Chocolate Lab Facts

Labrador Retrievers are very popular in both Great Britain and the U.S. They are, in fact, the most popular registered breed in both countries. Of the three colors, black, chocolate, and yellow, black may be the most numerous. Chocolate Labs, however, are gaining in popularity, and an increasing number of people seek information about them.

Chocolate Lab Coloring

Chocolate Lab facts often begin with attention to the color. The Labrador Retriever Club and AKC standards for chocolate Lab coloring requires that the dog be chocolate colored from head to tail. It may be medium or dark chocolate, but without white. A small white spot on the chest is permissible, but not desirable. There should be no striping or flecks of coloring. Chocolate Labs have brown eye rims, and brown or hazel eyes.

If you breed two chocolate Labs, you may or may not get chocolate puppies. The chocolate gene is recessive, and only two combinations of genes in the parents will produce chocolate puppies. Chocolate Lab puppies may be born from black Labs or yellow Labs who carry the genes.

Chocolate Lab Temperament

A properly bred chocolate Lab will have a loving temperament, and will be want a great deal of attention and love in return. It will be energetic, but fun to train, since it is eager to please. Its enthusiasm for you will rival its enthusiasm for food and exercise!

Chocolate Lab Grooming

A chocolate Lab does not require a great deal of grooming. You should, however, brush it once a week to keep its coat clean. Labs shed, or “blow” their coats twice a year, and need additional grooming at those times.

Chocolate Lab Origins

Chocolate Labs have been present from the beginnings of the Labrador Retriever breed in the 1800’s. Chocolate Labs have not been popular as long as black and yellow Labs.

Popularity is increased when dogs win shows, and chocolate Labrador Retrievers did not have a bench champion until 1964, in Great Britain. Chocolate Labs are still the rarest Labrador Retriever color in the show ring as well as field tests. Judges and spectators both continue to show prejudice against them. Some find them almost ugly, and not fit for the show ring. Others believe they are stupid and cannot win field trials.