
So do plenty of research before bringing home a mixed breed. They may also be prone to the health problems of both parent breeds. So, they may not have the standard Labrador temperament and appearance. However, if you’re choosing a brindle Lab mix, remember the puppy can inherit qualities from either parent. Especially if the Pitbull or Boxer parent has a brindle coat already. So, choosing a Pitbull Lab mix or a Boxer Lab mix, brindle patterns are also possible. The brindle pattern is more common in some Pitbull breeds, or dogs like the Boxer. Brindle Lab MixĪs we briefly mentioned earlier, one way to get brindle Labs is to choose a mixed breed. But your dog’s lifestyle can also impact problems like obesity. Reputable breeders will test for these health problems when possible. But at a glance, here are some health conditions to know about before you bring home a brindle Lab. For a closer look at Labrador health, you can check out our breed guide. As long as they have been bred responsibly from healthy parents, they will be as healthy as any other Lab. The brindle pattern won’t cause any additional health problems for your Labrador Retriever. If you’re simply looking for a loving, intelligent, friendly companion, brindle Labs are just as good as any other color. This is only really a problem if you want to show your Lab at AKC shows. The only marking that is acceptable on Labs is a small white marking on the chest.
AKC only accepts the three standard colors: black, yellow, and liver. If you want to show your Lab, you will have to avoid the brindle pattern.
awaw (agouti/wolf grey) – may have brindle points or no brindling. atat (tan points) – dog has brindle points. AyAy (sable) – dog is solid brindle, with possible darker areas on head. Let’s look at the way different alleles at this locus can affect brindle patterning. But the appearance of this depends on certain genes at the A locus. If a Lab has either of the combinations above, any phaeomelanin in his coat (red pigment) will be brindled. So brindling is possible with the following combinations: K is dominant to Kbr, but Kbr is dominant to k. These are K or Kb (dominant black), Kbr (brindle), and k (non-solid black). There are 3 alleles that interact at this locus. So, how does such an interesting pattern occur in dogs? Like all coloring, it’s a case of getting the right genes! For this pattern, we need to look at the K locus. You might find Labs with slight brindling on parts of their bodies, and solid color fur elsewhere. Not all brindle dogs have this pattern all over. Dogs with reverse brindles look as if they have lighter stripes over a dark base of fur. This is when brindling is so extreme that it seems like the shades have reversed. You can also get a pattern called ‘reverse brindle’. Brindle pattern appears as irregular dark brown or black stripes and flecks over a brown background. In fact, it can even be seen on rodents and horses. It’s also common in other dog breeds, such as Pitbull breeds and Boxers. But, this won’t matter unless you’re looking for a show Lab.īrindle is actually a type of pattern that can be seen on Labradors. As you can see, the brindle pattern doesn’t fit in here. However a small white marking on the chest is also permitted by the AKC. There are three standard, officially accepted colors for the Labrador Retrievers. Labs have dense coats and are known for shedding! Luckily, regular grooming can help you to keep on top of any loose fur. From guide dogs and therapy dogs, to gundogs and military dogs. You can find Labrador Retrievers working alongside people in all walks of life. This has made them great candidates as working dogs. They take to training well, thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please. Labs are friendly, social, and affectionate dogs, especially when well socialized and trained from a young age. This popularity is partly caused by the wonderful temperament of this breed. They’ve been America’s favorite breed for years. Read on to learn more about this interesting pattern. But, this doesn’t mean they won’t make a great pet. This pattern can also be known as tiger stripes.īrindle coloring on Labradors is classed as a disqualification by the AKC, so you cannot show brindle Labs.
Brindling is a coat pattern with dark flecks or stripes over a brown base.
This pattern is possible in purebred Labs, or can occur as a result of mixed breeding.