Silver Labrador or Mystery Dog? See How His Owner Turns It into a Viral Joke
People are naturally curious about rare or uncommon dog breeds, often leaving their owners to field endless questions about their pet’s background. A viral TikTok video posted by @reignandkobe hilariously captures this experience through the eyes of a silver Labrador Retriever’s owner, who faces frequent inquiries about their dog’s breed.
Kobe is a silver Labrador male dog whose pet parent always gets questions from people asking about the dog’s breed, because of his unusual coat color that is generally not found among Labradors. Many people are not aware of Silver Labs, so it is not surprising that Kobe’s parents always have to explain what kind of dog they have.
Interestingly, they’ve come up with a clever response: they simply say he’s a “purebred good boy.” They attempt to defy the importance given to the dog’s breed and focus on his temperament and good-natured personality instead. (watch the TikTok below)
@reignandkobe Yes, he’s such a good boy! #kobebear #reignandkobe #silverlabs #silverlabsoftiktok #dogsoftiktok #fyp #dogfyp ♬ Purebred Goodboy – Phronesis
The video has garnered 1000 likes and many users have shown their appreciation for the Silver Lab in the comments section. A user, M’Lynn, says, “I have a female silver lab. She is the goodest girl!” Additionally, another user, Shadow, wrote, “What a handsome young man.”
Meet 4 Gorgeous Silver Labs From Instagram – Pictures of Silver Labs
1. Maeve
2. Luna
3. Blue
4. Winston
History Of Silver Labrador Dogs – Are They Purebred?
According to World Animal Foundation, the origins of the Labrador Retriever breed date back to the 1800s in Newfoundland, Canada. Initially developed to assist local fishermen, these versatile dogs were later introduced to Britain by European settlers through trade ships traveling between Canada and the port city of Poole.
The Silver Lab, a relatively modern variation, has a less-documented history compared to other retriever breeds. The exact origin of the Silver Lab is unclear, with conflicting reports suggesting they first emerged either in 1917 or the 1950s.
Initially, the Kennel Club and traditional Labrador breeders did not recognize Silver Labs as purebred Labradors, instead believing them to be a crossbreed between Chocolate Labs and Weimaraners.
A veterinarian, Frances O Smith asserts, “It is the opinion of the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc., the AKC (American Kennel Club) parent club for the breed, that a silver Labrador is not a purebred Labrador retriever.”
In recent years, a small number of breeders have marketed and sold dogs as purebred Labrador Retrievers with a unique dilute or gray coat color, coined “Silver Labs.” Notably, the AKC has registered some of these Silver Labs. The AKC’s justification for this decision appears to be that the silver coat color is merely a variation of the chocolate coat color.
Dr. Smith notes, “Although we cannot conclusively prove that the silver Labrador is a product of crossbreeding the Weimaraner to a Labrador, there is good evidence in scientific literature indicating that the Labrador has never been identified as carrying the dilute gene dd.” The Weimaraner stands out as the sole breed where the “dd” genotype is a breed-wide characteristic.
Labrador Training HQ reports that US Silver Labs are classified as Chocolate Labs for registration purposes, whereas European registries acknowledge Silver Labs with a “non-recognized” designation.
Silver Labrador Size, Physical Characteristics, and Temperament
As per The Labrador Site, Silver Labs make excellent family companions, thriving in active households with plenty of outdoor activities. However, a young Silver Lab puppy can be boisterous and excitable, making them less suitable for families with toddlers or individuals with mobility issues. An older, calmer rescue Lab, on the other hand, can be an ideal companion for younger children.
Life Expectancy
Silver Labradors typically live between 10-14 years, depending on factors like health issues, environment, and genetics.
Temperament
As highly sociable dogs, Labradors – including Silvers – adore human company. They flourish in families where someone is home for most of the day. Their friendly nature makes them perfect for families seeking a loyal companion.
Appearance
Silver Labs boast a truly unique and striking appearance, thanks to their distinctive silverish-gray coat. This captivating color leaves a lasting impression on anyone who lays eyes on them.
Beyond their coat, Silver Labs’ facial features are equally endearing. Their eyes shine bright with a beautiful yellow hue, accentuated by small, expressive black pupils. Meanwhile, silver lab puppies tend to have blue eyes. Their long, floppy ears rest flat against their head, adding to their charming demeanor.
A Silver Lab’s nose is always on the move, sniffing out their next snack or adventure, and is typically brown in color. But it’s not just their physical attributes that make them special – these rare gray Labradors possess an irresistible charm that continues to win hearts.
Their sturdy build and broad skulls make Silver Labs an attractive companion for many owners. And then there’s their iconic tail – strong and unstoppable, wagging non-stop whenever they greet you. It’s a surefire sign that you’re welcomed and loved, and a hallmark of their enthusiastic and affectionate nature.
Grooming Considerations
Keep in mind that Silver Labs, like all Labradors, shed heavily at times. If maintaining pristine carpets and soft furnishings is a priority, a Silver Lab might not be the best fit. To minimize shedding, you should brush them daily.
Size and Growth Expectations
As a variation of Chocolate Labs, full-grown Silver Labs follow the same size range:
- Males: up to 24.5 inches tall, weighing around 70 lbs
- Females: up to 23.5 inches tall, weighing around 60 lbs
Individuals may vary by a couple of inches or 20 lbs on either side of these averages.
Note that silver Labs bred in America can be slimmer, taller, and lighter as opposed to silver English Labrador Retrievers, who are stockier and heavier. The reason for this is that American Labradors are bred for hunting whereas in England, they are bred for being house pets and dog shows.
Health Issues of Silver Labs
Like all breeds, Silver Labradors can face various health complications. A Reddit user, u/DefinitelyNotAliens, mentions, “Sometimes coat color and other health issues are linked. It’s irresponsible to breed dogs for color without regard to health and temperament. Other times, people just advertising coat color are the breeders who don’t care about health and it’s just a red flag for future issues.”
Here are potential health issues to be aware of:
- Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA): A genetically inherited condition causing skin problems, hair loss, itchiness, and scaliness due to a recessive gene. While not severely impacting overall health, CDA requires gentle grooming products and avoidance of harsh brushes.
- Hereditary Myopathy: A genetic disorder causing muscular frailty, leading to symptoms like stunted growth, trouble swallowing, and low exercise tolerance. Unfortunately, most affected silver Labrador Retriever puppies are euthanized due to quality of life concerns.
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: A developmental issue affecting joint mobility, causing pain and difficulty with movement.
- Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC): A recessive autosomal inherited trait causing weakness, shaking, and collapse after intense exercise. Moderate exercise is essential to avoid triggering EIC.
- Ear Infections: Silver Labradors are prone to ear infections due to their Chocolate Labrador heritage. Bacteria, yeast, and allergies can cause discomfort, discharge, and inflammation.
- Overeating: Labrador Retrievers are notorious for excessive eating, potentially leading to obesity, diabetes, and stomach problems. Monitoring food intake and addressing underlying health issues is crucial.
To ensure your Silver Labrador leads a happy and healthy life, it’s crucial to take proactive steps. Start by consulting a reputable breeder to minimize the risk of inherited health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups are also essential for early detection and effective management of potential health concerns. Additionally, maintaining a balanced lifestyle that includes moderate exercise and a nutritious diet will go a long way in promoting your Silver Labrador’s overall well-being.
Where To Find Silver Lab Puppies For Sale?
As per the World Animal Foundation, Labrador puppy prices from reputable breeders differ significantly by coat color. While pure chocolate, yellow, and black Labs usually fall within the $500-$1,000 range, Silver Labs for sale can cost substantially more, ranging from $800 to $1,500.
You can choose reputable breeders producing silver Lab puppies through ethical breeding practices.
However, it’s always better to adopt a Labrador instead of purchasing one. You can reach out to your local shelter or a rescue organization such as Lab Rescue LRCP to take home a silver Labrador Retriever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Silver Labs Have Skin Issues?
Yes, Silver Labs can be prone to skin issues due to their unique coat color. One of them is color dilution alopecia, which usually occurs in these dogs due to the recessive gene. The symptoms of this condition are hair loss and itchy and scaly skin.
What is the difference between charcoal and silver labs?
As per Hoof-N-Paw Labrador Retrievers, the Charcoal Labrador is a diluted version of the Black Labrador, while the Silver Labrador is a diluted version of the Chocolate Labrador.
Is a silver lab a Weimaraner?
There is no conclusive evidence indicating that a Silver Labrador is a dog mixed with Weimaraner. Also, the AKC doesn’t classify them as purebred either.
Do silver labs shed bad?
Silver Labs, like other Labradors and double-coated dog breeds, shed a lot. It is important for dog owners to brush them every day in order to manage shedding.
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