The Color Genetics of Labradors

This blog post is designed to help breeders, pet owners, and Labrador enthusiasts understand the genetics behind the three recognized Labrador colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. We’ll explore how genes are inherited from parents to offspring, the role of dominant and recessive traits in coat color, and the unique effect of recessive epistasis in Labradors. Finally, we’ll explore the genetics behind so-called “Dudley” Labradors and dilute-colored Labradors.