Howdy there, fellow Lab lover. Are you here to learn more about fox red Labrador Retrievers? Buckle up; this is going to be an exciting ride!
Some people think that fox red Labs are just just some myth, a scam made to fool people and take their money. Others believe they are a separate breed quite different from purebred Labradors.
Which one is the truth? And are fox red Labrador Retrievers different from standard pups?
Here’s everything you should know!
Fox Red Labrador Retriever Breed Overview
| Height | 21.5 – 24.5 inches |
| Weight | 55 – 75 pounds |
| Breed type | Gun dog |
| Temperament | Friendly, outgoing, loyal |
| Exercise needs | High |
| Coat type | Short double coat |
| Lifespan | 10 – 12 years |
Are Fox Red Labrador Retrievers Real?
Yes, fox red Labrador Retrievers are just as real as any other Lab!
They are not a separate breed, however. Instead, they are one of the few existing Labrador Retriever colors – and, dare I say, the most beautiful one. Still, they are very rare, and there’s a fun fact behind that.
It all comes down to the history of the fox red Labs!
Believe it or not, almost all Labs were, at one point, black. There isn’t really an important reason behind this. People simply didn’t care about Labrador’s appearance and black Labs were much easier to breed than dogs in a range of yellow and chocolate shades.
Not only that but Labs in lighter colors were considered undesirable.
In the modern age, however, people have stopped using Labradors for hunting and instead have started breeding them as family pets. This also meant their looks were more important than working dog traits, so many more colors became available.
One of these colors is the gorgeous fox red we’re talking about today.
Appearance
When it comes to this dog’s general appearance, a fox red Labrador looks just like any other Labrador Retriever. This includes its height, which is typically between 21.5 and 24.5 inches, as well as weight that ranges from 55 to 75 pounds.
The biggest difference lies in their coat color. While most people know about yellow and black Labradors, these pups have chestnut red coats.
While the exact coat shade might vary from ginger to rich, dark red shade, most experts agree that only the darker red shades can be considered fox red.
Their double coats are short, inviting you to pet them. Also, they have black noses and dark eyes, and they always seem to have a smile on their face, something they share with other Labs.
It’s important to remember that fox red Labs are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), at least not by that name. However, they are part of the breed standard—you’ll just have to register them as dark yellow.
Grooming
All Retriever-type dogs need to have their coats groomed regularly. Otherwise, their appearance might suffer, as well as their skin and coat health.
Fox red Labs have the same coat type as other Labradors. This includes a thick but short double coat with a dense undercoat. While it might not look as such, these coats do require some basic care.
Daily brushing is important to keep all those loose hairs at bay. Due to their undercoats, Labs are known to shed quite a lot, and this can easily make your house a mess.
While some people think the shedding will be kept at bay if they shave their Labs, this is something you should never do. Labrador Retrievers regulate their body temperature with the help of their coats, and if you shave it off, you’ll cause more harm than good.
Bathing a fox red Labrador is also pretty important. While this might seem like a daunting task, most Labs love water and will eagerly get into a bathtub.
Did you know that Labs have webbed feet? This is how much they love water! Admire them while you’re trimming your puppy’s nails, as this is a rather important part of grooming.
Also, don’t forget about brushing his teeth. Estimates show that more than 80% of dogs over the age of three have some type of dental disease. This can be prevented by taking good care of your pup’s dental hygiene.
Finally, make sure to clean your dog’s ears once a week. Labs have floppy ears that are prone to infections and grease buildup. If you make this a part of your regular grooming routine, your doggie is certain to live a nuisance-free life.
Are Fox Red Labs Rare?
The reason why many people don’t believe fox red Labs are real is due to how rare these pups are. In fact, they are one of the rarest Labrador colors out there.
One of the reasons is that red Lab puppies are challenging to get in a litter. The parents need to be carefully selected to carry the specific genes for this color, and even this isn’t a guarantee that your Lab will be the right color.
Another is that, historically, red Labs were simply considered undesirable, so they weren’t bred as much as doggies in other colors. Reputable breeders used to avoid breeding them, and so there aren’t many of these dogs out there.
However, as their popularity has grown in recent years, they are likely to become less rare as the years go by.
Temperament
Some people believe that a dog’s coat color affects its personality. This isn’t true, and dogs of any recognized color have the same temperament as the rest of the breed.
The only exception is when a dog comes in a color that isn’t naturally found in the dogs’ genetics. For example, if you were to see a parti Labrador Retriever, this would be a clear indication that you’re, in fact, looking at some Labrador mix.
Considering how fox red Labradors are actually just a dark yellow shade, this means they have a standard Labrador personality.
In other words, they are friendly, outgoing dogs that will love nothing more than to spend an entire day next to their family members. Actually, they love everyone and everything, including strangers, and any new person they meet will instantly become their new best friend.
They are loyal and playful, but also very gentle, making them a perfect choice for large families, and even young children.
Due to their friendly nature, they are a good fit if you have other pets or dogs, and they are unlikely to exhibit any aggressive traits at any point of their lives.
Not many people know that they are also highly intelligent, so they need lots of mental stimulation. Otherwise, they might get bored, and this can result in destructive, although never mean, behavior.
Trainability
As they are so eager to please, fox red Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train. They want nothing more than to make their owners happy, and you can take this to your advantage.
Another good thing is that they don’t require much training and socialization, considering how they are naturally so pleasant and friendly.
However, this makes many owners believe they don’t need any obedience training, which results in dogs that don’t know how to behave. Just because a dog is friendly doesn’t mean he’ll naturally be obedient. Training is a must.
Their playful nature can take the best of them, however, so they might be more interested in a game of fetch than learning to walk on a leash. The best way to train them is to take breaks every now and then, allowing them to focus on something else.
Positive reinforcements are crucial, especially as these pups are very food-driven. Your Labrador will gladly do any trick in the world if this means he’ll get a bite of that carrot or meat!
Never yell at or punish your dog just because he didn’t do something according to your plans. This will do more harm than good, and it can make your dog shut down and refuse to listen.
Exercise Needs
Red fox Labrador Retrievers are active dogs that need lots of exercise. These large dogs have high energy levels, and just taking them out for walks is not enough. You need to allow them to deplete all that energy.
These doggies need a long game of fetch or a tug of war every day. You can also take them to a dog park and allow them to play with other dogs. Of course, remember that even a Lab needs to be properly socialized before hanging with other pups.
If they don’t get enough exercise, their bones and muscles might deform, and they can develop health conditions such as hip dysplasia.
Another issue is obesity, which is quite common in all Labrador Retrievers. Proper exercise and following the Labrador feeding chart can help keep your dogs fit and healthy.
Common Health Issues
Another prejudice is that certain coat colors are closely related to certain health problems. This is true to an extent.
Some coat shades, such as white or blue, can indicate that a dog is sickly. White dogs are often the result of albinism or are double merles, both of which result in vision and hearing problems.
Blue dogs are also troublesome, as certain colors resulting from dilution genes are connected with poorer health and a higher instance of specific health issues.
Fortunately, this isn’t the case with fox red Labrador Retrievers. This coat color is caused by the same genes as yellow coats, which are perfectly healthy and a part of the breed standard.
In other words, these beautiful doggies are prone to the same health conditions as the rest of Labrador Retrievers. This includes:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat)
- Ear infections
- Canine epilepsy
- Cancer
They have not been proven to be prone to any health condition more than any other lab.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Red Fox Lab?
Fox red Labs are large dogs, which, unfortunately, means they have a shorter lifespan than most smaller dog breeds.
Still, they can live a fairly long life for a dog of their size, with an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years.
If you provide them with proper care, diet, regular exercise, and yearly vet visits, you can make sure they live a long and happy life.
Cost
Labradors are one of the most popular dog breeds that is easy to buy in the largest part of the world. They are generally not expensive, especially as they are mostly used as family pets.
However, due to their rarity, fox red Labs can have a somewhat higher price. You can generally find them at a cost of $800 to $2,000, depending on the exact shade and the breeder’s reputation and practices.
Before you make a purchase, remember to always conduct a thorough check and make sure you are buying from the best breeder possible.
As Labs are so popular, there are many breeders with bad breeding practices that only care about the profit and not the wellbeing of their dogs.
Not to mention a great number of backyard breeders or puppy mills!
While buying an affordable dog might seem tempting, you might end up paying a lot more money to vets for various health problems these pups might have. Just think of all the emotional stress this might cause you, as well!
Lastly, be careful not to buy some Labrador crossbreeds by accident. Not that there’s anything wrong with mixed breeds – you should simply want to get a dog you’ve paid for.
Is Fox Red Lab The Right Dog For You?
Fox red Labrador Retrievers are some of the most beautiful family pets you can get – but are they the right dogs for you?
The truth is, Labs are generally good dogs for almost anyone! They are friendly, easy to care for, and have gorgeous personalities anyone will fall in love with! Not to mention their beautiful looks.
However, they do require lots of space, so they might not be suitable for people living in small apartments.
Also, as they are prone to separation anxiety, they might not be the best option if you’re living alone and working 9-to-5 office hours.
Finally, if you want a dog that will guard your house, stay away from fox red Labs. Instead of alerting you of intruders, they are more likely to lay on their backs, expecting belly rubs.
On any other occasion, these dogs make amazing pets for just about anyone. If you’re looking for a pet that is friendly, like a Labrador Retriever, but would prefer to have something special about your pet – this is the right pup for you.
Vanja’s passion for writing started at an early age, which is why she pursued Journalism as her college degree. She can research any topic and find all the information before you bat an eye, which is a great thing for her job but a terrible one for her husband.
Even as a young child, she fell in love with everything fluffy – but dogs have a special place in her heart due to her childhood companion, a Corgie named Archie.
Motivated by her experiences and driven by a desire to give back to her four-legged companions, she spends her free time volunteering at a local dog shelter.