The three official colors
The AKC recognizes three Labrador colors: black, yellow and chocolate. Every Lab, whatever its shade, falls into one of those groups.
- Black: a solid, glossy black coat. Black is genetically dominant, so it's common.
- Yellow: ranges from nearly white cream to deep fox red. All of these shades are registered as yellow.
- Chocolate: a rich brown, from milk chocolate to dark liver.
Shades within yellow
Yellow Labs come in a wide range of shades:
- Cream or white: very pale yellow, often seen in English lines.
- Classic yellow: the golden shade most people picture.
- Fox red: a deep, rich red. Still registered as yellow.
Our current puppies include several yellows, from pale cream to warmer gold. You can see them on our available puppies page.
What about champagne?
Champagne is a diluted yellow, a soft, pale shade with a slightly silvery or lighter look. It comes from a dilute gene that some Labs carry. Some of our pairings, including Bailey's, are expected to be able to produce champagne alongside chocolate and black.
How Lab color genetics work
Labrador color is controlled mainly by two genes.
The B gene decides black or chocolate pigment:
- B (black) is dominant over b (chocolate).
- A dog needs two copies of b to be chocolate.
The E gene decides whether that pigment shows in the coat:
- E allows black or chocolate to show.
- A dog with two copies of e is yellow, no matter what its B genes are.
That's why two yellow parents can only produce yellow puppies, but two black parents can surprise you with yellow or chocolate if both carry the hidden genes.
A third gene, the D gene, controls dilution. Two copies of the dilute version can soften chocolate, black or yellow into lighter shades, including champagne.
Why genetic testing helps with color
Genetic panels reveal which color genes each dog carries. That lets us tell you what colors a pairing can realistically produce before the puppies are born. For example, Mila carries chocolate and black. When we list a litter, we'll share what colors we expect.
Our guide to Labrador health testing explains the panels we use.
Nose and eye color
Pigment shows up in more than the coat:
- Black Labs have black noses and dark eyes.
- Chocolate Labs have brown noses and brown to hazel eyes.
- Yellow Labs can have black or brown noses, depending on their B genes.
Some yellow Labs' noses fade to a lighter pink-brown in winter, often called "snow nose." It's normal and harmless.
Does color affect temperament or health?
No reliable evidence shows that coat color changes a Lab's personality. You'll hear stories about "crazy chocolates" or "calm yellows," but temperament comes from genetics, upbringing and training, not color.
Health isn't tied to color either. What matters is that the parents are health tested.
Does color affect price?
Our puppy prices are set by the pedigree of the pairing, not the color of the individual puppy. Prices run $3,500 to $5,500. See our pricing page for details.
Will my puppy's color change?
Coats often shift a little as puppies grow. Yellow puppies can darken or lighten, and ears are often a shade darker than the body. Chocolate puppies may lighten slightly. By adulthood, you'll know your dog's true shade.
What about silver, charcoal or white?
Silver and charcoal Labs are dilute chocolate and dilute black, respectively. They're registered under the standard colors. "White" Labs are very pale yellows. Be cautious of anyone charging a big premium for a "rare" color. Rare isn't the same as better.
Caring for each coat color
All Lab colors need the same basic care: weekly brushing, more during shedding season, and a bath only when they need one. That said, each color has its quirks. Yellow and cream coats show dirt and tear stains more easily, so a damp cloth around the eyes helps. Black coats show lint and pale hair, and can fade slightly in strong summer sun. Chocolate coats may lighten a little with sun exposure too. A good diet and regular brushing keep every color glossy.
Choosing by color
It's fine to have a favorite. We just encourage families to stay a little flexible. The best match for your family might be a different color than you imagined. Most families tell us that once they meet the puppies, personality wins.
Tell us your preference when you reach out and we'll let you know which litters are likely to produce it.
Find your puppy
Want to know what colors a litter is expected to have? Call or text (919) 899-8917, check our available puppies, or meet the moms on our Our Dogs page. You can also read about English vs. American Labs.