The Charcoal Labrador Retriever: Breed Information

The Charcoal Labrador Retriever is a rare breed of dog that displays a unique gray-black coat. This breed was first bred in the mid-1900’s, and its popularity has been growing ever since.

The Charcoal Lab is an intelligent, loyal, and gentle companion who makes an excellent family pet.

Key Takeaway

• A Charcoal Lab is a variation of the Labrador Retriever breed, characterized by its unique dilute black coat color that appears as a smokey gray or charcoal hue.
• Charcoal Labs are characterized by their unique smokey gray or charcoal-colored coat, often accompanied by lighter-colored eyes that darken with age, and they share the same muscular build, broad head, and expressive eyes as standard Labrador Retrievers.
• Charcoal Labs, like all Labrador Retrievers, are generally healthy but can be prone to certain breed-specific health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions, and heart disorders.

What Is a Charcoal Lab?

A Charcoal Lab is a unique color variation of the Labrador Retriever breed, characterized by its distinctive dark-grey, almost black coat.

Charcoal Labs are part of the Labrador Retriever breed, known for their intelligence, friendliness, and versatility.

What sets Charcoal Labs apart is their unique coat color, which is a result of a dilution gene that lightens their black coat to a charcoal color.

This shade can range from a smoky gray to an almost black hue. Despite their unusual coloring, Charcoal

Labs retains all the hallmark traits of the Labrador Retriever breed, including their high energy levels, loyalty, and love for people.

They make excellent family pets, hunting dogs, and service animals. It’s important to note that while

Charcoal Lab Appearance

A Charcoal Lab’s appearance is characterized by its unique dark-grey, almost black coat, sturdy build, and classic Labrador Retriever features.

Coat and Color

Charcoal Labs have a distinctive dark-grey, almost black, coat color that sets them apart from other Labrador Retrievers. This unique coloration is a result of a dilution gene that lightens their black coat to a charcoal hue.

The shade can vary from dog to dog, ranging from smoky gray to an almost black hue. Their coats are typically short, dense, and water-resistant, just like any other Labrador Retriever.

Physical Features

In terms of physical features, Charcoal Labs are identical to other Labrador Retrievers. They possess a strong, athletic build, with males typically being larger than females.

They have a broad head, expressive eyes that range in color from brown to hazel, and an ‘otter’ tail that is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. Their ears are medium-sized and hang close to their heads.

Size

On average, male Charcoal Labs stand 22.5 to 24.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 65 to 80 pounds. Females generally stand 21.5 to 23.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 55 to 70 pounds. As with all dogs, individual size can vary.

Charcoal Lab Coat Type

A Charcoal Lab’s coat is typically short, dense, straight and water-resistant, much like other Labrador Retrievers.

The unique dark-grey, almost black coat of a Charcoal Lab is not just distinctive in color but also in type.

Just like their Labrador Retriever counterparts, Charcoal Labs have a double coat that serves to protect them from harsh weather conditions.

The outer layer is short, straight, and quite dense, providing a solid barrier against rain, snow, and cold.

Underneath this protective layer is a soft, insulating undercoat that keeps them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

This coat type requires regular brushing to keep it healthy and shiny, and they are known to shed, especially during the change of seasons.

Despite the color variation, the coat care for Charcoal Labs is the same as for any other Labrador Retriever.

Charcoal Lab Personality

Charcoal Labs, like all Labrador Retrievers, are known for their friendly, outgoing, and even-tempered personality.

Despite their unique color, Charcoal Labs share the same personality traits as other Labrador Retrievers. They are renowned for their intelligence, versatility, and good nature.

These dogs are incredibly friendly, making them excellent family pets and great companions for children. They are social animals who love being part of family activities.

Charcoal Lab Health

Charcoal Labs, like all Labrador Retrievers, are generally healthy but can be prone to certain breed-specific health conditions.

Common Health Issues

Charcoal Labs can be susceptible to health issues common among Labrador Retrievers. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, a condition that affects the joints and can lead to pain and mobility problems. They may also be prone to eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can lead to blindness.

Obesity is another potential health risk for Charcoal Labs due to their love of food and tendency to overeat if given the chance. This can lead to other health complications such as heart disease and diabetes, so careful monitoring of their diet and weight is essential.

Lifespan and General Health

On average, a healthy Charcoal Lab can live between 10 to 12 years. This lifespan is typical for dogs of their size and breed. Despite the potential health issues, most Charcoal Labs lead healthy, active lives, especially with regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet and exercise routine.

Genetic Testing

Because Charcoal Labs can be prone to certain genetic conditions, reputable breeders will often conduct health screenings and genetic testing on their breeding dogs. This helps ensure they are not passing on any preventable diseases to their puppies. Potential owners should always ask to see health clearances or test results to ensure the health of their future puppy.

Is a Charcoal Lab Right for You?

Deciding if a Charcoal Lab is right for you depends on your lifestyle, the time and energy you can devote to a pet, and your preference for a unique but controversial color variation within the Labrador Retriever breed.

Charcoal Labs are purebred Labrador Retrievers with a distinct dark grey coat. They’re intelligent, friendly, and versatile dogs that make great family pets.

However, owning a Charcoal Lab requires commitment as these dogs have high energy levels and need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They also require consistent training from a young age and benefit from early socialization.

On the other hand, there’s controversy surrounding the breeding of Charcoal Labs due to their non-standard color, which is a result of a dilute gene.

Because of this, they are not recognized by some kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club. Furthermore, some believe Charcoal Labs may be less healthy than other Lab colors, although all Labs can be prone to certain breed-specific health conditions.

Where to Find Charcoal Lab Puppies

Charcoal Lab puppies can be found through reputable breeders such as Greenfield Puppies, Lankas Labs, Dogwood Silver Labs, and Silver and Charcoal Kennels among others.

If you’re looking for Charcoal Lab puppies, there are several breeders across the United States who specialize in these dogs.

For instance, Greenfield Puppies offers a wide selection of Charcoal Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. In Kansas, Lankas Labs is known to be one of the leading pointing lab breeders, including Charcoal Labs.

Dogwood Silver Labs also specializes in the sale of top quality, genetically tested, family raised AKC Silver Charcoal and Champagne Labs.

They are based in Arkansas. Meanwhile, Silver and Charcoal Kennels has been working for over 20 years to establish itself as a high-quality Labrador breeder, including silver and charcoal lab puppies. They even offer delivery of their Lab puppies to homes in Texas.

How Much Does a Charcoal Lab Cost?

On average, a Charcoal Labrador Retriever puppy costs around $1,500.

When considering the purchase of a Charcoal Lab, it’s important to note that the price can vary widely depending on several factors. These can include the breeder’s reputation, the pedigree of the puppy’s parents, and the demand for puppies at the time.

According to various sources, the cost of a Charcoal Lab puppy can range from as low as $1,000 to as high as $2,000.

However, the most commonly quoted average price is roughly $1,500. This price typically includes initial veterinary care, such as vaccinations and worming, as well as the cost of caring for the puppy until it’s ready to go home with its new family.

What Is the Difference Between a Charcoal Lab and a Silver Lab?

Feature	Charcoal Lab	Silver Lab
Color	Charcoal Labs have a dark grey or almost black coat.	Silver Labs have a light grey or silver coat.
Genetics	Charcoal Labs are produced when two Labs that carry the dilute gene are bred together.	Silver Labs also result from breeding two Labs that carry the dilute gene.
AKC Recognition	The American Kennel Club does not recognize Charcoal as an official Lab color. They are registered as Black Labs.	The American Kennel Club does not recognize Silver as an official Lab color. They are registered as Chocolate Labs.
Controversy	Similar to Silver Labs, Charcoal Labs are often at the center of controversy due to their non-standard color and the health concerns related to the dilute gene.	Silver Labs face similar controversy, as their color is non-standard and they may have health concerns related to the dilute gene.
Temperament	Charcoal Labs are known to be friendly, intelligent, and energetic, which are typical Labrador traits.	Silver Labs also share the typical Labrador traits – they are friendly, intelligent, and energetic.

What Is the Difference Between a Charcoal Lab and a Black Lab?

Feature	Charcoal Lab	Black Lab
Color	Charcoal Labs have a dark grey or almost black coat.	Black Labs have a solid black coat.
Genetics	Charcoal Labs are produced when two Labs that carry the dilute gene are bred together.	Black Labs do not carry the dilute gene. Their color is standard and recognized by all major kennel clubs.
AKC Recognition	The American Kennel Club does not recognize Charcoal as an official Lab color. They are registered as Black Labs.	The AKC recognizes Black as an official Lab color.
Controversy	Charcoal Labs are often at the center of controversy due to their non-standard color and the health concerns related to the dilute gene.	Black Labs, being a standard color, do not face this kind of controversy.
Temperament	Charcoal Labs are known to be friendly, intelligent, and energetic, which are typical Labrador traits.	Black Labs also share the typical Labrador traits – they are friendly, intelligent, and energetic.

Caring for a Charcoal Lab

Caring for a Charcoal Lab involves providing a balanced diet, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and routine healthcare.

Balanced Diet

Charcoal Labs, like all Labrador Retrievers, require a balanced diet to stay healthy. This typically includes high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. You should also monitor their food intake to prevent obesity, a common issue among Labs. Treats can be used as a reward but should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

Regular Exercise

Labrador Retrievers are known for their energy and athleticism. They require at least an hour of exercise each day, which could include walks, runs, or games of fetch. Without enough exercise, Labs can become bored and may develop destructive behaviors.

Mental Stimulation

In addition to physical exercise, Labs also need plenty of mental stimulation. This is an intelligent breed that enjoys problem-solving activities. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games can all help to keep your Charcoal Lab mentally stimulated.

Routine Healthcare

Routine vet check-ups are essential for maintaining your Lab’s health. Your vet can provide vaccinations, conduct regular health screenings, and offer advice on topics like diet and exercise. Dental care is also crucial for Labs, so regular teeth cleaning should be part of their healthcare routine.

Socialization and Training

Labs are social dogs that generally get along well with people and other animals. Early socialization can help ensure that your Charcoal Lab grows into a well-adjusted adult dog. Training, ideally starting from puppyhood, is also important. Labs are eager to please and generally respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.

What Color Labs Make Charcoal?

Charcoal Labs are produced when two Labrador Retrievers that both carry the dilute gene are bred together.

When it comes to producing a Charcoal Lab, the actual color of the parent Labs is less important than the fact that they both carry the dilute gene.

This gene dilutes the black coloration in Labs to produce a charcoal color. For example, if two black Labs that both carry the dilute gene are bred together, they can produce Charcoal pups. Similarly, breeding two Charcoal Labs together will also produce Charcoal offspring.

It’s also possible to get Charcoal pups from parents of different colors, as long as both parents carry the dilute gene.

What Color Eyes Do Charcoal Labs Have

Charcoal Labs typically have light blue eyes as puppies, which gradually change to a hazel or brown color as they mature.

In the first few weeks of life, Charcoal Labs often have light blue eyes. This is a common trait among many dog breeds. However, as they grow older, their eye color generally changes.

By the time they’re around three months old, their eyes will have darkened to a hazel or brown color. This is the standard eye color for adult Labrador Retrievers, regardless of coat color.

It’s worth noting that while most Charcoal Labs will have hazel or brown eyes as adults, there can be some variation.

Some may retain lighter-colored eyes, though this is less common. Despite these variations, any Labrador Retriever with blue or green eyes as an adult is generally considered to be outside the breed standard.

FAQs

Q: How does a Charcoal Labrador Retriever differ from other Labrador Retrievers?

A: The main difference between a Charcoal Labrador Retriever and other Labrador Retrievers is the coat color. Charcoal Labs have a distinct dark gray or charcoal color, while other Labs may have black, chocolate, or yellow coats.

Q: Are Charcoal Labs recognized by kennel clubs?

A: Yes, Charcoal Labs are recognized by some kennel clubs, although the recognition may vary depending on the club and region. It is always important to check with reputable kennel clubs and breeders for confirmation.

Q: How long do Charcoal Labs live?

A: On average, Charcoal Labs have a lifespan of around 10 to 12 years. However, with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups, they can live even longer.

Q: What is the temperament of a Charcoal Labrador Retriever?

A: Charcoal Labs share the same temperament as other Labrador Retrievers. They are known to be friendly, outgoing, and gentle dogs. They are great family pets and get along well with children and other animals.

Q: Can I find Charcoal Labrador Retriever puppies for sale?

A: Yes, you can find Charcoal Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. There are reputable breeders who specialize in breeding Charcoal Labs. It is important to do thorough research and choose a responsible breeder.

Q: Are Charcoal Labs considered a unique coat color in the Labrador Retriever breed?

A: Yes, Charcoal Labs have a unique coat color. While black, chocolate, and yellow are the more common coat colors in the Labrador Retriever breed, Charcoal Labs stand out with their distinct dark gray or charcoal coat.

Q: What should be the daily diet of a Charcoal Lab?

A: The daily diet of a Charcoal Lab should consist of high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. It is also important to provide them with fresh water and monitor their calorie intake to maintain a healthy weight.

Q: Are Charcoal Labs suitable as family pets?

A: Yes, Charcoal Labs are known to be great family pets. They are friendly, loyal, and enjoy being part of the family. However, like any dog breed, proper socialization, training, and care are essential to ensure they thrive in a family environment.

In Conclusion

The Charcoal Labrador Retriever is a unique and beautiful breed of dog that can make a great addition to any family.

They are highly intelligent, loving animals that will do anything to please their owners.

While they have some specific needs in terms of exercise and diet, their friendly and loyal personalities make them an ideal pet for many households.