There is really no such thing as a white Labrador; it is categorized as yellow. The American Kennel Club recognizes only three colors in Labradors, namely yellow, chocolate, and black. All others are variations of these, and a white Labrador is actually a very pale cream. Thus, a white Labrador is registered as yellow, the color under which cream is categorized. A pure white Labrador is considered a fault by AKC standards. As a puppy, the white Labrador may look very white, but as it grows older, the color deepens and changes to cream, with perhaps a darker shade down the middle and on the ears.
White Labs are very popular in the yellow group, and a person who is keen on a white Labrador may have tough time locating a good one. Some breeders breed whiter labs only for their colors, but these dogs do not meet the other requirements and physical standards of Labradors. They may not have the temperament and health of good Labradors. It is common for Labs to have problems with their hips, so it is important to have the breeder certify the hip health of the parents of the chosen white Labrador puppy.
Perpetuating the Myth of a White Labrador
Since many pale cream Labradors look white as pups, unscrupulous breeders try to promote these pups as rare specimens. These puppies will grow to look more cream in color as they mature, particularly on the tips of the ears, back, and hocks. Cream Labradors have black pigment on their noses, eye rims and lips. This may fade to a brown or pink color in winter, and get dark again in summer. A yellow Labrador that lacks pigment may have pink or brown eye rims, noses and lips but this is considered to be a fault. It often is a result of breeding yellow with chocolate Labrador, and this should be discouraged.
NEWS FLASH - 2012-02-10Dog Kidney Failure
The last thing that any dog owner wants to hear is that their dog has kidney failure. Most people don't even want to think about the possibility that it can happen to them, but the truth of the matter is that nine out of 1,000 dogs suffer from this unfortunate chronic renal disease.
Types of Terriers Safe For Small Children
A lot of children these days have quite the affinity for pet dogs. They would like to play around with them, hold them and generally pet them around. To little ones, these are their first best friends. Yet, it isn't all the time that the feeling is returned. At times, what would be a kind gesture or show of affection for us can be taken in a different way by our dogs. At worst, this would result in tragic results. Needless to say, any dog can be trained and raised to become your most devoted companion, but you have to understand that not all dog breeds are actually safe for youngsters.
Golden Retriever Puppies: What You Need to Know Before Adding a Golden Retriever Puppy to the Family
Golden Retriever puppies are commonly looked for because of their friendly personality. Besides being well-tempered, Golden Retriever puppies are also extremely intelligent and make amazing hunting dogs. In the mid-eighteen hundreds, a Tweed Water Spaniel (a now extinct dog breed) and a yellow Retriever were bred together to create the Golden Retriever as we know it today.
There may be a rare case of a documented white Labrador that has been a result of advanced breeding. According to the AKC however, white is considered a fault. It is common for enthusiastic buyers to choose any puppy by its appearance, though its temperament and good health are more important. In the case of the so called white Labrador, more caution has to be exercised. Choose a puppy that appeals to you, and it does not matter if lily white is actually cream. You are sure to enjoy the pet far more than you had imagined!
