Yellow Labradors - The Basics
What are yellow Labradors? According to the American Kennel Club the three recognized Labrador coat colors are black, chocolate, and yellow. While black and chocolate dogs have darker coats, yellow Labradors have a light-colored coat. The yellow Labrador's coat can vary from very light cream in color to as dark as a 'fox red' color.
Although yellow Labradors have lighter coats they do have darker pigmentation on the ears, top line, tail and hocks. A small white chest spot is often present though it may not be visible in dogs with very light coat coloration.
According to the breed standard, yellow Labradors should have black pigment on their noses, lips, and eye rims. In older dogs the black pigment on the nose may fade to pink or brown, especially during the winter. This is common and the black pigment will return during the warmer summer months.
Yellow Labradors that don't have any pigment will show eye rims, noses, and lips that are pink or brown. In this case they will never turn black. If you want to show your dog, such traits are not desirable in the breed. Naturally your dog can still be a great companion dog.
If a chocolate Labrador is bred with yellow Labradors their litters won't show any pigment so it's not really a good idea if you want to show your dogs. When they are born the puppies will not show any pigment but after the first seven to ten days the black pigment will start to show. If it doesn't happen within this time the puppies will never develop any black pigmentation.
What about mis-markings? White coloration in yellow Labradors is not favored. While small white spots, stripes or patches are acceptable on the chest of a Labrador retriever larger white areas are likely to indicate that the dog has been mixed with a different breed. It is common for Labradors to show white coloration on hairs between the toes, footpads, heels, and groin and this does not mean your dog is of poor quality or not pure bred.
Many dogs do not fit into the breed standard for the breed and in this case you won't be able to show it in competitions. Despite this, yellow Labradors that don't fulfill the breed requirements can still be wonderful pets and companions to you and your family.
