As the best family dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are well-known for their outgoing and friendly nature. Now, when you think about Labradors, what colors come to mind? Yellow, chocolate, and black. You didn’t immediately think of the color silver, correct?
The presence of a dilute gene results in the stunning color variant known as the silver Labrador Retriever. Many people have been drawn to them because of their distinctive coat color, but not without some disagreement. Although many people admire them, silver labradors are only sometimes considered purebred.
So, whether we piqued your curiosity in the Silver Labrador or you are considering obtaining one, read this article to the very end to learn how they differ from other Labradors and everything else you need to know about this breed.
Silver Labrador as A Breed
One of the rarest colors of Labrador is the silver kind. They are a highly energetic breed with enticing sporting tendencies. They are excellent for active families since they train well, enjoy going on nature outings with you, participate in water activities, and play fetch.
These stunning dogs are renowned for making friends with whatever animal they encounter without speaking to them. They thrive on social engagement and enjoy being the focus of attention.
Sometimes a touch is too clinging, but they earn it for the service (simply existing) they provide. They are among the most endearing breeds due to their pleasant temperament and intellect.
Silver Labradors aren’t all that different from other labs, other from their coat color. However, the Labrador Retriever Club’s breed standard states that genuine labradors must be yellow, black, and chocolate.
Most kennel clubs do not recognize this Silver Labrador since it is not regarded as a purebred or true Labrador hue. Many breeders think that breeding Labradors and Weimaraners resulted in the other hues.
The American Kennel Club also does not formally recognize silver Labrador dogs. According to the AKC, these dogs are essentially Chocolate Labradors with two diluted genes and are therefore labeled as Chocolate Labs.
History of the Silver Labrador
The 1800s are when Labrador Retrievers first appeared on the scene. They originated in Newfoundland and were first brought to Britain by European settlers by ships that traded between Poole, England, and Canada.
Originally, labs were bred as hunting dogs, helpers in fishing expeditions, and retrievers of ducks. However, their appeal as family pets increased throughout time, particularly in the Western world.
The Silver Lab is younger than the other retrievers, though. Neither is their history as well documented as that of the other retrievers.
Some accounts place their emergence as early as 1917, while others place it in the 1950s. The Kennel Club and other Labrador breeders did not recognize them as purebred animals and believed they were a cross between Chocolate Lab and Weizemarnier.
Now that the recessive dilute gene pair has recently appeared in the Labrador gene pool, it is evident that their distinctive coat hues are caused by their existence.
Their precise origin is still being determined because of the origin of that diluted gene. This is why Silver Labs’ profile continues to generate debate.
Characteristics of Silver Labrador
It is important to understand the characteristics of the silver labs that set them apart from their other furry friends. Here are some brief characteristics of this beautiful breed.
1. Appearance
Undoubtedly, Silver Labs has the most prominent silverish-gray hue that makes an impression on the observer. Their eyes are an appealing hue of yellow with a very tiny black pupils. They have flat, long, floppy ears on the sides.
Their noses are often brown because they seek food or butts to sniff. These uncommon gray labradors have an irresistible charisma that always attracts people.
Owners are frequently lured to their powerful frame and large cranium. Their powerful tail, which you may test by getting smacked by it, wags nonstop when they see you, letting you know you’re welcome and cherished!
2. Weight and Size
A huge breed is the Labrador Retriever. Almost all mature Silver Labs are average between 23.5 and 24.5 inches tall.
In contrast to the female Lab, the male Silver Lab tends to have a little bulkier build. A fully developed Silver Labrador weighs, on average, between 55 and 80 pounds. For female Labs, the weight range is 45 to 70 pounds.
3. Coat and Color
To guard against extreme cold, silver labs have two coats. Their inner coat is denser and thicker than their thin and short outer coat.
Silver Labs’ inner coat is water-resistant, so they can engage in aquatic sports for an extended period without suffering any negative health effects. Overall, their coat is lustrous and smooth and delightful to pet.
Labrador Retrievers can also be found in black, chocolate, and yellow. The most prevalent coat colors for Labrador Retrievers are yellow and black, while silver and chocolate are the least prevalent.
4. Silver Labrador Temperament and Personality
Regarding disposition, Silver Labs share traits with other Labrador Retrievers, such as being friendly, affectionate, and caring. They are a breed with a high level of intelligence and make excellent family pets.
Physically grown but still possessing a childlike temperament, this high-spirited breed brightens the home by being cheery, silly, jumpy, and loved by everyone.
The Silver Labrador Retriever is an easygoing dog who enjoys participating in your activities. Whatever you do, all they want is to feel your touch.
They are prone to displaying symptoms of separation anxiety when left alone for an extended period due to their bond to their owners.
Additionally, it is a gregarious breed that enjoys company and attention. Children’s best companions are these adorable creatures.
Silver Labs are kind and tolerant of kids; they can play with them for hours without becoming bored. The fact that these dogs get along so well with other dogs and animals is one of their best traits.
Silver labs don’t exhibit any hostile behavior toward strangers. Instead, they become animated at the sight of a person, hang around with them, and try to impress them with how awesome they are (which they are).
Additionally, they don’t typically bark unless for brief moments of anxiety. Additionally, they often chew on things when they are anxious. Like the black and yellow labs, the silver lab is an energetic breed.
They must be cognitively and physically active to avoid detrimental habits. They need a lot of your care because they can be slightly prone to nipping. In addition, if you prefer outdoor activities like hiking, a Silver Lab will be an outstanding companion.
Silver Labrador Lifespan and Health
The average life expectancy of silver Labrador dogs is 10 to 14 years. Depending on their habitat, health conditions, and other things, it can differ from dog to dog.
For lazy owners, the needs of Labrador Retrievers can be burdensome. They are a moderately low-maintenance breed, but. Due to skin issues, they shed quite a bit of hair due to double coating, particularly the Silver Labrador.
Health Complications in Silver Labrador
Every breed may experience small or serious health problems. We have also identified every potential health issue your Labrador breed may experience. Always seek out a reliable breeder when purchasing a Silver Labrador.
Here are some health issues a silver labrador can have:
- Color Dilution Alopecia ( CDA)
- Hereditary Myopathy
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
- Exercise Induced Collapse
- Ear Infections
- Over Eating
Diet and Nutrition for Silver Labrador
Your Labrador Retriever needs a high-quality, nourishing, and protein-rich diet to perform healthily. Depending on their size and weight, you may need to adjust the dog food you give them. For instance, a 50-pound Silver Lab will require roughly 2 1/2 cups of high-quality dog food daily.
An 80-pound Silver Labrador needs somewhat more calories per day—roughly 3 and a half cups of dog food—to get their recommended 1,629 calories daily. For improved joint development, consider purchasing a dog chow with enough calcium.
And keep in mind that it is advisable to split meals into three to four portions for improved digestion. At the sight of food, these gluttons often let loose their inner, always-hungry beast, which results in bloating.
Exercise Requirements
A busy family is home to the Silver Lab. 60 minutes of daily exercise is necessary to keep them cognitively and physically occupied. If your Lab is particularly active, extend it to 1.5 hours.
Labs enjoy jogging, playing fetch, walking briskly, and being silly. Therefore, any activity can be included in their workout; make sure they move about sufficiently each day.
Give your dog an hour of your daily time and all your love and attention. You may keep children occupied by purchasing interactive and exciting toys for them in addition to playing and exercising. When you leave them alone for a bit, such toys also aid in comforting them.
Training
Due to their trainability, Silver Labradors are among the most popular dog breeds as family pets. They are a breed that is incredibly bright and simple to train.
They want to please their masters, so even a nice boy phrase is effective. The majority of families are happy to have them.
They respond easily to praise, and their love of food makes it simple to entice them to perform whatever you desire. All you need to make your Lab the most obedient boy in the world is a favorite toy, reward, or complementary food.
Price of a Silver Labrador
From reputable breeders, pure Chocolate labs, Yellow labs, and Black Labs cost between $500 and $100, while a Silver Lab puppy costs between $800 and $1500.
People are frequently prepared to pay more for something they perceive as unique.
Are Silver Labradors Overpriced?
There have been rumors that silver labs are too expensive. Not just about the Silver Lab, complaints about ‘overpricing’ are frequent in the dog breeding industry.
Breeders of Cockapoos and Labradoodles frequently receive the same criticism. Many breeders of purebred dogs believe it is ridiculous to demand high prices for crossbred pets.
Likewise, consider the silver Labrador Retriever to be a hybrid. Others believe that charging whatever you can get for a dog is reasonable regardless of its ancestry as long as it is healthy and well-kept.
From their perspective, the puppy’s quality, not the price on his head, matters. Demand also raises pricing, as it is with most prices in a free market. It’s an intriguing discussion!
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
How Rare Are Silver Labradors?
One of the rarest colors of Labrador is the silver kind. They are a highly energetic breed with enticing sporting tendencies. They are excellent for active families since they train well, enjoy going on nature outings with you, participate in water activities, and play fetch.
Is Silver Lab a Good Breed?
Silver Labs are wonderful family pets. They are generous, loving, and loyal to their people. In addition to being excellent family pets, silver labs are also highly intelligent and simple to teach, making them the ideal addition to any agility or obedience programs.
What is the Rarest Labrador?
A pure white or albino Labrador Retriever is the most rare color. They have red skin around their eyes and noses, light eyes, and red-brown nostrils. Albinism, sadly, can also lead to deafness and health issues like light sensitivity.
Conclusion
Like the classic Labrador, Silver Labrador dogs have all the endearing qualities. They are friendly, energetic, affectionate, wise, and devoted furry companions. They make excellent family dogs because of their sociability with children, strangers, and other animals.
When purchasing a Silver Labrador, you could experience trouble locating trustworthy breeders, not to mention the scowls from the purported lab enthusiasts who believe that Silver Labs are hurting the Labrador Retriever breed.
However, keep these concerns from making you lose interest in Silver Labs. Go for it and follow your heart!
