You might have seen them at shows or at the park. Or maybe you just love looking at adorable pictures of beautiful pups online. White Labradors can be very distinctive and attractive.
Continue reading to find out everything you need about these amazing dogs, and why they make great family pets or show dogs.
Although he did display some characteristics that were unique to the Labs I have raised over the years I wouldn’t consider them unusual for Labrador Retrievers, they are still the norm. This post will be more detailed about my experience with Archer.
Different Types Of White Labradors
White Labradors, on the most basic level, are Labradors with a white or nearly white coat. Their coat can take on unusual pigments for Labradors for many reasons.
Yellow Labradors
White Labradors are Yellow Labradors that have a very pale coat. They are just like all Labradors, but their coats are almost whiter than the rest.
They will have the same nose and eyes, whether they are black or brown, as Labs. They will face the same health hazards as other Labs, but they won’t be exposed to any additional risks due to their color coat.
There are many colors available for yellow labradors, including fox red, golden, cream, and white. White is another variation of the spectrum.
Breeders who specialize in White Labrador dogs have for many decades been expanding the color palette of Yellow Labradors to increase their market share.
Because of their breeding history, white Labradors are more likely than American Labradors to be English Labradors. They will have a stockier and more rounded appearance than the English Lab.
Albino Labradors
Some White Labradors, unlike Yellow Labradors with white coats, are not affected by albinism. This genetic condition is common in all animals, but it’s rare in dogs. It affects only one in every 20,000.
Albinism is caused by a mutation in a gene that reduces the animal’s ability to absorb color pigmentation. This results in a pooch with extremely pale skin and white hair.
Because they lack pigment in the eyes and nose, they are often easily distinguished from yellow labs that are white. They can be either a distinct red or a blue color.
Lack of pigmentation can lead to health problems in Albino Labradors. They are susceptible to sunburn, which can lead to skin cancer and tumors.
They are very sensitive to sunlight and can easily get damaged. Many are born blind, or have eye deformities.
Leucistic White Labrador
Leucistic White Labradors differ from Albino Labradors or yellow-colored Yellow Labradors. Leucistic, which is different from albinos, means “low pigment.” This means that the cells responsible for producing pigment are prevented from moving to the area where it is needed.
It can cause severe skin problems in the dog, such as vitiligo, which affects some parts of the skin. These pups can be hard to tell apart from albino dogs. However, they will still have normal eyes.
Labradors are also very rare in this condition since it is a recessive trait.
This can lead to similar health problems as areas without pigmented skin can be easily damaged by sunlight. They are not as at risk as the eyes.
Silver Labrador
Also, white Labradors shouldn’t be confused with Silver Labradors. This is due to the diluting of darker pigments in black and brown dogs.
Silver Labradors are controversial, as they aren’t only valued but accepted at shows, unlike White Labradors.
They are not allowed to be registered with Kennel Club as Chocolate Labradors.
These Chocolate Labradors have a silver coat just like Yellow Labradors. They are all Labradors and do not display any personality or health issues.
Adopting A White Labrador
Labradors have only three official colors: Black, Chocolate, or Yellow. Yellow is the most popular, while Chocolate and Yellow are about half as frequent as Black.
This, combined with the fact that White Labradors can be difficult to find among Yellow Labradors is a reason why they are so rare.
A White Labrador breeder will be able to help you find one.
It is best to avoid working with breeders who are solely or primarily concerned about color. Health and temperament are more important than color in dogs.
English Labradors have a higher population of White Labradors than American Labradors. It may be worthwhile speaking with an English Lab breeder.
Keep in mind that English Labs are different. They tend to look larger and wider in the chest and face.
They have different personalities. They are more playful and silly but they have less energy. They are very popular on the show circuit and make great family pets.
It is difficult to predict if a Labrador will become a White Lab as a puppy. Many Yellow Labradors have a very pale coat that gets darker with age.
Sun exposure can cause yellowing of parts of a White Labrador’s hair, particularly at the ends of the ears.
A Labrador puppy can run between $300 and $3,000. It all depends on where you live and the details of its breeder.
White Labs shouldn’t be more expensive than other Labs in the litter. However, this is up to the discretion of breeders.
While a yellow labrador may be what you are looking for, it is not recommended to search out an Albino Lab, or Leucistic Lab, because of their health conditions. There are Albino Labs that require loving homes and can be adopted.
American Or English Labrador?
As seeking out a White Labrador probably means choosing between being anregistered as Labrador Retrievers under the Kennel Club.
Nevertheless, there are key differences that you should be aware of.
American Labs can grow a little taller than English Labs, which range from 21.5 to 24 inches. However, English Labs begin at 21.5 inches. They rarely grow higher than 22.5 inches.
The American Labs have longer legs than the English Labs, which results in a height difference. American Labs weigh 70 to 100 pounds more than their English siblings, while English Labs range from 60 to 85 pounds.
They also have different appearances. English Labs are heavier and more robust, with a larger chest. English Labs have a larger head, a longer muzzle, and a more full-featured face. Their necks are thicker and their coats shed more.
American Labs are more energetic than English Labs. This means that it is necessary to control American Labs with a firmer hand. They are best suited for working dogs and require a family that is active when they arrive at their new home.
English Labs are calmer and more relaxed than other breeds, making them more adaptable as family dogs and easier to train for shows. They are still able to work and are a great choice for guide dogs, as they are loyal but not too demanding.
OUR EXPERIENCE – Archer, our white Labrador was very different from the other Labs that we had raised. Although he was American Lab-like in appearance, his breeder claimed that he had both American ancestry and English. Although his energy level was similar to an American Lab’s, his playful temperament was more like an English Lab. He was not a very Labrador Retriever-like dog.
FAQs About White Labradors
Are White Labradors Rare?
White Labradors can be found in very few cases. Albinism in dogs is very rare, only one in 20,000 cases. It is also uncommon to find white Labradors who are yellow Labradors. White Labradors have the most extreme color range, so it is important that both parents are able to pass on the genes for this very light color.
What size are white Labradors?
The exact size of your Labrador depends on many factors, but not just color. To make an informed decision about your Labrador’s future size, consider the size of their parents.
If your White Labrador White Labrador is an American Labrador you can expect them to a weight of between 70 and 100 lbs. While English Labradors look larger, they are lighter and weigh between 60-85 pounds. They are also smaller than their American siblings.
How Long To White Labradors Live?
A healthy White Labrador will live for 12 years, which is the same as most Labrador Retrievers. Albino White Labradors will live a shorter life expectancy because they are more likely to get skin cancer or tumors.
Are White Labradors Purebred?
Yes, White Labradors can be registered with the Kennel Association and Yellow Labrador Retrievers for shows and registration.
Do White Labradors Shed?
Yes. Labradors tend to shed a lot. Their double coat means that they can shed a lot. This can make it difficult in the spring and fall shedding seasons. Yes, you will find beautiful white hairs everywhere in your home.
OUR EXPERIENCE Archer shed more than any other Lab, Lab, or other dog we had in our home.
Do White Labradors Turn Yellow?
Sun exposure can cause some of the hairs of White Labradors to turn yellow, particularly around the tips of their ears. Many Yellow Labradors will appear white at birth, but their hair will begin to darken in the first few months. It is impossible to predict if a Labrador’s hair will turn white in the first few months.
Last Thoughts
White Labradors are Yellow Labradors that have been specifically bred with very pale fur. Although this is more common in English Labs than American Labs they are still a natural phenomenon.
They share the same amazing traits as Labradors. They are intelligent and friendly, making them great family dogs, show dogs, or working dogs.
These White Labs are not to be confused with Albino Labs and Leucistic Labs. They are rare genetic dogs that lack pigment in the skin. Sun exposure can cause serious health problems in these dogs. There are many dogs of this breed that require a loving home. However, it is not as easy as adopting a White Labrador. They require special attention and care.