The playful nature, enthusiastic attitude, and creative behavior patterns of a Labrador make them one of the most coveted breeds of dogs in the world.
What many dog lovers don’t know, however, is that there are different sub-variations among the labs too!
Knowing the difference between Dudley Lab vs Yellow Lab can help caregivers decide on better diet plans, exercise regimens, and interaction approaches toward their fur baby.
What Is a Dudley Lab?
Dudley Labs are labradors with a rare appearance due to missing pigmentation in various areas of their body. This is a genetic difference between these two Labrador types.
A Yellow Lab, you would notice, has a light yellow coat, a black nose, black eye rims, and dark-colored feet. On the other hand, Dudley Labs are born with pigmentation-ridden pink noses, feet, and eye rims, and the color remains the same throughout their lives.
Some questionable sellers, however, try to classify a Yellow Lab with medical conditions as a Dudley Lab variant. A Dudley lab does not show lethargy, aversion to sunlight, or loss of appetite in comparison to a Yellow Lab.
Dudley Lab vs Yellow Lab: Differences & Similarities!
| Characteristic | Dudley Lab | Yellow Lab |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Light yellow with pink nose, eye rims, and feet | Yellow with black nose, eye rims, and feet |
| Size | 22-24 inches tall, 60-80 pounds | 22-24 inches tall, 60-80 pounds |
| Price | $1,000 – $3,000 | $800 to $2,000 |
| Rareness | Rare | Common |
| Puppy | Hard to find | More common |
| Personality | Loyal, friendly, and outgoing | Loyal, friendly, and outgoing |
| Intelligence & Energy level | High | High |
| Trainability | Easy to train | Easy to train |
| Health | Generally healthy | Generally healthy |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years | 10-12 years |
As you can see, there is no difference between a Dudley and a Yellow Lab in terms of size and behavior. They both live for about 10 to 12 years, weigh 60 to 80 pounds, and are healthy, outgoing dogs.
But the differences in physicality are even difficult to spot; both of them are born with very pale coats and pink noses!
It is true, however, that the pink nose, feet, and eye rims do govern how often a Dudley and a Yellow Lab will experience sunburn or irritation outside! Yes, because a Dudley Lab has no pigmentation in these areas, they need a lot more care when out in the sunlight as compared to Yellow Labs.
Dudley Labs are not predisposed to any additional medical conditions as compared to any other Labrador. All Labradors respond super well to training.
What Is the Genotype of a Dudley Lab?
Every Labrador has two genetic loci that can influence the physical appearance and pigmentation of their body.
One of them is the B loci (BB, Bb, or bb), and the second one is the Ee loci (EE, Ee, or ee). Both of these have one dominant gene (denoted by the B or E and one recessive gene bb or ee).
The most dominant color is that of the Black Labrador, which comes when the Lab pup is born with one dominant B loci (has BB or Bb gene). The pup that receives EE or Ee gene (dominant E loci) is most likely to be a Chocolate Labrador.
The recessive ee gene gives a labrador its yellow color. Interestingly, those Labradors that are born with both recessive bb gene and ee gene are not even Yellow Labs but rather Dudley Labs.
Hence, the difference arises from a natural difference in the genes – while both these Labradors are rare, Yellow Lab genes still occur a lot more frequently than Dudley Lab genes.
How Rare Is a Dudley Lab?
Dudley Labs are one of the rarest Labrador species as the genetic combination required for a healthy Dudley Lab to be born in this world occurs only rarely.
Finding two healthy adults for successful breeding can also be very difficult for the same reason.
Dudley Labs are not preferred by most trainers because they are not suitable for showing business specimens. They are purebred dogs but relatively rare to find.
Why Are Dudley Labs More Expensive?
The main reason for a higher Dudley Lab price is that the demand is more than the supply. Actual Dudley Labs are rare to find, which is why buyers are willing to pay a higher price.
Sometimes, breeders convince buyers to pay an extra price for Dudley Lab by telling them that this pigmentation difference is also associated with a different coat, performance, or even lifestyle quality – none of which is true!
If you buy a Dudley pup that is only a couple of months old, you will be quoted extra on the Dudley Lab price quota compared to an adult dog. Dudley Lab’s price for a dog bred by a good breeder can start from 2500 USD and even go up to 5000 USD at many places.
Where Can You Buy a Dudley Labrador?
Many breeders with different breeding techniques and goals can breed a Dudley Lab. Most such breeders are non-professional and breed these dogs to become home pups.
Given this dynamic, it is best to buy a Dudley Lab from a homely breeder who raises a small number of pups for a single season and can take care of each pup’s physical and emotional needs.
Buying from individual breeders is always better than buying a Dudley Lab that was mass-bred; such dogs do not receive any mental or emotional care as babies.
Breeders specially trained in Labrador breeding are the best choice, although they might quote a higher Dudley Lab price for your pup. Search breeders are long-term friends who stay connected with new dog owners and guide them whenever required.
As far as possible, avoid buying from or supporting breeders who leave the little puppies in cages for long periods. It is best if the Dudley Lab is taught healthy communication and play by the breeder in its early stages of life.
Only a few breeders will have a collection of Dudley Lab puppies ready for sale at one time. Buyers can look into advertisements online to locate breeders near them.
What Are Some Other Different Colored Labs?
We have discussed in detail the appearance, physiology, and market price of Dudley and a Yellow Lab today. However, many other labradors come with a different coat, nose, and eye rim color.
1. Chocolate Labrador: These Labs were recognized by the Kennel Club of Britain in 1903 and are one of the most popular breeds today. The two main shades of brown that these Labs come in are chocolate and liver. On average, they live up to 10.5 years and are one of the most difficult Labrador breeds to train.
2. Black Labrador: These Labs are of amazing quality and are often employed for fieldwork. This is the most common color among labradors which is why these babies can be obtained at an affordable price or easily adopted from shelters.
3. Pure White Lab: The White Labrador completely lacks any pigmentation. They are not albino which can suffer from certain mobility and light sensitivity issues. It is best not to promote the breeding of unhealthy genetic breeds!
4. Fox-red Labrador: Some experts consider the Red Labrador to be a kind of yellow Labrador. While these two colors have great genetic similarity, the Fox-red Labs come in a deep rust red coat. They are eligible for show and live quite long.
5. Silver Labrador: Silver Labradors have the same jeans as the Chocolate Lab. Many Silver Labs face medical conditions like color dilution, alopecia, and a weak immune system.
6. Champagne Lab: These Labs have an appearance that is a hybrid of a Yellow Lab and a Dudley Lab. They have black eye rims and feet but a pink nose due to gene dilution and also have a much lighter fuer hue than generic Yellow Labs.
All dogs deserve a good quality of life and deserve to live in a loving household. All these labradors will love you equally and guard you with their life.
Which Color of Labrador Is Best?
All dogs are unique and fascinating in their ways. Similarly, they all deserve equal love from their owners!
Coat colors do make a difference, though, and the two top choices are the Black and Yellow Labs! According to most trainers and professionals on the shooting field, Black Labradors are the most agile, alert, and easy to train.
Yellow Labs are also flexible and quick decision-makers. Since Yellow Labs are great to look at and ferocious, they are considered the best labrador color among many show business judges.
Similarly, it has also been stated that black coat or yellow coat Labs are likely to live 10% longer than Labradors of other colors.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your dog is your family member, and a Dudley Lab vs Yellow Lab comparison isn’t enough to determine which Labrador will suit your home better!
Labs can be funny, energetic, and even get scared easily.
A loving home for your Dudley Lab or Yellow Lab pup is what will lead to a healthy, charming dog belonging to proud parents.
Frequently Asked Questions on Dudley Lab vs Yellow Lab
Q1. Are Dudley Labs Purebred?
Ans: Yes, Dudley Labs are indeed purebred dogs. Despite their unique appearance that comes due to a lack of pigmentation, they are full-fledged members of the Labrador Retriever breed.
Q2. Are Dudley Labs Bad?
Ans: Absolutely not. The term “bad” is often subjectively perceived and can differ from one person to another. Dudley Labs can make wonderful pets with the right training and socialization. They possess the typical Labrador traits of friendliness, trainability, and a love for play.
Q3. Can Dudley Labs Be AKC Registered?
Ans: No, Dudley Labs cannot be AKC registered. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has a breed standard for Labrador Retrievers, and Dudley Labs do not meet this standard. The AKC breed standard specifies that Labrador Retrievers should have a black, brown, or yellow coat with a black nose and black eye rims. Dudley Labs has a pink nose and eye rims, which is a disqualification under the AKC breed standard.
Q4. How Big Do Dudley Labs Get?
Ans: Dudley Labradors are medium to large dogs that weigh between 55 and 80 pounds and measure 21 to 24 inches in height.
Q5. Dudley Lab vs Champagne Lab
Ans: Both Dudley Labs and Champagne Labs are types of Labrador Retrievers with unique appearances.
A. Dudley Labs: These dogs lack pigmentation in the nose, eye rims, and feet due to the absence of genes for pigmentation. They have light eyes, ranging from light yellow to amber.
B. Champagne Labs: These dogs get their name from their dilute coat color that is the result of two silver (dd) genes. Typically, they have a coat that is light cream or gold, and unlike Dudleys, they have pigmentation in the nose, eye rims, and feet, which are typically brown.
Q6. Can Yellow Labs Have Black Lab Puppies?
Ans: No, two yellow Labradors cannot have black puppies. This is because the genes for yellow coat color are recessive, and two yellow labs will only pass on the recessive yellow gene to their offspring.
