What is a Fox Red Labrador?

The Fox Red Lab is a unique color variation of the Labrador Retriever, known for its striking dark red to mahogany coat. While not a separate breed, it is a purebred Labrador with the same friendly, intelligent, and energetic traits. Fox Red Labs are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and are increasingly popular for their loyalty and trainability.

Fox Red Labs have always existed within the Labrador breed. Historically, black Labradors were most common, with chocolate and yellow labs being rarer and less desirable. As demand for hunting dogs grew, the popularity of other colors, including Fox Red, surged.

Is a Fox Red Lab Purebred?

Yes, the Fox Red Lab is a purebred Labrador Retriever. It’s simply a variation of the yellow Labrador with a darker, redder coat. The breed standard requires the coat to be a solid color, with lighter shades on the head and chest.

These dogs have the same characteristics as other Labradors: intelligence, loyalty, and a love for water. They make excellent family pets, working dogs, and are highly trainable. The breed is known for being low-maintenance, requiring minimal grooming and exercise needs.

Fox Red Lab Genetics

Fox Red Labradors are a color variation of the yellow Labrador Retriever, with a rich, deep red or mahogany coat. They are not a separate breed but a genetic variation within the yellow Labrador gene pool.

Labrador Retrievers can come in three primary colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. These colors are determined by the interaction of multiple genes that control the production and expression of pigments in the dog’s fur. The two primary pigments involved are:

• Eumelanin (brown or black pigment)
• Pheomelanin (yellow to red pigment)

The coat color is influenced by two main genes that control these pigments, B (brown) and E (extension). The B gene influences whether the dog has black or chocolate pigmentation, while the E gene affects whether the dog has a yellow or red coat.

The C Gene and Coat Color Expression

The C gene regulates whether the red color is fully expressed or diluted. This gene plays a role in the intensity of the red pigment. In the case of Fox Red Labs, the C gene ensures that the red coat is fully expressed, giving them their beautiful deep hue. If the red pigment were to be diluted, the coat would appear lighter.

The B Gene and Eumelanin Coloration

The B gene controls the production of eumelanin, which is responsible for black and chocolate coat colors. Black Labradors carry BB or Bb (dominant alleles), while chocolate Labradors are bb (recessive alleles). In Fox Red Labs, the E locus overrides the B locus since yellow coat color is dominant at the ee allele, and eumelanin does not affect the final coat appearance.

Genetic Interactions (Epistasis)

The coat color in Labradors is a classic example of epistasis, where one gene affects the expression of another gene. In Labradors, the E locus (extension) can influence whether the dog will have a yellow coat despite the B gene determining whether the pigment is black or brown. This interaction is key to understanding how a Labrador can appear in different colors, even when they share similar genetic traits.



• Yellow Labradors with ee will have a yellow coat regardless of whether they carry the B (black) or b (chocolate) allele.
• The Fox Red appearance comes from the interaction of pheomelanin with the E gene, creating a deeper red hue in yellow Labradors.

In short, Fox Red Labradors are genetically yellow Labradors. The unique red coat is due to a combination of factors:

• The E gene (ee): Results in a yellow coat.
• The A gene: Controls the depth of the red pigment in the yellow coat, leading to the Fox Red appearance.
• The C gene: Determines whether the red pigment is fully expressed or diluted.

Despite their striking coat color, Fox Red Labs share the same traits as other Labradors: they are intelligent, loyal, and trainable. The genetic variation that results in their unique color does not affect their temperament or health.