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The first gene determines color. There are three variations of this gene, one for black, one for yellow, and one for chocolate. The second gene controls pigment, and is either "on" of "off". The second gene always trumps the first gene. If the second gene is "off" it will always produce a Yellow Lab. A Lab with the yellow color genre and the pigment gene that is "turned off" will have a pale yellow coloring that is almost white.

The presence and form of these genes is random in every Labrador Retriever's DNA. This means that any litter of Labs can have puppies of different colors despite the coloring of the parents. Even breeding two Black Labs together can result in Yellow or Chocolate Lab pups.

Although the Labrador Retriever is no longer used in fishing, and rarely in hunting, the breed has still firmly established itself as a work dog. In modern times Labrador Retrievers are used as work dogs for the blind and visually impaired. Their patience, intelligence, laid back disposition and excellent learning skills make them the ideal breed of dog for this type of work. Labrador Retrievers are also used with the hearing impaired, epileptics and as therapy dogs.

Labrador Retrievers can be distinguished by their short shiny waterproof coat, their distinct "otter-like" tail used as a steering rudder when swimming, their medium size and build, the squared shape of the top of their skull, floppy ears set close to the head and their total alertness in most situations.

Labrador Retrievers are generally mellow, patient, laid-back and well tempered. This makes them the ideal pet for families with young children. Like all dogs the Lab can have bad habits such as chewing, but the high intelligence of the breed makes it easy to train this behavior out of them. Labs are generally not aggressive, possessive or ill tempered. They are often calm in the presence of children and even strangers.

Over the centuries the Labrador Retriever has proven itself to be one of the most desirable and family friendly breeds of dog in the world.

In most cases the intelligence and patient demeanor of the Labrador Retriever makes it a welcome addition to any family of dog lovers.

Learn more about this author, Mike Gagnon.
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