It actually nullifies the effect of a small e gene.īut little e, which is recessive, can actually mask the Bb genes if both parents pass the small e down. Big E, the dominant e allele, doesn’t interfere with the Bb genes at all. This effect is called epistasis.Įpistasis simply means that genes at two different locations are interacting to affect a single trait – in this case, color. The e genes can actually “switch off” the effects of the B and b genes and cause that yellow color. The yellow color of Labradors is actually determined by another gene, represented by an e.Įe genes give us lots of yummy shades of yellow. A dog with bb genes will be brown.īut things are never that simple! There are e alleles as well. Brown is actually the recessive coat color, with an allele represented by a small b.īig B over-rides little b whenever it occurs So a dog with BB genes or Bb genes will be black. In Labradors, black is the dominant coat color, with its allele (gene variant) represented by a large B. This can be based upon the age of the coat – if a chocolate Lab coat is newly grown, it’ll be darker. However, there are differences in shade – light to dark. Most chocolate Labs are fairly similar in color. Today, though, chocolate Labs are often desired by dog owners, and their future looks bright. Thanks in part to an English chocolate Labrador named Cookridge Tango. But it wasn’t until about the 1960s that brown Labs really became popular. In the 1920s and 1930s, brown, or liver Labradors, started to appear more often. Thanks to their friendly and active nature.īack in the day, brown wasn’t a very desirable color for Labs. Labs became America’s favorite breed in 1991 and continue to be the most popular dog breed in the U.S.A. Labs were recognized by The Kennel Club in England in 1903, followed by the American Kennel Club in 1917. Scottish aristocrats took the Labrador back to the UK, but at this point they were nearly always black The brown coat was at first considered to be a flaw! Chocolate Labs were once called Liver Labsĭid you know that once people decided they quite liked the chocolate Labrador coat, they didn’t call it chocolate? Brown Labs were called Liver Labs until the second half of the twentieth century. Later they became hunting companions and retrieved ducks for their owners. Swimming in freezing water, and retrieving nets and even fish. Labradors worked with fishermen in harsh conditions in Newfoundland. Starting in England, they travelled across the world to Newfoundland. Labrador Retriever history goes back to the early 1800s. This is probably because chocolate Labs are more likely to be from show bred English lines than the slightly more serious but prey drive American or working lines. Breeders, adoption and chocolate Lab puppiesĬhocolate Labs tend to be more excitable and outgoing than their black or yellow Labrador friends.Today we find out what difference their brown coat really makes, and help you to adopt a friendly, healthy, happy chocolate Lab. But of course, chocolate Labs are simply Labrador Retrievers of a specific color. They are good dogs for experienced and new owners, as long as they are happy to get involved with positive reinforcement training. Energetic and lively they do need lots of attention and exercise, but in return they’ll shower you with affection and loyalty. Chocolate Lab puppies are great with kids, sociable, friendly and easy to train. The ultimate family and sporting working dog, chocolate Labradors are a top choice for a lot of puppy buyers. Weighing up to 80lbs and standing about 24 inches high, this clever, confident companion usually lives up to around 12 years old. The chocolate Lab is a friendly, fun-loving and active dog.
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