Silver Labs are a rare variation of the Labrador Retriever breed. When black Labs are bred with white Labs, some of the offspring inherit a dilution gene that results in silver-gray coloring. Silver Labs make wonderful companions. They have sweet temperaments and are very social.
The controversy surrounding silver Labs mainly stems from breed standards. Traditional Labrador Retriever breeders argue that silver coloring goes against the official breed standard. As a result, silver Labs cannot be registered with major kennel clubs. However, some kennel clubs are now accepting silver Labs.
Silver Lab puppies typically cost $800 to $1,500, which is more expensive than other Labrador colors. Their rare coloring increases demand. Silver Labs do shed a fair amount year-round. Overall, they are intelligent and loving dogs that make great family pets.
Are silver Labradors expensive?
Silver Labs tend to be priced higher than other Lab colors. This is due to their rarity and coat attracting enthusiasts. Silver Labs are relatively rare compared to other Lab colors. Breeding programs to produce this shade require extensive time and effort. Additionally, demand for these unique companions drives up their price.
The silver Lab carries a dilute gene making their coat a “watered-down” chocolate. Silver Labs are technically chocolate Labs! Labrador Retrievers mainly come in three coat colors – black, yellow, and chocolate. Other Lab colors are variants of these three primary colors. For example, red fox Labs are yellow Lab variants. This is also true for silver Labs – they are chocolate Lab variants.
While reputable black, yellow and chocolate Labs can cost $500-$1000, silver Labs typically cost $800-$1500. Silver labs are controversial as unethical breeding can produce this color. When buying a silver Labrador Retriever, careful research to find an ethical breeder is important, regardless of color. The Silver Lab coat is pale gray. This uncommon Lab color is not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
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Do silver labs have skin problems?
In addition, Silver Labs tend to have skin problems. This condition can be resolved with topical ointments, but they can get costly. Silver Lab skin issues cause irritation and pain to your dog. You may approach the veterinarian and seek the best remedies for skin infections.
Silver Labs are susceptible to the same health issues as any color of Lab, which include, eye problems, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and epilepsy. Some may suffer from neurological issues, but most are treatable.
Silver Labs look just like any other Labrador, but with a very different coat color. What is described as silver is in fact a dilute version of the chocolate color. The extent of the dilution varies, so some seem more grey, some more silver and others on the borderline of chocolate.
Some of the most common problems Silver Labradors experience include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cataracts, ear infections and progressive retinal atrophy. Many also experience coat and skin problems, and they may suffer from hot spots more than some other breeds.
Like other dogs, Silver Labs can suffer from skin problems. Their rare coat color doesn’t exempt them from those. If you have one at home or planning to adopt… You should know the usual conditions they get. And what you can do to help them in such cases.
There’s a good chance that Silver Labrador will begin licking and biting themselves, particularly in the area infected with skin problems. However, no matter what skin issues your Silver Labrador is facing, there are plenty of ways to fix them.
Silver Labradors are prone to dry skin, and there are different factors that can contribute to the same. Dry skin can even make the shedding worse even if it is the peak of shedding season or not. Skin dryness and flakiness in Silver Labradors can be a result of an allergy, yeast infection, environmental, diet-related, or more.
I have a beautiful 3 year old female silver lab myself, Leia. I find during the winters her skin gets pretty dry and itchy which causes her some hair loss. She has soft fur and rarely sheds but it is thin, so when she scratches she’ll get a few “bald” patches. I have tried so many things. At the moment shes doing much better itching wise and most of the itchy rashes have healed. But I’m looking for ways to help her small patches to grow back.
In this blog, we will look at what causes silver lab dry skin, the symptoms, and the best ways to treat it. Silver Lab Dry Skin. Quick Overview. Why Silver Lab Gets Dry Skin. Genetics: Environment.
Are silver labs recognized by AKC?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize silver labs as a separate breed. However, other kennel clubs like the United Kennel Club (UKC) and Continental Kennel Club (CKC) do recognize them.
Generally, silver labs registered by the AKC as chocolate labs if they have proof of purebred lab breeding for three generations. The AKC only recognizes black, chocolate and yellow as official colors. Using methods like parentage testing, it cannot be conclusively proven that silver labs are not purebred or the result of cross-breeding with Weimaraners.
There are three main colors of Labrador Retrievers the AKC recognizes: chocolate, yellow and black. Yellow Labrador Retrievers range from butterscotch to pale cream to slightly dark red. There is no variation for black Labradors. Chocolate Labs previously varied from medium to dark brown before silver labs appeared.
Silver is a disqualifying flaw and improper color for Labrador Retrievers based on a 1987 agreement between the Labrador Retriever Club (LRC) and AKC. The AKC calls silver labs “dilute chocolates.” The controversy over silver labs angers traditional breeders. Last month, the AKC and LRC investigated silver lab breeding. An AKC representative observed these silver dogs. The AKC formally recognizes silver labs as “dilute labradors” though only three colors officially recognized for the breed. Due to their non-traditional color, silver labs remain a controversial purebred issue.
Some argue silver labs retain qualities of purebred Labrador Retrievers like temperament and physical traits. Others contend deliberate foreign gene introduction for financial gain. For years, opposition fought including dilute silver lab gene carriers to AKC’s recognized breed list. When the AKC sent representatives in 1987 to inquire about silver lab breeding, they gathered color photographs and reports. After the AKC and LRC studied these, they confirmed silver labs as purebred. Claims of a Weimaraner-Labrador Retriever mix were rebutted. The AKC agreed to recognize the silver color as a chocolate derivative. Silver labs registered as chocolate to gain AKC recognition but the controversy over their lineage continues. Silver labs cannot compete in AKC shows but can participate in other AKC events.