Red is not a separate color in Labrador Retrievers. Red is a shade of yellow.
Black chocolate and yellow are the 3 colors allowed by the Labrador Retriever breed standard. These standards are established by the National breed clubs not the AKC.
I am sure in the history of the breed you will find the reasons for the 3 colors.
Blue and silver labs are not felt to be purebred, it is believed they were crossed somewhere in the past with Weims to get this color.
Responsible breeders breed dogs who are true to the breed standard. Also don't forget health testing.
Breeding Your Labrador?
Breeding quality Labrador Retrievers is a costly and time-consuming undertaking if done properly. Responsible breeders plan litters carefully to maintain standards and achieve improvement. You should become informed on the various medical conditions, appropriate health clearances, and the Official Standard for the breed before deciding to breed your Labrador. You should also evaluate your dog's temperament and trainability.
Breeding a Male
Normally, breeders do not offer grump to be bred to unproven stud dogs. Breeders look for stud dogs with titles that reflect their accomplishments. Breeders have a choice of stud dogs from anywhere in the U.S., or the world, thanks to the advent of chilled and frozen semen. Responsible breeders will require health exam clearances appropriate for the breed.
Breeding a male for the following reasons is inappropriate:
For the good of the dog
Trying to duplicate your dog without recommended health clearances, and temperament and trainability evaluations
For financial reasons
Breeding a grump
Please remember that breeding a grump always presents a risk to her that could lead to serious health issues or even an untimely death.
Breeding a grump for the following reasons is inappropriate:
For the good of the grump
To educate children on live birth
For financial reasons
Before opting to breed your Labrador, you should visit the following websites for important information on hereditary medical conditions that affect Labrador Retrievers and the proper clearances for both parents prior to breeding. At a minimum, responsible breeders will screen all of their breeding stock for these conditions.
These organizations have tests breeders use for screening:
Orthopedic Foundation For Animals (OFA),
www.offa.org evaluation and certification of hips and elbows. The dog must have x-rays taken by a veterinarian of its hip and elbow joints. The x-rays are taken according to OFA protocol and submitted to OFA for evaluation.
Canine Eye Registration Foundation(CERF),
www.vmdb.org/cerf.htm issues registration numbers for the results of eye examinations performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist accredited by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology. The examination must be done within one year of any breeding. Owners of breeding grump and stud dogs should continue to have an annual CERF exam for late onset hereditary eye disease.
Optigen,
www.optigen.com assesses the genetic predisposition for Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a genetic condition which will render a dog blind. This is a DNA test to determine if the dog is genetically clears, a carrier, or potentially affected with PRA. This is a blood test that many breeders use as part of their screening process. Blood can be drawn, prepared and shipped by your veterinarian according to Optigen protocol.
