Labrador Retriever Colors

Labrador Retrievers come in three officially recognized colors: black, yellow and chocolate. Although the shades can vary, every Labrador belongs to the same breed and should display the same friendly temperament, athletic build and distinctive short, dense coat.

Black Labradors

Black Labradors have a solid black coat. Their color should be rich and even, without tan or brindle markings.

Black was the predominant color during the Labrador Retriever’s early development and remains a traditional choice for family companions, hunting dogs, service dogs and working retrievers.

Yellow Labradors

Yellow Labradors have the greatest variation in shade. Their coats may range from very light cream to deep fox red. Some yellow Labs may also have slightly darker coloring around the ears, back or tail.

Names such as white Labrador, English cream Labrador and fox-red Labrador are commonly used by breeders and owners, but these are not separate official colors.

A “white Lab” is generally a very pale yellow Labrador. A fox-red Lab is a darker shade of yellow. Both are registered and classified as yellow.

Chocolate Labradors

Chocolate Labradors can range from medium brown to a deep, rich chocolate shade. The coat should be solid, without tan or brindle markings.

Chocolate coloring is recessive, meaning a puppy must inherit the necessary brown-color gene from both parents to have a chocolate coat. A black or yellow Labrador can carry the chocolate gene without appearing chocolate itself.

Can One Litter Have Different-Colored Puppies?

Yes. A Labrador may carry genes for colors that are not visible in its own coat.

Depending on the genetic makeup of the parents, a single litter may contain black, yellow and chocolate puppies. Responsible breeders may use pedigrees and DNA testing to understand which colors a pairing could produce.

Are White Markings Allowed?

The Labrador Retriever breed standard allows a small white spot on the chest, although it is not considered desirable in the show ring.

Large white areas, tan markings, brindle patterns or combinations of colors do not meet the official Labrador Retriever breed standard. Any color other than black, yellow or chocolate is considered a disqualification under the standard.