NFC National Field Champion - This title is awarded once yearly to the dog that wins the National Open. It is perhaps the most coveted of all retriever field titles.

NAFC National Amateur Field Champion - This title is awarded once yearly to the dog that wins the National Amateur. This competition is much like the National Open except that all handlers are amateurs. This title is also very coveted since it means that dog performed at very high level with an amateur handler.

FC Field Champion - This title is awarded to dogs that have won an Open at a licensed field trial and have acquired 5 additional Open points.

AFC Amateur Field Champion - This title is earned as above (FC) when handled by an amateur or by winning an Amateur stake at a field trial and acquiring 10 additional Amateur points.

Ch Show Champion. It takes fifteen points, including two majors (wins of three, four or five points) under at least three different judges to become an AKC "Champion of Record". At one show, a dog can earn from one to five points toward a champion title, depending on the number of males or females actually in competition for the breed. Judges examine the dogs and place them in accordance to how close each dog compares with the judge's mental image of the "perfect" dog as described in the breed's official standard. These standards include qualifications for structure, temperament, and movement.

DC Dual Champion. This title is awarded to a dog that has earned both a FC and a Ch. In the U.S., no Labrador has earned a DC in more than 20 years.

Hunt Test titles can be earned through suctioned AKC events. Hunt Tests are non-competitive events in which the dog (and handler) is measured against a standard. If the dog (and handler) meet the standard, a "pass" is earned. The AKC Hunt Tests are designed to resemble actually hunting conditions. Hunt Tests are the most popular field events. The following are the AKC Hunt Test titles.

JH Junior Hunter - This is an AKC title that is earned by receiving 4 passes at the junior level in a licensed Hunt Test. This is the beginning level in the AKC Hunt Test program.

SH Senior Hunter - This is an AKC title that is earned by receiving 5 passes at the senior level in a licensed Hunt Test. This is the level at which most hunting retrievers run.

MH Master Hunter - This is an AKC title that is earned by receiving 6 passes at the Master level in a licensed Hunt Test. This is the highest possible Hunt Test title offered in the AKC. Only 25 Labradors have been awarded both a Ch and a MH.

WC Working Certificate – This title is a measure of the dog’s natural working ability. It is offered as an alternative to Hunt Tests, which may require more expense and training to obtain.

CD Companion Dog – This title is awarded after successful completion of novice level of obedience competition. Obedience training is an important prerequisite to retriever training.

CGC Canine Good Citizen - This award is given to dogs that have demonstrated good manners at home and in the community.