Affectionate, trainable, and eager to please, the Yellow Labrador is the ultimate doggie companion. These sweet-faced pups are America’s most popular breed and for good reason.
So, what exactly is a Yellow Labrador? Yellow Labradors are purebred Labrador Retrievers that come in various shades of yellow including white, pale cream, golden, yellow, and fox red. Yellow Labs are one of the three color variations of the Labrador Retriever breed. These dogs make great guide dogs due to their gentle nature. Yellow Labs are also ideal family companions that get on well with children and other pets.
Yellow Labs are an affectionate high-spirited breed that is pretty easy to live with. However, before you adopt one of these fur-babies, it’s important to understand what they need in terms of grooming, diet, and exercise.
Here is an in-depth look at everything you need to know about the Yellow Labrador.
What Are Yellow Labs Known For?
Yellow Labs are highly trainable dogs making them ideal for first-time pet parents. This easy-going breed is known for being an excellent guide dog and is often used as a seeing-eye dog. Yellow Labs are also commonly used as search dogs and rescue dogs.
These pups not only have the right temperament but also the ideal physical characteristics for an active lifestyle.
Coat Color
Although they are referred to as Yellow Labradors, these dogs come in a variety of colors. White, cream, yellow and red Labrador Retrievers are all classified as Yellow Labradors. They all have a short, thick, shiny coat that is weather resistant.
Size
Yellow Labradors are a medium to large size breed. They have an athletic muscular build that is suited to an active lifestyle. These dogs make great swimmers and hunters because of their powerful build.
On average, a Yellow Labs will get as big as a medium to large dog breed. You can expect your Lab to weigh between 65 to 80 pounds for males and 55 to 70 pounds for females. The average height for this breed ranges between 22 to 24 inches.
General Appearance
Yellow Labs have adorable expressive eyes that can either be hazel or brown. These pups will have droopy ears and a medium-sized jaw. The nose of your Lab will typically be black and will gradually change color to pink as your pooch gets older.
In rare cases, some Yellow Labs will have unpigmented noses that will appear flesh-colored. This type of Yellow Lab is referred to as a Dudley.
What Is The Average Life Of A Yellow Lab?
The Yellow Labrador is an energetic healthy breed with an average life span of 10 to 12 years. With a healthy diet and proper care, your pooch should live a long and happy life.
Yellow Labs are susceptible to certain medical conditions. These include:
Joint Problems
Like other large dog breeds, Yellow Labs can be prone to joint issues. Hip dysplasia is a common concern, especially for older Labs. It is important to ensure that your dog is fed nutrient-dense meals that will boost bone health to avert joint issues.
Joint supplements can also help to minimize the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia.
Obesity
Yellow Labs love to eat and this means they can be especially prone to obesity. You will need to ensure that your pup does not eat too much and that their daily exercise needs are met.
Obesity can lead to various health complications so making sure that your Lab maintains a healthy body weight is crucial.
Ear Infections
The adorable floppy ears of your Yellow Lab can be prone to infections. Regular ear cleaning is recommended to prevent bacterial infections. Always consult your vet if you suspect that your dog has an ear infection.
Thyroid Disorders
Yellow Labs can be prone to thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism. This condition can lead to hair loss, weakness and lethargy.
Regular check-ups can help catch thyroid disorders early. Always have your pup checked by the vet if they exhibit any symptoms of a thyroid disorder.
How Much Do Yellow Labs Cost?
Yellow Labs are not rare but their high popularity means that adopting one of these pups can be a costly affair.
So how much do Yellow Labs cost? A Yellow Lab will cost between $800 to $1,200. This cost will vary depending on the breeder, location, and pedigree of the dog.
Show quality Yellow Labs from championship bloodlines can cost up to $5,000. Adopting from a rescue center is cheaper than buying from a breeder. You can expect to pay between $400 to $600 when adopting your Lab from a shelter.
When picking a Yellow Lab puppy always go for a reputable registered breeder. Reputable breeders will have all the documentation you need to verify the lineage of your puppy. You are also more likely to get a healthy puppy when you buy from a reputable breeder.
Feeding Costs
Yellow Labs have voracious appetites and will need a high-quality diet to stay healthy and happy. On average it will cost you $280 to $350 annually to feed your pooch. However, this cost will vary depending on the brand of dog food that you choose.
Medical Costs
Vet visits are a routine part of the pet parenting experience. Yellow Labs are generally healthy, but you will still need to budget for routine vaccinations and examinations for your pup.
Medical expenses will range between $200 to $250 per year, depending on your location and vet. This cost excludes any medical emergencies and the resulting expenses.
Are Yellow Labs Good Dogs? Temperaments Of Yellow Labradors
Affectionate And Friendly
Yellow Labs are lovable affectionate dogs that bond well with people and other pets. These easy-going pups are popular for their warm and gentle nature that makes them a joy to have around.
Labs are not aggressive and this makes them the ideal pet for families with children and other pets. These pups have an affable nature and will adapt well to most environments.
High Spirited And Playful
Labs are a playful high-spirited breed that enjoys mental and physical stimulation. This high-energy breed is jovial and playful making it great with kids and other pets.
As family dogs, Yellow Labs are hard to beat because they provide the perfect balance of calm yet jovial temperament.
Smart And Tractable
Yellow Labs are smart and tractable dogs that are very easy to train. These intelligent pups pick up tricks fast and can be trained to accomplish a variety of tasks. They perform exceptionally well as guide dogs and service dogs due to their ability to learn.
Yellow Labs are highly recommended for new pet parents because these people-pleasers are easy to train. In most cases, you can train your Lab at home without needing a professional trainer.
Energetic
Labs are essentially working dogs which means they are not bred for a sedentary lifestyle. These dogs enjoy swimming, hunting, and other outdoor activities.
Yellow Labs have lots of energy to expend so they need plenty of daily exercise. A dog that doesn’t get sufficient daily exercise can resort to destructive behavior as an outlet.
Do Yellow Labs Shed A Lot? Grooming Tips For Yellow Labradors
Labs have beautiful dense coats that are weather resistant. However, Yellow Labs do shed a lot, so regular grooming is recommended for this breed.
Your Yellow Lab puppy can change color gradually as it ages. However, if your puppy’s tummy is turning black, it could be due to a skin infection, so you need to consult your vet. A skin infection may also cause your Yellow Lab to have some black hair.
Brushing Tips
Yellow Labs shed a lot, so brushing your pup 2 to 3 times a week is recommended. To keep your house free of dog hair, use a de-shedding tool like the FURminator Undercoat Tool.
This tool will help to minimize shedding by removing loose hairs and ensuring your pup’s coat is tangle-free.
Despite your best efforts living with a Yellow Lab means there is a lot of doggy hair to contend with.
The iRobot Roomba i3 vacuum is designed to help you clean up after your pooch. This high-tech vacuum traps up to 99% of dog allergens and comes with smart technology for ease of use.
Bathing Tips
The Yellow Lab is an active outdoorsy breed that is bound to pick up dirt. Fortunately, the weather-resistant coat of these pups does not retain dirt easily. This means that you can bathe your Yellow Lab as needed depending on their activity levels.
Since Yellow Labs can be prone to dry skin, a soap-free shampoo like the Seamus Cherry Blossom is a great option.
This shampoo has brightening properties designed for light-colored dogs such as the Yellow Lab. It cleans the coat while nourishing the skin which ensures that your pup’s skin stays clean and healthy.
Related Questions
What Color Nose Do Yellow Labs Have? Yellow Labs have black colored noses. In some cases, the color of the nose will gradually change from black to pink as the dog ages. Some Yellow Labradors will have noses with no pigmentation, a condition referred to as Dudley. Yellow Labs with Dudley will typically have flesh-colored noses.
Can Yellow Labs Have Blue Eyes? No, purebred Yellow Labs cannot have blue eyes. Yellow Labs have brown or hazel colored eyes. If a Yellow Labrador has blue eyes, it means that the Labrador is not a pure breed. Purebred Labrador Retrievers do not carry the gene for blue eyes so it is not possible for a Yellow Lab to have blue eyes.
How Many Puppies Do Yellow Labs Have? Yellow Labs will, in most cases, have a litter of 6 to 8 puppies. In some cases, some Labs will have as many as 10 puppies per litter. It is also possible for a Yellow Lab to only have 1 to 2 puppies in a litter.
