Pure White Labradors (Things You Should Know)

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Key Takeaways

  • White Labrador Retrievers have a temperament for working dogs, kids, and individuals.
  • Labrador Retrievers require modest amounts of regular grooming.
  • White Labs typically live between 10 and 12 years.
  • Labrador Retriever coat colors do not have a major impact on its behavior.
  • White Labradors cost between $800 and $2500 from a reputable breeder.

Are you thinking about getting a white Labrador? Here are some things you should know before adding this dog to your family.

The white Labrador is a dog breed with a rare form of albinism gained through selective breeding that gives its light cream coat a stunning shine. It sometimes requires some special attention when it comes to grooming and coat care.

With our long history of raising family dogs, you can trust that we’ll help you decide whether a white Labrador is a perfect fit for your home! Generally calm and even-tempered with a fantastic sense of humor, they can be ideal pets.

In this article

Should I Get a White Labrador?

Adopting a pup can be exciting, overwhelming, and rewarding. To ensure the process is smooth for you and your new white Labrador puppy, it’s vital to consider various factors like breed characteristics, your living space, food and care budget, lifestyle, and any other pets in the home.

By thinking over these factors before you bring your new pure white pooch home, being a new puppy parent will be more rewarding than anxiety-inducing. White Labradors are affectionate, loyal, and intelligent pups that will make wonderful additions to any home.

The white Lab is a good fit for families in need of an energetic furry companion. They don’t require as much active exercise compared to other breeds but are always up for some playtime with the kids– making them solid family pets.

They’ll run off with your heart using their sweet personalities and lovable, goofy grins. They may be perfect pets for first-time pet owners, young families, and those looking for a low-maintenance companion.

Do White Labradors Need to Go to the Groomer?

Labradors have short, low-maintenance coats compared to long-haired dogs, but regularly brushing your white lab puppies helps keep their fur healthy and shiny; it’s good for their skin, too.

Keeping your white Labrador’s coat in top shape is as easy as brushing it 1-2 times per week. Giving your pup some pampering a few times a week can let you wait longer between professional grooming appointments.

That said, we recommend having your furry friend professionally groomed every 1-2 months if you are able to keep up with brushing and light hygiene at home. Deep-cleaning that lovely fur is especially important for white Labs since their coats show dirt and debris more easily than yellow Labs do.

If you prefer not to brush your lab yourself, take them for a professional grooming every month or so. It’s important to remove built-up fur, clean out their ears, and trim their nails.

These routine treatments prevent discomfort, injury, and infection. Regular professional grooming is also a good idea for the health of your white Labrador and its skin, which can be sensitive.

There’s no downside to keeping your white Lab looking its best.

What Kind of Brush is Best for Pure White Labradors?

Savvy Labrador dog owners like us are obsessed with the FURminator brush for all types of dogs, white Labrador retrievers included. Perhaps you’ve heard of it?

There’s no better tool to control shedding or keep that white Lab gleaming.

The FURminator has stainless steel teeth designed to minimize painful tugging on your pup’s fur while still catching all the loose hairs that would otherwise litter your house. A good brushing session can leave behind a fur pile the size of the dog.

We use our FURminator on long and short-coated dogs to great effect. It’s about as trendy as a dog grooming tool can get.

White Labs and other short-haired dogs like Poodles do NOT need the large undercoat rake tool that is sometimes sold with the brush.

A white Lab is cool with just a FURminator. Save the rake for healthy dogs with a thick hair coat.

Do White Labradors Stay White?

Maybe. White Labradors have a genetic mutation that keeps their fur white, but they often turn darker shades as they age from a white Lab puppy into a grown dog.

Spending a lot of time outside in direct sunlight or playing in the dirt and mud will dull your white Lab’s coat over time. This is totally normal and healthy.

It may also be the case that your white Labrador has its lighter shades darken with age. This is also normal. Some white lab puppies grow into yellow Labradors or chocolate brown Labs; there’s no way to predict it.

You can’t stop your white Lab puppy and its fur from changing shades, but you CAN maintain weekly brushing and a regular grooming schedule to maintain the look of its coat for as long as possible.

No matter the shade, your white labradors will be faithful companions.

Did you know there’s a secret weapon for preserving your Labrador puppies’ lighter shade of white fur? It’s true– dog sunscreens exist! If you care about keeping your Labrador’s dazzling sheen, UV protection can be one more weapon in your arsenal.

Ultimately, white Labradors, purebred or not, can vary in color.

Are White Labs Good with Kids?

If you’re looking for a dog that loves being around children and can keep up with their energy, then white Labradors are an excellent choice. Their balanced personalities are full of love but still laid-back.

They’re loyal and loving animals that want nothing more than to please you and your kids.

Our family has had a white Lab for a few years, and he is a beloved member of the family. He’s always gentle, playful, and loving. During holiday parties, in particular, he always steals the show.

He greets friends and family with a big smile and a thousand tail wags. He’s like a little party host during these gatherings; he’ll wander around the house, visiting each guest, and taking frequent breaks to lie down and appreciate the atmosphere. (And maybe grab any dropped food.)

Labrador Retrievers are fantastic family dogs. You can’t go wrong whether you choose a yellow Labrador or a white Labrador.

Do White Labs Bark a Lot?

Absolutely not! White Labradors do not bark excessively—quite the opposite. White Labs are very quiet dogs, which makes them perfect pets for easily-scared youngins and apartment living.

Labs, and other retrievers, are descended from long lines of hunters that needed to stay on the quieter side while prowling in the forest.

White labs are known for being quiet little pups that love to relax and get comfy with their humans. This breed will never be your noisiest housemate; this makes them good choices for apartments, too.

If a Lab does bark, it’s usually only when they need something. As long as your canine friend gets enough playtime and bathroom breaks, you’ll rarely hear them bark.

How Do You Train White Labrador Retrievers?

Training your new white Labrador Retriever puppy should start the day you bring them home! It’s never too early to begin a mutually beneficial training relationship with your pets.

Teaching the basics like ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ and ‘come’ will help you build trust with your pup right off the bat. Patience, consistency, and kindness are the keys to having a happy four-legged friend.

Whenever we have a new puppy, we start the process by combining bathroom breaks with teachable moments.

A few basic commands, like ‘sit’ and ‘stay,’ can keep puppies engaged while they work on potty training– which can sometimes keep you outside for a full half-hour or more.

If they successfully do their business outside, give them plenty of praise, then bring them inside to reinforce the positive behavior and signal to them what the outside area is for.

This will help solidify that connection in their minds as well as build some impressive new tricks along the way.

Experiencing disruptive, problematic, or even dangerous behavior with your white Lab pup? An excellent way to start them out on the path of positive behavior is by consulting an experienced professional dog trainer in your area.

Early interventions can make all the difference, so don’t wait until things become set patterns; they will be much harder to correct at that point.

Desirable skills like loose leash walking, soft mouth, and crate training are best established when your white Labrador pups are young.

Does Labrador Coat Color Matter?

No! At least not to a degree worth considering if you’re looking for a companion or family pet. Black, yellow, and chocolate are equally good choices compared to white Labradors, purebred or not.

Whether your albino Labrador has a pale coat, a yellow one, black, or chocolate, they’re all the same breed and have similar temperaments. The biggest differences will arise from nurturing and training, much like people.

The color of a Lab’s coat has to do with genetics. Different colors were originally found across different countries and continents, though today, you can find all colors all over.

Are Yellow Labs Calmer Than Others?

Yellow labs are renowned working dogs, but white labs are great, too! No matter the color, Labrador Retrievers make wonderful companions.

As far as the American Kennel Club is concerned, white Labradors ARE yellow Labradors. There’s no reason to split hairs over hair color with white Labrador Retrievers.

How Much Is a White Labrador Retriever?

The cost of a white Lab will vary based on the breeder and their reputation.

When looking for Labrador puppies, you’ll want to make sure that they have the proper papers and are certified by the AKC. A purebred white Lab usually costs more than mixed breeds, so make sure you always confirm what you’re buying.

In general, white Labrador puppies cost between $800 and $2500. Rare dog show bloodlines and unique traits that can drive this price up even higher.

White Labs are in high demand, so it’s important to research your Lab breeder before you commit to bringing home one of these little stunners. Choosing lousy white Labrador breeders can lead to health problems in the puppy and a lot of heartaches.

If there are no well-priced or available white Labradors in your area, consider adopting a yellow Lab; a yellow Labrador litter will be just as loving.

Are White Lab Puppies Rare?

When it comes to finding white Labradors, always go for quality over quantity or ease. Opting for an AKC-approved breeder or rescuing from local shelters is the best route– never support puppy mills! Mill-abused breeding dogs are notoriously mistreated.

A rescue white Labrador is a great way to save a life and find a white Labrador puppy. Not only will you be saving a pup, but it’s also usually much less expensive than buying from a breeder. This route can take a little more searching if your wants are too specific.

How Long Does a White Labrador Live?

On average, white Labradors live between 10-12 years, though some have been blessed with up to 17 or 18 years. With great care from loving pet parents, these loyal friends can be with you for the long haul.

Your white Lab can lead a long, happy life with the right care and diligence. Aim for proper nutrition, loving attention, and regular visits to your trusted veterinarian. Every little bit of care adds up to longer years spent together.

We’ve been fortunate to have several furry family members with us for a wonderful 15 years plus! That’s a testament to the love and care we give our pup– something that any dog trainer or vet will tell you is essential to creating long, healthy lives.

One of our secrets is homemade dog-friendly meatballs. Packed with grass-fed, lean beef, eggs, and a rotating selection of dog-safe veggies and grains, you can see in their little eyes how much this tiny treat brightens up dinnertime.

The dog food market has gotten crowded and confusing. We find it easier to pick a simple, solid food like Blue Buffalo or their grain-free Freedom brand and upgrade it with some handmade love for our pups.

What Health Problems Do White Labradors Have?

Like all Labrador Retrievers, white Labradors are predisposed to certain health issues. As with any breed of dog, keep an eye out for signs and symptoms of common ailments.

Common Labrador health issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, skin sensitivity, allergies, rashes, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Fortunately, these issues can be treated and managed with some proactive pet parenting.

Don’t let this list scare you; it’s easy to keep your dog’s health in check. Have your pup examined regularly by a veterinarian you trust. This is also a good place to ask about nutrition and exercise habits that suit your dog’s unique needs.

On top of everything else, make sure your Lab gets plenty of stimulation and exercise. They require less high-energy action than many other breeds, but a sedentary existence is as bad for a dog as it is for a human.

Do White Labradors Have More Health Problems?

While all white Labs are susceptible to genetic health issues along with the other shades of English Labrador, the most extreme cases of albino labs, white Labs, have a higher likelihood of developing skin cancer.

This is almost too rare to be a major concern. Respected white Lab breeders won’t surprise you with an albino Labrador puppy.

About THE AUTHOR

Mark Brunson

Mark Brunson

Mark is the founder of Everything Labradors and a husband and father of 3. He enjoys spending time with his family, including his dog Molly, a Labrador/Golden Retriever mix. He’s a big fan of the outdoors and loves to travel to new places.

Read more about Mark Brunson