The Pointing Lab originated long before it was a recognized segment of the breed in the United States. The pointing labs are AKC registered and can and are titled in retrieving hunt tests and field trials. This segment of the breed has the abilities of a standard retrieving labrador, and the natural ability to point birds as well. Larry Mueller as the Ducks Unlimited Magazine Columnist, wrote many articles describing and popularizing this sector of the breed prior to any certification.
His articles revolved around Mayo Kellogg's breeding program and later earned his name being placed in the Kellogg pedigrees. The International Pointing Labrador Association (IPLA) first recognized the pointing lab as a certifiable breed in September 1989. On September 8-9 1989 the IPLA held their first Certification Test at Funkrest Game Farm in Madison, South Dakota. In this first certification eleven dogs were tested and nine received certification. These certifications were just testing the natural ability of the labradors being tested to point birds. In 1992 the American Pointing Labrador Association (APLA) was formed to test trained adult dogs. The IPLA and APLA now serve as sister corporations in certifying Pointing Labradors. The list of certifications by the APLA is as follows:
- CPR - Certified Pointing Retriever
- APR - Advanced Pointing Retriever
- MPR - Master Pointing Retriever
- GMPR - Grand Master Pointing Retriever
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