Black Labrador Retriever - Silver Factored Or Mongrel?

Suppose you have silvery hair. The natural assumption of those with whom you live and work would be that you are of an age when the hair begins to lose its color. If your hair turned grey before you were 20 or 30 years of age, it might be a dietary deficiency, a medical concern - or genetics.

A black Labrador Retriever, silver factored with a coat that is something less than black, is claimed by some to be a pure bred dog. Purportedly rare and highly desirable, a black Labrador Retriever puppy that’s silver factored may be offered at a higher than normal price. Does it merit this? Or is it simply a crossbreed - a mongrel?

Black Labrador Retriever Standard

The Labrador Retriever breed standard says: “The Labrador Retriever coat colors are black, yellow, and chocolate. Any other color or a combination of colors is a disqualification.” The breed standard goes on to say that black Labrador Retrievers must be all black. If a black Labrador Retriever has a small white spot on the chest, it is “permissible, but not desirable” according to the breed standard.

A black Labrador Retriever, silver factored or not, must meet that standard. Every purebred black Labrador Retriever must be black.

Genetically Speaking

A black Labrador Retriever, silver factored or otherwise at odds with the standard, apparently has genetics that are not in line with those of the breed. The genetics of a true black Labrador Retriever’s coat color seem to be rather simple. Each dog receives two pairs of genes: one from its mother and one from its father.

You will remember from early science class that there are two types of gene in every living being: dominant and recessive. This is true of you and it is true of black Labrador Retrievers. Genes determine your hair color, just as genes determine the coat color of a black Labrador Retriever. You might have brown, black, red, blond, or a variation of any of those. A Labrador Retriever has only two choices: black and chocolate - although we see black, chocolate, and yellow.

Consider these facts...

1. In Labrador Retrievers, a dominant gene always determines what color the coat will be. Always. It does not matter what other genes are present. The black gene, which we will call “B” for short, is dominant. Therefore, if a “B” gene is present, the pre-selected coat color is black. But read on.

2. We will call the recessive chocolate gene “b” for short. The “b” gene can only produce a chocolate coat if the dog inherits no “B” gene. Those are the only choices: “B” dominant black genes and “b” recessive chocolate genes. There is no gene for yellow, silver, or other colors. A black Labrador Retriever, silver factored or other factored, would have to go against this genetic makeup.

3. In addition to the black and chocolate genes, Labrador Retrievers have two more genes. These genes determine the dogs’ ability to express a dark coat, i.e. to let the dark color show. Let’s call the dominant expression gene “E” for short and the recessive expression gene “e” for short.

4. Labrador Retrievers that have the dominant “E” gene are able to express a dark coat. They can show black or chocolate. If the dog has a “B” gene and an “E” gene, it will be black, no matter what other genes it has. If it has a “b” and an “E” gene, it will be chocolate.

5. Labrador Retrievers that have the recessive “e” gene cannot show a dark coat. They will show neither black nor chocolate. They will show the absence of those by being a shade of yellow. A Labrador Retriever with a combination such as BBee has 2 dominant genes for black, but the recessive “e” genes will not let the color show. The dog will be yellow.

You will see that a black Labrador Retriever, silver factored is not possible with these pairs of genes. There is no scientific data as of this writing (2007) that has found any silver gene in black Labrador Retrievers.

True Nature of So-called Silver Labs

A black Labrador Retriever that is said to be silver factored may be an unusually light yellow or chocolate Lab. There is also, in the U.S., a gray-brown shade similar to that of Weimaraners. It is reported that the U.S. kennel first to report “silver” Labradors also kept Weimaraners, a silvery-gray breed with somewhat similar appearance. It is widely believed that the true nature of a black Labrador Retriever, silver factored, is that of a crossbreed: Labrador Retriever - Weimaraner mix.

The AKC recognizes “silver” Labs only as chocolate, and rejects them because they do not meet the breed standard for chocolate Labs. A black Labrador Retriever that’s silver factored is not an AKC standard purebred dog.

By: Anna Hart

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2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about lovable Labrador Retrievers at www.lovablelabradors.com. Anna has posted additional information on that site about black Labrador Retrievers. If you ever wondered how long a Labrador Retriever’s life span is, in human and dog years, pay Anna a visit now. You may be surprised!

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The goal of this website is to provide a ‘one stop’ for those that are interested in the ‘Silver Labrador’, ‘Charcoal Labrador’, and the ‘Champagne Labrador’ coat colors.

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DESCRIPTION

The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large sized breed, athletic and short-coupled in build. They are solid and well proportioned, with a short, hard and easy to care for double-layered coat. The coat is also very water resistant and can come in the colors: yellow, black or chocolate. Yellow colored labs come in the widest variety of shadings, from cream to fox-red. There is a rarer, silver colored lab although there are disputes over whether this is a legitimate mutation, or comes from a Weimaraner influence.

There are two types of Labrador Retriever, the English Lab and the American Lab. although not considered separate breeds they do have subtle differences. The English bred stock tend to be shorter and stockier and are more apt for showing, whilst their American counterparts are lankier, with a less blocky appearance. They have a broad head, ending in a thick nose and display an intelligent, friendly and welcoming expression. Their eyes are brown or hazel and full of expression. The head is clean cut and not fleshy, with a pronounced stop, whilst the muzzle is powerful and of medium length, with teeth meeting in a scissor bite. The thick nose is brown on chocolates, black on blacks, and either black or slightly pink on yellows.

Labradors have pendant ears, set back and low on the skull and hanging close to the head. The neck of the Labrador is thick and powerful, whilst the chest is fairly broad and the back strong and solid. The tail of the Labrador Retriever is very distinguishable with its otter like appearance. It is medium in length, without feathering and is thick at its base tapering to a point at the end and is covered with hair. The limbs have solid bone structure and the feet are webbed to aid in swimming.

TEMPERAMENT

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the world principally due to its wonderful character. They are a loving, affectionate and highly intelligent dog, with patience to match. Loyal, willing and full of character, they are good natured and fantastic with children. They have a reliable and consistent temperament, that embodies the best qualities we look for in a companion breed, yet they are equally capable at working and working hard for their masters. They thrive on human contact and require a family that can give them much time and love.

Labs are renowned for forcing their head in to the line of a stroking hand when other dogs are around. An easy breed to train, they respond best to positive reinforcement. Socialization is also important as puppies to avoid reservation with strangers, although this is not a major issue with this breed. Generally not suitable as guard dogs due to their inherently friendly nature, they can, however make excellent watch dogs, barking as a warning of people approaching. This breed will be destructive if left too long alone or not given enough physical and mental stimuli. Some dogs can be aggressive toward other dogs especially in same sex, same breed confrontations however early socialization can reduce this. Overall the Lab is a wonderful companion dog and is undoubtedly one of the best dogs in the world.

HEIGHT

Dogs: 56-61cm (22-24 inches),

Bitches: 53-58cm (21-23 inches)

WEIGHT

Dogs: 27-34kg (60-75lbs), although some can be over 45kg (100lbs)

Bitches: 25-32kg (55-70lbs)

HEALTH

Labrador Retrievers are somewhat prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, especially the larger dogs, though not as much as some other breeds. Hip scores are recommended before breeding. They can also suffer from the risk of knee problems. A luxating patella is a common occurrence in the knee where the leg is often bow shaped. Eye problems have been noted in Labradors as well, particularly progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, corneal dystrophy and retinal dysplasia. Dogs which are intended to be bred should be examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist for an eye score. Other more rare conditions include hereditary myopathy (a rare inherited disorder that causes a deficiency in type II muscle fibre), autoimmune diseases and deafness, either congenitally or later in life. Labradors are also renowned for their love of food and will eat and eat, it is important therefore to control their diet in order to avoid obesity issues.

LIVING CONDITIONS

Providing they receive`plenty of good quality exercise the Labrador retriever will do fine in an apartment. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with an average sized back garden or yard.

EXERCISE

The Labrador Retriever is a breed that loves nothing more than to play or work (both of which it sees as good old fun). A long, daily walk, at a quick pace is a must or even better take them along as a jogging or bike ride companion. It is in their very nature to retrieve and so games of fetch are loved. Labradors are also adept swimmers and love a good paddle. Swimming is also an excellent exercise for younger dogs as there is no impact on growing joints, we highly recommend swimming as part of your Labradors exercise regime.

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10-14 years

LITTER:  Average of 8 puppies

GROOMING

The Labrador has an easy to care for coat, it requires brushing with a firm bristle brush from time to time and dry shampooing and bathing only when necessary. Clipping of nails and checking of ears should take place in regular intervals to avoid scratches and ear infections respectively.

HISTORY

The Labrador Retriever is not from Labrador, Canada, as the name may suggest but rather from Newfoundland, Canada. Some believe the name may have Spanish origins, with the word laboradores used to describe rural and agricultural workers, whilst others believed it is named after the Labrador region of Canada, as Newfoundland was already taken. It was in Newfoundland, during the 19th Century that smaller water dogs were bred with the large Newfoundland and this resulted in a dog that was called the St Johns Water Dog (aka St Johns Newfoundland). This was the predecessor to the modern day Labrador. These smaller, black, short-haired dogs were adept at retrieving game and fish and other tasks requiring swimming in the icy Canadian waters. As a result of dog taxes and strict quarantine laws this dog eventually died out in its native Newfoundland, however the breed had been taken to england around this time where it thrived and grew steadily in popularity. The first and second Earls of Malmesbury, who bred for duck shooting on his estate, and the 5th and 6th Dukes of Buccleuch, and youngest son Lord George William Montagu-Douglas-Scott, were instrumental in establishing the Labrador breed in nineteenth century England. The dogs Avon (”Buccleuch Avon”) and Ned given by Malmesbury to assist the Duke of Buccleuch’s breeding program in the 1880s are usually considered the ancestors of all modern Labradors.

The name Labrador Retriever became commonly recognised in England around 1870 and the English Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1903. The breed was further recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1917. The breed today is the most registered breed in both the United States and the United Kingdom and is testament to the Labradors popularity as a companion dog and its outstanding ability in the field. Labrador Retrievers are also highly adaptable to tracking, retrieving, hunting, watch dog work, police work, guide for the blind, service dog for the disabled, search and rescue, narcotics work, sledding and competitive obedience.

By: Toaksie

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Find more excellent breed articles at [url]www.dogbarkings.com[/url]

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House training a puppy is important for the well being of your puppy and for your own sanity. The lack of house training is the number one reason that dogs wind up neglected, abandoned, or in animal shelters, but it’s the failure of the owner - not the puppy.

It’s very important for you to house break your puppy properly. Proper toilet habits need to be established when your puppy is young, since these habits can last a lifetime, and are very hard to break once they’re established. In most cases, true house training can’t begin until your puppy is six months old because puppies younger than that probably lack the bowel and bladder control needed for true house training.

Before they reach that age, puppies should be confined to a small, puppy proofed room during those times when you can’t supervise them. Puppy proofing a room is very similar to baby proofing a room. Just as you would put breakables and possible choking hazards out of reach of a baby, you need to eliminate the potential for your puppy to make a mistake and reduce any potential hazards from the room. That includes removing anything that your puppy might chew on.

The entire floor of the room should be covered with newspaper or some other absorbent material, and the paper should be changed every time it is soiled. Over time, you will notice that your puppy has a preferred spot for using the toilet. Gradually begin reducing the amount of paper you put down - narrowing in on that preferred area.

This preferred toilet area will form the basis of later house training and once your puppy is old enough you’ll begin to train him to exercise bladder and bowel control. You will establish a new toilet area (outside) and begin to train him to control himself until taken outside to the toilet area.

The Do’s of House Training Your Puppy

* When you’re not at home or can’t supervise your puppy, you must be sure the puppy can’t make a mistake. Confine your puppy to a small area that has been thoroughly puppy proofed. Make sure your puppy has unrestricted access to the established toilet area

* When you’re home, physically take the puppy to the toilet area every 45 minutes. Extend the time between potty trips gradually, as your puppy exhibits an ability to control his urges.

* Always provide a toilet area that doesn’t resemble normal floor coverings in your home. Training your puppy to go on concrete, blacktop, grass or dirt is a good idea.

* Reward your puppy every time he eliminates in the established toilet area. You want him to associate relieving himself in the established areas with good things, like treats, toys and praise. A little play time makes a good reward, and will reinforce the early bonding between you and your puppy.

* Keep a set schedule when feeding your puppy, so that your puppy’s need to relieve himself becomes consistent. Provide constant access to fresh, clean drinking water.

* Keeping your puppy in a crate can help your puppy develop self control. Dogs don’t like to soil their immediate living area, and will naturally try to control their need to go.

* It’s important to be patient when house training your puppy. The process of house training could take several months, but it’s much easier to house train right the first time than to retrain a problem dog.

The Don’ts of House Training Your Puppy

* Don’t give your puppy the run of the house until he has been thoroughly house trained.

* but… Don’t totally isolate your puppy while house training, either. Your puppy needs attention and interaction from you.

* Never reprimand or punish your puppy for mistakes. That only leads to fear and confusion in your puppy and will make the process take longer.

* Don’t leave food out all night as your puppy won’t keep to a set feeding schedule on its own, and will eat throughout the night. Random feeding leads to random toilet habits.

House training isn’t always the easiest thing to do, and some dogs are much harder to house train than others. It’s important to be patient, consistent and loving as you train your dog. A rushed, frightened or intimidated dog will be confused and won’t be able to learn the his house training lessons. Once you’ve gained your puppy’s love and respect, you’ll find that house training for puppies is actually easier than you expected.

About The Author

Brandon Layne is affiliated with ezPuppyTraining, which offers a free basic puppy training course covering house training and basic puppy obedience at: http://ezPuppyTraining.com/puppy-training/free.

This article was posted on December 19, 2005

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Your puppy will do anything to receive praise and love for being a “good dog”. He cannot figure out what you want from him until he learns the English language from you, and the faster the better. These consistent gentle ways of obedience training will do this in a matter of days.

Puppies are eager and willing to do the right thing. They love your happy face and the squealy noises you make when they have done something great. They will do anything to please you because of the loving rewards they get from being a good dog. They just cannot get enough of your praises and cuddles.

Moving towards “What a good dog!” from “Bad Puppy!” is based on one thing. Your puppy does not know the English language, and the faster he learns it, the better for all, because the minute he knows what you want he will do it. Make it faster and easier for him to learn by keeping these tips in mind:

1. Be consistent in the words you choose to teach him commands. If you say, “Wanna go potty?” in the morning, and “Have to go out?” two hours later, and “Wanna go pee?” two hours later, etc., then that is 3 phrases you have asked him to learn in one day instead of only one. Decide which words to use, and make sure everyone in your family uses the same ones.

2. Use his name in the command if you want action, do NOT use it if you want him restricted from action. This is very important. Hearing his own name makes a puppy leap into action by his very nature. When you want your puppy to come, say, “Puppy, Come!” [insert his name instead of the word Puppy, of course] When you want him to lie down, simply say, “Down”.

3. Do not confuse your puppy with the same words for different commands. If you are teaching him basic obedience, the word “Down” means lie down, usually followed by “Stay.” If you don’t want him on the couch, do not say “Down”, say, “Off.” This word can be used to keep him from jumping up into your lap, onto the couch, chair or bed because it is the action of jumping up you are trying to restrict. Saying “Down” when he jumps onto the couch will just make him lie down on the couch! See the difference?

Do not ever hit your puppy, you don’t need to. The worst punishment he ever needs to learn a lesson is your sad frown and walking away from him. One or two minutes is the limit though, do not overdo this. After a minute of ignoring him, give a command he knows well and praise praise praise, with a big smile.

These three tips, used with gentleness and consistency, will teach your puppy all the words he needs to know to be a happy and obedient companion in a matter of days.

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