The story behind the Chocolate Labrador

CHOCOLATE LABRADOR RETRIEVERS

INTRO

Labrador Retrievers are well-known to be the most popular breed of dog for dog owners worldwide. Because of their wonderful temperament, Labradors make ideal dogs for families, as well as reliable working dogs. Labradors are used by many rescue organizations, as well as being popular for use by Law Enforcement. Though not extremely aggressive, Chocolate Labrador Retrievers have an excellent sense of smell, and make excellent detection dogs.

CHOCOLATE LABRADOR HISTORY

Even though they were not initially popular in Newfoundland (where Labrador Retrievers were first created), Chocolate Labrador Retrievers were observed in the Labrador Retriever breed once it reached England. Even so, Chocolate Labradors were seen as defects in the Labrador breed, and were suspected to be the result of cross-breeding. As such, early Labrador breeders attempted to eradicate all other color variants besides Black. The entire Labrador Retriever breed was almost forced into extinction by heavy breeding restrictions in England, and came close to vanishing completely. Luckily, the Labrador Retriever breed survived, and eventually came to America.

CHOCOLATE LABRADOR COLOR TRAIT

Though black is the dominant color gene in the Labrador Retriever breed, Chocolate Labradors have been greatly increasing in popularity over recent years. It was first thought that the Chocolate Labrador was the result of a cross-breed between a Black Labrador Retriever and a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, though this was eventually proven to be false.

Chocolate Labrador Retrievers, like Black Labrador Retrievers, have a dominant gene for Black fur coloration. However, Chocolate Labradors also have a double-recessive gene for brown fur coloration, which gives their fur its distinctive color. Silver Labradors, though widely debated, are officially classified by the American Kennel Club as being a variation of Chocolate Labrador as well.

CHOCOLATE LABRADOR TEMPERAMENT

The Chocolate Labrador Retriever's reputation for a favorable temperament is very well-known. Labrador Retrievers have become extremely popular due to their temperament characteristics, which make them both versatile and well-rounded. Labrador Retrievers do not make good guard dogs, due to their gentle nature. However, they can be good “alarm” dogs, and can be trained to bark at any intruders. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers are affectionate, playful and dedicated, being able to form very strong social bonds with their owners.

CHOCOLATE LABRADOR GROOMING

Even though Labradors are in the “moderate” shedding category, Chocolate Labrador Retriever owners may find that their Labrador seems to shed constantly. This can be prevented with regular grooming sessions, either at home or by a professional dog groomer. It's highly recommended that a Labrador Retriever be groomed at least 2-3 times per week.