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Pros and Cons of Owning a Silver Labrador Retriever
What is a Silver Labrador Retriever?
A Silver Labrador Retriever is a specific color variation of the traditional Lab. Silver Labs typically feature a lighter or white-colored nose and light brown eyes. Silver Labs often have some yellow or gold-tinted luster to their coats as well. They can be just as intelligent and capable of working as other colors of the breed. Still, due to their tendency to appear "washed out" against snowy backgrounds, they are not recommended for hunting waterfowl such as ducks and geese.
The American Kennel Club describes Silver Labs as "[having] a coat that is shades of silver throughout [and being] significantly diluted from its color when born." Silver Labs are not simply blonde or lighter-colored black labs; they exhibit specific traits that differentiate them from traditional black labs. Therefore, it can be beneficial to explore some reasons for purchasing a Silver Lab before exploring the drawbacks.
Silver Labs are more visible to prey animals. Silver Labs are genetically diluted, meaning that they have less pigment than the standard black Labrador Retriever. Silver Labs are yellow, not pure white. Because Silver Labs have lighter coats with less pigment, their coat is more reflective of light and glistens in the sun. Silver Labradors also have a different texture to their coat, making them stand out more in dense vegetation. Silver Labs can be better hunters because of their visibility to prey animals. Less camouflage gives Silver Labradors an advantage while hunting because they are easier for prey animals to spot.
Pros of Owning a Silver Labrador Retriever
1.) Silver Labs typically feature a more mild temperament than their darker counterparts. This makes them ideal for owners searching for a family pet that can also double as an effective working dog when necessary.
2.) Silver Labs are almost always genetically predisposed to produce at least some yellow or gold coloration, resulting in pups with lighter coats becoming available every few generations. These lighter-colored dogs often go for much higher prices because of their rarity. If you are looking for a unique dog, consider buying one of these.
3.) Silver Labradors don't typically feature as prominently yellow or gold-tinted noses as Chocolate Labradors do.
4.) Silver Labs are typically more easily distinguishable from standard black Labs. Silver Labs also tend to have lighter eyes than either chocolate or standard black labs, and they often appear to have a white muzzle due to the light pigment of their coats.
Cons of Owning a Silver Labrador Retriever
1.) Silver Labs can develop health issues that may not be present in other colors of Labrador Retrievers, such as cancer and eye disorders related to poor genetic predispositions towards certain pigments, etc. Silver coloration is caused by extreme overexposure to ultraviolet radiation, resulting in skin cancer and an increased likelihood of genetic mutations. Silver Labs can even develop eye issues that result in blindness if their eyes are exposed to sunlight for long periods. Silver Labs also tend to be more sensitive to direct sunlight than black Labrador Retrievers, and precautions should be taken when exposing them to the outdoors without proper protection.
2.) Silver Labs do not appear as natural against snow or ice. Silver Labradors tend to look washed out on white backgrounds, so they are unsuitable for hunting waterfowl such as ducks and geese.
3.) Silver Labradors typically have shorter life expectancies than other colors of Labrador Retriever. This is because some melanin pigment colors (such as yellow) provide beneficial protection against certain types of cancer, whereas silver coloration provides no such protection. Silver Labradors are also prone to developing other health problems that are not related to coloration at all, however, so this should not be a primary consideration when choosing between standard black or chocolate Labrador Retrievers and Silver Labs.
How much is a Silver Lab Puppy?
Typically, Silver Labs are more expensive than standard Labs of the same age and breeding history. This is due to demand: Silver Labs are less common than standard black or chocolate Labradors, and Silver breeders tend to be more difficult to find.
You can expect to pay between $1,000 to $2,000 for a Silver Lab puppy. Each breeder charges something different based on their reputation, pedigree, and even what they include with the purchase of a puppy.
Final Thoughts on Owning a Silver Labrador Retriever
If you want an intelligent family pet with the capability of being trained for hunting purposes, then consider purchasing a Silver Labrador Retriever! Silver Labs are just as capable of being great companions and working dogs as any other Labrador Retriever. Silver Labs can have just as much natural ability in sporting situations as their darker counterparts, but they tend to be more mild-tempered and adaptable around people.
However, if you live in areas where sunlight is incredibly intense (such as Arizona), it may be safer to invest your money in black or chocolate Lab instead.
References
- [1] ^ LoveYourDog: Silver Labrador Retrievers: Controversy, Puppy Prices & More
- [2] ^ YouTube: Silver Labrador Retriever - Is It Right For Your Family?
