Labrador retrievers are pretty awesome whether you want a solo companion or a family dog. They are very versatile doggies that fit in pretty much anywhere where they feel safe and loved. Lab Retrievers are also very beautiful dogs when it comes to physical traits. One of the most beautiful of these aesthetics is the Red Fox Labrador variation.
Red Fox Labrador Retrievers are a variation of the Labrador breed known for their reddish-brown coat. Contrary to popular misconception, Red Fox Labradors are actually purebred. They are, in fact, just a darker shade variation of the Yellow Labrador Retriever. They are otherwise essentially like any other Lab in terms of physical traits and temperament.
The only differences you may encounter when dealing with a Red Fox Labrador are in terms of things like availability and care as well as the costs involved in each case. Let us take a look at these variables and everything else you need to know about the Red Fox Labrador Retriever before you get yourself one.
Is A Fox Red Lab A Purebred?
Red Fox Labs are purebred Labrador Retrievers. They are acknowledged as a standard color as a shade variation of the Yellow Labrador by the American Kennel Club.
There is a common misconception in the dog enthusiasts and breeder community that Red Fox Labradors are diluted which is simply not the case. To put it simply, they are Yellow Labradors with more and darker melanin which gives them their rich, brown color.
Here is more about their distinguishing shade and other physical features they may have:
Coat Color
The actual shade of brown that the Red Fox Labrador has is very close to a copper-red hue. They are often compared to red foxes, thus the name.
Interestingly, the shade is not always uniform throughout the Labrador’s body. You may find that the more exposed parts like the face and upper torso are darker.
Size And Build
The Red Fox Labrador is a medium to large dog whose actual size is determined greatly by genetics. They range between 55 to 80 pounds in weight and 21 to 24 inches in height when they are fully grown.
In terms of build, Red Fox Labs are muscular and athletic dogs with solid, proportional features.
Coat Type
The coat is short and straight and usually very dense.
However, there are very rare cases where the dog inherits two copies of the rare and recessive long hair gene. Here, the coat ends up medium-long and wavy.
Facial Features And Eye Color
The face of a Red Fox Lab is like that of any other Labrador Retriever with the long narrow snout and wide cheeks and forehead. The eyes on these doggies will most likely be brown or hazel.
How Long Do Red Labs Live?
Red Fox Labradors can live for 10 to 14 years. Their lives are usually longer if they are raised well and if they have few, if any, genetic health conditions.
However, in cases where inbreeding is practiced to produce the rare variation, some health issues may be passed down. Here are some of the most common health problems in general that you may find in your Red Fox Labrador Retriever.
Bloat
Bloat refers to a condition where the stomach becomes dilated and full of gas and food after twisting and obstructing its own outlet. This is a common condition with wide and deep-chested breeds, like the Red Fox Labrador.
In very serious cases, fast response is crucial for the Red Fox Lab’s survival.
Exercise-Induced Collapse
For dogs with exercise-induced collapse, it is difficult for them to tolerate more than 20 minutes of exercise. The condition is genetic and is quite common in Red Fox Labradors that result from selective inbreeding.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs when the socket in the hip joint does not form properly. The result is that the hip bone is unable to properly connect resulting in a very unstable joint.
For a dog as athletic and active as the Red Fox Labrador, this can be very frustrating as it affects their mobility and agility. It may also eventually result in debilitating complications like arthritis.
Obesity
Despite being so active, Red Fox Labradors run a real risk of developing obesity. This is due to their very large appetites which, if indulged, could leave the dog with more weight than they were built to bear.
How Much Do Red Fox Labs Cost?
A Red Fox Labrador costs between $1,000 to $1,500.
This is quite expensive not only for Labradors that go for $500 to $1,200 but also for dogs in general. However, there are many factors that explain and justify this price tag. Here are a few.
Red Fox Labradors Are Relatively Rare
To be fair, Red Fox Labradors are far from being the rarest of Labrador Retriever variations. However, you are more likely to find other variations like Black Labs or Yellow Labs.
Their rarity results in low supply compared to the high demand for these incredibly desirable pooches. As a result, many breeders and individual sellers set high price tags.
Red Fox Labradors Are Unpredictable To Breed
It is often very tricky and difficult to breed Red Fox Labrador Retrievers. The breeding process requires a variation of Yellow Labradors which can only be procured from the result of expressing a recessive gene.
This means that you need the right combination of genes from Labrador parents to get your desired Yellow Labrador trait which is the same case with the Red Fox variation. To make matters more complicated, the Red Fox Labrador is just one of the many often unpredictable variations of the Yellow Lab.
This means that without two Red Fox Labradors to breed, breeders will not enjoy a higher success rate of getting the right color variation of Labs. This complication makes breeding such Labs extremely difficult and expensive to succeed.
They Are Awesome Family Dogs
All the trouble breeders go through and the price you have to pay for Red Fox Labrador Retrievers is all made worth it by how amazing these dogs are as companions and family pets. We shall take a look at some of the personality traits that make this dog ideal for family settings.
Are Red Fox Labradors Good Dogs? Temperaments Of Red Fox Labradors
Red Fox Labrador Retrievers are great dogs if you want a best friend in your pooch. Their temperament makes them very versatile making them ideal as working dogs and as companions. Here are a few of these traits.
Smart And Easy To Train
Red Fox Labradors, like any other Labrador Retriever variety, are very smart dogs or perhaps one of the brightest under Stanley Coren’s list.
They are quick to pick up on commands and skills whether it is housebreaking or training for service as guide dogs.
This makes them versatile as, with patience and the right techniques, you can train your Red Fox Labrador for pretty much anything.
Eager To Please
Red Fox Labradors are awesome dogs for first-time owners mainly because of how easy they are to control and live with. They are very obedient and eager to please which means you do not have to go out of your way to be harsh in order to get them to toe the line.
Loyal
Red Fox Labrador Retrievers are very loyal dogs that love their human companions deeply and consistently. This loyalty makes them awesome for use as guide dogs as they will never leave their charges unless it is to get help.
Friendly With Strangers
If you want a social dog that will welcome your guests with enthusiasm then the Red Fox Lab is the pooch for you. These doggies get along very well even with strangers especially if they received socialization training from an early age.
Gentle With Children
Red Fox Labs are perfect for families with children of whatever age. They are particularly gentle with and protective of small children especially if they grow up together from the puppy stage.
Do Red Fox Labradors Shed? Grooming Tips For Red Fox Labradors
Red Fox Labradors shed quite a bit and require consistent grooming to keep their coats healthy and to spare you the headache of cleaning up after pet dander.
They are otherwise generally low maintenance when it comes to grooming. All you need is a simple grooming routine and consistency and you should raise a clean and happy Red Fox Lab.
To help you out, here are some of the most important grooming care points.
Deshed The Red Fox Lab Regularly
A 3 to 4 times a week schedule is ideal for Red Fox Labradors. Use a high-quality deshedding tool like the FURminator Undercoat Tool whose thick bristles are exactly what you need to get through that thick coat.
Unfortunately, this does not completely eliminate shedding and you may still have some strands of fur lying around in your home. The iRobot Roomba i3+ is perfect for the cleanup job in this case as they have suction systems specifically designed to pick up fur and dander.
Wash The Red Lab Every 1 To 2 Months
The Red Labrador is not a stinky dog and they rarely have skin issues. You can therefore get away with washing yours once every 2 months.
We recommend you use the Pro Pet Works All Natural Organic 5 In 1 Oatmeal Pet Shampoo + Conditioner as it offers multiple functions including conditioning the coat, deodorizing, and easing any irritation.
Don’t Neglect Dental Hygiene
In addition to the coat, you have to keep the Red Fox Labrador’s mouth clean. Dental water additives with herbs, like peppermint, do a great job of freshening the pooch’s breath while hard chew toys and treats get rid of plaque.
Related Questions
Are Dudley Labs Rare? Dudley Labradors are a very rare type of Labrador Retriever with hypopigmented noses, paw pads, and eyes. The most striking feature with Dudley Labs is their pink noses. This trait is a result of genetics and is mainly associated with Yellow Labrador Retrievers. Other reasons why Labs may have pink noses include conditions like vitiligo, bacterial infections, allergic dermatitis, autoimmune disorders, or even skin cancer.
Can Red Fox Labs Have Different Colored Puppies? It is possible for Red Fox Labradors to have puppies that are of a different color. This is the case especially if they are bred with other color variations of Labrador Retrievers. In cases where they are bred with Black Labradors, the dominant gene responsible for black coats may be passed on to some of the puppies. In other cases, interactions based on the present recessive genes from both parents determine the color the Lab pups will have.
Where Do Red Fox Labs Come From? Red Fox Labradors are variations of Yellow Labradors and often come from breeding between purebred Yellow Labs. In some cases, breeders selectively breed Red Fox Labradors with each other to get this desired trait. However, more often than not they just occur spontaneously in litters involving Yellow Labs or other coat variations that carry the yellow coat genes.
