Do miniature Labrador Retrievers exist

Answer 1

Actually, yes they do exist. And have been occurring in a Canadian Kennel with a very highly respected breeder. They have not been intentionally breeding them, they have been occurring naturally in litters there from 5 generations eye/hip certified parents. They have also been seen by opthamologists. They have kept back a few to observe growth, health, structure etc. but are not breeding minis to minis. For more information you can Google the kennel name and check it out. It's Stationone Reg'd Kennels in New Brunswick, Canada. (added in answer to the statements below on Feb 25, 2010) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Not really, no.

Show-bred Labs (sometimes called "English" Labs) and field-bred Labs (sometimes called "American" Labs) differ in size; English Labs tend to be a *bit* smaller in height, but just as robust in build.

It is possible to selectively breed Labradors that are smaller, but the official breed standard requires a Labrador retriever to be about 22-25 inches at the withers. If a Labrador does not meet the standard, then it is not an acceptably bred example of a Labrador retriever and could never been shown at a dog show. Miniaturized Labs are not recognized as a breed or sub-breed anywhere in the world.

In addition, Labs are susceptible to serious hip, bone, and eye disorders that can be exacerbated by poor breeding, so a breeder intentionally creating small or dwarf Labs may be guilty of great animal cruelty if these considerations are not well taken into account. Avoid "mini Labs" in favor of well-bred Labs or pound/Humane Society/SPCA adoptions.

Answer 2

Actually, yes they do exist. And have been occurring in a Canadian Kennel with a very highly respected breeder. They have not been intentionally breeding them, they have been occurring naturally in litters there from 5 generations eye/hip certified parents. They have also been seen by opthamologists. They have kept back a few to observe growth, health, structure etc. but are not breeding minis to minis. For more information you can Google the kennel name and check it out. It's Stationone Reg'd Kennels in New Brunswick, Canada. (added in answer to the statements below on Feb 25, 2010) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Not really, no.

Show-bred Labs (sometimes called "English" Labs) and field-bred Labs (sometimes called "American" Labs) differ in size; English Labs tend to be a *bit* smaller in height, but just as robust in build.

It is possible to selectively breed Labradors that are smaller, but the official breed standard requires a Labrador retriever to be about 22-25 inches at the withers. If a Labrador does not meet the standard, then it is not an acceptably bred example of a Labrador retriever and could never been shown at a dog show. Miniaturized Labs are not recognized as a breed or sub-breed anywhere in the world.

In addition, Labs are susceptible to serious hip, bone, and eye disorders that can be exacerbated by poor breeding, so a breeder intentionally creating small or dwarf Labs may be guilty of great animal cruelty if these considerations are not well taken into account. Avoid "mini Labs" in favor of well-bred Labs or pound/Humane Society/SPCA adoptions.