Table of Contents
How many lab colors are there?
Traditionally, there are three colors of Labradors: black lab, yellow lab, and chocolate lab. This is the order of genetic dominance, with the black lab being the most dominant. In America, you will see a broad equality between the colors. No one color of Labrador hold preeminence over the others. Black, chocolate, and yellow are all created equally when it comes to the perfect Lab.
Yellow Lab
While the other colors are genetically more dominant, the yellow lab is probably one of the most famous. It is quintessential family dog. Most of your best friends probably grew up with close exposure to one of these.
Chocolate Lab
The chocolate lab is a soft to deep brown. These dogs generally feature brown noses as well as brown eyelids, making them stand out from their blackened cousins. Their popularity seems to be in “pockets,” with many lab breeders specializing in producing only chocolates.
Fox Red Lab
Sometimes mistaken as its own color, the fox red lab is really just a darker version of the yellow lab. It does not tend to be rejected the way the dilute colors are (it’s not a function of the dilute gene). Though some may make it out to be rare or extra special in some way, it is really just another variation within the breed standard.
What about the silver lab and other dilute colors?
The silver lab, along with all the other dilute colors, are resultant from the dilute genes (Dd). A dog whose genotype is DD will not be dilute, nor will he or she be able to produce dilute puppies if placed with another DD dog. A Dd lab will not express the dilution, but carries the dilute gene which can then be passed to offspring. A dog with dd as its genotype will not only express as a dilute color, but will only be able to pass on the d gene, as the D has been lost from its genetic profile.
Are silver labradors and other dilute labradors purebred?
This is a question too loaded for thorough deciphering here, but suffice it to say that the generally accepted colors are the original yellow, chocolate, and black labradors. The dilute gene somehow entered more recently, and it is suspected that these dogs are not in fact truly purebred. It is interesting to note how closely the popularity of dilute dogs and designer breeds coincide when looking at their entrance to the world of puppy buyers.
Should I look for a black lab or another color?
This is a question that is entirely subjective! What do you like? I know some who would only ever have chocolate, some who would only have yellow, still others who (you guessed it) want a black lab. There isn’t a wrong choice!
Does the color effect the dog?
Strictly speaking, the color of your lab should not effect its health, temperament, behavior, intelligence, shedding, or anything else. When considering Labradors, keep in mind that the color of the dog is cosmetic.
Does the color of the fur effect how it feels?
Again, the color is usually something just to look at. There are many instances of Labradors having slight variances in coat density, softness, length, etc. These variances are slight, and are produced by other factors and not the color.
Do black lab breeders produce other colors?
Many lab breeders focus on producing one or two colors of labradors rather than all three. It really just depends on the breeder, their dogs, what their owners are looking for, and what they themselves prefer. A quality lab puppy can be challenging to come by, so be sure to do your research and not be too attached to a color until you find just the right dog.
Lab color genetics: what else to know?
The study of genetics is deep and intense, but generally can be simplified into a few main categories for the lay-person. If you are interested in further reading on what makes a black lab black, or a chocolate, chocolate, or how two black lab parents can produce a litter with all three colors, or… or… or… this is a helpful article explaining some of those details.
Red Labs for sale
DogSmith Purebreds does not currently specialize in producing red labs (aka yellow, just darker). We do, however, offer lighter shades of yellow.
Chocolate labs for sale
We do not specialize in producing only chocolate labs, but we are sure to have some come along in future breedings. We’d love to help you find the chocolate lab for sale that you’ve been looking for!
Contact us with any questions you may still have about the differences & similarities, pros & cons, etc of yellow, chocolate, and black labs. We are delighted to converse. Additionally, ask about upcoming litters and what colors we anticipate. It’s always an exciting process when thinking about the colors of labs and your new forever-friend.
