Which color of lab is the best
The Best Labrador Color: Black, Chocolate, Yellow, or Silver?
Since the beginning, humans have been changing the look of dogs to look a certain way. Weve gone from a camouflaged assortment of browns to the striking spots seen on Dalmatians. Even within breeds, there is a variety of colors to choose from, including the Labrador Retriever.
With so many different options, we are able to pick which dog we find the most attractive. But is there a winner among the coats that we can find in the Labrador Retriever. Do they share the same temperaments as their siblings or do they have better features?
When given the question, which Labrador Retriever coat is the best?, it is important to keep in mind that this is a preference and not a fact. But, we will dive into the genetics and possible quandaries related to the distinctions in coat variation among Labs around the world.
How Many Coat Colors and Variations Do Labradors Have?
According to Wide Open Pets, the American Kennel Club classifies the breed standard coat as either being black, chocolate, or yellow.
Although there are three official colors found in Labrador Retrievers, the breed has a plethora of different variations and shades, all within each individual coat color. This makes for quite a diverse dog. But how can you explain this biological phenomenon?
A Background on the Coat Genetics of the Labrador Retriever
Although not everyones favorite discussion, having a basic understanding of genetics and how they relate to coating color plays a big role in your Labradors physical appearance.
As explained by an experienced Labrador breeder, the Oak Hill Kennel describes how the mother and father will both have either recessive or dominant genes or one of each. These then can be used to predict what the puppies will look like.
For instance, a black Labrador might have the genotype, Bb which means that it carries the potential to make different colored puppies since it has one recessive gene. Mate that with a chocolate Labrador, bb, and you will a 50 percent chance for black and chocolate puppies.
Still confused? That is perfectly fine. Some people find it easier to visualize this crossing. Watch this YouTube Video to better understand coat genetics and how to predict the coats of the puppies.
The Black Labs, or Black-coated Dogs
TheLabrador Sitetalks about how black has always been the most common for centuries. This is largely due to genetics as they have the dominant gene. This is different from the two other official colors found in Labs.
Black labs are supposed to be solid in color but can have a small white spot on the front for them to be AKC approved. Other variations not accepted include brindle markings or tan points.
The Chocolate Labs, or Brown-coated Individuals
Labs that have the chocolate coloration are that way because they have inherited the recessive gene. Going back to genetics, it only takes not having a dominant black gene to get this coloration.
The Chocolate Labrador can vary in coloration from a light brown to deep chocolate to be worthy of showing. Those with tan markings or that have brindle striations are disqualified.
Related: Is a Chocolate Labrador Retriever the Right Dog for You and Your Family?
The Yellow Labs, or Yellow-colored Pups
When looking at yellow Labradors, genetics can get a bit confusing. In simple terms, the yellow can override or switch off the black and chocolate genes. But, how can this happen?
This is because the yellow gene is made up of an entirely different genotype, or the eee genes.Labbiesexplains that the presence of ee or an Ee can negate the look of the dog altogether, making it possible to get a yellow Lab.
The Yellow Labrador has the greatest variation of the three solid coat colors. They often are seen ranging from a fox-red to a light cream. They can also have shading located on the ears, back and belly regions.
Related: The Yellow Labrador Retriever: An Identification Guide For Anyone
The Mystery of the Allusive Silver Coats in Labradors
Technically considered chocolate by the AKC, these dogs have made people wonder if this coloration is a myth as they look more like Weimaraners than Labradors. Some people think that they may even have Weimaraner in them for their appearance is strikingly similar.
Seeking to clear up any confusion,All Things Dogs reveals that the silver Lab is simply a diluted chocolate Labrador. And although they have the same gene as a Weimaraner, this coloration has been seen since the 1950s.
Related: Silver Labs: Striking Goldor Striking Out
Why Was Black the First Color of Choice in Labs?
TheLabrador Sitementions that the popularity of black-coated Labradors started in the early 1900s. The preference in those times was for a solid black dog.
Black Labs were so popular back then that breeders did not breed for other colors. Yellow and chocolate Labradors were simply not in demand.
It has been theorized that most of the puppies that came out the wrong color were often called, which is what happened in Germany to the grey ghost, or the Weimaraner.
Related: Mans Best Friend The Black Labrador Retriever
Will You Find Different Coat Colors in Separate Jobs?
Nowadays, every coat color is accepted by clubs. All except for the variations outside the standards. Interestingly enough, the three different coat colors can be associated with various jobs.
The yellow Labrador is more commonly associated with guide dogs, working alongside blind or handicapped individuals.
Black Labs can be found belonging to hunters. Perhaps this is because a gundog that is black is easy to see in the water. The less thought of chocolate Labrador tends to be a member of a home or found in the show ring. Are these choices and associations a hint to a possible difference in performance?
Are There Any Differences Between the Coats Besides Color?
For a long time, it seemed as though coat color did not make a difference in longevity or temperament, but a recent study has seemed to disprove this.
TheAmerican Animal Hospital Associationperformed a study in October of the year 2018, where they looked at over 33,000 veterinary patient records for Labrador Retrievers.
The findings revealed that chocolate Labradors experienced a higher risk of health problems than the other two coats. They also seemed to not live as long.
For instance, the average life span of the other colors was 12.7 years while the chocolate labs lasted 10.7, which is a difference of greater than 10 percent.
The Final Decision: Coat Versus Personality
The three main coat colors for Labrador Retrievers are black, yellow and chocolate. Each has its own variation, including some added markings that are not accepted by the AKC. The black Labrador was once the favorite but is now competing with the other two colors for attention.
Although more research needs to be done, it seems as though the chocolate Labrador Retriever deals with a shorter life span than the other shades.
On a grand scale, the temperament is not changed depending on the coat color and should not be the determining factor for your next dog. Instead, choose the individual that will make a loyal, lovable teammate.
Which Labrador Color?
Wondering which Labrador color is best? Or which color Labradoryou should get? We take a look at the different colors of Labrador. Helping you to find out more about thechocolate, black and yellow Labrador Retrievers. As well as the ranges of shades in between, including those controversial dilute tones. They arent all identical, and some can make better pets than others for different families.
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Do Labrador Dog Colors Matter?
The three different shades of Labrador are often associated with different roles.
The yellow Labrador has become associated with Seeing Eye dogs, the black Labrador with hunting and retrieving work and the chocolate Labrador with pet homes and the show ring.
But of course these are just broad generalisations and in reality, Labradors of each color have embraced all the many roles at which these amazing dogs excel.
Labrador Color Inheritance
There are three main Labrador colors, and a huge variety of shades of color too.
To find out much more about where these Labrador colors came from, and how they inherited their lovely coats, head over to our in-depth article on Labrador color inheritance.
Yellow Labradors
Yellow Labradors are well known fora variety of roles, but perhaps best of all for being Service Dogs. They are nice tempered, easy to train and full of love.
Although popular for highly trained roles, and of course very photogenic and therefore frequently used oncharities literature, the yellow Labrador can still make a magnificant pet and be popular in the show ring too.
You can find out more about the wonderful Yellow Labrador in this article.
Fox Red Labradors
Fox Red Labradors are officially a section of the much more common Yellow Labradors.
These dogs tend to come from working lines, and have a more orange hue to their coats.
They are still classed however on Kennel Club documentation as yellow Labradors.
Fawn Labradors
In recent years some people have begun to refer to yellow Labradors as fawn Labradors.
If your Lab pup coloris slightly darker than the traditional yellow, but not as orange as a Fox Red Labrador, you might well refer to him as being a Fawn Labrador.
However, this is not an official Labrador color, nor indeed is it really one which is referred to by Labrador breeders in the way that Fox Red now is.
Black Labradors
Black Labradors have long been favoured as gundogs, but also make wonderful pets, companions and agility dogs too.
They are the most common color of Labrador, due to the way in which their genes are inherited. Perhaps for this reason, they are a little overlooked when it comes to peoples top picks for the best Labrador color, but they are still really remarkable dogs.
You can find out more about our wonderful black Labradors in this article.
Chocolate Labradors
Chocolate Labradors make great family pets, as well as playing a role in the Show Ring.
In America, chocolate Labradors are quite firmly established in hunting lines. However, it is worth bearing in mind that in the UK, Chocolate Labradors have only recently been achieving awards in the field. Black and yellow Labradors still taking more prominence at least in Field Trial circuits.
In our extensive article on Chocolate Labradors we will let you know all about the chocolate Labrador. Where he comes from, his pet suitability and much more.
Silver Labradors
Silver Labradors are a fairly new trend in Labrador breeding. This amazing color inspires a lot of comments from Labrador fans, both positive and negative.
The color varation from chocolate is caused by a diluting gene, but how this got into the breed is the source of some controversy.
In our extensive article on Silver Labradors we take a look at where they come from and how to buy a healthy silver Labrador Retriever puppy.
Which Is The Best Labrador Color?
Some people have a strong preference for a particular color, but others are quite happy with either.
If you are not fussy about color,you will have more choice of Labrador breeders to put on your shortlist when setting about choosing the right dog.
Although you might love one particular color to look at, do think carefully about your prorities when it comes to picking a puppy.
Perhaps what really matters is your Labradors breeding:his parents temperaments, roles and health.
Show vs Field Bred Labradors
Whatever your preference, it is worth bearing in mind that Labradors have become divided into two quite distinct types, show, and field.
Finding a suitable dog will probably depend more on choosing the right type, than on choosing the right color.
(paid link)With some you will have more choice in one type rather than the other. And with some types you will have more choice in one color than the others.
To find out more about the differences between show and working bred Labradors, check out this article comparing the Bench and Field varieties of Labrador here.
Rescue Labradors
When picking your new Labrador, you might be looking for an adult rather than a puppy. When rehoming from rescue centers you wont in all likelihood have a choice of color, but you will be getting the opportunity to give a lovely Labrador a better life.
The Labrador Site Founder
Pippa Mattinson is the best selling author of The Happy Puppy Handbook, the Labrador Handbook, Choosing The Perfect Puppy, and Total Recall.
She is also the founder of the Gundog Trust and the Dogsnet Online Training Program
Pippa's online training courses were launched in 2019 and you can find the latest course dates on the Dogsnet website