Can anyone tell if there really is any difference between the temperments, accident proneness etc of the different colours of labradors? We have decided to buy a labrador puppy but me and my husband can't agree on a colour I want black - he wants chocolate but i have heard that chocolates can be very accident prone and can also be quite nasty.

Anyone experience in this matter would be very appricated!

Welcome to the forum TJD :-) Leigh

There's very little difference in Blacks and Yellows but in the eyes of working people Chocolate's seem to take longer to mature. I think it was last year the first Chocolate dog was made up into a Field Trials champion. I have two choc's in my training class at the moment and both are coming along nicely.

Regards, John

I think its just down to the breeding colour should not really make a difference although ( and I know John will correct me here) blacks are just perfect in my eyes...but really colour is a personal thing but my yellows have always been daft,and my blacks were born sensible only ever owned one choc and he too was lovely,go for decent breeding and you shouldnt have a problem at all which ever you choose

Both our Labs have been Chocolate in colour and both have had exceptional temperaments; the present one even more so. The first was from working stock and our boy now is from show stock. However, we found the difference in mental maturity is vast. Most people have their preferences for whatever reason, but I wouldn't go past a Chocolate. There may be something in the accident prone thing but from what we've experienced, certainly never, ever nasty...they're too soft!
Hope this helps!!
Sally

I cannot see that the colour of a dogs coat can make any difference to its temperament. You could however have problem dogs that you hear about that happen to be the same colour. For example I work in kennels and I could say chocolate Labs are more likely to be epileptic because in our experience several have been that way, but this is probably attributed to inherited breeding instead. Don't judge a book by it's cover each dog is different and YOU will have a lot to do with how he/she behaves. Good luck in finding the right pup.

Hi, I was owned by a choc lab for 14 years and she was the sweetest kindest most intelligent dog I have ever owned. She was practically physcic ! (sorry cant spell it) and by about 4 yrs all I had to do was "think" what I wanted her do do, and she did it. I would think that if anyone came accross a nasty one it is just a co-incidence that it was chocolate. I would recommend that you buy individual puppy that you like- regardless of colour, but my expereince of chocolate labs was a very happy one!

I have two chocolate girls 14 and 11 years and they have been nothing but fantastic dogs. They are both very gentle and loving an have not got a nasty bone in their bodies ! My daughter who is 9 was introduced to them when I returned with her form the hospital and they accepted her straight away as one of the pack ! The only time the elder one ever showed any sign of agressiveness was out on walks in the dark and young youths would run up from behind making a noise. She would stand her ground with her hackles up growling to protect me ! The 11 year old has never grown up and still acts like a pup, full of energy and unconditional love ! I would recommend chocloates any day, I am taking ownership of a new chocolate baby on Saturday so I must like them ! But again I think that it doesn't really matter about the colour it is the experience you have had with the dogs you have owned or known.

Thanks for all your experiences - i never normally listen to stories like that i am a great big softee were dogs are concerned but sometimes it is just nice to hear other peoples experiences to make sure! This will be our first dog so i want to get it right. My family have always had dogs and now i am married and in a position to be able to offer a dog the time it needs i can't wait! :) Our last dogs at home are Collie X Lab X Lurcher and they were great but i decided i would like to know a bit more what they are going grow up like this time! Of the two girls both are brindle but one has short Lab type coat and the other has a long collie type coat and no one ever believes they are sisters.

We are hoping to get our pup in about January time but chocolate or black it will be loved just the same! :)

Tracy

Hi, I have just read a press report that a well known dog insurance company has voted the chocolate labrador the most accident prone of all breeds with owners of chocs making more claims ( not necessarily for illnes, but for destruction of property - (commonly sofas) and accidents. I can see anyone who has ever owned one nodding their head in agreement. LOL. They are worth it though.