Labrador Retriever | Is It Time For A New Breed Standard?

[@StonnieDennis]

Are you a fan of my training style, but can’t travel to Kentucky to see me in person? No worries! I offer an awesome online dog training course, which includes access to an array of exclusive videos and content, personalized coaching, journaling, and in-depth mentoring and evaluation by yours truly! If you just need some an advice or have a couple questions you need answered, I also offer professional consulting by the hour. Both of these great services can be found here: www.kentuckycanine.com Thank you all for your remarkable support over the years! I cannot express enough how grateful I am for your appreciation and patronage of this channel, my training style, and my kennel. Always remember, it’s a great day for a puppy-sized adventure!

[@sunrise7941]

Annie is the Flat-Coated Retriever

[@rodneymccoy8014]

I just love Labradors. I just have a Chocolate Labrador. Not making any comments about your training. I would love to take my Lab to your training. I am handicapped and can’t do any training with my dog. My daughter and Granddaughter do some training. Repeat, I am not saying anything negative about your training. I say whichever color Lab I have is the BEST. I recommend for a person to try your training and report back to us. Rod. LOVE YOUR LABRADOR.

[@staceyebert1431]

Absolutely gorgeous silver lab❤.very strong looking body and bright eyes.

[@williamcathcart7994]

I live in the low country of South Carolina. I am an old man now but my brother and I hunted ducks and doves for forty five years. Between us we had seven blacks labs. Every one was was a good retriever and a wonderful family dog. We lost my brother to ALS fifteen years ago. After loosing him, I couldn't pick up a shotgun again. I gave them all to my son who is making good use of them. Not long after my brother's death, cancer took my lab, Come See. My wife, tired of my misery, called the local lab rescue people. Well, we came home with 10 month old chocolate puppy who had been badly abused. He was scared of everything. We went to training class just to get him around other dogs and people. We had just retired so we took him everywhere. It took a year and half but he finally got his lab back. He was a real gentleman. The kindest most intuitive dog I have ever been around. We would take to the children's hospital and to senior centers. He had a real fan cub. We lost him to liver cancer two years. He was fourteen. I have a hole in my heart as big as Texas. I hope to fill it soon. MY point is, it doesn't matter what color they are just find the right job for them. They will do it well. I sure miss my Nat T Boy. May the lord bless them all.

[@Sadie-td6yf]

I wish I could help you out I wish I could get my baby down there he needs land to run he has hi energy

[@TrainingThatClicks]

Simple answer is, if the dog is not bettering the breed, it should not be bred. The breed standard is there for a reason (that being said, many can use updating- I’m looking at you, French and English bulldogs!) And while standards have adapted and changed throughout history, the goal should always be to produce the healthiest and most sound dogs (plus stellar workability, confirmation, temperament, etc.) I think it’s pretty clear that dilute breeders are not producing the healthiest of dogs (and in my experience as a trainer, not the most solid of temperaments either.)

[@treasuretrovel3816]

"...if the dog is not bettering the breed, it should not be bred." Yes, a logical statement at face value. The problem is that one breeder's idea of "bettering" resulted in the health problems of many bloodlines of French Bulldogs, Pugs, Dalmatians, etc. The modern AKC standards are corrupted by human beings with different ideas/standards of beauty, acceptable health risks and function. A lot of people have been vocal about how the show ring dogs are all about a biased standard of "beauty" and not at all about function. That is true in some respects and incorrect in other respect. If you watch a wolf run, it basically looks like he is floating his movements are graceful. So, in the show ring, judging on elegant gait is in fact directly related to function-- If the leg length, back length, tail size, head size, skeletal and muscular proportions are all balanced in the reconfigured wolf, then the structural health and integrity is in good shape. What I am trying to say is that there is a place in both worlds (show ring and on the ranch) to breed and to promote and preserve various aspects of the breed standard-- The show and function groups are both needed to keep each other in check. One thing that has corrupted the health of dogs is big corporation kibble manufacturers who use the cheapest most fouled trash from the human food industry to make a very toxic product. Generations of dogs fed kibble with inadequate protein and essential, fresh fatty acids and chemical vitamin and unnatural mineral forms has been eroding the health of these bloodlines (down to the genetic level). Finally many owners are realizing the consequences of kibble. Show breeders are given free kibble by the big corporations and most accept it because showing and breeding is not a lucrative business.

[@DarcyCarmen]

Uncle Stonnie, you’ve helped me so much over the years. I recently lost my black lab in a terrible car accident. My other black lab cross has never been alone. This weekend, I adopted both a black lab cross puppy and a blonde flat coated retriever pup. They come home in a few weeks, and I’m going to be working through all your videos (again) so that they’re polite members of the family. Thank you for all that you do.

[@littlewigglemonster7691]

Rip. May your future endeavors with your friends be blessed ❤😊

[@GM-yb7hp]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[@Patricia-lg8vg]

Im so sorry for your loss!

[@Chief-]

Sorry to hear about your lab. I’ve lost 5 dogs over the last 16 years and it’s never easy. Sounds like you have a nice pack coming which will keep your hands full. ❤

[@lizziedripping71]

No words ❤

[@conorlinehan4434]

I like seeing uncle stonnie get a little passionate about labs ha. Such a versatile breed with good characteristics to suit an ever changing world.

[@alainacallahan5030]

I've been around quite a few Labs. They are amazing dogs. I don't care about breed standards. I care about owners that do right by their canines.

[@shellyt9620]

Yes! ❤

[@southernpine79]

So I’m not an adventure with my dog guy. Most adventurous thing we do is the dog park, as daily as we can, and going in a pet or other store to socialize. Even though we aren’t big dog adventure people we have encorporated our new dog into our lives and make his quality of life a priority. He doesn’t spend his life in a little prison 22 hours a day. We have an 11 month old pit mix we got at the local shelter. My first pit and first dog since I was like 14. My wife had a small poodle for years but but she was really her dog. After we had to put her down this past summer due to health problems, she was 16, we knew we wanted another dog and a bigger one. I found Uncle Stonnie months ago while looking for obedience training techniques. I got hooked on the channel after the first video. It’s because of Stonnie’s style, training philosophy and execution. The man is logical and honest. There’s no fluff or ego or trying to make you think he has the secrets. I like that. I appreciate it. He knows dogs and dog training cause he’s put in the work and has the experience. I use the videos to help us with training and often as stress relief and fun. The videos are just enjoyable as well as educational and instructive. One of the best subscriptions I’ve ever made. Ranks up there with Bob Ross.

[@DhsjwuDbruanrbdhdbe]

On a related note, I have a yellow field lab. Beautiful, strong, and athletic weighing 75lbs with nice build. He looks like a dog that could work all day in any weather, land or water. In my mind, he is the epitome of a lab. I get frustrated when owners of short, fat, blocky, rough coated labs get confused how my dog isnt a mut. They flaunt thier ACK papers like it means something. This is my first lab, best boy ever.

[@littlewigglemonster7691]

Obesity in pets is always my biggest annoyance

[@nicolechen9316]

Akc show line labs really are disasters. My friends and I call them propane tanks.

[@kareneaton433]

My current yellow lab is from hunting stock, loves rally in obedience, and will retrieve till he drops. He does not meet the "breed standard" for show. He is the sweetest boy ever and that is what is important.

[@TheBurrito171]

The "best labs" in show are increasingly very fat, heavy-set dogs not built for things dogs like to do. In my opinion, show breeders break standards all the time and are awarded for it as long as a judge likes their caricature of the breed. Never mind the consequences to health and functionality. But they will never fail to squeal about "THE STANDARD" if a dog they don't like the look of pops up. Meanwhile, every standard for giant breeds have weights written like 110 to 120 lbs, meanwhile breeders have long been producing 150 - 200 lbs dogs. It's such a hypocrisy.

[@evieclark759]

So true.

[@BradMurphy63]

Well said Stonnie , being a show dog owner-breeder in the past I have seen some strange things. People have interbred breeds to gain different colours or traits to suit their own perspective or requirements. My only concern are those who breed chasing the dollar 💵 not necessarily looking what health issues or traits that may be to the detriment of the breed. Keep up the great work, enjoy your video’s.

[@pinkdogaustralia]

The new dog is a Curly Coated Retriever. Is dear Annie the one with a little flat-coat in there? I just wonder because her head is much narrower than the rest; but she’s a beautiful girl. @StonnieDennis I hope you’ll do a breed review on the Curly!

[@poforeman]

We’ve always had Fox Reds and they’ve all been great hunters. They’re all American/field style and can run and work all day. Super athletic, high energy, will fetch all day, smaller build, pointy head and nose, and so not for everyone. But we love them. And they’re not just great in the field. They’re fantastic in the house. If we use your question as the standard “can they run, can they hunt, can they find birds, can they retrieve, are they trainable?” by that standard we’ve had four awesome labrador retrievers.

[@CliftonMacdonald]

Stonnie, I’ve become a huge fan of yours. I just lost a yellow lab recently, roxy. She broke my heart when we had to say goodbye. I have a black lab pup on the way (June 9th) and have been watching your videos non stop for the last few weeks. All dogs are awesome and deserve to be loved. All I know is that I’ve had two yellows and they were the loves of my life. I’m looking forward to this new puppy and I hope you’re right that all labs want to be black ( the best labs I’ve ever know were black). Keep up the good work, I can tell you’re a good human and I appreciate the content.

[@tinabeller2605]

Oh my, No Name is greying in the mouth. I wasn't prepared to see that. Secretly, I wish for all dogs to be forever young. Then, they never age and leave us. I hope he is healthy and well and loved on for his well-earned grays! Love you, No Name.

[@vikingdogmanship]

As a family dogs theese big boned labs are usually a great choice. Better that than first time owners getting cane coro's, mals, shepherds etc. Just my 5 cents😅

[@angelocos1]

That's great input. I'm a shepherd guy. They're not always the best first time dogs

[@Patricia-lg8vg]

I think it's a curly coated retriever. -- - is Annie a daddy's maybe? I think there are more internet "self diagnosed" experts. I agree with you! I have two labs - both black females - My youngest lab is stocky (a do-di-do kind of dog-sweet as pie - smart as a whip and eager to be us) and another who is Gracie - who is, sweet, graceful, taller, athletic and high energy that loves every type of weather /water except hot. I wouldn't trade either one. In the show ring you see a strict guideline but that's not what I want - I want a healthy dog and a good companion.

[@ambmae8]

Our silver is a wonderful therapy dog, but if I did it over I wouldn’t have chosen silver. She needs expensive food and even in a cushy indoor situation is prone to paw infections and skin issues. But then again, I love my dog so much I’m glad we didn’t know better when we picked her out.

[@okish02]

Tight pool genes is what the problem with purebred dogs today. Diversity in gene pools is a must in my opinion in order to draw from to improve health and function . Great vidieo.

[@kusogames]

Great video as always Stonnie, my yellow lab and I enjoyed watching it! Breed guidelines are definitely too rigid and slow to change, especially considering modern breeding practices, expectations, and needs. Hopefully the community takes a chill pill and recognizes that a little validation can go a long way. Also, hopefully and current or future silver lab owners aren't discouraged by derogatory commentary, I feel like trends are changing and people are more open to a more fluid understanding of what is a dog breed. Like you said, the standards are impossibly specific and many dogs now do not meet the 'breed standard'.

[@hoglefish]

Yes!!! My lab meets Uncle Stonnie’s breed standard. She’s black, athletic, will retrieve for ever, and breaks ice to get ducks!

[@giovannilovo7567]

on the first question, it’s a curly coated retriever. I guess that he is with you to experience nature and his natural abilities (he looks very quiet in the video). on the last question, Annie the 3rd one has flat coated signs. on the silver topic IMHO he is a labrador retriever as long as he fetches, has good balance on any terrain, loves water in any temperature, and loves people and other dogs

[@KYTrailRider]

I also think curly coated retriever.

[@DanKlein_1]

love your definition of a Lab. Kind of what I think... if he acts like a lab, built like a lab, reacts like a lab... how about we just call him a Lab?!!

[@MaddMarc_RC]

Always enjoy your videos Stonnie. You are honest and I can align with how you view most if not all of your topics. I followed your training guide with my lab, Otis. He's 7 now and turned out to be a great individual. I live in a city where people send their dogs off to training and they always ask me who I sent Otis too and it feels good that I can say I did it myself with you as a guide! People don't realize but it just takes time and repetition to train these awesome companions. Thanks again for the great videos.

[@KrysBevan]

I just adore you and I love it when you call'em "nerds" haha! You're so right - SO MANY "experts" out there nowadays... on every imaginable topic. Thanks for all that you do! My girl's mother is a silver American Lab, her father a white English Lab and my girl looks something like a Dudley Labrador - light eyes, yellow coat, brown nose. She's the best dog I have EVER had and couldn't imagine having a nicer animal.

[@DirtRockTeam]

All I can say is, thank you sir! I am sure there are a lot of people out there like yourself who have been saying this, I know I have. And this goes for ALL dog breeds.

[@ChrisSmith-yj8kq]

Def a Curly Coated Retriever ive met many at crufts over the years. I would say that probably Annie had some flatcoat in her as i have owned two personally and i think i can see some of their expression in her face. Great video though Stonnie and im very much of the philosophy of live and let live .. as long as the owners of the silver labs are happy and they are good pets for their family then i see no issue at all

[@williamflummer3240]

That silver boy is very muscular! Great looking lab!

[@kaneishamitchell959]

The silver is very toned almost like a pit bull

[@cw6795]

Except it's not a lab.

[@pmac206]

I’ve noticed that too with most silvers I see and mine which is a female . They do tend to be more muscular. The weird thing is that my silver loves fetch but hates water and I’ve tried and tried . My lab/ German Shepherd mix can’t get enough water . He would swim all day . He always wants to be around water. My silver is a little over 2 and I’ve yet to see her swim. She just won’t do it .

[@boost1728]

@@cw6795you wish 😂 that is just as much a lab as any other

[@greghoffman3146]

My yellow lab had somewhat droopy eyes, but never any problems . She was sweet and a pretty good hunter for an English lab. Id have to stop hunting as she wouldn't stop even with her nose bleeding. She got neck allergies in the spring/summer. I miss her. Thanks Stonie for the videos. I love it when the dogs off leash follow you and the leashed dog through the obstacle course. Daisy would have definitely done that if you were carrying food molecules

[@kathyjones4913]

Hey Stonnie, longtime Veterinary Technician from Florida. I’ve owned Yellow & Black Labrador Retrievers not a one with skin issues.

[@MrAlexBonsai]

Hey, Stonnie... It's Annie who's got the Flat-coated retriever. It's the rare flat-coat who has a more massive head. But I know a Search & Rescue trainer who has a champion flat-coat stud dog who's got a wider, bulkier head like Shogun. But Annie has more the flat-coat slope to her stop and the lankier, rangier body. You won't get any insults about Silver Labs from me 'cuz I've always loved Weimaraners. I like the German breed registries 'cuz I believe they do a really good job selecting across the board for health issues, structure, energy level, temperament issues, and desired skill set/traits to produce dogs capable of whatever the job is they're trying to breed the dogs to that standard. (I'm disappointed in their recent decades of GSD structure tho...) I've never had a Weim w/a skin issue but maybe some of the issues w/Silver Labs is 'cuz of the clash of the genetics w/black Labs melding w/Weims. Maybe breeders haven't had a chance to figure out the breeding issues yet between Weims and black Labs. It could be Silver Labs just need a longer genetic shakedown cruise to ensure healthy skin. But I would think the issues lie genetically in the greater oil production in labs' coats vs Weim coats. Lastly, as for how it is you've ended up having to train Annie, the flat-coated retrievers we've got on our search teams are balls-to-the-wall Mac 10 dogs. So are you having to settle her down in her training? Develop a bit more steadiness in her attitude? I've recently fallen in love w/Small Munsterlanders for Search & Rescue, modest sized dogs that pack a lot of punch for their weight - huge intelligence, good proprioception, excellent structure, and sweet dispositions w/just the right blend of hot mustard and sweet honey to appeal to me. PS - How do you like your Kubota?

[@danf8723]

Stonnie. This video is great. I own a silver Labrador 4-year-old beautiful female who does everything any other lab can do. I'm with you. You do great work.

[@michelelindseth8250]

We had a purebred black lab years ago. He was a very trainable pet and very good natured.

[@johncoates8757]

I really enjoy your videos and I like your philosophy regarding dogs. As a professional trainer for more than 50 years there is one trueism that I have come to firmly believe. It applies to trainers as well as breeders. "The only thing that two breeders or trainers agree in is that the third breeder or trainer is doing it all wrong."

[@robbiegrant6036]

The problem with breed standards is that breeders use it as a template for the show ring, ie looks first, confirmation second. Then breed to the "winningest" dogs, in the hope of producing future champions. Disposition/personality matters not to show line breeders, and excess dogs in litters are offered to pet homes. To me Silver Lab is just another colour to choose from. If I were to want/require a field dog, I would go to a reputable working line breeder, if I wanted a pet, well all the careful select breeding of traits and the energy/endurance levels that came with that dog would be a waste in a pet home. So Stonnie, you are right, perhaps there needs to be 2 clearly defined standards.....but most people who know, know.

[@iwantallthedogs3291]

This is absolutely incorrect. Conformation is literally how the breed conforms to the breed standard, this doesn’t just include looks, but also temperament. Temperament, and possessing the ideal disposition of the breed, is crucial to any reputable show breeder. Show breeders don’t just breed to the ‘winningest’ dogs, the select a dog that compliments the areas that their bitch could improve. Just breeding to the dog/s that are winning the most doesn’t simply accomplish the goal of creating a better next generation.

[@joyoflivingacolorfullife]

I am a proud owner of four Yellow labs of different variations of color. Best dogs on the planet.

[@tinashutz1811]

Thank you for sharing your views on the silver/charcoal labs. I am partial to black as well but currently have a charcoal for no other reason than when I was ready for a puppy it was near impossible (during COVID) to adopt a lab or even lab mix. I used a breeder I had used previously that I knew the dogs had good dispositions since I don’t need a working dog but want a well adjusted dog. She is perfect for me, but hearing all the criticism about the color makes my head spin. It is refreshing to hear your honest opinions and your perspective on this issue.

[@garymason7517]

That Curley Coated retriever is a wonderful dog. Little slower to mature but still great dogs.

[@POTPachyOTP]

i feel like the concept of keeping dogs to a standard without retaining working purpose and drive is what creates these issues. When you think only about the looks, you loose the work. And when you consider only your work, the look typically evolves from said work and then you learn what are the best traits for the dog to maintain for the breed to continue working its best. If silver labs were produced and then suddenly the working dog had skin issues and hated the cold, they wouldn't be bred plain and simple. And by naturally selecting the best working dogs, they would have produced the correct colors, shapes, sizes, to fit the region and their jobs. Many breeds in America were taken from other locations without context of how many variations there were. Sighthounds are an amazing example of this. This is to say, dog "breeds" in many regions are multiple colors, sizes, and shapes, based on the region due to the different tasks they are implored to do. This is to suggest by myself, that if silver labs, white labs, and other large bodied show lab types without the personality traits and working ability of the original creation are to exist, they should indeed have a separate name and title in their registries. Something as simple as Calling one "English labs" would indeed work. There are breeds with splits so wide they have named the dogs differently. I do in fact recall seeing such on the AKC website, of two breeds that were simply the same but different. As hounds come in different types and names despite having the same general purpose, and spaniels, sighthounds and terriers come in different names and types due to having generally the same purpose and desired traits (prey catching, fowl retrieval, etc) Then why not have another branch off of the retriever that is instead simply called "English Labrador" and explain in its bio that, while its origins are from retrieving, hardy dogs. These were bred to be more docile, and require a bit more love and attention. They are for those in the dog fancy, those who want a show ribbon. those who want a simple family pet who doesn't want to go go go go all day. The lack of flexibility in the dog world is what creates breed splits, is what creates health issues, and its what destroys the working dog that was once bred for a greater purpose than a simple house dog. That is not to say that therapy dogs, service dogs, etc are not useful. Because dogs with a natural calm and docile personality are great dogs for the majority of people. However, those who want sport prospects, hunting buddies, and those who still want to use dogs in their intended purpose to either enjoy that or preserve history. Should not be forced to go through a slog of breeders who claim to have your breed but have a watered down version, one that will not be able to fulfill its task. When I want a breed based on the personality it has, and the purpose it was bred for. Why am am I funneled to AKC breeders and "reputable breeders" that despite everything they may do for their dogs, DONT have my breed. They don't maintain is function, they don't maintain its personality. All they maintain is a pale imitation from what i may have been lead to believe about my breed from history books and old stories. They serve themselves, not the dog or his purpose. In fact, I would suppose the purpose is rarely there at all and in its place is simply the desire to attend to mans needs. If a dog attends to everything, commits to nothing, and his body is working against him. What else is he but a show dog with "Champion Bloodline".

[@macabeal8887]

It’s a curly!!! I’d love to see a curly-special!

[@danielakrstic5083]

Stoney, thank you so much for making this video. I have a silver lab and will never understand how his chocolate brothers and sisters get to go home and be called a full bred Labrador while mine is always questioned about what he “really” is. 😢 He acts like a lab and I haven’t had any skin/fur issues with him but I feed him mostly raw and he isn’t even 2 yet so we will see.

[@jodooxq]

I am no expert and not a breeder, but my guess is that Annie has some Flatcoated Retriever in her. And the first dog was a Curlycoated Retriever. Yes/No? BTW I love the silver labs. I think they are gorgeous! They are very welcome to join the Labrador family 👍

[@potatius6421]

that dog is STUNNING

[@kriskelly6458]

You are right Stonnie.. Where I stay most people have the bigger show line Labradors, and you can see them looking at Kobe (working line) and they say oh mine likes to fetch for 5 minutes. Kobe will do it all day, take him home and he will go into his toy box and put a ball on your lap 😴 It feels like they are saying he is not a lab because he doesn’t look like theirs. Kobe is kc registered and has had the joints heath checked

[@1_Prime]

You're right. Well balanced video essay, while still sticking to your own beliefs. I still love my silver lab!

[@terrorhoax]

we have a silver lab(working line) and he´s tough as nails!!! he does everthing all the the other dogs do. Cold water, don´t care, warm weather, can´t stop, fetching, non stop. He has all of the traits you would expect from a working lab.

[@pmac206]

Mine loves to fetch but she hates water for some reason. It’s crazy because all my other dogs love swimming but her she doesn’t like it at all.

[@robwilkerson8139]

Stoney, love your commentary and your videos!! God bless!!

[@KYTrailRider]

I think Annie might be the one with the flat coated retriever genes.

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

When I comment on one of these videos there will always be one or two people that will be quick to tell me my silver is not a lab. My dog has taught me a few things in the three years I have had him. 1. Always be on the lookout for an adventure. He is always ready to ride in the truck, go in our canoe, or just walk with me to the mailbox. 2. Forgive and Forget! Humans rarely forgive and they always remember. I stepped on Sniper’s left rear paw the other day, but he knew I did not intentionally do it and he has forgotten all about it. 3. Bring Joy to the ones you love. That is his calling in life. When I walk in the house he is there to greet me with a tail wagging 100mph. He is so excited to see me and wants me to know he missed me. I did not get my silver lab to breed or to show. I wanted a loyal, friendly, hard working farm dog that will be my faithful companion for the rest of my life. So far he is just what I wanted! Sniper Jebediah says, Ruff Ya Uncle Stonnie

[@attilafazekas7990]

Well, I don’t know about standards and my dream is a black lab but this silver one looks amazing no matter what

[@dogparty-tt8qw]

Agreed, what a beautiful dog!

[@scottsmith6749]

Third from the left. We have the same issues with goldens. There are golden retrievers and there are hairy show goldens, many that have no retrieving drive at all.

[@SM-ic9xy]

We had a yellow/golden retriever mix and she passed away two years ago. Amazing do: slow to mature. We adopted a chocolate lab into our family last January and although he is very much a puppy he is amazing! Excellent with children just very playful

[@adamw4469]

I think this is the most worked up I've seen Uncle Stonnie in a video!

[@johnbowhunter7676]

I always felt the American and English ( field and show) labs should have different standards. They are very different to me. I want my next lab to be like Mr. no name! He always impressed me!👌👍

[@GTRxMan]

Totally agree. The two lines are really quite different in appearance and demeanor.

[@blackberrythorns]

how a dog, the st. john's water dog from newfoundland and labrador, went to britain and founded all the retriever breeds and somehow ended up an 'american' labrador is beyond me. where does the united states fit into the development of the breed?

[@ShamanicSavant]

@@blackberrythorns The term "American Lab" is just a modern pseudonym for field bred Labs, just like English or British Lab is a modern pseudonym for conformation bred Labs. At least here in America, I can't speak for the rest of the world :)

[@ShamanicSavant]

They do have different standards, but that's not the same as a breed standard. Breed standards always "conform" to the conformation (show) standard. On opposite ends of the spectrum they are very different, but most Labs fall somewhere in between. I tend to prefer dogs on the field bred side because they just try a lot harder to get things right. I'm training them as service dogs for autism and epilepsy, so they have to know when to lead and when to follow. It takes a dog with a lot of heart that's willing to keep trying until they get it right :)

[@blackberrythorns]

@@ShamanicSavant it's only in the united states, that's the only country that has to put 'america' before everything they've claimed as their own even when it had nothing to do with them.

[@terrystarr2617]

I personally love the silver color, on the English Lab. My favorite is still basic black. And since we already have color variations, would it hurt to add one solid color? The most important thing is still what's inside: Does it retrieve, will it behave with humans and other animals, and does it generally have good health. So I guess that puts me in your camp, as usual.

[@eastcide25]

Great video and Stonnie posed some great questions. I think it's time for new breeds and standards across the board. Most people lead much different lifestyles than they did back when breeds like the lab were first established and have very different needs from their pets.

[@jmbakkinator]

I have a solid black working line GSD - both parents are black & tan/sable looking. He’s intact, well behaved and worked/trained daily. Love your channel and have been watching you for years

[@evieclark759]

Annie is the one with flat coat heritage ? I agree with Stonnies version of what go0es on with breeding of dogs. Spot on.

[@arizonamom8773]

I love labrador retrievers❤️ Loving, smart, full of energy and faithful companions! Humans could learn a lot from them!! My lab passed away and my half lab and springer spaniel passed too but if you have loving children they are great for the family who loves them back!

[@Katieandcabot]

1:11 curly coated retriever! They’re more reserved with strangers than labs. I believe their energy is closer to a field lab than a show lab. I’ve only known two (a black and a liver) so my experience is limited. The black was quick to bite people if he felt threatened, and the liver was friendly, but had horrible entropion 🥴

[@DaMelloKittyy]

👏🏼🙏🏼

[@macabeal8887]

My curly is pretty low-energy.

[@Katieandcabot]

@@macabeal8887 they are such pretty dogs!

[@gatcatus01]

German Shepherd Standard Poodle mix, had one, one of the greatest dogs I have ever had.

[@gretasimmons8987]

❤ sounds like a fun and happy mix of dog breeds 😊

[@veedebee]

❤ Great video as always, love the Curly coated retriever at the beginning and looking forwards to seeing more, they are supposed to be excellent workers, I’m surprised they aren’t more popular. I don’t disagree with anything you’ve said in principle and I think breeders should always be aiming for improvement, whatever their version of that is. BUT I’m currently looking for a Labrador puppy (which incidentally I blame mainly on you 😂) and I have in my head exactly what that looks and feels like and I know exactly what job I want them to do and I’m finding myself having to sort through working lines and bench lines and trying to find one that can do it all. You can see it with cocker spaniels the most, when I was a kid you got a cocker spaniel, great at home and tenacious in the field, brave, resilient, sensible coat….now you have to choose between such massive extremes working cockers and show cockers are pretty much entirely different breeds. Nothing wrong with either of them, but if someone said they wanted a cocker spaniel and you had to deliver them one with no more information then which would you pick? I’m guessing Annie has the Flat Coat in her, but if you said No Name had a smattering too it wouldn’t surprise me. Lovely dogs all of them x

[@Piddlepack]

We love our Silver Lab Maggie, best dog I've ever owned.

[@zacbradley398]

have two silver labs and nothing but love.

[@gretasimmons8987]

I find it fascinating that this is so important to people who want a dog look a certain way. If it what you want ok . I have a steet dog made by nature and he always happy, willing to learn and to be your friend. I just want him to want to be with me and learn new things. Be in the moment. Its good to to want a certain breed too.

[@JA51711]

I had poodles and shepherds and a pitbull mix and now my latest dog, a giant schnauzer , absolutely amazes me. I do not want to dock his ears and that prevents him from being shown in AKC standard shows. I think that they should allow the ears to be natural so that his incredible line can continue in showing, for example supporting that sometimes breed standards need to be changed. Sometimes breed standards do need to be changed whether due to changes in confirmation requirements (such as the American German Shepherd I think they lowered the hips too low and weakened the back line and that breed standard is definitely needing strengthening in those points) or personality or color etc. This is a great topic. My Giant Schnauzer is still a puppy and the coat still has some brown in it he is supposed to grow out of the brown and be completely salt and pepper but if he does not then that brown will prevent him also from showing in AKC shows because it does not meet the breed standard and that also would be a shame, for example. I also recently learned that the salt and pepper giant schnauzers were used very much during World War 2. I noticed how very disciplined and serious his salt and pepper father is and I see that trait in him and his mother is all black who is very sweet and affectionate and he has the best of both his mother and father. I am so blessed to have him. Also to stick to a breed standard sometimes there is too much inbreeding and that's not good. The silver looking colored Labrador is a beautiful dog he looks like he's going to turn out just wonderfully. It is important though to have a breed standard overall while the breeders pay close attention to making sure there's no inbreeding or bad traits.

[@Veredzil]

Changing the standard is tricky, and most likely it won’t change the way you want it to. And once it changes - why not change it again? When does it stop? When everybody is pleased? This also applies to dog breeds standards 🙃

[@angie6159]

I’m so glad I found your videos. And I’m not expert on dog breeds but I just give a deposit on a charcoal lab. And we are very excited and she will be a baby in my house. So we all the points you just give on this video that’s the right dog for my family.

[@amollenauer]

Annie's head is shaped like a flat coat... love your video's... my "Field" Lab past a year ago and we now have an "English" chubby... I'd tell people to watch a Stonnie vid if they don't know what they want (or need to be realistic) without even seeing or knowing them you could describe them to a T!

[@susanwoodman2996]

my uncle had bird labs...so hard dogs...big hard dogs..loved their fams...all black and big plus 80 pounds and big heads...grew up with these sweet pups.

[@EmsGoldens]

Thank you for speaking out on this! I'm so tired of breeders and opinionated people getting nasty over silly things! If we were to stick to breed standard on many breeds, the energy level would be far too high for the average pet owner. We would have many more dogs living on the streets or in shelters. As far as color or body shape goes I do think some breeds are suffering due what people consider fancy or desirable with that said, I'm not going to go around and be nasty about my opinion. I just choose not to support those styles of dogs. I raise English style goldens and many will complain about the English dogs being incorrect when in all actuality they are bred to the British standard not the AKC standard which is different and beyond that, there are individual breeders interpretations of the standard or things that they favor in their dogs. By the way, I believe Luke is a beautiful curly coat retriever. I can't wait to see more of him in your videos. And my guest for the lab with flat coat would be Annie.

[@kevinsmith4585]

Stonnie, you nailed it! We have a Yellow, Chocolate and a Silver Lab. The Silver doesn't return the fetch lol. He's also not as fast or swim as well as the other two. But he's just as loveable!

[@richellis2752]

I have 2 silver labs. One is fluffy and lazy and the other is a black lab in disguise. The sporty silver is a pistol and one hell of a retriever. I don't think any discussion of what a "lab is" is anything but anecdotal or opinion unless your are talking about actual genetic findings with comparisons to older breed lines (from deceased original animals). To add to the issue, dogs are highly epigenetic and adapt more easily than other animals so traits associated with a breed can change over time due to environment without direct human intervention. It kind of makes any argument on here moot. That being said, I love Stonnie's training style and I set up a mini course in my back yard because of his videos and it helped with training a ton. Even my lazy silver loved it. Keep up the good work, Stonnie!

[@keithmcgeeouutdoors]

Labs are a great multi-purpose dog that quickly becomes a family member! I think that the dog that appeared early in the video is a Curly Coated Retriever.

[@JuJuLotz]

I’ll always be a rescue advocate myself, but you always speak the truth, Stonnie! If only people could admit these things to themselves and not just see what they want to see. Love to see the Curly coat, and I think dog #3 may have some flat coat in there.

[@C.Hawkshaw]

“…where we shot a bunch of birds that we let out of a cage.” OMG ! 😂😂😂

[@LimitUp]

Stonnie is fired up!!

[@smholly6814]

Curly Coated Retriever? Is the pup there to learn water retrieving? I say Annie has got some maybe in her breeding. 😀

[@vikingdogmanship]

The labs in the end. It's either the middle dog or the puppy to the right. Also laughing here seeing the aussie and the catahoula making action in the background😅

[@janiehenke5602]

I’m casting my lot with the rest who are saying curly coated retriever. My guess for the oops dog is Annie . I haven’t researched dog breeds extensively but outcrossing was probably used a lot to develop a breed. Closed stud books I think will eventually ruin any breed.

[@bubbadogginc]

I love my chocolate lab, female, age 7. She is smart as can be but also has some strange ideas. She hates water in a pool or lake, but will stand in pouring rain. She guards her personal space and lets me know with her nose to not do something, never licks anything but my arms and legs to show affection, no snuggling allowed. She looks so sweet but she cornered a drunk trying to break in. Great guard dog and hears everything. And amazingly, she went through service dog training to assist me getting up/down and walking. She walks well beside a wheelchair when I need it. She has been to Disney World 5 times, Universal 4 times, and SeaWorld (her favorite) 3 times. loves the dolphins and they love her. She behaves beautifully and knows her commands. Her brother, a white English Retriever, loves water in any form and is a big snuggle bear. He is the bull in the china shop. . Bella, an American Retriever, who is fit at 65 pounds and her hips are perfect for assisting me. Max will love you to death while knocking you down. He is fluffy at 80 pounds. I hate to see Max having such a good time in water and Bella missing out. We have had her since she was 8 weeks old as she was rescued from a backyard breeder. She was taken immediately to vet with Coccidia and treated. Otherwise, she is very healthy. Any ideas to get her to enjoy water with her brother? Thanks

[@CateandMurrayBasingthwaighte]

I’m guessing Annie has the flatcoat background… I’ve been watching your videos for a while and kept thinking she reminded me of my own flatcoat…

[@home_yes]

Is it Annie? I totally agree w/you on breed “standards”

[@AnneEdwards-b9h]

Having owned a Flat-coat, my money’s on Annie. It’s her head that has similarities.

[@BelindaTN]

I am guessing the mystery dog is a flat coated retriever. And I also think it is Annie that has flat coated retriever in her. I think this because of the shape of her head. I can’t see her coat well enough to judge that.

[@wallacerose7499]

Shape of head says flat coat ! Cross with English Setter ?

[@johnbattles9184]

First time watcher, love the honest assessment!

[@grlluigi]

I guess Annie has flat coated retriever in her ! ❤ Gorg dogs 🤍

[@mauranoonan8951]

We had a beautiful, wonderful GSD from West German showlines. When you compared the body types between her and the long ago GSDs there was such a difference! So many dogs have changed so much over time.

[@xxtwobitxx]

Love that dog, he looks so much like my old weimaraners, but more stocky like a lab. Also is that mystery black dog a mix between poodle/Afghan hound?

[@TomMarks-j5q]

Hi Stonnie, I enjoy watching your videos. I agree with you. Some of best labs are not from a top shelf breeder. I have three labs and they would not make good hunting dogs at all but they do make great coach potatoes and thats why I love them so...

[@doobiedootwo3517]

New black dog is a flat coat retriever👍 looks like Annie has some flattie

[@raivkka4313]

3rd from the right, Annie looks like she's got something going on. Hmm, can't say I'm a fan of any Labs so my opinion means nothing but I like that silver Lab. Nice square head, thick bones and tendons, moves well, looks like he should be athletic enough to work.

[@nephilim0may0cry]

I love any color lab. So long as they are hyper and love to catch sticks.

[@David-mt1xg]

Uncle Sronnie always a Great video. Always enjoy the history/ controversial discussions you present. Your videos have helped me be a better Bluetick counhound owner. TY for doing what you do. GO ARMY.

[@sharonuluh2496]

Interesting thing about the history. I still think the dogs called “Labrador Retrievers” should still have a minimum physical and behavioral / temperament requirements. What they are doing with the silver / charcoals go against that. The drive can be a little lower in some varieties (like for seeing eye dog) but it still needs to be there and manageable, not absent. Annie is part flat coat I’m guessing.

[@beachbaby3203]

This is such a smart video. You are spot on with your points. My breed has gone thru many changes in 200 yrs and I tell people all the time that “ it is the standard until it is not.” 😊Labs have gone thru so many changes since the Americans made them so popular. It just seems that every breed that becomes popular in the USA gets ruined. I can’t say that I know the breed of labs as well as I know my own but I know my breed currently looks like two different breeds and that makes me sick. Genetically they are screwing it up and coat wise it is all over the place! Thank you for posting such an insightful and informative video today. That pup is a beauty, but if I was a lab person I think I would want a black lab….you know…just cause ….YOU Know! 😊

[@B-A-G123]

This reads like a chatbot wrote this for you

[@alexandraturnwald2286]

from the way that silver cutie walks it reminds me of a Great Dane in his walk and feet and other things. Doesn't look like any silver lab I've ever seen, but then those are very rare in here in Europe. The supposed Flat-mix would be No-name or Annie - he is perhaps too broad-chested and she looks a bit too small - I really love the way you interact with the dogs and how they behave in the group. Congrats

[@sebcollexts6889]

I love all of your videos! I learn something new from each one, so thank you for everything you do. My Balck lab Bandit says hello, btw. Lol

[@StonnieDennis]

Tell him I said Hi back and give him a pat on the head.

[@JenniferVaughn-x8v]

The black guest it a curly coated retriever. The national breed club has a vehicle to change the breed standard. And breed standards are done when deemed necessary.

[@jasonelkins5912]

Very well said I personally have no problem with the newer colors of labs the only thing I’ve noticed at my kennel is they do tend to have a few extra issues that my yellows and blacks don’t tend to have there is a local breeder near me always tells me that’s just the diluted genes showing through

[@shredfest30]

Nothing impresses me more than seeing a dog work in its intended field.. Seeing Border Collies clean a pasture, watching whippets race, or a retreiver scout for a bird.. I had a chocolate 25 years ago, and he was the most majestic, energetic, pationate working dog I ever knew. He had a talent and drive to please like nothing I have ever seen, regardless of the task. I am finally in a place in my life to enjoy another working dog, and 5 weeks ago resued a 10 month old black field breed from seniors that clearly couldn't handle him and his strong, tal,l 85 lb stature.. In 5 weeks we have basically become inseperable, and he has been advancing so fast with everything we do. all he wants to do is play, and please, no matter what the task is.. Is it me, the owner that instills the confidence in them?.. is it the lineage that they came from some 25 years apart?.. I feel lucky and greatful to know that along the way, it's probably a bit of both, and we enjoy every aspect of our bond we have today, just like we did 25 years ago.. I can't say enough about such a wonderful breed..

[@aubsarg0222]

Anne is the flat coated one I say this from her face. Flat coated retrievers are amazing! Tell me if I’m wrong!

[@angelareimann6433]

The new dog? Sun behind him but looks like a young curly coat ❤