Silver, Charcoal, and Champagne Labradors have been widely misrepresented throughout the United States as a distinctive type of Labrador. These Labradors possess a specific gene known as the D-locus gene (dd), which causes color dilution in their coats, resulting in a silverish or blue-gray tone. It is important to note that this gene is not naturally occurring in Labradors and has infiltrated the gene pool through crossbreeding, with Weimaraners being the widely suspected source.

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Silver, charcoal, and champagne Labradors do not conform to the criteria of being purebred. This is genetically impossible for Labradors, given their well-documented foundation stock records, making it feasible to trace their lineage back to the 1800s when only three colors were officially documented during their creation.

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Dilute breeders engage in unethical practices by misrepresenting their dogs on AKC paperwork, falsely labeling dilutes as one of the three officially accepted colors: black, yellow, or chocolate. Some dilute breeders claim that genetic tests, such as Embark, confirm that their dogs are 100% purebred. However, these claims may be misleading, as genetic panels typically test only around 3-4 generations back, failing to capture the presence of the D-locus gene that can be carried across multiple generations.

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It is important to recognize that the D-locus gene can cause adverse effects in dogs, including Color Dilute Alopecia (CDA), a painful and costly condition. Westport Labradors is committed to following the parent club guidelines and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals required health testing to prevent silver from entering our gene pool. All Westport dogs undergo testing and are clear of the Dilute D-locus.

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It is important to highlight that the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognizes only three Labrador colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. Any deviation from these colors is not acknowledged within the breed standard and is not purebred.

The Labrador Retriever Club of America has published an official statement against the breeding of silver Labradors, which can be found here.