Labrador silver
Labrador silver retriever: The existence of the Labrador
silver retriever has been under controversy because the origins of this
color cannot be traced. According to some accounts, silver color Labs were introduced
some time in the mid-history of this breed, between the 1940s and ‘50s. Silver
Labs do not fit accepted standards, hence cannot be entered in the conformation
event. However, they are eligible for the AKC (American Kennel Club)
registration as chocolate Labradors.
According to some silver Lab breeders, the AKC conducted DNA tests to map the ancestry of
this breed, and concluded that the silver lab is indeed a purebred Labrador.
However, geneticists dispute this finding, because of their belief that DNA
test results are not conclusive evidence of the purity of the breed.
Some people think that Silver Labradors are a result of cross breeding the
Weimaraner (a silver-gray breed of dog) and a chocolate Labrador, and
therefore are not pure Labradors. There is also the belief that the increase in
Labrador silver retrievers in North America at the end of
twentieth century was due to the rise in the number of chocolate Labs in the
Labrador gene pool.
Silver labs can be attained with initial interbreeding in
order to maintain their recessive gene traits and color. While silver Labrador
breeders think that chocolate labs carry the silver lab genes, other breeders
are of the view that since chocolate labs belong to the same gene pool as
yellow or black Labradors, why don’t they also carry the silver Lab genes.
Silver Labrador puppy: A Silver Labrador puppy is gray in color at birth. They
have gray noses, nails and pads on their feet. The eyes of a silver puppy are
light blue until it is 6-8 months old. When the Silver Labrador pup
grows up its eyes turn pale yellow, which is half the tone of chocolate
Labradors. The silver lab’s coat is one of the most distinctive traits of this
breed. They have a double coat that helps the dog to repel water, which makes
them good hunting companions.
Breeders of the Silver Labrador: The rise in the demand and popularity of Silver Labrador
dogs has resulted in the increase in their breeders. Some breeders say
that the original line of silver Labradors evolved from the recessive gene
combination from chocolate Labradors. According to them, other Labrador
breeders, who dispute the authenticity of the silver lab, are ignorant about
this breed. However, some reputable breeders feel that breeding for rare
features is only about making profits, rather than improving and preserving the
purity and distinctive features of Labrador breeds. They accuse the breeders of
Silver Labs of not disclosing the bloodlines or pedigree of their dogs.
Neither do they mention the registered names of the puppy’s Sire and Dam. Silver
Labrador breeders counter the charge by stating that their dogs are
registered with the CKC (Continental Kennel Club), but this registry is not
equivalent to the well-known CKC (Canadian Kennel Club Registry) registration.
Sale of Silver Labradors: A Silver Labrador puppy makes
as good a companion as any other Labrador. When you buy a Silver Labrador
at a kennel sale or from an owner, it is better if you can get a photo
of the puppy along with a picture of its parents from the breeder. Make sure
that the breeder of Silver Labradors has a C.E.R.F (Canine Eye Registration
Foundation) on the eyes, and an OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) testing for hips
and elbows done on the breeding stock before the sale. With a little
care, you can own a beautiful silver Labrador retriever, which will make a
gentle and faithful friend.