Answers to Everyday Questions : Do Silver Labradors have more health problems because of their color and genetic make up?

Do Silver Labradors have more health problems because of their color and genetic make up?

9 Responses to “Do Silver Labradors have more health problems because of their color and genetic make up?”

1. Kendra~ *Aka Skipper* said :
   August 13th, 2010 at 1:52 am

   Labs come in ONLY Chocolate, Black and Yellow. “Silver” is a dilution of chocolate or is evidence of a mixture with Weimaraner. AKA.. MUTTS.
2. Alesi's Chis New CH Faye! said :
   August 13th, 2010 at 2:20 am

   No more than any other mutt. Labs don’t come in silver. They never did and never will. They are bred to weims to get the dilute color and then falsely registered as purebred labs. It’s impossible to get silver in a purebred lab, therefore, you won’t find any good breeders
3. Kaper said :
   August 13th, 2010 at 2:55 am

   There is no such thing as a Silver Labrador retriever. Labs come in three colors, yellow, chocolate and black.

   Yes, the AKC recognizes a color that is what they consider a diluted chocolate, and registers it as Chocolate.
   However, this was a mistake on the part of the AKC, and the breed club, who sets the standard opposes the practice.
   From the Labrador Retriever Club of America
   “There is no genetic basis for the silver gene in Labradors. The silver color is a disqualification under the Standard for the breed. The LRC does not recognize, accept or condone the sale or advertising of any Labrador as a silver Labrador. The Club opposes the practice of registering silver as chocolate.”
   http://www.thelabradorclub.com/subpages/show_contents.php?page=Silver

   No genetic basis. That says it all.

   An interesting article on the genetics behind the silver lab
   http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/silverlabs.html

   These dogs are mixes, Lab mixed with Weimeraners. I have yet to see one that doesnt look like a mix. Registration papers can be easily falsified to give papers to a mix.

   The only possible health issues may arise from the fact that only irresponsible breeders would sell a color like this and they may not do proper testing prior to breeding, since they are only in it for the money.
4. M. said :
   August 13th, 2010 at 2:58 am

   You may have seen what looked like a silver lab but it may have actually been a Weimaraner. They look quite similar. Look up Weimaraner to see if this is a dog that suits you. They are very active and need a lot of exercise. They are rather healthy dogs.
5. Pit Bull Whisperer said :
   August 13th, 2010 at 3:29 am

   there is no such thing as a silver lab
6. Titan said :
   August 13th, 2010 at 4:22 am

   No, they do not. And by the way, there is actually much more evidence pointing to “silver” labradors being purebred.
   When looking for a breeder be VERY wary of who you buy your silver lab from as most just breed for color and don’t have all the clearanses on their dogs. There is a good silver lab breeder in Texas though, so your in luck, just make sure you find the right guy.
7. Joe R said :
   August 13th, 2010 at 4:56 am

   There are no known health problems associated with color in Labradors.

   A recessive gene for the dilution affect is responsible for the lighter coloring. Charcoal results from the dilution of black and Silver results from the dilution of chocolate http://www.vetdnacenter.com/canine-dna-coat-color.html

   There are actually plenty of examples of AKC registered silver and charcoal labrador retrievers… http://www.charcoalandsilverlabs.com …even though it is considered a disqualification by the breed standard. At one time in the breed’s history chocolate was also considered a fault.

   The subject is one of great debate among breeders although there are also several other recessive traits and disorders that should hold greater weight when making breeding decisions.
8. stefpef said :
   October 31st, 2010 at 12:44 pm

   People who say that a silver lab is a mutt or mixed breed have not done there homework. AKC did genetic testing because they originally thought that they were a mix but after testing discovered that silvers are in fact a full blooded lab, it is just a dilute gene of the chocolate. There are other color variations in the Lab breed too. Ex: red fox & charcoal
   Yes, I do breed them I do have 3 females but I’m a very responsible breeder. Our labs are family members, not in kennels & only used for breeding. They are all extremely smart & excellent retrievers. One of our pups is being trained as a service dog & the trainer has said he is “the smartest puppy he has ever trained”. I have not had 1 complaint from anyone that I have sold a puppy to & they are all healthy & free of genetic defects. I have a 2 yr health & hip guarantee, because I’m confident in my breeding practices.
   Sorry, I got a little off track, but to answer your ? no, silvers do not have any different risks than traditional colors when it comes to genetic defects. If anyone want’s ? my breeding practices they can check out my website & even come for a visit. silverlabranch.com
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