We receive many questions from families both before and after they bring home a Red Fox Labrador puppy. Below, we cover the top five questions we are asked most often and what you can realistically expect when welcoming one of these dogs into your home.
My husband and I have been raising Labradors for more than thirty years and have owned every color, from Chocolate to Yellow. While we have loved them all, the Red Fox Labrador has become our favorite for its temperament, versatility, and striking appearance. You can read more about us and our Labradors on our About page.
Let’s dive right into our top five questions.
Are Red Fox Labradors more expensive than other Labradors?
In general, no. Prices for Red Fox Labrador puppies can vary widely, often ranging from around $500 to $3,000 depending on the breeder, location, and quality of the breeding program.
As with most things, price often reflects the level of care and investment involved. Responsible breeding includes health testing, genetic screening, proper veterinary care, and eight weeks or more of daily care, feeding, and socialization after puppies are born.
While it is possible to find lower priced puppies, we strongly encourage buyers to do their homework. Reputable breeders should be able to provide AKC registration, health information, and details about the puppy’s parents. Transparency is an important indicator of a responsible breeding program.
On the higher end of the price range, puppies often come with health guarantees, genetic testing, and well documented bloodlines. In many cases, parents may also have show or field credentials. A reasonable price range for a well bred Red Fox Labrador puppy is typically between 1,500 and 2,500 dollars (as of 2023).
If a puppy falls outside of this range, either lower or higher, it is worth asking questions and understanding what is included. A thoughtful breeder will be happy to explain their practices and walk you through their program. Be wary of a “cheap” puppy. It’s often the sign of a puppy mill, accidental breeding or even a stolen puppy. Make sure you research your breeder and the puppy prior to purchase.
Do Red Fox Labradors have inherited health issues like Silver Labradors?
Labradors are considered a large breed, and like many large dogs, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. The most common concerns in Labradors are hip dysplasia and inherited eye conditions that can affect vision over time. Both of these issues are genetically linked, which means they can often be identified and managed through responsible breeding practices.
Reputable breeders screen their breeding dogs for known genetic markers before breeding. You should always feel comfortable asking a breeder for documentation showing genetic testing results. Another important safeguard is OFA certification for hips and eyes. This process involves a licensed veterinarian physically examining adult breeding dogs, typically after two years of age, to check for early signs of hip or eye disease.
While no testing can guarantee a puppy will never develop health issues later in life, proper genetic screening and OFA certifications significantly reduce the risk and help support long term health.
Silver Labradors are more controversial within the breeding community. The silver coat color is associated with a recessive genetic mutation that many experts believe was introduced outside of traditional Labrador bloodlines. This mutation has also been linked to an increased risk of certain health issues.
We previously owned a Silver Labrador before we were familiar with these concerns. She was a wonderful dog, but we experienced several costly health problems early in her life. While Silver Labradors can certainly make loving companions, the genetics associated with the silver coat may increase the likelihood of health related challenges.
Is the Red Fox Labrador temperament different than other Labrador colors?
No. A Red Fox Labrador is still a Labrador Retriever and shares the same temperament traits as other Labrador colors. Labradors are known for being loyal, intelligent, hard working, and affectionate companions. When properly trained, they also make excellent hunting dogs and active family pets.
There is a common internet myth that Red Fox Labradors are somehow different or more high strung because they are crossed with foxes. This is not true. Red Fox Labradors are not crossbred, and the idea of a Labrador being bred with a fox is both fictional and biologically impossible.
Overall, Labradors are widely regarded as one of the best family dog breeds. They are naturally social, people oriented, and tend to bond closely with their families. In our own experience, we have raised children alongside multiple Labradors from infancy through high school and have never experienced aggression or problematic behavior.
Temperament is influenced by both genetics and environment. A stable home, proper socialization, and consistent training all play important roles. Like many dogs, Labradors may bark or alert when strangers approach their home, which is a normal and desirable trait. Once a Labrador considers you part of their family, they are deeply loyal and protective of their pack.
I have had my Red Fox Labrador puppy for a few weeks and their color has changed. Why?
This is completely normal and something you should expect. Puppies change in many ways as they grow, including their coat color. Just like humans, puppies shed their hair and grow new coats as they mature. Many parents notice their child’s hair color looks different at birth than it does a few years later, and puppies are no different.
Red Fox Labrador puppies will always remain some shade of red, but it is common for their coat to become lighter or darker as they grow. In our experience, Red Fox Labradors may change color density up to three times before reaching their final adult coat, usually between nine and twelve months of age.
Because of this, we encourage families not to choose a puppy based solely on coat color at a very young age. Most of our clients select their puppy between four and six weeks old, and we always remind them that the color they see at that stage is not permanent. While the shade may change, the puppy will remain within the fox red color range.
If you are curious about coat care and shedding, we have another article that explores this topic in more detail titled Do Red Fox Labs Shed Best Ways to Minimize Labrador Shedding. It provides helpful insight into what to expect as your puppy grows.
When I visit the AKC website, I do not see red listed as a Labrador color. Can I still register my Red Fox Labrador puppy?
Yes, absolutely. While the American Kennel Club does not list red as an official Labrador color, Red Fox Labradors are registered as yellow, which is fully recognized by the AKC.
Red Fox Labradors are simply a deep, rich shade of yellow. Their color was developed through selective breeding of darker yellow Labradors over many generations, resulting in the red appearance. Despite the name, they are genetically yellow Labradors and are eligible for full AKC registration, breeding, and participation in events and competitions.
Some Labrador colors, such as silver, are more controversial within the breed community. Silver Labradors are not officially recognized by the AKC as a standard Labrador color, and dogs registered as silver are often listed under another color. The discussion around silver Labradors involves complex genetic and ethical considerations and is beyond the scope of this article.
Red Fox Labradors are different. Their coloration has long been present in traditional Labrador bloodlines and is widely accepted as a variation of yellow. This is similar to Labradors often described as white, which are also registered as yellow despite their very light appearance.
The Red Fox Labrador color is believed to have originated in early Labrador lines from Canada along the Atlantic coast and has remained a recognized shade of yellow within the breed standard.
Final Thoughts
Whether you bring home your Red Fox Labrador puppy from us or another responsible breeder, we hope you enjoy many wonderful years with your new companion.
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