A couple of years ago, Dave and I set out a bit late on our usual two-mile loop in Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa, Arizona, with our yellow Labrador Retriever named Ranger and his Auntie Layla, a black. Temperatures were soaring into the 70’s that early March day.
We strode around a corner on the sandy trail and met a couple in their forties with their three children. They were elated to pet Ranger and Layla.
“We are on vacation from Wisconsin and having a great time. But we miss our dog so much,” the father told us. “He’s a silver Labrador.”
My heart sank. Should I tell him that his beloved dog is a mixed breed because there aren’t any “silver” Labradors? Should I wipe his broad smile off his face and explain that the only colors of Labradors are black, chocolate and yellow?
I looked down at Ranger and made my decision. He was already panting. We had most of the walk to go before we’d return to our air-conditioned home.
So I opted not to spoil the family’s vacation and didn’t explain that they’d been duped into thinking that they owned a Labrador. I’ve wondered ever since if I should have taken the time to educate the family and abort our walk.
Here’s my chance to set the record straight. The only colors of Labradors are black, chocolate and yellow. PERIOD.
How prevalent is the misconception that Labradors come in a silver color? I googled “silver” Labradors in Colorado. My jaw dropped as countless ads for “silver” Labradors popped up on my computer screen.
Why are people so gullible? Is it because they think an “unusual” color of a “Labrador” costs a lot of money? Is it status?
On its website, the American Kennel Club (AKC) unequivocally states that there are three (not four) colors of Labradors: black, chocolate and yellow. It provides a link to the breed standard:
“Color: The Labrador Retriever coat colors are black, yellow and chocolate. Any other color or a combination of colors is a disqualification. A small white spot on the chest is permissible, but not desirable. White hairs from aging or scarring are not to be misinterpreted as brindling. Black – Blacks are all black. A black with brindle markings or a black with tan markings is a disqualification. Yellow – Yellows may range in color from fox-red to light cream, with variations in shading on the ears, back, and underparts of the dog. Chocolate – Chocolates can vary in shade from light to dark chocolate. Chocolate with brindle or tan markings is a disqualification.”
In September 2015, the AKC Board of Directors issued a month-long suspension and a $100 fine to a judge for disregarding its Judging Procedures and Guidelines, and for “failure to disqualify an entry with a breed standard disqualification,” reported elsewhere as failure to disqualify a “silver” Labrador in the conformation ring.
Clearly, the AKC knows that black, chocolate and yellow are the only permissible Labrador colors. Why, then, does it permit breeders to advertise “silver” Labradors on its Marketplace Puppy Finder: Labrador Retriever Puppies” link? A quick perusal of the Labrador puppies for sale on that AKC site revealed a plethora of “silver” ads! No wonder that members of the public are confused.
These “silver” breeders charged between $1,200 to $1,500, and one even $1,800. Anecdotally, I’ve heard of a breeder selling a “silver” pup for $2,500! Reputable breeders sell their well-bred purebred Labrador puppies for $1,200 to $2,500. And that’s when the pups’ sire and dam have countless health clearances.
The AKC’s Labrador puppy finder site contained thirty pages of ads. Most breeders provided photos which made it easier to discern if they bred “silvers” that looked remarkably like Weimaraners but with tails. For the dams and sires, these breeders listed names and AKC registration numbers, meaning the AKC presumably allowed these registrations. Some of the dogs’ names gave the “silver” color away. Of the ads on the pages that I reviewed, none had OFA numbers and many didn’t offer much information at all.
How can this happen? The AKC doesn’t inspect litters when it receives an application for a litter registration or when breeders pay to advertise their pups. It apparently also doesn’t review any photos to check the dogs’ or puppies’ colors. When a breeder registers a litter, he/she can pay $29 to list the litter on the AKC’s puppy finder page for ninety days. Longer listings cost more. These “silver” breeders reportedly list their dogs as chocolate when they send in an individual dog or litter registration even though these dogs appear grey or silver, as documented on the breeders’ websites.
Is the AKC’s failure to monitor its Marketplace an issue of a lack of concern, limited human resources or finances? In the May 2017 edition of the AKC Gazette, the AKC reported that the total number of breeders and litter listings on its Marketplace doubled over the past year, and first quarter revenue for the ads was up forty percent over the past year.
The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. (LRC), the national Lab club, states its position on “silvers” succinctly in an in-depth-article by Frances O. Smith, DVM, PhD Chair of the LRC’s Genetics Committee: “It is the opinion of the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc., the AKC parent club for the breed, that a silver Labrador is not a purebred Labrador retriever. The pet owning public is being duped into believing that animals with this dilute coat color are desirable, purebred and rare and, therefore, warrant special notoriety or a premium purchase price.”
Dr. Smith notes that the first breeders of “silver” Labradors also “were involved in the Weimaraner breed.” She explains that scientific evidence shows that Labradors do not carry the dilute gene, and that Weimaraners are the only known breed that universally carry that gene. Dr. Smith cautions that the gene may not show up for generations until two dilutes are bred to one another. http://thelabradorclub.com/subpages/show_contents.php?page=Silver+Labradors
What can unwary members of the public do to make sure they really buy a purebred Labrador?
Respected breeder Barbara Randle of Remington Labradors in Arvada, Colorado, offers this advice: First, buy only from a reputable breeder who works with their dogs: training, showing in conformation or performance rings etc. These individuals breed to improve the Labrador, not to develop some sort of designer or fad breed. Second, ask the breeder if he/she belongs to national and/or local breed clubs,or a kennel club. If so, that indicates that they are interested in working with their dog. You can also contact the AKC (or United Kennel Club if that’s how the dogs are registered) to verify the breeder is in good standing and ask if the parents really are registered.
Third, Randle recommends asking the following questions when looking for a chocolate puppy:
- Ask if the sire and dam have undergone a DNA dilute gene test. Purebred Labradors don’t carry the dilute gene but “silver” breeders breed for it. Request documentation that both parents don’t have a dilute gene.
- Check the color of the parents’ coats. They shouldn’t look silver, only black, chocolate or yellow. “Silvers” may have bald spots on their very thin, smooth coats, and skin problems.
- See if the puppies’ coats have a frosted look. If so, that’s an indication of a silver coat.
Note the coat color and body structure of puppy Amigas’ Gratis from Remington. - Are the puppies’ coats fluffy? “Silvers” often don’t have a Labrador’s double coat: a dense undercoat and a top coat. However, some “silvers” now have a dense coat, Randle warns.
- Look at the eyes of the parents and pups: chocolates should have a soft, brown eye, not green, blue or yellow, which give off a “ghoulish look.”
- Do the puppies and parents’ tails look thin and whip-like, or are they thick otter tails, a trait of purebred Labradors?
- Inquire if the parents have undergone tests for Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HPNK). This disease attacks the nose area, leaving it as an unsightly crusty sight. Randle says that the disease is more common in chocolates than in yellows or blacks.
For all Labradors, she recommends the standard tests for hip and elbow dysplasia; Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) and Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM). Other recommended health tests for Labradors include cardiac examinations and/or echocardiographic exams, and a copper toxicity DNA test.
As of January 1st, the LRC requires breeders, who want to be listed on its breeders’ page, to test their breeding stock for the dilute gene or, if currently listed, to do so prior to their listing’s renewal date. This requirement is in addition to clearances for hip and elbow dysplasia, ocular disorders and EIC testing. The LRC also “highly recommends” screening for CNM, Progressive Rod Cone degeneration (PRCD) and cardiac conditions.
The Labrador standard worldwide only recognizes blacks, yellows and chocolates as Labrador colors. In the United Kingdom; Canada; Australia and New Zealand as well as the FCI (Federation Cyndogique Internationale), a worldwide dog organization in about 80 countries, the standard reads the same: “Wholly black, yellow or liver/chocolate. Yellows range from light cream to red fox. Small white spot on chest permissible.”
Additionally, the National Labrador Retriever Council of Australia notes that “any diversion from the black, yellow and liver/chocolate colors “indicates a cross breeding combination may have occurred…. this advertised rarity of the so called Silver Labradors comes at a significant price both financially to the buyer and in health concerns to the individual dogs concerned. The sad fact is that these Silver Labradors are crossbred dogs-the result of crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Weimaraner. Genetically these crossbred designer Labradors are at a high risk of inherited structural and health defects.” The Council notes epilepsy, and debilitating skin and thyroid problems as health risks to these dogs. http://www.nationallabradorretrieverbreedcouncilaustralia.com/buyer-beware.asp)
Phew. This post has been difficult to write. I had no idea of the extent of the so-called “silver” Labrador. Buyers beware!
Related post : https://www.caryunkelbach.com/choosing-a-reputable-dog-breeder/
A very interesting and educational article. Well written so that even an uneducated Lab owner or soon to be Lab owner could understand it.
Thanks Sandi! I can only hope that soon-to-be-Lab owners read the post and find reputable breeders who breed nice black, chocolate or yellow Labs!
Thanks Cary. You certainly answered my question!
Good to hear Margaret. But then you knew that Lab colors are only black, yellow and chocolate!!
Very interesting article, Cary. A good breeder can make all the difference in the world.
Thanks Jim. You are so correct. A reputable breeder is a must!!
Thanks Cary… this info about “silver” labs was all new to me. Today I saw a posting for a “free” AKC Papered “pointing” yellow lab. Had never heard of a pointing lab either… He was advertised as coming from a reputable breeder… but I wonder.
Thanks for your interest Chris. All Labradors are Labradors- There aren’t pointing Labradors nor are there “English” or “American” Labradors. The breed standard is for all Labradors. Often times, people talk of “English Labradors,” suggesting a body structure with heavier bone and broader heads. But I’ve also heard individuals refer to “English Labs” as those with slighter body type and very narrow heads. Bottom line: there is only one Labrador breed, and Labrador colors are only black,chocolate and yellow! I love to see Labs that are shown in the conformation ring and compete in performance events or hunt. They are a very versatile breed!
Yes, but there are an awful lot of people breeding “Labs” with long noses, lean tall bodies and hyper prey drives — I call them American Labs. I predict that at some point there will a breakaway with the breed. English style adheres to the classical Lab breed standards. For those looking for something else, call it a different name.
Thanks for your comments Linda. I’m of the school that there is one breed of Labradors, but many Labs, unfortunately are the product of careless and indiscrimate breeding and don’t adhere the Lab standard, but should. Public don’t be fooled!
Chris there r labs that do point and do a great job of it. They r not aCross of any other breed. The breeders breed for the trait.
I think that Chris’ question concerned whether “Pointing” Labradors exist, separate and apart from all Labradors. Labradors are Labradors, although some may be better hunters than others. But they are all the same breed.
Wow! This article needs to be on every lab breeder’s website and much of it speaks to anyone planning on buying any “designer” breed. I often find myself biting my tongue not wanting to insult or hurt another’s feelings but people do need to be educated and your article does it in such a wonderful way.
Thanks Patty! You are so correct that people need to be educated about breeds before they buy! Best to do one’s homework to try to make certain that one knows what you are purchasing instead of finding out later that you were taken in by sales talk.
Thanks Cary-For all your hard work!! Will figure out how to link to my website!!! WELL DONE AS ALWAYS!!!
Thanks Barb! And thanks so much for your time and insights into this issue. When you figure out how to link to your website, let me know! I’m always learning!!
Poodles carry a dilute gene.
But, agree 100% that there is no such thing as a silver lab.
Absolutely correct!!
So is that acceptable under the poodle standard?
It’s actually kind of amazing. Since you first mentioned this to me about a year ago, I’ve run into four different families all proud and happy over their ‘silver’ lab. Like you I haven’t had the heart to burst their bubble so I’m very glad you put it in your blog. Maybe this way the word will get out.
Wow! Four families that you know and all think that they own a purebred Labrador. Maybe a nice way to educate them would be to suggest that they read my blog! Thanks for your comments, Evie.
I just found your blog and I thank you for the information on “silver” labs. Dobermans had (still have) the same problem when a mutation occurred and all of a sudden white Dobermans were all the rage.
The AKC now registers white and white factored dogs with a Z in the registration number. Of course, it’s all dependent on how honest the breeders will be. I have no statistics on how many fawn Dobermans are registered that are actually white.
I wish the Lab clubs and their reputable breeders good luck in the future and a giant thumbs up to all those who uphold the correct standards of their breeds.
Thanks so much for your comments, Kelly. I didn’t know that Dobies have a similar problem with “white” Dobermans. Interesting to learn how the AKC handles the issue but, as you say, the success of registering white and white factored dogs depends on the honesty of breeders… Appreciate your taking the time to give us your insights and for the best wishes to our Lab clubs and reputable breeders!
I applaud the Doberman club and AKC for their Z list work in identifying and eliminating the mutation causing “white” Dobermans. The situation In Labradors is quite different, however, since dilution is not the result of a genetic mutation, but the introduction of the dilute condition into a dilute clear breed. The dilute allele is easily tested for and identified.
On June 13, 2017, Brandi Hunter, American Kennel Club Vice President, Public Relations and Communications released a joint statement with the LRC included the following key positions:
“According to the breed standard, established by the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc., there are three acceptable colors of Labrador Retrievers. Those colors are Black (all black), Yellow (fox-red to light cream), and Chocolate (light to dark chocolate). Silver is not an acceptable color of Labrador Retriever and is a disqualifying fault.”
“The Labrador Retriever breed does not carry the dilute gene dd that appears universally in the Weimaraner and is responsible for silver color.”
“Responsible breeders are tasked with breeding for health and standard and not solely for aesthetic.”
“the LRC, Inc. does not view silver Labradors as appropriate breeding stock and believes that they should not be bred.”
So, while pet people can call their dog whatever designer color term they wish, they cannot be registered as such because there are only three acceptable and recognized colors for Labradors, and dilutes are not among them.
Thanks for your detailed comments Margaret. Although the AKC correctly declares that “silvers” are not one of the acceptable colors of Labradors, potential buyers should be careful when using the AKC’s marketplace for finding puppies because some “silver” breeders have advertised there even though the AKC, as you noted, says “silvers” should not be bred.
Outstanding information. Thank you.
I have noted breeders label as white labs. Can you explain this type of breeding? Thanks.
The color of yellow Labradors ranges from very light, almost white, to very dark, fox red. There are no “white” or “champagne” Labradors which come only in three color:: yellow, black and chocolate. If you are looking for puppies, I’d be very leery of breeders who advertise white puppies…. they may be using the term as an advertising ploy or don’t know that Labs only come in three colors. Hope this helps!
Isn’t the LRC known to be controlled by anti-silver extremists who have thousands of dollars invested in breeding stock of the black-yellow-chocolate colors? I’ve talked to many people who say that on this issue, the LRC is a joke. After all, their own genetics expert has no formal expertise in genetics, and even undermines her own argument that silvers couldn’t have started appearing after generations of not, by warning breeders that silvers might start appearing from their own dogs.
You are misinformed about the LRC and “silvers.” There are only three colors of Labradors: black, chocolate and yellow. Period!
Silver? Gees, people are so gullible. I have never seen nor have I ever heard of a silver Lab.
Outstanding article that clearly states and defines Lab colors and registration requirements.
Thanks Val.
Great article! Our family had a yellow and a black lab over the years so imagine our surprise when oldest son and girlfriend travel cross country to buy a silver lab. They are outraged that the AKC does not recognize their dog. Besides the color, first thing we notice is the puppy looks nothing like a Lab puppy in terms of head and body shape. Now that the dog has matured, nothing has changed. He looks just like a Weimaraner in head and body shape. How can folks not see this? Thank you, Cary, for the great article.
Thanks for your comments. Sorry your son didn’t get a Lab and got “taken” by this breeder.