[happydog]

What is everyone's take on these "silver" colored Labs? Think they're just a variation in color from the traditional chocolate or black colored Labs? Think it's an actual mutation of the color gene? Think it's an indication of impurity in the bloodlines (i.e. possible crossing with Weimaraners, as I saw suggested somewhere)? I'm curious of everyone's opinion. I haven't completely formed my opinion, but I'll weigh in as the thread progresses...I'm looking forward to a good discussion here!

[Patt]

Wow from white Dobermans to silver Labs. Interesting. I don't know much about it, possibly other members will. I just checked the standard and the Labrador Retriever coat colors are black, yellow and chocolate. Any other color or a combination of colors is a disqualification. Possibly breeders trying to make a buck on a "rare" color for Labs, which of course is not true. They say silver labs are registered as chocolate.

[happydog]

Originally Posted by Patt

Wow from white Dobermans to silver Labs. Interesting. I don't know much about it, possibly other members will. I just checked the standard and the Labrador Retriever coat colors are black, yellow and chocolate. Any other color or a combination of colors is a disqualification. Possibly breeders trying to make a buck on a "rare" color for Labs, which of course is not true. They say silver labs are registered as chocolate.

Yep, that's what I saw. They're registerable as Chocolate under the AKC at the moment but some people proclaim them to be "rare" or special, as you mentioned. This reminds me of the big debate about black cattle. Many breeds that have "gone black" now, have become that color due to crossing with Angus in their lines. I'm beginning to believe that this color change mirrors a similar occurrence...meaning there was possibly some breed crossing in some of the Labrador lines.

Oh and haha, I hadn't seen that "White Dobermans" post until after I'd posted this topic. Although to my understanding, White Dobermans are the product of albinism and this Silvering is due to color genetics.

[TeddieXRuxpin]

I'm sorry but I see nothing right about the "silver" lab. They're not recognized and putting them under "chocolate" is just wrong; seeing as they're far from it. Until I see a lab give birth first hand to a silver lab, I still stand firm.

[Dogstar]

Here's the thing. There are TONS of responsible lab breeders out there- who produce all sorts of mismarks. They DO happen. However? I can't find one that has ever had or knows anyone reputable who has had a silver pop up in a litter. To me, that says they're almost certainly NOT purebred.

[Motebi]

Why is it, that people are so crazy about all kinds of color mutations ? A silver lab is probably a lab with some Weimaraner back in the lineage. *oops* Look at the color palette the dachshunds come in these days ! It's disgusting !

[Shalva]

Originally Posted by Motebi

Why is it, that people are so crazy about all kinds of color mutations ? A silver lab is probably a lab with some Weimaraner back in the lineage. *oops* Look at the color palette the dachshunds come in these days ! It's disgusting !

because it makes them feel cool.....

my understanding is that silver labs are not mixes.... they are registered as chocolate.... just a dilute of chocolate.... they are not registerable as silver and the labrador community is up in arms about it. It falls into the same category as any other "RARE" but not registerable color.... a sure sign of a not responsible breeder.
s

[wvasko]

A shorter version of my white dobe reply, aaaGGGHHH!!!

[Dieselsmama]

This is a direct quote from the Labrador Retriever Club of America

"silver LABRADORS

There is no genetic basis for the silver gene in Labradors. The silver color is a disqualification under the Standard for the breed. The LRC does not recognize, accept or condone the sale or advertising of any Labrador as a silver Labrador. The Club opposes the practice of registering silver as chocolate. "

[Motebi]

Thanks for clarifying this ! And thank God for small favors !!

[Dana1384]

personally I think it is just someone trying to make a buck, and they are not a true color, and I don't agree that it should be promoted.

[emily445455]

I'm confused, what's wrong with a silver lab?

[wvasko]

Originally Posted by emily445455

I'm confused, what's wrong with a silver lab?

Somebody explain to her, be kind she is a new member.

[Laurelin]

Another Aggie! Now we have 3...

I'm class of 09 though, so you have to be nice to me. No pulling out!

Okay now that I've covered that topic, I don't think based on what I've read that they can be purebred. regardless though, they are an unacceptable color and thus shouldn't be promoted as a 'rare' color worth a lot of money.

One thing I've noticed in many breeds is that breeders advertising a lot based on color alone are just not good breeders.

[wvasko]

Originally Posted by Laurelin

Another Aggie! Now we have 3...

I'm class of 09 though, so you have to be nice to me. No pulling out!

Okay now that I've covered that topic, I don't think based on what I've read that they can be purebred. regardless though, they are an unacceptable color and thus shouldn't be promoted as a 'rare' color worth a lot of money.

One thing I've noticed in many breeds is that breeders advertising a lot based on color alone are just not good breeders.

Well said, short, easy to understand and kind to a forum newbie

[DobManiac]

Originally Posted by Laurelin

Another Aggie! Now we have 3...

I'm class of 09 though, so you have to be nice to me. No pulling out!

Okay now that I've covered that topic, I don't think based on what I've read that they can be purebred. regardless though, they are an unacceptable color and thus shouldn't be promoted as a 'rare' color worth a lot of money.

One thing I've noticed in many breeds is that breeders advertising a lot based on color alone are just not good breeders.

I also see them advertised as white, which is basically just a watered down yellow.

I don't know if I buy the mixed agruement. Weims and labs have completely different body structures and coats. That would have to be some serious breeding in order to turn the dogs back into something that resembled a lab. I would think that the customers would notice that at least the coat isn't correct. But then agian I tend to give the average homo sapian too much credit.

If it's got papers i'll take it.

[wvasko]

And the only dog I know that can read is Oinest and he does not have papers

[Laurelin]

I don't know if they ALL are mixed, but quite possibly many are. I see lots that have weim looking features to me.

http://image51.webshots.com/51/9/79/...6HMVATr_fs.jpg

Or merle cocker spaniels... those have to be mixed imo, but they look like cocker spaniels, don't they? Merle is dominant and really cannot just 'show up' unless you had a really long line of cryptics- which is pretty impossible.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images12...keSandy015.JPG

Reminds me of the merle chihuahua debate, the merle pom debate and so forth.

[emily445455]

Originally Posted by wvasko

Somebody explain to her, be kind she is a new member.

Lol, yes, and know nothing of dogs, breeding, colours, etc.

[applesmom]

Here's some interesting reading on the subject. While there have been a few rare diluted (silver) labs born; IMO the silver labs being promoted now are lab, weimie crosses.

http://www.geocities.com/silverlabs1/faqs.html

http://www.geocities.com/silverlabs1/