The White Labrador is a very attractive and distinctive looking dog. You may have seen them at shows, at the park, or just when scrolling through cute pictures of gorgeous pups online.
White Labradors are one of the most popular breeds. But it’s not just pretty faces; white Labradors are also strong and healthy dogs, making them a perfect choice if you’re looking for an active or energetic dog. Whatever it is that draws you to white Labrador retrievers, there are some important characteristics to keep in mind.
Contents
- 1 What is the history of white Labradors?
- 2 Do white Labradors have different personalities from other Labs?
- 3 What are the characteristics of a White Labrador?
- 4 How big do they get?
- 5 Are White Labradors Healthy Dogs?
- 6 Do white Labs shed a lot?
- 7 Are white Labradors pricier than regular Labradors?
- 8 Where Can I Find A White Lab?
- 9 White Labrador Names
- 10 Conclusion
What is the history of white Labradors?
- In 1892, the first recorded white Labrador was born.
- His name was Ben of Hyde, and he belonged to fish merchant Arthur Blakeley.
- Since then, white Labs have been used for hunting and as service animals, just like any other Lab.
- However, they weren’t officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) until 1931 when the AKC registered their first litter.
- The breed standard of the day called for a dog that was black or a shade of brown.
- But in early 1900s, Lord Tweedmouth, who is credited with originating the breed through selective breeding, added a yellow retriever to the mix, and soon puppies were being born that were white.
Do white Labradors have different personalities from other Labs?
However, if you’ve ever seen a yellow Labrador, a black one, or a chocolate Lab, you might wonder: Do white Labradors have different personalities from other Labs? The truth is that white Labs aren’t any different from their more colorful siblings. It’s all in their genes!
Both of these genes are recessive. That means that to be white, both genes have to be set to “white”. Labradors are just as friendly and loving as they have always been. They’re also just as energetic, obedient, and intelligent, whether their coat is yellow, black, chocolate, or white.
What are the characteristics of a White Labrador?
Good for families
White Labrador Retrievers are considered to be the most friendly and popular breed of dog. They’re used as service dogs and therapy dogs. They’re also used as search and rescue dogs.
White Labrador Retrievers are good family pets. They are easy to train. Labradors are very playful and enjoy the company of young people. They may become frustrated, however, if they are left alone for long periods of time. Labradors thrive on human companionship and will be destructive if ignored.
Active and energetic
White Labrador are active dogs with a reputation for being energetic. As puppies, they can be quite rambunctious and are very much in need of an outlet for their energy level. Adult Labs will also require walks, runs and other forms of exercise. They enjoy playing games and swimming, so these make great outlets for their energy.
White Labradors are not rare, but they are often misunderstood. Like all Labrador Retrievers, they love to work. They can become bored easily if not given enough exercise and attention. White Labradors have the same temperament as yellow or chocolate Labradors.
Excellent swimmers
White Labradors are excellent swimmers due to their webbed feet, and the ability to be in water for long periods of time. They do shed, but their coats don’t need to be brushed very commonly.
They enjoy being petted, but they require a lot of exercise to keep them happy. If you can keep up with their exercise needs, labs are easy to care for. Daily walks or trips to the dog park will keep them fit and happy.
Highly intelligent
White Labradors are highly intelligent and easy to train. The breed is known for its gentle disposition and eagerness to please. They are also extremely intelligent dogs, ranking seventh in Stanley Coren’s The Intelligence of Dogs.
This intelligence makes training easy, but it also means their minds require stimulation. If you don’t give your white Lab plenty of things to do, he can easily become bored and destructive.
Friendly and affectionate
Labs are known to be intelligent, loyal, and protective. They will protect their owners and family members at any cost. These dogs are very friendly and love being around people.
Temperament
Since the white Labrador is a breed that has been bred to be a wonderful companion, it is not surprising that they have a great temperament. They are known to be very intelligent, loyal, and friendly. Labs are perfect for children and have a lot of patience.
They are also known for being very playful and energetic. This means that they will often get into lots of mischief if they are not properly supervised. You must keep an eye on them when they are playing with other animals or people in your home so that you can put an end to any negative behavior as soon as possible.
How big do they get?
Of course, there are many differences between white Labs and their yellow counterparts. The first thing to note is that this breed does not have any specific size standards.
That said, most breeders try to keep them around 20-25 pounds, so they don’t get too big for their owners’ homes or apartments. They also tend to keep them around 30 inches tall when standing at their shoulder height because anything larger would make it difficult for people with smaller living spaces to move around easily with them in tow!
Are White Labradors Healthy Dogs?
White Labradors are just as healthy as black and yellow Labradors, but the breed as a whole has several genetic health issues. The good news is that most of these issues can be tested for, and breeders can avoid breeding with dogs that have them.
White Labradors tend to suffer from the same health problems as other Labrador Retrievers. The breed has a life expectancy of 10-12 years, and can suffer from:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Congenital heart disease (mostly in the form of pulmonic stenosis)
- Eye disorders such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts
- Ear infections (otitis) are also common in this breed, given their long ears.
Do white Labs shed a lot?
White Labradors have many characteristics that make them unique among dogs: they shed less than other types of dogs because their hair follicles don’t produce as much oil; they’re more likely to be affected by certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia or allergies; and they’re more prone to skin issues due to lack of pigmentation on their coat (which means there is no protection from UV rays).
White Labradors do shed, but not more than other colors of Labrador Retrievers. The amount and frequency of shedding depends on several factors — gender (males shed more than females), age (puppies shed more than adults) and season (shedding increases in spring).
Are white Labradors pricier than regular Labradors?
Many people can’t tell the difference between a white Labrador or a regular one. But if you’re willing to spend more, some people prefer white dogs to others. That preference can lead to significant price differences in Labradors.
The key differences between white and regular Labradors help explain why you might pay more for a white dog, according to dog expert John Jackson.
Jackson says that grooming costs can range from $50 to $150 per year per dog, but if you buy from reputable breeders, it’s recommended you go with the actual breed cost.
For example, each male black Labrador Retriever puppy is $1,100 in the first year of life. The same puppy will fetch about $2,000 from reputable breeders.
Where Can I Find A White Lab?
There are many places where you can find a white Labrador. One of the best ways is to ask your vet or friends who have Labs if they know of any breeders who sell white Labs.
Another option is to go to a breeder that has both chocolate and white Labs. They may have one or two litters of white puppies for sale each year, so if you are interested in one, visit the breeder’s website to see what is available.
You can also check with your local shelter or rescue group, as many of these organizations have Labradors available for adoption, including white ones!
The last place you might want to look for your new pet is at an animal shelter or rescue organization in your area. You should never buy a dog from someone who does not allow potential adopters to meet their animals first hand before purchasing them!
White Labrador Names
Naming your new white Labrador puppy is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It’s a name you (and, possibly, your family) will be saying for the next 10 to 15 years. If you’re stuck for ideas, we’ve put together a list of some names for white Labradors to help you find that perfect name.
A list of some White Labradors Names:
- Ajax
- Alaska
- Albus
- Amigo
- Anakin
- Apollo
- Argos
- Archie
- Arrow
- Dazzle
- Frosty
- Crystal
- Blizzard
- Flurry
- Snowball
- Tundra
Conclusion
Labradors aren’t called “the ultimate dog breed” for nothing. Everyone wants a puppy, and white Labradors are no exception to the rule. They are gentle, intelligent, playful creatures that will brighten your life and, at the same time, could help you fulfill your desire to have a pet that is very stylish in appearance.
However, when considering adding a white lab to your family, there are some considerations to make before taking the plunge into this wonderful shared experience!
