12 years ago, I began researching the "Silver Labradors".  I spoke to and corresponded with several Silver Labrador breeders.  I was doubtful about their claims of Silver or Gray Labradors, as I have raised and bred Labradors most of my life.  I had never heard of such a color.  I've seen reddish gold and white labs and muddy chocolate ones, too.  Is there such a thing as a "Silver or Charcoal Lab"?  I did a lot of research and questioned the truth of these claims and statements that these "Labs" were not a cross-over of the Weimeraners.  I spent 2 years researching to my own satisfaction that these are true Labradors. 

• Regarding the build, temperament and health of the Labrador.  I am asked frequently if I breed English or American style Labs.

I do agree with the statements from the Labrador Retrievers Club, Inc. (LRC) regarding the extreme style difference of the Labradors.  I have produced both styles, and they have identical temperaments, health and trainability. 

"The LRC or Labrador Retriever Club Inc. states that the U.S. general public has labeled these 2 variations mistakenly as "English or American" style. 

The working/field or "American" style of dog is the label often attached to a Labrador possessing lighter bone structure and exhibiting more length of leg, a less dense coat, and a narrower head with more length of muzzle.

The conformation/show or "English" style Labrador is generally thought of as a stockier dog, heavier of bone and shorter on leg and with a denser coat, and having a head often described as "square or blocky." However, working/field variations occur in England as well, so this description is not necessarily suitable.

These general images portray the extremes of both styles and do not help to identify the temperament, trainability or health of the dog.  In fact, the vast majority of Labrador retrievers, whether of conformation/show breeding or working/field breeding, possess moderate body styles much closer to the written Standard of the breed. It is possible that within a single litter, whether that litter has been bred for show/conformation or working/field, individual pups can mature to be representatives of the range, though rarely producing the extremes, of the two styles. We recommend that you discuss the issue of size and style, as well as temperament, trainability and health, with any breeder you contact. However, please remember that there is only one Labrador Retriever breed, one that meets the requirements as set forth in the Official Standard".

• Regarding Coat Color.  I am frequently asked where the silver or charcoal color comes from.  

I disagree with the LRC about the standard recognized "color" of the Labrador Retriever.  They do not recognize "silver or gray" as a standard color, nor does the American Kennel Club, Inc. (AKC) They insist that the only true Lab "colors" are black, yellow or chocolate.  This doesn't account for the following statement from either organization in reference to the official coat colors. 

Okay, so black is black, yellow can have a range from fox-red to light cream and chocolates can vary in shades.  Hmmm....

I recommend you read the following site information for more information about genetics and recessive genes.  http://www.labbies.com/genetics2.htm#Silver

I wasn't convinced until I made a visit to a kennel in Michigan that bred "Silver" Labs.  It was a new beginning for me.  I purchased my first "Light Silver Lab" in 2003.   

"Kili Kailani"  At eight weeks of age, the breeders shipped “Kailani” from Michigan to Anchorage, Alaska, and a new family member was warmly welcomed into my home. 

I wasn't prepared for how often I would be stopped by admirers asking where they could also get a Silver Labrador.  Many people asked if I was inclined to breed Kai and produce some silver puppies for sale in the local area.  Kai is a fully registered AKC and OFA certified Labrador Retriever.

In 2005, I decided that if I could find a suitable stud for Kai the following year, then I would breed her.  Fortunately, a beautiful male stud in Arizona, a little bit closer to Alaska, was found as a suitable mate for Kai.  There were a couple of studly studs to choose from, and ultimately “Gaston” was chosen for the role.  His pedigree, health and the kennel itself were of utmost priority.

Gaston was DNA and AKC registered.  He is a ruggedly handsome light Silver Labrador.  I flew with Kai to Arizona in February 2005, where it was love at first sight for Kai and Gaston.

They succeeded in achieving their goal to create beautiful and healthy pups that have become the perfect family pets and hunting companions.  Kai and Gaston produced 3 lovely litters before Kai retired from breeding.  She's now the authority figure to two additional females and one male.

All puppies are raised indoors and are a large part of the household.  They are given lots of love and attention, both individually and as a group.  All pups are matched up and placed with their new owners after a screening process takes place between myself and the potential new families.  Making sure that the right pet is integrated into your home for your lifestyle and activities is an important step in making this commitment.  A lot of hard work, patience and dedication in raising a puppy into adulthood is a big commitment, and I want to insure that the puppies that I place go into the best homes. 

"KILI KALITTA"    A very beautiful chocolate (mahogany brown), silver factored female from Dallas, Texas.  She was 9 months old when I received her from a breeder in Texas.  After several months of trying to get Kalitta's very serious health issues straightened out, Kalitta was found to have severe hip dysplasia and osteo-arthritis.  I had her spayed at one year of age so as NOT to breed poor genetics.  Today, Kalitta is crippled but doing well.  I made the commitment to provide her with quality of life for as long as I can.  The breeder in Texas has changed the name of her kennel.

"Silver Labs of Alaska KILI HANA KAI"  A beautiful Charcoal Gray Labrador.  Hana is in excellent health.  Her hip x-rays from the OFA or Orthopedic Foundation for Animals rated as excellent.  She is certified with CERF or Canine Eye Registration Foundation. Hana has the most wonderful temperament and disposition.  She is fun and mischievous, loves the frisbee and chases the rabbits with her best friend Kai.  Her coat can best be described as pewter in color.  Very even and fairly dense.  She weighs 66lbs.  She is a cross between the "American and English" style.  (Not too blocky, not too narrow of head)

"Cash Money Cody"  Cody came from Indiana in March 2011.  Cody and Hana are the parents to the new litter due in October 2011.  This big boy is known as the "gentle giant".  He's a whopping 98 lbs.  He shares some of the same pedigree 4 and 5 generations back to Kailani's and Hana's family.  He's definitely a retriever, he'll retrieve anything you can throw for him.  Very gentle temperament and smart as the day is long.  Cody has temporarily resided with us until he and Hana could produce a healthy litter together.  He is home now with a very loving family in the Kenai area with a new brother named Coco who is showing him the pleasures of retirement. 

Beth Harman

silverlabsak@alaska.net