Back To Basics: Information On Black Labradors

In the United States Labradors are one of the most popular and talked about dogs.  They are known for both for their easy going temperaments and their trainability. These dogs are loveable, outgoing pets.  There are several different variations of the Labrador. Each variation results from either genetics or environmental changes.  One of the main variations is in color. This is a genetic variation.  The Labrador can be one of three colors: chocolate, yellow, or black.  Have you ever wondered why there are different colored labs?  Do you want to learn more information on black Labradors, or chocolate Labradors, or yellow Labradors?  Read on to learn about the genetic aspects of the color variations. And learn more about black Labradors also.

A Brief Lesson In Genetics

You  should learn about how it is determined that Labradors will be black in the first place before you learn any information on black Labradors.  So exactly how do Labradors get to be a certain color?  Well, as previously stated, there are three phenotypes (physical colors) that are acceptable for Labradors: black, yellow, and chocolate.  However, there are nine possible genotypes (genes combinations) that can result in these phenotypes.  It is important for breeders to know the genotype of their dog. This will tell them what the phenotype of the puppy will be when they breed two dogs together. 

Basic Black

Are you ready to learn more interesting information on black Labradors?  Black Labradors are usually solid black in color, although some black Labradors have a white spot on the chest or they might have white hairs between the footpads and toes. It is interesting to note that there are more black Labradors than either yellow Labradors or chocolate Labradors. Also, breeders prefer black Labradors. Because black is the dominant color gene, black Labradors have come to be more common than either yellow Labradors or chocolate Labradors.  Thus, if a black Labrador carrying two dominant black genes is crossed with a homogenic yellow dog or a homogenic chocolate dog, then the dominant black gene will overpower the other genes.

One should first try to understand the genetic information on black Labradors when seeking information on black Labradors.  You will appreciate the beauty of this particular phenotype. And you will never look at a black Labrador the same way again.