labrador Is Purebred or Mixed

Labrador Retrievers are loved for their friendly, playful nature, but sometimes it’s hard to know if a Lab is purebred or mixed. Purebred Labs have specific traits, from their head shape to their love for swimming. Here’s how you can spot a purebred Labrador with these 10 simple ways.

Look for a Strong, Solid Body Shape

A purebred usually has a thick, strong body with a wide chest and muscular legs. Their bodies are like sturdy rectangles, with legs that aren’t too long or too short. Mixed Labradors might have thinner legs or a narrower body shape because of other breeds in their genes.  

Spot the Classic Otter Tail

The “otter tail” is a purebred Lab’s signature look! It’s thick, straight, and round, helping them steer in the water. If you see a Lab with a tail that curls, thins out, or isn’t as straight, it might be part of a different breed. This tail trait is easy to check and super unique to Labradors. 

Check the Coat Colors

If your Labrador’s coat has unusual shades or patterns, like a patchy white or grayish color, it’s probably a mix. Purebred Labs only come in three solid colors—black, yellow, or chocolate. These consistent, solid colors make it easy to distinguish them from other breeds. 

Notice the Head Shape and Ears

A purebred Lab has a wide, round head with ears hanging like soft triangles. On the other hand, mixed breeds often have different head shapes, like a narrower face or perkier ears if another breed is mixed in. The head and ears are usually pretty obvious if you know what to look for.

Watch for Special Labrador Behaviors

Observing the traits can provide helpful insight into the breed. Purebred Labs are known for their eagerness to please, love of water, and natural retrieving instincts. Based on the breed, a mix might show different energy levels or behaviors in sociability or activity preference. 

Peek at the Paws for Webbing

One trait that stands out in purebred Labradors is their webbed paws, which make them excellent swimmers! The extra skin between their toes functions like paddles, which makes purebreds incredibly agile in water—an advantage not all mixes inherit.

Check the Eyes for Color and Shape

Eye color and shape are easy details to spot and can reveal much about a Labrador’s lineage. Most purebred Labs have round, brown, or hazel eyes. If your Labrador has green or blue eyes, or the shape is more almond than round, it could be a mix. 

Look for Purebred Health Patterns

Certain health conditions are more common in purebred Labradors, including hip and elbow dysplasia and retinal issues. Mixed Labs, with their varied genetics, often face fewer of these specific problems, which makes recurring health issues a subtle indicator of pure breeding.

Compare Sizes

Most purebred Labradors have a predictable size. Females are generally 55–70 pounds, and males stay within the 65–80-pound range. If your Lab falls outside these limits, there’s a good chance it’s mixed, especially if it’s much bigger or smaller than typical Labradors.

Consider Pedigree Papers or a DNA Test

For those curious about a Labrador’s heritage, DNA testing reveals the exact mix of breeds and their genetic percentages. Pedigree papers can also confirm a dog’s breed lineage. This makes both options effective tools for accurately learning a Labrador’s background.