The Different Labrador Retriever Colors

Labrador Retrievers are not classified according to color in their breed standard, but only certain colors are accepted. Thanks to continued breeding throughout the centuries, some variations have developed even if they are not official in many organizations. They are:

• Black Labrador Retriever
• Chocolate Labrador Retriever
• Yellow Labrador Retriever
• Dudley Labrador Retriever
• White Labrador Retriever

We will explain the different coat colors and their variations in the sections below. However, if you want to know more about how this breed is classified, take a look at our article on the different types of Labrador Retriever. Each color carries its own unique charm and appeal.

Although Labrador Retrievers are now among the world's most beloved dog breeds, they do not belong to the oldest breeds in the world. According to the International Cynological Federation (FCI), there are documents recording their first appearance as early as 1800. However, it was not until 1903 that the first kennel club (The Kennel Club of Britain) officially recognized the breed.

Initially, the preferred color of Labrador Retrievers was black, leading many breeders to dismiss the chocolate and yellow variants. However, the FCI now accepts different shades of brown, mainly chocolate and liver. The color is solid over the whole body.

For chocolate Labrador Retrievers to be born, both parents must carry the genes of this coloration. While adopting a chocolate Lab shouldn't provide significantly different challenges than other colors, they are known to have less genetic diversity compared to other colors of Labrador Retriever. This may mean they have a slightly shorter life expectancy or are more prone to hereditary diseases common to Labrador Retrievers. This highlights the importance of responsible breeding practices.

In the Labrador Retriever, there are four different genes which affect coat coloration. They are:

• Genotype B: responsible for transmitting the black color. It can act as a dominant gene with respect to the chocolate color or as a recessive gene with respect to the yellow color. Recessive means that it does not manifest itself in that specimen, but it can do so in their offspring.
• Genotype b: this allele transmits the chocolate color and acts recessively with yellow and black.
• Genotype E: does not transmit color of the fur, but it does allow for the dominance of yellow to be overridden. Therefore, it is an epistatic allele.
• Genotype e: a hypostatic allele that, contrary to the previous one, allows the dominance of yellow.

Chocolate Labrador Retrievers occur when one of these genetic combinations takes place:

• EE bb: corresponds to pure chocolate.
• Ee bb: corresponds to chocolate which, in turn, carries the yellow and black genes.

These combinations do not indicate the shade of chocolate/liver; they simply show whether it is an example of pure chocolate. This will also transmit it to any offspring they may have if so. They may also carry other colors, even if they have brown hair. The same applies to the following colors.

As we have previously mentioned, the black color was the first to be recognized for Labrador Retrievers. Breeders were focusing exclusively on black specimens to continue the lineage. Many unscrupulous breeders discarded yellow, brown, or other shades of Labs, or simply never used them for breeding. It is possible that black is not even the color of Labrador Retriever you envision when their name is mentioned.

Similar to chocolate Labs, black Labrador Retrievers need to have a solid body color to be officially accepted. Black, however, is unique in that it does not have any variations in its hue. There can be a small white spot on their chest area.

Black color occurs when one of these genetic combinations happens:

• EE BB: pure black Labrador Retriever.
• EE Bb: the dog carries the chocolate genotype.
• Ee BB: the dog carries the yellow genotype.
• Ee Bb: the dog carries both yellow and chocolate genotypes.

As we observe in both this and the previous examples, a Labrador Retriever with a coat of one color can carry genes of another. This is why Labrador litters of different colors can be born. Breeders and enthusiasts often find this genetic variation fascinating.

As discussed in the introduction, certain coat colors of Labrador Retrievers are not officially accepted by breed standard organizations. Although not considered official Labradors, they may have the same morphology and other characteristics of the breed, except their coloration is different.

The gray or silver coat colors of some Labrador Retrievers derive from the breeding of other Labs with a gray-colored dog breed such as the Weimaraner or American Staffordshire Terrier. However, their features and temperament might be influenced by this mix. Silver Labrador Retrievers are specimens that possess the features of a Lab with silver coloration, likely meaning the mix of other breeds is minimal.

It should be noted that while they may not meet traditional standards, silver Labs are cherished by many for their unique appearance and the same friendly disposition characteristic of all Labradors.

Image: 1zoom.me

Unlike black Labs, the yellow labrador can present different shades, all of which are accepted by the official standard. The spectrum of yellow Labs ranges from an almost white light cream to a reddish golden color. In general, yellow Labrador Retrievers tend to have black mucosa on their nose, lips, and eyelids. However, this will depend on the genetic variation, and they may be brown or pink.

For yellow Labradors, or any of their variants, one of the following genetic combinations needs to appear. These genetic combinations, however, do not represent the exact shade of yellow Lab. They only let us know whether they are pure yellow or carriers of other colors:

• ee BB: pure yellow with black pigmentation in mucosa and paw pads.
• ee bb: carrier of chocolate genotype without black pigmentation in mucosa and pads.
• ee Bb: carrier of black and chocolate with black pigmentation in mucosa and pads.

You can find Labrador Retrievers with solid body colors, but there are various shades. A white spot or larger patch on their front is also relatively common. The diversity in their coat colors is one of the reasons why yellow Labs remain popular among dog lovers.

The Dudley is not a Labrador of a different color from those described above as the different colors of the Labrador Retriever. They are actually a type of yellow Labrador which lacks pigmentation in the mucosa such as the eyes and nose. Specifically, they are a Labrador Retriever with a genetic combination of ee bb. They are a yellow Lab with mucosa and paw pads which can be pink or brown, but not black.

Dudley Labs are especially unique due to their distinct appearance, which can make them stand out even among other Labradors. Despite their different look, they share the same loving and friendly characteristics typical of the breed.

The white Labrador is not accepted by the official breed standard. While light cream Labradors are accepted, they should not be confused with white Labrador Retrievers. These dogs are usually albino types. In these cases, there are two variations:

• Partially albino Labrador Retriever: slight pigmentation may appear on the nose, eyelids, or skin.
• Pure albino Labrador Retriever: their whole body lacks pigmentation.

The lack of pigmentation in albino dogs causes the mucosa and skin to appear with a light pink tone. The eyes are usually very clear blue or reddish. These specimens are born with a greater sensitivity to sunlight, so we need to be careful not to expose them to sunburn.

Albino Labs are also more prone to certain diseases such as deafness and a suppressed immune system. For these reasons, they require special care and more frequent veterinary checkups. Caring for these unique Labradors can be particularly rewarding, given their special needs and characteristic charm. To know some more general information about Labrador Retrievers, check out our video below:

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