Labrador Coat Color & Dilution

EverOak Preservation Commitment

The official Labrador Retriever Breed Standard — as recognized by the AKC Parent Club and Labrador breed clubs worldwide — clearly states that the only acceptable coat colors are Black, Yellow, and Chocolate. These three colors define the breed and have done so since its origin.

At EverOak Labradors & Sussex Spaniels, every breeding Labrador in our program has been DNA tested and is confirmed Dilute Free (DD), with results publicly posted through OFA. In the case of younger puppies, they are DD by parentage, as both sire and dam have been tested clear. While we already knew our lines were dilute free through pedigree and history, we believe in full transparency — if we speak preservation, we back it with documented proof.

What Does “Dilute Free” Mean?

The Labrador Retriever breed does not naturally carry the dilute gene (d).
The only acceptable genotype for purebred Labradors regarding dilution is:

DD = Dilute Free

If a Labrador carries even one recessive “d” (Dd or dd), it is not dilute free.

Acceptable (Dilute-Free) Genotypes

The following are examples of dilute-free Labradors (all ending in DD):

• EEBBDD – Black
• EEBbDD – Black carrying chocolate
• EEbbDD – Chocolate
• EeBBDD – Black carrying yellow
• EeBbDD – Black carrying yellow and chocolate
• EebbDD – Chocolate carrying yellow
• eeBBDD – Yellow with black pigment
• eeBbDD – Yellow carrying chocolate
• eebbDD – Yellow with chocolate pigment

These represent the only acceptable dilution results within the breed.

Dilute Genotypes (Not Acceptable in Preservation Programs)

Any genotype containing Dd or dd indicates the presence of the dilute gene and results in so-called “charcoal,” “silver,” or “champagne” coloration. These are not recognized within the Labrador Retriever Breed Standard.

Examples include:

• Charcoal (black dilute)
• Silver (chocolate dilute)
• Champagne (yellow dilute)

The dilute gene is considered foreign to the Labrador Retriever gene pool by preservation breeders committed to maintaining breed integrity.

How Can You Verify Dilute Status?

Through DNA testing specifically for the D locus (dilution gene).
The only acceptable result for a preservation-bred Labrador is:

DD

At EverOak, we believe in protecting the Labrador Retriever as it was intended — structurally, temperamentally, and genetically. Preservation means honoring the standard, not trends.

For additional information, we encourage families to research thoroughly and consult reputable educational resources regarding dilute Labradors.

Rooted in Faith • Committed for a Lifetime