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Black lab vs Yellow lab?

80K views 25 replies 21 participants last post by  rugernmoesma 
#1 ·
Hello everyone!
I have worked closely with labs in training to be guide dogs for blind people. Its amazing to see them go from goofy funny dogs, to regal proud escorts for those without site. The guide dog company I have worked with primarily uses yellow and black labs, but they have started with labradoodles, which are some very funny dogs.

Anywho, It really seems to me that there is some attitude difference with the color of the dog. The black labs always seem really hyper when young, while the yellow labs are a bit less hyper, but don't seem to pay attention to things.

There is a black lab that, during training to detect if it is safe to cross the street, abandoned his person to go jump at the car because he recognized the driver.
Then there was a yellow lab, that I got to help raise from a puppy, and he worries me every day I hear he is out helping guide someone. He was always so happy, but so clumsy. I have heard he has been hit by a bus, and attacked by another dog twice. The funny thing, is that after the incidents, he got up, wagged his tail, and kept on going.

I have so many stories about silly labs, I was wondering if anyone else can back up my theory. This being that when they are young, black labs are more hyper, and yellow labs are more clumsy.
Or can anyone tell me about other color labs, like chocolate labs, or maybe crossbreeds like labradoodles (which are still the funniest looking dog ive ever seen, also one of the sweetest)
 
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#4 ·
No one will be able to back up your theory. Color has nothing to do with temperament or trainability. It's all about the lines they come from.
 
#5 ·
I have a black and a yellow. Both males. The yellow is the one without any self control -- hyped up ALL the time. My black is my mellow fellow.
 
#6 ·
I have 2 labs both females, 1 black 1 yellow. The yellow is my mellow girl the black not so much however, the black is more intense, my yellow girl is more apt to have her attention wander. Color has no bearing on the dog other than looks. It's all in the genes.:)
 
#10 ·
I have both a yellow and a black. I can tell you unequivocally that my 8-month-old black puppy is much calmer and more laid back and less "hyper" than his bouncy 6-year-old yellow brother.

My black boy is full of sass and attitude and my yellow boy is mischievious as all get out but they're both sweet mushes too. I don't attribute any of that to colour, it's just their different personalities.
 
#12 ·
LOL!! I hear ya. My choccy girl is the most sweetest, sociable, alert, obedient dog I've ever had. Although sometimes she can be hyper, naughty, crazy and full-on!! Is it colour-related??? mmm.....nah! i just think it's cause she's a LAB! And that is how Lab's are :)
 
#13 ·
I´ve had the three colors and 4 labs, they have all been wonderful but they each have their own personality traits, I wouldn´t say color had anything to do.

The only thing I can attest is that yellows look more friendly to people who don´t know the breed, and little kids seem to like them more. Blacks and chocos scare some people just because of color. Back when Misha was a pup almost every person I encountered during our walks wanted to say hi and pet her. With homer (black) people just ignored him, although I still get a lot of comments on how shinny his black coat is.
 
#15 ·
As a trainer, or just on personal title. I've seen a lot of Labradors in all the colors who are available. And as it works for people, it also works for 'dogs'. They all come with a unique personality. So the one black could be more hyper then the other, but there are also a lot of yellow Labradors who also are very hyper .. And did we've already mentioned the chocolate colored Labrador, they always seems to have the four paws OFF the floor! :D

So .. I think what you mentioned, depends on how the dog has been raised, trained and held by his owner (how much exercise is basicly the qlue) ;)

Ohw .. And about those Labrador-doodles .. It isnt realy my cup of thea :)
 
#22 ·
Garth, what always happens is that people respond all over again to the original poster, not to the newby who brought up the topic again. And Laura did exactly that here.

If someone is looking for a response on THEIR new post they should start a new thread so that people actually see it.
 
#26 ·
I have had all three color variations, and why its probably not likely that their color has much to do with their personality, all of them have been way different from the other. Our first black was very loyal and was a hard working dog. Our yellow also loved to work but had to be coaxed a bit and was just as content to be a couch potato, he was also very protective of family members. Our chocolate, he is a big clown, he always has to be dramatic and the center of attention. Our new black girl yet......still forming my opinion about her personality.... stay tuned:)
 
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