Blue Labrador Guide: Everything You Need To Know

While the traditional yellow and black Labradors are popular, the existence of a blue variety is a topic of debate among dog enthusiasts. “Blue labrador” refers to a diluted black coat color that appears bluish-gray. Some argue that blue Labradors exist, while others believe they result from crossbreeding. 

Occasionally, there are Labradors with a dilute coat color that may be mistakenly referred to as blue. These dogs have a lighter shade of black or grayish coat, which might give the appearance of being blue!

What Are The Genetics Of A Blue Lab And Silver Labrador?

Blue Labs, also known as Silver Labradors, possess a unique and eye-catching coat that distinguishes them from their traditionally colored counterparts.

The genetics behind their distinctive coat color is fascinating. A pair of two recessive d genes, consisting of a big D and a little d gene, is vital in determining coat color.

These recessive genes have the potential to subtly override all other coat colors, resulting in a diluted coat color when two little dd genes are present.

This dilution produces a soft charcoal coat color in black Labs and a paler champagne yellow in standard yellow Labs. However, in brown Labs, the dilution results in the stunning silver coat currently causing controversy among Labrador enthusiasts.

Silver or Blue Labradors is a chocolate Lab variant registered as a breed standard with the AKC, the bluish-silver coat color results from dilution caused by the little dd genes.

Some breeders deliberately breed for this striking coat color. However, it’s worth noting that not all breeders support the practice, and there is some controversy surrounding it.’

Are Blue Labs Recommended For Families?

Before adding a Silver or Blue Labrador to your family, it’s essential to understand certain things.

Personality

Blue Labs are gentle, friendly, and loyal, making them popular with families and great with children and pets. Moreover, their high intelligence and trainability make them an ideal choice for novice dog owners.

Energy and Exercise

Blue Labrador is an active breed requiring plenty of exercises and mental stimulation. They have high energy levels and need daily walks, runs, or playtime. Moreover, they also enjoy swimming. Keep an eye to avoid exercise-induced collapse.

Grooming and Care

Blue Labrador has a short dense double layered coat that requires minimal grooming. Regularly brush them as they shed moderately. They also need regular baths to keep their coats clean and from dirt and debris.

Health Concerns

Blue Labrador Retrievers are prone to certain health issues like all dog breeds. Common health concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, ear infections, and obesity. Take them for regular health tests and veterinary checkups, and feed them a balanced diet.

Living Space

Silver Labrador can adapt to different living environments, including apartments or homes with small yards. However, access to outdoor areas is essential for their physical and mental well-being.

Time and Commitment

Owning a silver Labrador requires time and commitment, as they thrive on attention and affection from their owners. Your Blue Lab requires daily exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization and should not be left alone for long periods.

If you work long hours, hiring a dog walker or considering doggy daycare may be necessary to ensure their needs are met.

Is A Blue Lab A Rare Breed?

The answer is yes and no, as blue labs are not a distinct breed but a unique color variation of the silver Labrador Retriever. This stunning coat comes from a dilution gene that affects their black pigmentation, a recessive gene that both parents must carry for blue puppies to appear.

As a result, blue labs are uncommon. Nevertheless, due to their popularity, many breeders selectively breed them, increasing their numbers. While blue labs may be stunning, they are no different from their other colors counterparts regarding health, temperament, or abilities.

Responsible breeders should prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs rather than solely breeding for a specific color.

Do Blue Labrador Retrievers Make Good Pets?

They are affectionate, playful, loyal, and brilliant dogs that excel at obedience and agility training. Silver Labrador has beautiful blue eyes. It is also gentle and patient, making it an excellent family pet, especially around children.

Like all Labrador Retrievers, they are highly active and require daily exercise, including long walks, swimming, and playtime in the backyard. With proper training and socialization, blue Labradors make lovely companions for families and individuals.

Are Blue Labradors Purebred?

The controversy surrounding Silver Labrador has left many dog enthusiasts and Labrador purists questioning their purebred status. Despite the AKC’s genetic testing, some believe they are not purebred.The Labrador Club, in conjunction with the AKC, released a statement that there is no evidence to support claims that Silver Lab Retrievers are not purebred.

The AKC recognizes the breed standard of Silver Labrador Retriever puppies as purebred and registers them as chocolate Labs. Unique blue-colored fur in Labradors often results in them being labeled as crossbreeds. Silver Labs are often considered Weimaraner crossbreeds, as some may have a Hound-like appearance.

One of the arguments against Silver Labs being purebred is that they would have larger ears than standard Labradors if they were crossed with Weimaraners.

However, American Kennel Club-registered Silver Labs do not display this trait. Silver Labradors are not permitted to participate in the show ring. They can participate in field trials if both parents are registered with the AKC.

Difference Between A Blue Lab And Other Labs

Training & Intelligence

Blue Labs are highly adaptable and make excellent companions for active families. On the other hand, other Labrador types may require more consistent training and can be a bit harder to train. You can put them into puppy training classes for better results.

Genetics

Blue Labs have a unique dilute gene that results in beautiful blue coat color. This gene is not present in other Labrador types, which generally have a black, yellow, or chocolate coat.

Better Digestion

Silver lab puppies are known to have better digestion than other labs. They are less prone to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. It could be due to their unique genetics or their diet.

Blue labrador Price

Blue Lab puppies are generally more expensive than other labs due to their rarity. Depending on the breeder and location, prices can range from $1,500 to $4,000. Other lab puppies for sale can range from $500 to $1,500.

Where Can I Find a Blue Labrador Retriever?

If you’re looking to find a blue Lab, your best bet is to start by researching reputable breeders specializing in dilute-colored Labs.

Research reputable breeders specializing in dilute-colored Labs to find a blue Labrador Retriever. You can also consider checking local animal shelters and rescue organizations for adoption availability.

Remember always to do your due diligence when selecting a reputable breeder or adopting from a shelter to ensure you get a healthy and well-cared-for puppy or dog breed.

Cons of Owning a Blue Labrador Retriever

Controversial breeding practices

Blue Labradors often result from breeding practices that introduce non-standard or crossbred genetics, which can be controversial and may not adhere to breed standards.

Limited availability and potential difficulties in finding a reputable breeder

Blue Labradors are relatively rare, and finding a reputable breeder can be challenging.

Health concerns

Some blue Labradors may be more susceptible to certain health issues, such as skin allergies, hereditary myopathy, or progressive retinal atrophy.

Potential discrimination or skepticism

Blue Labrador retrievers face prejudice or skepticism from individuals questioning their pedigree or breeding practices due to their unique coat color. This can result in unwarranted judgment or challenges.

Possible higher cost

Being relatively rare, Blue Labradors may come with a higher price tag than Labradors of more common colors. This can impact the upfront cost of acquiring a blue Labrador.

FAQ:

What is the rarest Labrador color?

The silver lab is the rarest variation of chocolate Labs.

Is a silver Labrador a purebred?

The AKC registers silver Labs as chocolate Labs because silver is not an acknowledged color.

Is there such a thing as a blue Labrador?

No, there is no recognized or accepted color variation known as “blue” in Labradors.

What is the rarest color for a Labrador?

The rarest color for a Labrador is “silver” or “charcoal” coat color, although it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Are GREY Labradors rare?

Grey Labradors, referring to shades of silver or dilute black Labradors, are relatively rare in the traditional Labrador Retriever breed.

What are Labradors 3 colors?

Labradors come in three recognized colors according to breed standards: black, yellow (light cream to fox red), and chocolate (light to dark brown).

Are Silver Labs actually Labs?

silver Labs” is often used to describe Labradors with a silver or dilute coat color. Silver Labs may have ancestry that includes non-Labrador breeds.

Can purebred Labradors have blue eyes?

Blue eyes are not a typical or recognized eye color for purebred Labradors. Labradors have eye colors that range from brown to hazel.

How long do Blue Labs live?

Blue Labradors generally have an average lifespan of around 10 to 12 years.