What is a Fox Red Labrador?
Are Fox Red Labradors purebred? Do they have more health issues than other Labs?
Will a Fox Red Lab puppy stay that color as it grows? Where did the Fox Red color originate?
Are they good with children? How can I find a reputable Fox Red Lab breeder?
Learn the answers to your questions here!
Is a Fox Red Labrador Right for You?
If you’ve ever laid eyes on a Fox Red Labrador, chances are you’ve paused to admire their rich, striking coat. But there’s more to these beautiful dogs than just their color. Here at Escalante English Labs, I often get questions from families considering this unique shade. Let’s walk through what makes the Fox Red Labrador special and help you decide if one is right for you.
What is a Fox Red Labrador?
A Fox Red Labrador is not a separate breed, but just a shade within the yellow Labrador color spectrum. The American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies them as yellow, even though their coats can appear deep russet or rich red. This coloration comes from genetic modifiers that intensify the yellow pigment, known as phaeomelanin.
Their stunning coat has deep roots in the breed’s early history. Originally, darker yellow Labs were quite common, especially among hunting lines in the early 20th century. Over time, lighter yellows became more popular in show rings, but the deeper red shades never truly disappeared. In recent decades, breeders like Judy McCormick of Keepsake Labradors and Sally Kelly of Kellygreen Labradors helped revive interest in the Fox Red Labrador in the U.S.
Is The Fox Red Labrador Purebred?
Fox Red Labradors are purebred Labradors. Their unique color is simply a shade variation of yellow. Fox Red Labs are actually yellow Labs with darker pigmentation caused by natural variations in the e gene, which controls yellow coloring. The “e” gene is what determines whether a Labrador will be yellow in the first place. All yellow Labs—whether light cream or deep fox red—carry two copies of this gene (ee). The e gene blocks the expression of black or chocolate pigment, allowing the yellow coloring to show through instead.
Silver Labs, on the other hand, are a controversial shade of chocolate, due to the recessive dilution gene (dd) that lightens the coat. This dilution gene isn’t traditionally found in purebred Labradors and dogs with this gene can have color dilution alopecia. (CDA is characterized by hair loss, often starting on the topline and spreading.The condition is hereditary and caused by a structural defect in the hair shafts that disrupts the normal distribution of melanin. Affected dogs may also experience dry, scaly skin, and in some cases, pustules)
Will a Fox Red Lab puppy stay that color as it grows?
Yes, a fox red Labrador puppy’s coat color can change over time! While they will always remain a shade of red, the intensity of the color can lighten or darken, especially during their first year. Seasonal shedding patterns can affect the color intensity as they shed the soft, lighter undercoat. Typically their true ‘color’ comes through by two years old, however I have even seen adults at four years old darken a richer red.
Are Fox Red Labradors Recognized by the AKC?
Definitely! As mentioned, the AKC recognizes Fox Red Labs as yellow Labradors. When registering a puppy with this coat color, you’d simply select “yellow” as the color.
Are Red Labs Just a Fad?
Actually, no! The darker yellow to red shades were among the original ‘Yellow’ Labrador coloring. While lighter yellows took center stage for a while, the Fox Red has steadily gained fans over the past few decades. With the right lineage and thoughtful breeding, this color is here to stay.
Do Fox Red Labradors Have Health Issues?
Like all Labradors, Fox Reds can be prone to common breed health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), and EIC (Exercise-Induced Collapse). The color itself doesn’t cause additional health problems, but responsible breeding is essential. That’s why at Escalante, we screen all our sires and dams through OFA, DNA panels, and temperament evaluations.
Are Fox Red Labradors Good Family Dogs?
This is my favorite question to answer! In my experience they are the best family dogs! Our puppies are loved in homes across the country, from young families with toddlers to retirees looking for a loyal friend. Time and time again, I hear the same thing: Escalante pups are the best decision they ever made.
Fox Red Labradors are just as sweet, trainable, and people-loving as any other shade of Lab. Thoughtful breeding and selecting parents with wonderful temperaments and health is the key to a wonderful family dog, no matter what the color.
Choosing a puppy is a big decision. If you’re drawn to the beauty of the Fox Red Labrador, you’re not alone. But beyond their looks, these dogs offer the full Labrador package: loyalty, intelligence, and a loving heart. At Escalante English Labs, we’re proud to raise Fox Red Labs that embody the best of the breed—in temperament, health, and beauty. If you are searching for a reputable breeder in your area check out this page to learn what to look for.