Compared to some of the other colors of Labradors, such as the Silver Lab, the Fox Red Labrador is less controversial. In spite of this, some Labrador enthusiasts do not view them as purebred Labradors.
Despite his detractors, he has a devoted following and is steadily gaining popularity thanks to his unusual and striking color. Let’s start with some Fox Red Labrador Retriever facts, background information, and frequently asked questions to understand this breed better.
Fox Red Labrador Retrievers Origins and History
The Labrador breed could always produce red fox Labs. However, Labradors used to be almost exclusively black. This was partially caused by nature and partially by a small amount of human intervention.
Both chocolate and yellow Labs were less desired and more difficult to breed for. Horrifyingly, puppies that were yellow or brown were frequently killed at birth!
However, the history or origins of the Labrador Retriever in its three different colors—black, chocolate, and yellow (including the red shade)—are the same.
Developed as hunting partners, they are highly intelligent and friendly. These more unique colors have recently gained popularity, resulting in more people breeding specifically for them. Resulting in the birth of more dogs with these coats.
Red Fox Lab Color Genetics Explained
All gene pairs are inherited from the parents, one from each parent (Mom and Dad). As with most gene pairs, they can exist in large or tiny variants, commonly known as dominant and recessive genes.
Black is Labrador’s standard color. This coloring is caused by a set of genes known as the BB genes. So, for instance, a black Labrador could carry the Bb gene. Little B is responsible for creating the genetic code required to produce a brown coat instead of a black one.
But on this particular occasion, it will be black since Big B is dominant and turns off tiny b. Only when the bb gene manifests does the little b display its abilities. You then receive a Labrador that is chocolate in hue.
You need the genes that turn off the black and brown coat to get a yellow Labrador. These are referred to as e genes. They are available in EE, Ee, and Ee. This final ee pair forms a powerful unit that can completely silence both the big B and little b genes. The yellow Labrador is the result of this.
You still have a black or brown Labrador in the EE or Ee format. Simply put, a Fox Red Labrador is a type of yellow. Another two other sets of genes, A and C, control a pigment called pheomelanin, which determines the shade of yellow required to generate the red coloration.
The C gene determines whether or not the red color is fully expressed. The A gene governs the synthesis of the red color.
Characteristics Of The Fox Red Labrador
1. Appearance and Controversy
They are large, stocky canines with muscular necks and thick tails that resemble otter tails. They have big, round eyes that are full of mischief, and they have lovely expressions.
The Red Fox is typically not bred for show dog life since they are not popular in the competitive ring. It’s reported that the shooting community preserved this breed while the show community tried to eliminate it through breeding.
This makes English Fox Red Labradors bred for the exhibition even more uncommon. It occurs more frequently for American Labradors, who are typically bred for hunting. You can read about the distinctions between English and American Labradors to learn more about the two varieties of Labradors.
It would be interesting to note that the Labrador frequently needs clarification for a Vizsla if you like the color of their coat but are not too fond of the breed itself. They have the same color coat, enormous ears, and facial expressions but look considerably more athletic.
Additionally, people frequently think it’s a Labrador/Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. Those who contend that this colored Labrador is not a purebred Labrador assert that it is a product of a Labrador and Vizsla cross-breed. The Labrador community is divided over this. There is no proof or evidence to back up such a claim.
2. Coat and Color Description
This particular color of Labrador is uncommon, and it isn’t easy to locate. The only significant distinction between Fox Red and any other colored Labrador is its unusual coat color. It is described as a more profound or darker shade of the yellow Labrador.
This happens as frequently as people describing the white Labrador as having a pale yellow hue. Since it is exactly the color of the Red Fox, its color is known as Fox Red. Both retriever breeds can have a red tint to their coat due to the comparable coloring of other breeds (such as the golden retriever).
Rarely the pink features around the muzzle will be a little darker. This will show up either in the color of its skin or the hue of its nose, yet occasionally he also has similar black traits to his brothers.
Compared to other Labrador hues, they are more likely to have a white patch on their underside. This is believed to be the only explanation, as these patches are more evident on their darker skin than on that of their yellow brethren.
3. Size and Weight
The male Red Fox Lab will be the same size as any other color Labrador, measuring 22.5 to 24.5 inches from paw to shoulder and weighing 65 to 80 pounds. Of course, the female will be slightly smaller than the male, measuring 21.5 to 23.5 inches and weighing 55 to 70 pounds.
4. Red Fox Lab Temperament
The Red Fox Lab has a behavior comparable to any Labrador, regardless of color: “friendly, active, and outgoing” is how the AKC describes one of the best dog companions. He is a fun-loving, energetic ball of energy who will keep you on your toes. He’ll demonstrate his love to the whole family, including you.
In addition to being energetic, he is a kind and kind dog that loves to please its owners. He would go above and beyond for you, and once the fun for the day is through, he enjoys cuddling up next to you on the couch. As long as he has the correct socialization as a puppy, he is also excellent with smaller animals and children.
The Fox Red Labrador can be a little bit barkier than Labs of any other color, which is the sole distinction that has been made. However, some breeders speculate this can be due to a limited gene pool caused by a once-barky progenitor. In other words, this predisposition to bark comes from a single family member.
5. Exercise And Training
Due to their high energy levels, labradors require at least 60 minutes of daily vigorous exercise. High-intensity physical activity must be a part of this for it to remain intellectually and physically active. Burning off that productive energy is crucial. This can involve swimming in the neighborhood lake, bringing sticks back, or participating in neighborhood agility competitions.
The Fox Red Lab is no different from other Labrador puppies because it is intelligent. This is one of the fundamental causes behind the popularity of Labradors as guide dogs for people who are blind. They also perform well in a variety of other fields.
But pay attention to their intelligence. To become a well-behaved adult, he still needs constant obedience training and a strict master. Ensure you have many toys on hand to keep your dog entertained.
6. Health and Lifespan
The Red Fox Labrador lives between 10 and 12 years on average. He is generally a healthy dog with no severe issues to be concerned about. Their health in no way depends on the color of their coat. He thus has the same health problems as every other Labrador.
Any potential Labrador owner should be informed of the following health concerns regardless of the breed’s color. Their parents should get checked for hip and elbow dysplasia. Additionally, they ought to be examined for Exercise Induced Collapse, a condition that can result in a loss of muscle control after intense exercise.
He should also have their eyes checked by an ophthalmologist because some disorders, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy, can eventually cause total blindness.
Breeders And Puppy Price
An average colored Labrador Retriever puppy from a good breeder can cost anywhere from $1,000 and above. The Labrador Retriever in this hue is much rarer. As a result, you can anticipate paying significantly more because the supply and demand ratio is much higher.
This breed will be more expensive, closer to the top of the range. In comparison to other alternate colors, he is less expensive. However, he can cost a little extra because he is more uncommon than the typical yellow or black pups.
Do your homework on reliable breeders in advance. Reputable breeders should charge less for unique colors. But if he’s in good health and you’re set on getting this color, you should be ready to fork over the extra cash.
The AKC maintains a list of breeders with puppies for sale, available immediately or upcoming litters. The Labrador Retriever Club also provides a state-by-state listing of registered breeders.
As an alternative, you can identify rescue organizations state by state that are only focused on rehoming Labrador Retrievers if you’d want to rescue and adopt one.
There are numerous rescue organizations nationwide, so if you’re convinced you want a Red Fox Lab as a pet, you might have to put in some extra effort. However, it will be worthwhile if you locate your perfect dog.
Taking Care Of a Fox Red Labrador
Knowing how to care for a new puppy might be challenging, and fox red Lab puppies are no different. Despite their friendliness and overall ease of training, you will still need to puppy-proof your home while they still learn what is forbidden.
Additionally, you’ll need to plan vaccines, be ready for teething, and accompany your red fox Lab on its first visit to the veterinarian.
Exercise
Red fox Labs and retrievers adapt well to various households, including those with single adults and young children. But because they are an energetic breed, they need to exercise frequently. Ideally, your Lab should be active for at least two hours daily.
Playtime and daily walks are also considered forms of exercise. With your dog, going on hikes, playing fetch, or simply running around the backyard or park are enjoyable activities to stay active.
Because they are so intelligent, fox red labs need a lot of mental stimulation. Families that can give them the attention they require are ideal for them. Doggie daycare or a walker will assist in making sure your pet’s requirements are addressed if you are gone for a significant portion of the day.
Grooming
These dogs don’t need much maintenance because of their short, reddish coats. However, routine upkeep will keep your pet looking and feeling happy and healthy. Because of their short, dense coats, these dogs shed less and benefit from weekly brushing with a slick or bristle brush.
An average of once-a-month nail trimming can help prevent breaking and overgrowth, which make it more difficult for a dog to walk. Ear infections are common in labrador retrievers. Clean your ears once a week and after swimming to lessen the chance of ear infections.
Dental and gum conditions are also prevalent in all dogs, including fox red Labs. To keep them healthy, brush their teeth every day. In addition to these things, you should also take care of your Labrador’s diet, training, and health, which I have already mentioned.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better family pet, the Yellow Lab or Fox Red Lab?
When it comes to behavior around a family, neither coat color is really important. Whether the Lab is the right breed for you is what counts most. You should think about the reasons you would initially find a Labrador appealing.
Both of them will make excellent family pets if that is what you want. Due to the color bias mentioned above, the conventional yellow Labrador is preferable if you plan to enter your puppy into official competitions.
Do Fox Red Labrador puppies get darker?
No, and yes. Yes, it will always be a reddish-orange variation for the rest of its life. He won’t abruptly transform into a black Labrador. He will, however, appear much darker than he is at birth. It will then get considerably brighter over the following few weeks. Then, during the coming few months, it will shift once more.
These dogs’ colors will intensify into fox red as they become older, often quite significantly. Looking at its ears is the most accurate way to guess what color he will be. This one is the color that most closely resembles what his actual coat will be. Its color will remain the same until he is between 2 and 3 years old.
Conclusion
A beautiful puppy is the Fox Red Labrador, sometimes referred to as the Red Fox Lab, Ruby Labrador, or deep yellow Labrador. Said they are a ray of brightness. He is very similar to Labradors of other colors except for the pigment in its coat. But this pup is harder to find and much rarer. Its coat is vibrant and stands out in the world of Labradors.
Therefore, You will have a companion for life if you are fortunate enough to get your hands on one of these men and are okay with the fact that he is not well-liked in the kennel club world.
