Unveiling Red Fox Labrador retriever: Characteristics, 3 Facts, 6 Health Issues, and More

The Red Fox Labrador Retriever is a crossbreed; however, it is just a color difference from the common Labrador retriever. As their name shows, they look like red fox because of their unique furs. These dogs have a darker coat than the yellow Lab, with red highlights all over. This gives the dogs a reddish coat that separates them from other Labs. Red Fox Labrador Retrievers don’t have black, cream, and brown patterns.

Fox Red Labs are recognized for being fun-loving, kind dogs that enthusiastically learn and love to gratify their owners. Their bubbly natures are just as big as their agile bodies. These dogs like spending time outside and will become bored if they’re left alone for a longer period.

But, the Fox red Labrador Retrievers do well at home alone when they’re appropriately exercised and get time with their loved ones. There is much to get about this gorgeous dog breed; therefore, continue reading to know more about keeping a Red Fox Labrador Retriever.

Red Fox Labrador retriever: Breed Overview

Height:	21 to 23 inches
Weight:	55 to 70 pounds
Lifespan:	10 to 14 years
Colors:	Darker yellow with reddish shade
Suitable for:	Families, singles, houses with lawn, apartments with loads of outdoor walking space
Temperament:	Highly smart, faithful, family-oriented, caring

History

This kind of Labrador is a color dissimilarity of the yellow gene. The Labr’s journey started in Newfoundland in Canada. Usually, he is a hunting pooch who works on the water gathering the prey of his fisherman, for example, ducks and fish. St John’s Dog is the predecessor of the Lab dog and thus impressed the visiting peers from Great Britain with his skills that they carried him back to England.

Over some decades, they developed the breed and renamed him the Labrador Retriever. Ever since his first recordkeeping in the USA in 1917, they have become a favorite breed worldwide. As stated by the AKC, he is now the most prevalent dog breed in the US. Individuals frequently ask, “Are Fox Red Labs purebred dogs” Yes, they are purebred canines.

It is unidentified exactly when this dog came into the world. But they have always been a sporadic color. Because of this reason, it is thought that as he was not one of the common colors, Fox Red puppies were not recorded and, thus, an unknown body, or they were unhappily culled when their color was recognized. The breed created international headlines in recent times when a Red Fox Labrador retriever named Nova became the new-fangled British first dog.

The appearance of Fox Red Labrador retriever 

Red Labs are attractive dogs, and their color sets them to one side. This category of Labrador is an unusual color, and he is certainly hard to come by. His characteristic color fur is the only real variation between him as well as any other colored Lab dog. He is called as being a deeper shade of the yellow Labrador.

Occasionally, they will have somewhat deeper pink qualities around the muzzle. This will seem either in the color of the skin or in his muzzle color; however, occasionally, he also shares similar black features like his brothers. 

They are also more expected to have a white mark on their underbelly rather than other Labrador colors. It is assumed that this is only because these patches are more noticeable on their darker skin than on their yellow brothers.

The male Fox Red Lab will measure around 22.5 to 24.5 inches from paw to shoulder and has 65 to 80 pounds weight. Obviously, the female will measure around 21.5 to 23.5 inches, and she will weigh approximately 55 to 70 pounds. They are sturdy dogs with thick, strong necks and thick tails. They are also pretty in their facial appearance, with big round eyes.

Usually, as the Red Fox Lab is not preferred in the competition ring, this dog is not commonly bred for dog shows. It is thought that the shooting world retained this breed alive even though the show world wanted to breed him out. 

Because of this reason, it would be rarer to get an English Fox Red Labrador bred for show competitions. It’s common for American Labs, which are usually bred for hunting. 

If you love the color fur, however, don’t take an interest in the Labrador himself; it might be exciting to know that he can frequently be misguided for a Vizsla. He holds the same facial appearance and big ears, with the same color fur; however, he is much more healthy in look.

He is often also mistaken for a Labrador and Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. Those who consider that this color Labrador is not a thoroughbred Labrador claim that he is the outcome of breeding a Lab with a Vizsla. This causes disputes in the Labrador world. There is no proof to support such a statement.

Temperament of Red Lab

The temperament of Red Lab is the same as the standard Lab, sociable and outgoing. The Fox Red Lab is similar in character to that of any colored Lab: “friendly, vigorous, and outgoing” is the AKC’s explanation of one of the best dog companions. He is an active bundle of fun, and he will definitely keep you on your toes. This dog will shower you and the entire family with love.

Furthermore, with his frisky nature, he is also an outgoing and gentle dog who is keen to please his owner. He is also good with smaller animals as well as young kids as long as he is entertained appropriately as a pup. The only modification that has been distinguished between the Fox Red Labrador retriever and any other color Lab is that they can be somewhat barkier. But Gregg Tonkin, the breeder, remarks that this might be because the gene pool is lesser, and a barky ancestor might be responsible for this. Just put, this barky habit is an inborn feature of one family member.

Exercise and Training

Red labs are easily trained and are keen to entertain their owners. Labradors are high-energy canines requiring at least one hour of daily active exercise. This needs to contain high-intensity exercise to keep him stimulated. It’s significant to burn up that energy. This can comprise swimming in the local lake, recovering sticks, or contributing to local alertness events.

The Labrador is a brilliant dog, and the Fox Red Labrador retriever is no different. This is one of the key reasons Labs are the most prevalent support dogs for the blind. They also surpass in several other occupations.

Do not underrate his cleverness, though. He still requires constant obedience training and a secure master to make sure he grows into a well-mannered adult. Ensure you have a lot of toys accessible to keep your dog occupied.

Health of Red Lab

The health of their parent canines has more to do with your pooch’s health than fur color. The Fox Red Labrador retriever’s lifecycle is between 10  to 12 years. Usually, he is a healthy pooch with no significant worries to be concerned about.

The coat color has no bearing on his well-being in any way. For itself, he shares the same health problems as any other Lab. Despite his color, any potential Labrador owner must be aware of the subsequent health issues. It’s suggested that his parents be confirmed for Hip as well as Elbow Dysplasia.

They should also be confirmed for Encouraged Collapse, where he can hurt a loss of muscular control after extreme exercise. He must also face an Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, can eventually cause vision loss.

Nutrition

The Red Lab should be fed dry kibble. They will consume approximately 3 cups of food daily. Red Lab will always be starving. To prevent obesity as well as other weight-related health problems that he is predisposed to, it is authoritative to control his food intake and feed him high-quality food that fits the dog breed profile.

Grooming of Red Lab Puppy

Grooming is easy with the Fox Red Lab. Just assume consistent shedding twice yearly. Their grooming requirements are similar to any other dog. They are deliberated to be heavy shedders when linked with other dog breeds. This dog has a double coat, which keeps him warm in winter.

Due to his thick double fur, this pup sheds significantly throughout the shedding season. He requires brushing daily to keep his fur manageable throughout this time. Once he is not shedding, his fur needs brushing once or twice weekly.

Red Fox Lab Puppy Price

You pay around $1,000 or up for these pups. A traditional colored Lab pup can cost anywhere between $1,000 or up from a trustworthy breeder. This Lab is much rarer. Due to that, you can pay much more because the supply and demand proportion is significantly higher. This dog is not priced as high as other colors. But as he is rarer compared to the traditional yellow and black pups, he might cost slightly more.

Be assured to do your research on reliable breeders before. Numerous Lab fans comment that trustworthy breeders should not charge extra for rarer colors. But if he is healthy and you need this specific color, then paying the extra price is something you must be ready to expect.

The AKC lists dog breeders who have recorded their pups for sale, either prepared to buy now or litters that are predictable soon. The Labrador Retriever Club also lists listed breeders state by state.

Instead, if you want to rescue and adopt a Lab, you can also get rescue groups registered state by state uniquely enthusiastic about rehoming Labradors. There are several rescue groups across the USA, and if you are convinced you need the Fox Red Lab as a pet, you might have to invest more time; however, it will be worth it when you have your dog.

6 Common Red Lab health issues

Fox Red Labs can live glad, healthy lives but are predisposed to some common health diseases. Keep up with immunizations and regular vet checkups to prevent illnesses and other health conditions. Some are curable when identified early.

1.      Obesity

Red Fox Labs boasts an approachable nature and gorgeous mug; thus, it’s alluring to shower them with delicious treats. Awkwardly, they’re predisposed to obesity; thus, they measure their meals, give healthy treats, and take them on walks.

2.      Diabetes

Obesity can cause diabetes if not treated properly. Study shows the Lab breed is disposed to this malady.

3.      Hip dysplasia

Large canines are more prone to hip dysplasia, which happens when the hip joints develop incorrectly or become harshly arthritic in their older years.

4.      Progressive retinal atrophy

This congenital eye disease can gradually cause blindness. Unluckily, there is no cure for this problem.

5.      Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear

This problem is like an ACL tear in an individual. Orthopedic surgery can control it. But, the best way to minimize the danger of a red fox Lab from getting a CCL tear is to wait until they’re one year to sterilize or 7 to 8 months of age to spay. Have your Lab at a healthy weight to decrease strain within their stifle joints.

6.      Otitis externa 

All Labs are predisposed to ear infections; thus, cleaning their ears with a regular ear cleaning solution with a drying agent is good. You should do this every two to three weeks for upkeep and after baths as well as swimming.

3 Facts about the Fox Red Lab

1.      They Aren’t Foxes

Countless people wrongly think the Red Fox Lab is part fox due to the name. However, the truth is that these canines are 100% Labrador retrievers. Like any other domesticated dog, these dogs belong in the family, not the wild.

2.      These dogs Aren’t Red.

Even though red highlights might be observed in the fur of a Red Fox Lab, the truth is that these pooches are just a darker color of yellow. Many people think that they look orange or like the color of bricks. However, their full coats aren’t actually red.

3.      They’re Quite Rare

As these dogs aren’t as prevalent as the yellow Lab or any other colored Labrador, for that matter, they aren’t a main concern for most dog breeders. Thus, the Red Fox Lab can be a rare choice on the market generally.

3 Dog Breeds that look like the fox red Labrador.

If you don’t want a red fox Lab, there are similar dog breeds to ponder. Even if you have your eye on these pups, it’s always better to research additional breeds just to be assured. Here are some you might also love.

1.      English cream golden retriever

 These light-colored golden retrievers are approachable, intelligent, and affectionate like a red fox Labrador. Like Labradors, they come in numerous colors, comprising a range of yellows just like English cream.

2.      American Bulldog

American bulldogs are sociable and active, similar to the red fox Lab.

3.      Pomeranian

For a smaller dog breed that loves its humans, think about the spunky Pomeranian.

Fox Red Lab: Male vs. Female

Both male as well as female Red Fox Labradors are kind, faithful, loving, kind, and intelligent. Females can occasionally be more liberated than males, and males can be more difficult to potty train than females. Both genders require training, and both genders deserve good homes.

FAQs

What is a Red Fox Labrador retriever?

The Red Fox Labrador is a darker shade of the yellow Lab, and because of their outstanding beauty, they’re growing in fame.

What’s the difference between a red lab and a Red Fox Labrador?

The Red Fox Labrador is a beautiful pup, also called the Fox Red Lab, Ruby Lab, and Deep Yellow Lab. They are simply a spark of sunshine. He is not much dissimilar from the normal color Labs, except in his fur pigment. This dog, however, is much rarer.

Which Labrador retriever is better?

Black Labs are also usually seen as service dogs. As they are the leading color, black Labs are easy to find as well as breed. This might result in several positive dog breed characters being bred for and agreed down, such as mellow outlook, intelligence, and outstanding field retrieval performance.

Conclusion

The Red Fox Labrador Retriever is an outstanding pet, a working dog, as well as a therapy companion. These canines offer as much affection as they demand, and Red Lab won’t allow owners down once it comes to peace of mind and true friendship. Whether you want to adopt a male or female Reed Lab puppy, the Red Labrador deserves your attention. If you have any questions, let us know in the comment section!