Alice White
Today Labradors are considered the most popular and demanded breed. They are so versatile that you can meet a dog of this breed in the company of a child, hunters, people with disabilities, and rescuers. The hallmark of Labradors is their fawn coat color.
Labrador Retriever: Fawn Coat
It was recognized as a separate breed of Labrador in 1903. Initially, the British Kennel Club recognized only black-haired dogs as purebred, the fawn color did not fit into the standards. This continued until 1924, after which he was recognized as well.
Golden wool can have several shades: golden (golden), light cream (beige), red, light liver, gray. Eyes, lips, eyelids, and nose should be either dark or black. Any spots other than a small white on the chest and a dark mask on the muzzle are disqualifying.
Interesting! Dogs with a pink nose and insufficient pigmentation are called “Dudley” dogs. The gums and rims of the eyes are also much lighter than the rest. Dudleys have a tendency to tan, which fade over time in the same way as humans. Dudley is not allowed to breed and participate in exhibitions.
Labrador Retriever: Other Coat Colors
The fawn color, although it was not immediately recognized among Labradors, is considered the most popular. But do not forget that according to the standard, dogs of this breed can also be:
Black. It was the black Labradors that the British Kennel Club recognized first. The standard provides for a solid black coat without white spots and light hairs. Only a small white spot on the chest is allowed. The eyes in black-haired dogs should be brown or hazel in color.
Chocolate. Chocolate Labradors were added to the standard later than others. This color is much less common, which is why the cost of puppies with a similar appearance feature increases several times. Chocolate Labradors can have several shades of coat: liver, light, or dark chocolate. There should be no white spots. The eyes and nose are dark.
Important! The fawn color contains the genes of the other two. With different mating combinations, the litter may contain puppies of all three basic colors.
