Black Labrador: Temperament, Genetics and Black Labrador Puppies
Black is the original colour of the Labrador Retriever. We explain where it comes from, how it’s inherited and how our black Labrador puppies are raised in Modigliana (FC), Italy.
The Black Labrador at a Glance
A black Labrador is a Labrador Retriever with an all-black coat. It is the breed’s original colour and one of the three colours recognised by the breed standard, together with yellow and chocolate. Temperament doesn’t depend on colour: a black Labrador is just as affectionate, cooperative and full of energy as a yellow or a chocolate.
- Colour: solid black; the standard allows a small white spot on the chest
- Genetics: black is dominant over chocolate and only shows if the dog is not yellow (E locus)
- Size (FCI standard): 56–57 cm (22–22.5 in) at the withers for males, 54–56 cm (21.5–22 in) for females
- Average lifespan: around 12 years (VetCompass study, 2018)
- Temperament: the same as other colours; what matters is the selection of the parents
The History of the Black Labrador
The Labrador descends from the St. John’s dog, a black water dog used by fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada, to retrieve nets and fish. In the 19th century some of these dogs reached England on ships trading with the port of Poole. There the Earls of Malmesbury and the Duke of Buccleuch developed them as retrievers for wildfowling.
From those dogs came Buccleuch Avon, considered one of the founders of the modern Labrador. For decades black was the only colour wanted: the first liver (now chocolate) puppies are recorded in the Buccleuch kennel in 1892, and the first registered yellow Labrador, Ben of Hyde, was born in 1899.
The short, dense, water-resistant coat, with an undercoat that protects against cold and water, comes from that work at sea. Today the black Labrador works as a guide dog, search and rescue dog and detection dog – and, above all, lives with families. The breed standard is explained in the Labrador Retriever breed standard.
Working and show lines. You’ll often hear about “American Labradors” and “English Labradors”. In reality these are two types of selection: working (field) lines, lighter and quicker, and show lines, sturdier and closer to the standard. We select our breeding dogs for conformity to the standard and for sound temperament.
Black Labrador Puppies: How Colour Is Inherited
A Labrador’s colour depends mainly on two genes.
- B gene (B locus): decides whether the pigment is black (B, dominant) or brown (b, recessive).
- E gene (E locus): decides whether the pigment appears in the coat. With two copies of “e” (ee) the dog is yellow, whatever its B gene.
A Labrador is black when it has at least one B and at least one E. Two black Labradors can also have yellow or chocolate puppies, if both carry the recessive genes:
| Genotype | Dog’s colour | Can pass on to puppies |
|---|---|---|
| BBEE | black | black only |
| BbEE | black | black and chocolate |
| BBEe | black | black and yellow |
| BbEe | black | black, chocolate and yellow |
Two yellow Labradors (ee) can’t have black puppies, and neither can two chocolates (bb). That’s why we carry out coat colour DNA testing on our breeding dogs: we know in advance which colours can be born from each mating.
Colour depends on melanin, produced by cells called melanocytes: eumelanin gives black and brown, phaeomelanin gives yellow.
Our Black Labrador Puppies
Our black Labrador puppies are born to parents with official HD/ED scoring and DNA tests for PRA, EIC, HNPK, SD2, DM, OSD and CNM. They grow up in our home and go to their new families after 90 days of age, with 3 vaccinations, microchip, ENCI pedigree and sales contract.
For example, our May 2026 litter between Kaiser by Marina Lab and our MyLabrador’s Ladies Night produced black puppies and one chocolate female: you’ll find it under previous litters.
How to get a black Labrador puppy:
- Message us on WhatsApp or through the form and tell us you’re looking for a black puppy.
- Come and visit us at the kennel: a visit is required before reserving.
- We’ll tell you which planned litter could produce black puppies and add you to the waiting list. The average wait is around 6 months.
You’ll find all the details in how to reserve a puppy.
Living with a Black Labrador
- Heat: a black coat absorbs more heat. In summer, walk your dog early in the morning and in the evening, and always give it shade and fresh water.
- Shedding: it sheds as much as other colours, but the hair shows more on light floors and fabrics. Brush often during moulting.
- Shine: a glossy black coat depends above all on diet.
- Weight: like all Labradors it tends to put on weight: check its ribs regularly and keep your puppy lean as it grows.
Black Labrador FAQ
Does a black Labrador have a different temperament from other colours?
No. Temperament doesn’t depend on coat colour but on the selection of the parents and on training. A well-bred black Labrador is as balanced, affectionate and cooperative as a yellow or a chocolate.
Can two yellow Labradors have a black puppy?
No. Yellow Labradors have two copies of the recessive e gene (ee), so they can only have yellow puppies. Two chocolates can’t have black puppies either. A black puppy always has at least one black parent.
Is a white spot on the chest a fault?
The breed standard allows a small white spot on the chest in black and chocolate Labradors.
How long does a black Labrador live?
A VetCompass study published in 2018, covering more than 33,000 Labradors in the UK, estimated an average lifespan of around 12 years for black and yellow Labradors and 10.7 years for chocolates. Diet, weight and exercise make a big difference.
Does a black Labrador suffer more in the heat?
A black coat absorbs more heat, so in summer it’s best to walk your dog in the cooler hours and give it shade and fresh water at all times.
Do you have black Labrador puppies available?
We breed only a few litters a year, and puppies go to families on our waiting list. Get in touch and we’ll tell you when the next litter with black puppies is expected. A visit to the kennel is required before reserving.
The other colours: yellow Labrador, fox red Labrador and chocolate Labrador.
