Saturday, March 1, 2014

White Labradors For Sale Are Really Yellow

By Lisa Williamson


Perhaps you know that there are only three colors that are acceptable in purebred Labrador Retrievers. These are black, chocolate, and yellow. Therefore, you might assume that white Labradors for sale won't be registered and are probably not purebred. However, the ones you see advertised probably have papers, in which they are classified as 'yellow'.

This hardy breed of dog originated in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Labrador is the mainland part of this sparsely populated region, separated by a narrow strait from the island of Newfoundland. The St. John's Water Dog, the ancestor of today's Labs, originated on the island. They were imported to England by duck-hunting nobility in the 19th century and crossed with other dogs.

Labs as a rule are gentle, intelligent, athletic, and devoted to the water. They make great family pets, liking people even better than hunting, and are so smart that they make wonderful assistance dogs. They keep their popularity year after year in the United States, Canada, and other parts of the UK.

When you buy a purebred dog, it's important to check the track record of the breeder. You can ask for references from the veterinarians the breeder uses and from people who have bought dogs in the past. All reputable breeders will be happy to give you their credentials and supply reference contacts.

All dogs should come with health papers showing what tests have been done to make sure there are no genetic defects, what shots the animal has had, and the record of routine care. You want to see both parents of a puppy, if possible, since disposition is often inherited. It might be a good idea to arrive prepared with a list of questions to ask and to know what are acceptable answers.

It's fun to go online and look at websites posted by breeders. Not only will you see beautiful dogs, you will also find their breeding philosophy, show records, and perhaps customer testimonials. Responsible breeders aim for more than color. They want their dogs to have the best characteristics of the breed, which include a broad head, muscular frame with well-set head and tail, sturdy legs, and kind eyes. The coat should be dense, short, and smooth.

The yellow classification has many shades, and there are dogs that are so pale as to appear white. On close examination, they will have faint tinges of color around the ears and maybe on the back. However, they really don't look yellow in any true sense of the word. These dogs are as healthy as those of more usual colors. Any dog that you purchase should be thoroughly examined by your own vet before the deal is finalized.

You may never even have seen one of these beauties. Going online is a good way to see them, since they are becoming more popular. They are not necessarily common, but some breeders can show you four generations of very light yellow dogs that look pure as the driven snow. Labs are bred for both hunting and showing, but a good one can do both, as well as being a perfect family dog.




About the Author:



>
AddThis Social Bookmark Button

0 comments: