Fox Red Labrador Retrievers: Facts and Characteristics

The Fox Red Labrador also called the Red Fox Lab, and sometimes known as the Ruby Labrador, is a stunning dog. He is a Labrador Retriever like any other, but with the color of a red fox. Despite being labeled as red in color, he is technically just a deeper shade of the traditional yellow Labrador.

Like any Labrador, he is very active and fun to be around, but at the same time, he is affectionate and gentle with his family, which is why he is considered a great pet. Great family. His coat color will not significantly affect his other appearance, temperament or health concerns.

There isn’t much controversy about the Fox Red Labrador compared to some other colored Labradors such as the Silver Lab. However, there are still some Labrador lovers who don’t think he is a purebred Labrador. Despite his many haters, he has plenty of die-hard fans, and his striking alternative colors are slowly earning him a spot among celebrity pups. So, let’s take a closer look at the breed and learn some facts, history and FAQs about the Fox Red Labrador Retriever.

History

The Labrador Retriever’s journey begins in Newfoundland, Canada. Traditionally, he was a hunting dog, working on the water, collecting his fisherman’s prey, such as ducks and fish. The ancestor of the Labrador, the St. John’s dog so impressed visiting British aristocrats with his work skills that they brought him back to England.

Over the decades, they refined the breed and renamed it the Labrador Retriever we know and love today. Since he first registered them in the United States in 1917, they’ve become a family favorite the world over. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), he is currently the most popular dog breed in the United States. People often ask, “are fox red Labradors purebred dogs” and the answer is yes, they are.

It’s unclear when the breed came into the world. However, they have always been a rare color. For this reason, it is believed that because he was not one of the traditional colors, the Fox Red cub was not registered and, therefore, an unknown entity, or that they were tragically eliminated once their color became known. The breed recently made international headlines when a fox-red Labrador called Nova became the new first dog in the UK.

Prejudice In The Show Ring

It is important to understand that the Red Fox Lab is simply identified as the Yellow Labrador. A red Labrador of any color does not exist. The AKC Labrador Retriever Breed Standard describes yellow as follows: Yellow ranges in color from fox red to light cream, with varying shades on the dog’s ears, back, and underparts.

This puppy is actually yellow in color. Because of this, he was allowed to appear in the construction ring, commonly known as the display ring. This is a competition based on the overall characteristics of the Labrador breed. Still, like many other dogs of color, Labradors of this color have long had a color bias in the canine world.
Unfortunately, kennel clubs around the world do not recognize Labradors of this color as a color per se. Most observers can tell that his color is quite different from the traditional shade of yellow. Finally, if you want to register your red fox puppy with the AKC, then he must be registered as a yellow labrador.

Second, despite being allowed to participate in exhibition competitions, obedience and performance-related events, many owners and onlookers said he was not thought of very well by the judges of the various competitions. Therefore, it is unlikely that he will win or come close to winning. This is simply because the criteria judges tend to prefer traditional and light colors over Fox Red.

Unfortunately, for these reasons, if displaying your Labrador is an important factor anyway, you should consider getting a more traditional colored Labrador, or accept that your puppy may be at a disadvantage, even if He’s one of the best on the show. If he wins, you know your pup is an outstanding Labrador.

Red Fox Lab Color Genetics Explained

All gene pairs are inherited from parents, one pair from the mother and one pair from the father. Like most gene pairs, they can have major or minor versions, also known as dominant and recessive genes.

The default color of a Labrador is black. A pair of genes called the BB genes are responsible for the color. For example, a black Labrador may have the Bb gene. The little b is responsible for the genetic code needed to produce brown fur instead of black. But since the big B is dominant, and out of the small b, he will be black this time. Boy b only shows his strength when the bb gene appears. When this happens, you will have a chocolate Labrador.

To get a yellow Labrador, you need genes for black and brown coats. These are called e genes. They have EE, Ee and ee. The last pair of ees come together and generate considerable energy, enough to completely block both the large and small b genes. That’s what gave us the yellow Labrador.

In the EE or Ee format, you still have a black or tan Labrador. The Fox Red Labrador is just a yellow variant. The shade of yellow needed to produce red is controlled by a pigment called pheomelanin, which is controlled by two different sets of genes, A and C. Gene A controls the production of red and gene C controls whether red is produced. Presented in complete or diluted form.

These genes don’t cancel each other out like other genes do. They combine to create a variety of shades, from pale yellow to deep red. Red foxes are very rare. This species is called red fox because of their coat color, not because they look like a fox, although some other species resemble wild foxes.

Appearance

This Labrador Retriever color is rare and definitely hard to find. His distinctive colored coat is the only real difference between him and any other colored Labrador. He has been described as darker or darker than the yellow Labrador breed.

It’s also common, as white Labradors are described as yellowish. His color is labeled Fox Red because it is the color of Red Fox. Other retriever breeds have similar colors (e.g. Golden Retrievers), which means that both types of retrievers can have red coats.

Occasionally, they will have slightly darker pink features around their snouts. This would show in his skin pigmentation or the color of his nose, but he would sometimes have the same dark features as his brothers. They are also more likely to have a white spot under the belly than other Labrador colors. It is thought that this is simply because the patches are more visible on their darker skin than their yellow cousins.

Just like any other colored Labrador, a male Red Fox Lab measures 22.5 – 24.5 inches from foot to shoulder and weighs between 65 and 80 pounds. Females are, of course, slightly shorter at 21.5 to 23.5 inches tall and 55 to 70 pounds. They are stout dogs with strong necks and tails as thick as otters. Their facial expressions are also cute, with mischievous eyes in their big round eyes.

In general, red foxes are not usually bred as show dogs due to their unpopularity in competition. It is said that the shooting world keeps the breed alive, while the exhibition world tries to get rid of it. For this reason, English Labradors bred for show purposes are even rarer. The American Labrador is more common and is usually bred for hunting. To learn more about these two Labrador breeds, you can read Difference Between English and American Labrador Retrievers.

If you like colorful coats but don’t care too much about Labradors themselves, it’s interesting to know that they are often mistaken for Vizsla. He has the same facial expression and big ears, the same coat color, but looks more athletic.

He is also often mistaken for a mix of Lab and Rhodesian Ridgeback. Those who believe the colored Labrador is not a purebred Labrador claim he is a cross between a Labrador and a Vizsla. This has caused controversy in the Labrador community. There is no evidence or evidence to support this claim.

Temperament

The Red Fox Lab is similar in temperament to any colored Labrador: “friendly, active, outgoing” is the AKC description for one of the best canine companions. He’s an energetic and fun guy who is sure to keep you on your toes. He will love you and the whole family.

In addition to his playful nature, he is a friendly and gentle canine eager to please humans. Not only will he do just about anything for you, but he’ll also love to snuggle up on the couch once the day’s playtime is over. He’s also great with small animals and toddlers as long as he’s properly socialized like a puppy.

The only difference between a fox red Labrador and a Labrador of any other color is that they may bark slightly. However, breeder Gregg Tonkin commented that this could be due to a smaller gene pool and a once barking ancestor could be responsible for this. In short, this barking tendency is an inherited trait in one family member.

Exercise And Training

Labradors are high energy dogs and require at least 60 minutes of active exercise per day. This should include vigorous exercise to keep him stimulated both physically and mentally. What matters is burning energy. This might include swimming in the local lake, picking up a stick, or participating in a local agility event.

Labradors are very smart little dogs, and Fox Red Lab is certainly no exception. This is one of the main reasons Labradors are the most popular assistance dogs for the blind. They also excel in many other occupations.

However, don’t underestimate his intelligence. He still needs consistent obedience training and a solid owner to ensure he develops into a well-mannered adult. Make sure you have enough toys on hand to keep your dog busy.

Health

The average lifespan of a Red Fox Labrador is 10 to 12 years. All in all, he is a healthy dog ​​and has no major concerns to worry about. His coat color does not affect his health in any way. As a result, he shares the same health problems as any other Labrador.

Regardless of its coat color, any prospective Labrador owner should be aware of the following health issues. His parents should be tested for Hip and Elbow Dysplasia. They should also be tested for exercise-induced cachexia, which is a condition in which he can lose muscle control after a period of strenuous exercise. He should also undergo an Ophthalmologist’s Evaluation, as some diseases, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy, can eventually lead to complete loss of vision.

Could Pet Insurance Help?

If your pet insurance covers inspection fees and your dog needs to be examined, chances are your policy will reimburse those costs based on your policy details. However, if you’re a new customer, vet costs won’t be covered until after the waiting period defined in your policy, so signing up when you have concerns about Current health will not help at this time. Pre-existing conditions are not covered by any current pet insurance plans.

This is why it is a great idea to sign up for a pet insurance policy when your pet is young and relatively healthy to ensure you will be covered when you need it most.

Nutrition

They will eat about 3 cups of food per day. Regardless of color, Labradors are constantly on the lookout for treats. It’s scientifically proven; POMC is a part of dogs’ DNA that tells them they’re full, while Labradors don’t.

This means your Red Lab may be starving all the time. To avoid the obesity and other weight-related health problems they are prone to, it is imperative to control their food consumption and feed them foods appropriate to their breed’s characteristics.

Grooming

Their grooming needs are similar to any other canine. They are considered to be heavier shedders when compared to other breeds. He has a double coat which keeps him warm in the colder months.

Because of this thick double coat, this pup sheds considerably during shedding season. He needs brushing every day to keep his coat manageable during this time. When he is not shedding, his coat requires brushing once or twice a week.

Breeders And Puppy Price

On average, a traditionally colored Labrador Retriever puppy can cost $1,000 or more from a reputable breeder. This color Labrador Retriever is much rarer. As a result, you may end up paying more because the ratio of supply and demand is significantly higher. This breed will cost near the higher end of the scale. He doesn’t cost as high as other alternative colors. However, as it is rarer than the traditional yellow or black ones, it can be a bit more expensive.

Make sure you do your research on reputable breeders first. Many Lab enthusiasts comment that reputable breeders shouldn’t charge extra for rarer colors. However, if he is healthy and you really want this particular color, then paying a higher price is something you should be prepared for.

The AKC lists breeders who have their puppies for sale, ready to buy now or soon to have litters. The Labrador Retriever Club also lists registered breeders by state.

Alternatively, if you want to rescue and adopt a Labrador Retriever, you can also find state-listed rescue groups dedicated solely to Labrador breeding. There are many rescue groups around the United States and if you are sure you want the Red Fox Lab as a pet, you may have to invest a little more time, but it will be well worth it once you find a soul mate. his dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is a better family pet, the Yellow Lab or Fox Red Lab?

No coat color really matters when it comes to a family’s personality. What really matters is whether the Lab is the right breed for you. You should consider why you might like Labrador in the first place. If you’re after a loving family pet, either one should be fine. If you want to display your puppy at registered events, the traditional yellow Labrador is a better choice because of the color stereotypes described above.

Do Fox Red Labrador puppies get darker? Do they stay red?.

Yes and no. Yes, he will always be a variant of red throughout his life. He will not randomly turn into a black Labrador. However, he will look much darker than when he was born. Then over the next few weeks it will become much lighter. Then it will change again in the next few months.

As these dogs grow older, their color will deepen to fox red, sometimes very bold. The best way to determine what color he will be is by looking at his ears. This is the color that most closely resembles his real coat color. When it is 2 to 3 years old, its color will not change.

Is Red Fox Labrador related to Vizsla?.

No, despite claims that this may be true, there is currently no evidence that he is related to Vizsla Hungary. Current evidence indicates that they are purebred Labradors. They are simply a darker shade of the traditional yellow.

Vizsla is similar in appearance to the Labrador Retriever. It’s easy to see why people would think that way when the Vizsla has the same color coat and smaller but similar styling. But in the end, they are not related.

Can Red Fox Labs be registered with the AKC?.

Yes, they can be registered as AKCs. They must be registered as yellow-haired dogs. Your puppy may be at a disadvantage against other dogs with a more pure yellow coat. For other events like agility, there will be no disadvantage.

Where did the Fox Red Labradors come from?.

Little is known about the origin of coat color. We know that when the color first came out, it was scrutinized and that the dogs weren’t purposefully bred. Breeders don’t want the color to continue. Now, breeders have adopted this coloration and these puppies are bred exclusively for their beautiful red coat.

Final Thoughts

The Fox Red Labrador, also known as the Red Fox Lab, Ruby Labrador, or deep yellow Labrador is a lovely pup. They are quite simply a ray of sunshine. He is not much different from the standard color Labradors, except in his coat pigment. This pup, however, is much rarer and more difficult to find. His coat is rich in color and certainly makes a statement in the Labrador world.

So, if you are lucky enough to get your paws on one of these guys, and you do not mind that he is not highly favored in the kennel club world, then you will definitely have a friend for life.