8 Colors of Labrador Retrievers : All You Need to Know (+Pictures)

What Is the Coat Color of Labrador Retrievers?

Labrador Retrievers are an admired breed, no matter what variety their coat color is, but did you know that only three colors are accepted by the breed standard?

Breed standards are written guidelines that provide a detailed explanation of a specific dog and its ideal physical and temperamental features.

Breed organizations or kennel clubs establish these traits, and their ultimate goal is to maintain the integrity and consistency of a breed.

In the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC) is the main organization that sets the breed standard, whereas, in the UK, the Kennel Club is the primary authority in charge of establishing and overseeing breed standards.

Breeders, judges, fanciers, and enthusiasts rely on breed standards to ensure that dogs adhere to the set descriptions of traits and are thus purebred.

What Are the Main Coat Colors of Labs?

The American Kennel Club in the United States and the Kennel Club in the UK only accept three main coat colors for Labrador Retrievers.

These coat colors are:

1. Yellow
2. Black
3. Chocolate

But just because the breed standard only accepts these three colors doesn't mean that no other coat colors exist! Several other coat colors may not be seen in the show ring but exist nonetheless.

Let's first take a closer look at these main coat colors and their characteristics, and then let's explore other coat colors not accepted by the standard.

What Determines Coat Color?

A dog's coat color is ultimately determined by the interplay of two main types of pigment, namely eumelanin and phaeomelanin. These pigments are created by specialized cells known as melanocytes.

Whether a puppy inherits one type of coat color or another highly depends on its parents, which play a primary role in determining the type and amount of these pigments that will be present in the hair follicles.

• Eumelanin is responsible for the production of black and brown pigments.
• Phaeomelanin is responsible for the production of yellow and red pigments.

Some genes are also known for modifying the intensity of pigments, thus leading to their dilution.

1. The Yellow Labrador Retriever

Say the word Labrador, and most likely, the first color that comes to mind is yellow. A yellow Lab conjures images of friendly and playful dogs, perhaps even evoking fond memories of growing up with these affectionate companions.

The American Kennel Club describes the yellow Labrador as ranging from fox-red to light cream, with some variations in the shading on the ears, back, and underparts of the dog.

The United Kennel Club describes yellow as any solid shade of yellow from red to pale cream.

The first yellow Labrador on record is Ben of Hyde, who was born in 1899. After this, there was a rapid rise in the popularity of Labs of this color.

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Nowadays, yellow is the most popular coat color in Labradors registered in the United Kingdom.

2. The Black Labrador Retriever

When the Labrador Retriever was first recognized as a breed by kennel clubs in the UK in 1903 and the United States in 1917, the most common coat color was black.

Black Labradors were mainly used for hunting and were favored by English noblemen. They eventually became popular with American sportsmen as well.

When it comes to the black Labrador, the color needs to be really black; the blacker, the better.

The American Kennel Club emphasizes that black Labs need to be entirely black. Any brindle markings or tan markings are not accepted and are considered a disqualification in the show ring.

3. The Chocolate Labrador Retriever

The first chocolate Labrador can be traced back to a litter of Labrador puppies born in 1892 and sired by Buccleuch Avon.

As the name implies, the chocolate Labrador has a coat color that resembles a tasty bar of chocolate.

The American Kennel Club describes the ideal chocolate Lab as having a coat that ranges from light to dark chocolate. Brindle or tan markings are not accepted and are means for disqualification.

The United Kennel Club accepts any solid shade of chocolate.

Health Issues in Chocolate Labradors

As appealing as a chocolate Labrador may be, there are some health concerns to consider.

According to a study, chocolate-colored Labradors were found to have a 10 percent shorter lifespan compared to black or yellow Labradors.

On top of a shorter lifespan, chocolate Labs were also found to have more ear infections and skin diseases than non-chocolate Labradors.

The question that likely comes to mind is why chocolate labs are so prone to health issues. What does this have to do with coat color?

One reason may be that, unlike the genes responsible for yellow and black coat colors, the genes responsible for a chocolate-colored coat are recessive.

In order to obtain a batch of chocolate Labrador puppies, it is necessary to breed two chocolate Labrador parents. Breeding two individuals with the same genes leads to a narrowing gene pool, and the loss of genetic variety increases the risks for genetic diseases.

Are Chocolate Labradors Less Trainable?

Anecdotally, chocolate Labradors have been reported as being more difficult to train and more hyperactive and aggressive compared to yellow or black Labs.

An Australian study was conducted to test this hypothesis, and the results showed that chocolate Labradors weren't more aggressive or hyperactive. Actually, on the contrary, this study found that chocolate Labs were less aggressive to familiar dogs than yellow Labradors.

However, trainability was found to decline as the number of copies of the recessive allele responsible for the chocolate coat color increased.

What About White Spots on a Labrador's Chest?

The American Kennel Club mentions that a small white spot on a Labrador's chest is allowed, although it is not desirable.

The late Labrador Retriever breeder Jack Vanderwyk, in his blog, explains that the small white spot on the chest may be inherited by the now-extinct St. John's Dog, which usually boasted white markings on the feet, muzzle, and chest.

Jack claims that such dogs with white markings are basically a genetic "throwback" to these ancestor's coloring and that their presence is often indicative of Labs being closer to these ancestors.

Labs with very large white markings on their chest are not acceptable according to the standard. A very large marking may be a sign of a poorly bred purebred or even a sign that the dog is not purebred at all. Jack also points out that such large markings often show up in Lab mixes.

Some breeders call these white patches or strips "medallions."

What Are Bolo Marks in Labrador Retrievers?

"Bolo marks" are simply white hairs found under the feet of Labrador Retrievers that were observed in Dual Ch. Banchory Bolo, a black Lab who lived from 1915 to 1927.

This small white patch is found on the bottom of a Labrador's feet right behind the pads. Interestingly, this intriguing marking has survived the test of time and has appeared in generations of Labs descended from this one dog.

8 Labrador Retriever Coat Colors to Be Wary Of

As seen, the main coat colors of the Labrador Retriever are yellow, black, and chocolate. So, it's likely your next question is: What about other less traditional coat colors?

Many prospective puppy owners may be intrigued by advertising they see noting different coat colors from the Labrador breed standard. Perhaps you have heard about silver, red fox, or even golden or rare white Labradors. What about these coat colors?

Some of these may be accepted considering the wide range of shades accepted by the breed standard; some of the others don't fit in with the usual standard and are therefore considered "mismarks."

When it comes to advertisements of dogs coming in unusual or even "rare" coat colors, it's important to be extra careful. If somebody tries to charge you a premium price for coat color variations, please be aware! As enticing as owning a silver or golden Labrador may sound, remember that not all that glitters is gold!

Something else to consider is that Labradors advertised with coat colors unusual for the breed may actually turn out to be a mixed breed.

And with that, it's important that I note that the pictures throughout the rest of this article may not all be purebred Labradors.

1. The Silver Labrador Retriever

Silver Labrador Retrievers are a subject of much controversy. The Labrador Retriever Club claims that a silver Lab is not a purebred dog but rather a cross between a Labrador and a Weimaraner. The latter is a breed known for its distinct gray-silver coat, which has granted this dog breed the nickname "the grey ghost."

Others believe that at some point in this breed's history, a gene causing dilution of coat color was introduced through a genetic mutation. Since retrievers had some Newfoundland blood infused in their past, it's possible that some pups will occasionally have greyish coat colors.

Still, kennel clubs stick to the belief that Labradors should come only in the three main traditional colors.

If you stumble on a silver Labrador, he may just be a diluted chocolate Lab, a very light chocolate lab, or even a Lab/Weimaraner mix, as Joel Walton and Eve Adamson explain in the book Labrador Retrievers For Dummies.

2. The Charcoal Labrador Retriever

A charcoal Labrador appears darker than silver—almost a smokey black. As the name implies, this coat color looks like deep charcoal.

According to the textbook Advances in Veterinary Dermatology, Volume 7, it's possible that a gene may have appeared spontaneously and is responsible for diluting the three recognized colors.

The silver modifier gene may dilute the black coat into charcoal, the yellow coat into champagne, and the chocolate coat into silver.

Just like the silver Labrador, some folks question whether the charcoal Labrador is truly purebred. While there is the possibility of carrying out genetic tests, these are mostly helpful for proving parentage and not for assessing the purity of a breed.

3. The Red Fox Labrador Retriever

The red fox Labrador, also known as the ruby Labrador, may sound like a rare type of dog. The truth is, the fox red Labrador isn't a separately recognized color by major kennel clubs; it's just a regular yellow Labrador coming in a richer coat color.

Remember how the American Kennel Club described yellow Labs as ranging from red to pale cream? Well, there you have it: a red fox Labrador is simply a yellow Labrador who happens to come in a reddish tone. It's the darkest coat variety of the full yellow color spectrum.

In the 1980s, UK breeders John and Glenda Crook (Balrion) and Mac Bedford (Wynfaul) demonstrated a strong interest in dark yellow Labs.

Through their teamwork, they produced various relevant champions, with CH Balrion King Frost (owned by the Crooks) known for producing very dark yellow puppies. One of King Frost's granddaughters produced the famous CH Wynfaul Tabasco, who has been considered the father of the current red foxes.

In red fox Labradors, there are often higher chances of having a white spot on the chest. This is likely because white is very common in yellow Labs, but it's often not very noticeable as it blends well with the yellow. In a darker coat, the white becomes much more evident.

4. The Golden Labrador Retriever

Gold is a color that always seems to grab people's attention. When thinking of a golden Labrador, you may imagine a luscious, golden coat boasting in brightness and the shiny, metallic quality of gold—almost like the polished surface of a trophy.

But imagine the surprised look when people ask you what kind of dog you own, and you say that you own a golden Labrador. They will likely correct you or ask you to say it again, as they were expecting you to say Golden Retriever!

The truth is, the golden Lab is just another name for a yellow Lab. Astute and unethical breeders may call them another name in hopes of fooling people and being able to charge more.

Another trap is you may be sold a mutt, a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever, which is often known as a Goldendor. These dogs may inherit a short coat like a Labrador Retriever, a longer Golden Retriever coat, or even a mixture of the two).

5. The White Labrador Retriever

A white Labrador may also sound like a rarity, almost like a zebra without stripes. But once again, caution is necessary. A white Labrador is simply a very light yellow Labrador.

The yellow hue is known to come in a wide range of shades, leading to some very pale ones.

Many people wonder whether white dogs like the white Labrador are albino. The answer is no. An albino animal typically has red or very light blue eyes and a pink nose and may suffer from a host of other health issues. Fortunately, true albinism is quite rare in dogs.

White Labradors will have dark-pigmented noses and dark eyes along with their distinct white fur. Despite their name suggesting a pure white snow-like purity, a white Lab's fur will have nuances of cream or yellow, especially around the ears.

White Labradors are often also known as English White Labradors to emphasize the fact that they are bred to resemble the stockier English Labrador with slightly shorter legs, a “blockier” head, and a thicker tail compared to the American type.

6. The Brindle Labrador Retriever

Brindle is a color pattern that can be described as being "tiger-striped." Basically, a light base color of fawn, brown, or gray displays irregular dark stripes against the base background.

This coat pattern is often seen in Boxers, Bulldogs, and Great Danes.

In the Labrador Retriever, brindle may pop up here and there, but the breed standard makes it clear that "a black with brindle markings or a black with tan markings is a disqualification."

In a similar fashion, a chocolate Labrador presented with brindle or tan markings is also considered a disqualification.

7. The Black and Tan Labrador Retriever

A black and tan Labrador Retriever presents tan "points" against a dark coat color. Points, in this case, refer to tan markings seen above the eyes, on the muzzle, and on the chest area.

These black and tan markings are often seen in Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, and Gordon Setters.

According to the American Kennel Club, a black Labrador with tan markings is considered a disqualification. This means you'll never stumble on a black and tan Labrador winning in the show ring.

A black and tan Labrador may have been crossed with another breed to achieve this coat pattern, or the Labrador may be actually purebred only if it has inherited the necessary recessive genes from both parents for displaying this coat pattern.

It's possible these recessive genes may have popped up along the way, considering that in the early development of this breed, Gordon setters were sometimes bred with Labradors.

8. The Champagne Labrador Retriever

Champagne is another color variation of the yellow Labrador Retriever. While at a distance, they may look like a lighter-than-average yellow Lab; take a closer look, and you will notice a distinct shimmer in their coat. Some describe the coat as having iridescent, glimmering hues.

Like the silver Lab, the champagne Labrador is a subject of controversy. Some believe they are crossed with silver Weimaraner; others believe they are purebred, and the coloring occurs when a yellow Labrador puppy inherits a dilution gene from both parents.

Unlike the yellow Lab, the champagne Labrador is expected to have a lighter-colored nose and paw pads.

Should Silver Labradors, Red Fox Labradors, or Golden Labradors Cost More?

When looking for a Labrador of a specific coat color, it's important to use caution, especially when the breeder only has a specific coat color and advertises non-traditional coat colors as "rare."

When breeders are selective with coat color, this narrows the gene pool as they'll mostly be breeding dogs of that specific color. With an emphasis placed on color, there are risks that health and temperament are placed on the back burner.

Most ethical, respected breeders will not increase the price based on different colors, and their pups will be sold for the same price irrespective of coat color.

Does Coat Color Really Matter?

Of course, everybody is free to choose a dog of the coat color they want, but as I've mentioned, there are risks in doing so, especially when dealing with buying from an unethical breeder.

If you are looking for the Labrador of your dreams, it may be best to look beyond coat color and consider instead more important aspects such as a dog's health, temperament, and energy levels.

References

• Paul D. McGreevy, Bethany J. Wilson, Caroline S. Mansfield, Dave C. Brodbelt, David B. Church, Navneet Dhand, Ricardo J. Soares Magalhães, Dan G. O’Neill. Labrador retrievers under primary veterinary care in the UK: demography, mortality and disorders. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2018
• Lofgren, Sarah & Wiener, Pamela & Blott, Sarah & Sanchez-Molano, Enrique & Woolliams, John & Clements, Dylan & Haskell, Marie. (2014). Management and Personality in Labrador Retriever Dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science
• Van Rooy, D., Wade, C.M. Association between coat colour and the behaviour of Australian Labrador retrievers. Canine Genet Epidemiol 2019
• UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine: Coat Color Inheritance in the Labrador Retriever
• Joel Walton, Eve Adamson: Labrador Retrievers For Dummies
• LabradorNet: White spot on Labrador chest by Jack Vanderwyk
• Greenstone Labradors: What are mismarks in Labrador Retrievers?
• Advances in Veterinary Dermatology, Volume 7:by Sheila M. F. Torres, Linda Frank, Ann Hargis
• Gander Acres: History of the English Fox Red Labrador Retriever
• Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Month by Month, 2nd Edition, by Terry Albert, ‎Debra Eldredge DVM, ‎Don Ironside · 2016

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2024 Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA, Dip.CBST