We know that if a Labrador has BB or Bb at the black/brown locus then black is dominant and the dog is black. Other loci like the ‘A’(agouti) always have present the allele for solid coat colour and this is never changed within the breed – ie every Labrador carries the same allele (the gene with that particular expression). Genes at other loci like ‘C’ for albino, ‘D’ for blue dilution, ‘T’ for ticking and ‘M’ for merle are always turned off. In the Labrador Retriever the loci that dictate colour are the ‘B’(the brown/black series) and ‘E’(the extension series) loci. The same genes are all present in every dog however only certain ones get “turned on” like a switch and others are off depending on what breed we are looking at. The effect on coat colour is to influence the production and distribution of black/brown pigment (eumelanin) or red/yellow pigment (phaeomelanin) The generally recognised loci which control colour in dogs are called ‘A’(agouti), ‘B’(brown), ‘C’(albino series), ‘D’(blue dilution), ‘E’ (extension), ‘G’ (graying), ‘M’(merle), ‘R’(roaning), ‘S’ (white spotting) and ‘T’(ticking.) There may be more as yet unrecognised colour gene series, and in a given breed modifying factors may drastically affect the actual appearance.Įach gene influences the production of a protein. Genes sit at a locus (a location on a chromosome – plural loci) and the genes themselves can be expressed in different forms (called alleles) at the same locus.
There are many genes are involved in canine coat colour. Good responsible breeders select for good structure, working ability, good movement, temperament, type, proper coat and tail etc etc and the colour is whatever the colour is.īlack Labradors have always been predominant because black is the dominant colour in the breed.Īs a background for those interested in genetics please read below.
This standard is identical to that of UK, Australia, FCI and everywhere else excepting USA where in addition to the above they also state “that any other coat colour is a disqualification”.įor as long as there have been Labrador Retrievers in New Zealand there have been blacks, yellows and chocolates. Yellows range from light cream to red fox. The New Zealand Kennel Club Breed Standard states –Ĭolour – ‘Wholly black, yellow or liver/chocolate.