The Silver Labrador is not only a beautiful spin on the classic breed, but it has also been a hot topic for criticism and controversy. Many believe it is not a Labrador but a modified version.
We see a wonderful dog with a beautiful fur. The guide below will help you answer all your questions.
Pre-purchase Silver Lab Puppies
If dogs are familiar to you, you will be familiar with the Labrador Retriever. They come in three standard colors: yellow, chocolate, and black.
The Silver Labrador is a rare and new breed of Labrador. It’s a modern twist on an old recipe. These Labradors are exactly the same as the Labradors that you have known all your life but in a different shade.
They are just as loving, energetic, and eager to please as any Labrador you have ever met. They are the same color, except for the color.
Dilution of genes is the reason they are a different colour and why they are so popular in dog breeding circles. They have a mixture of recessive and dominant genes that push their way to the front, though some believe they are also a result of being cross-bred to Weimaraners.
Modern genetic testing has not shown any link between the two breeds, so there is no support for the second theory. Many regulatory agencies, such as the AKC, refuse to permit Silver Labs to fully register as purebred dogs.
How much are silver lab puppies?
Silver Labs are rarer than the average black, yellow, or chocolate Lab. As such, you will need to spend a little more to secure one.
These pups are not produced by many bloodlines, so there aren’t many breeders to turn to. Many breeders, especially reputable ones, will also retire their dogs after only a few litters.
This means that there isn’t enough supply to meet high demand. Silver Labs are often three times more expensive than regular Labs, which can cost around $500. You will pay a lot for the same dog but in a different color.
Although it is unlikely that these dogs will be found in animal shelters, some Labrador rescue groups might be able to help you at a fraction of the cost of a breeder. It’s worth checking with them before you make any decisions.
Although it is less likely that you will run into backyard breeders of this breed, the good news is that they are rare. However, you should still do your research before purchasing one of these puppies.
Three Little-Known Facts About Silver Labs
1. Silver Labs Are “Diluted” Chocolate Labs
When a Chocolate Lab inherits two recessive genes, he or she is called a Silver Lab. This basically makes their color less vibrant.
A Yellow Lab with two recessive gene will produce a Champagne Labrador. Two recessive gene will make a Black Lab a Charcoal Labrador.
2. They are not all the same color
These dogs are known as “Silver”, which is a general term. Silver Labs can come in a variety of colors, including blue and gray. It’s not a pattern or a reason for it. It’s what happens when a Chocolate Lab’s genetic mix is mixed in a certain way.
They are more prone to alopecia than standard labs
These dogs are more likely to develop alopecia (a condition that causes hair loss) if they have dual recessive genetics.
A “diluted” dog is more at risk. Although it is not fatal, it can cause skin irritations or infections. It is not curable at the moment.
Temperament & Intelligence in the Silver Lab
The Silver Labrador is just like any Labrador. It’s extremely sweet and smart.
Dogs love to play, and they will play and play. They will throw the tennis ball for you if they catch you holding a tennis ball in their hands.
They are great companions and can be trusted by people of all ages. However, they require a lot of attention. If left alone, they can become destructive. A Silver Lab may not be right for you if you have too many things on your plate.
Their intelligence shines in training and they need to be challenged both mentally and physically. They are able to use their brains to find ways to please their owners and not to undermine them.
Are these dogs good for families?
The Silver Lab is a great family dog. They are loyal, affectionate and gentle with all ages.
Although they are not aggressive, they need to be socialized and trained well. Silver Labs are not a danger to your children. They can be very hyper and could endanger a grandparent or baby.
Because of their stubborn nature, it is possible for one person to care for them. However, the whole family may need to help. A Silver Lab (or any Lab) may not be the right choice if your family is more interested in relaxing than being active.
They are not good guard dogs and can bark if they see trouble. They prefer to get along with strangers than challenge them.
This is useful for kids who have friends over. However, it is not so helpful when thieves in ski masks climb out of the window with all your jewelry.
Can this breed get along with other pets?
Silver Labs don’t have a tendency to be aggressive around other animals. They are very friendly with other dogs and can be trained to control their prey drive. Small pets like cats and dogs should also be protected.
They aren’t friendly with other pets, but they will not attack them. Lab dogs can become self-absorbed and will often abandon their pets in favor of chasing a ball, or a stick.
They won’t accept being forced to form friendships. Don’t force them to spend every waking hour with another animal. You can just keep an eye on the situation and allow the friendship to develop naturally.
Sometimes this means peacefully coexisting within the same home, but other times it can lead to lifelong friendships. This is more likely when the animals are young. However, older Labs can form new friendships.
How to Own a Silver Lab
You might believe you know all there is about labs, considering they are so common. There are many things you need to know before purchasing a Lab. We cover the most important concerns in the following space.
Food & Diet Requirements
Silver Labs require the same diet as garden-variety Labs. This means that they need plenty of high-quality kibble for their active lives.
This usually means that the food is high in protein which provides energy for a long time. Carbohydrate-rich foods provide shorter, more intense bursts and can lead to weight gain over the long term.
You want kibble made from real ingredients, such as lean meats, high-quality fruits, vegetables, and foods that you can recognize and pronounce. Avoid animal by-products like wheat, corn, soy, and other grains.
Silver Labs should not be allowed to eat free-feed. Instead, give them two meals per day. These dogs can be very active and may become obese. It is important to control their weight to prevent health problems later.
It should also be noted that Labs are able to eat anything with a cast-iron stomach. You should be aware that Labs can and will eat anything that looks edible.
Exercise
Silver Labs are some of the most energetic dogs in the world. They have an endless appetite for play and are one of the most playful dogs around. These dogs are happy to play fetch all day without any complaints. You’ll need to restrain them from being too energetic, as exercise-induced collapse can be a serious problem with this breed.
While you don’t need to do it every day, you should get at least an hour of exercise each day. Do not be afraid to push them — they love strenuous exercise.
Their intelligence is amazing, so it’s important that you tax their brains as well as their bodies. Silver Labs can be trained to perform agility, but they can also learn any other skill you wish. They are also natural hunting dogs.
Silver Labs can be destructive and can be a good breed, but they are not always well-behaved.
You should arrange for a dog walker or doggy daycare to walk your dogs if you aren’t able to exercise them on a particular day.
Training
Silver Labradors are just like all Labradors. They love to learn and take to it like a fish to water. Teaching them is easy because they love learning and are eager to please.
However, this doesn’t mean you should not take it seriously. Dogs are still dogs and require obedience training and socialization. This is the best way to stop any behavior problems from becoming serious.
They are such people-pleasers that they respond well to positive reinforcement. Reward them for doing what you want. You don’t have to give them treats, but they will appreciate a few words of praise or a head scratch.
It is counterproductive to yell at them or discipline them in any other way. You can ignore undesirable behavior and reward for positive actions. This will allow you to convince your Silver Lab to do almost anything.
Grooming
Labradors were originally bred to be water dogs and have thick double coats. Although this can be a great advantage when hunting ducks and going swimming, it can also make it difficult to keep shedding under control.
These dogs will need to be brushed several times per week, and perhaps even daily during spring and autumn when their shedding is most severe. A good idea is to invest in a brush and a vacuum for this task.
These dogs are easy to care for. To prevent infection, they will need to have their teeth cleaned and their nails trimmed at least once a month.
Health Conditions
The Labrador is an extremely healthy breed. They are not susceptible to alopecia due to the Silver Lab’s recessive genetics. If you are considering adopting one of these dogs, you need to be aware of certain conditions.
Minor Conditions
- Entropion
- Hypothyroidism
- Cataracts
- Retinal dysplasia
- Alopecia
Severe Conditions
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Osteochondritis dissecans
- Exercise-induced collapse
- Diabetes
- Muscular dystrophy
Male vs Female
Although Silver Labs are very similar in many ways, there are some key differences worth noting.
Males are generally a little larger, but not significantly so. This is not a rule that will be followed, so don’t assume you won’t have a large dog one day because you adopted a male puppy.
Males are more outgoing and affectionate than females. Although females can be just as loving and affectionate as their male counterparts it might take them a while to get to know you. Also, the ladies are more independent.
Although neither sex is inclined to act aggressively, it can happen. Males are more possessive than females and may become aggressive if they feel their food, toys or people are being taken away. Females can compete with each other and it is not a good idea for them to have more than one unspayed female around.
Spaying and neutering your Silver Lab can help with aggression, moodiness and other behavioral problems. It is best to do it as soon as possible.
Last Thoughts
A Silver Lab is an All-American dog that has a distinct twist. They are identical to any Labrador pup, but they have a distinctive and eye-catching coat that makes them stand out from the rest.
It won’t be an easy task to find one, so you will likely need to spend a lot of money. They will be your best friend, loyal, and loving companions.