Dear Sirs,
Many years ago when I was brought up in the north of England yellow/brown or ginger Labradors were known as Golden Labradors. Is this just local terminology or was it a recognised name for a Labrador colour. I would really appreciate an answer if you have one.

Yours sincerely
Vince Raw

email address provided

I just had a look in a book I have observers book of dogs 1945 and it clearly says golden labrador, Though I Ive had labs twenty years I've always called them yellow labs and the KC breed standard says ' colour wholly black or yellow or liver/chocolate yellows range from light cream to red fox ( small white spot on chest permisable) not quite sure when they dispensed with golden but I'm sure John will know ( he has been around since they built Hadrians wall LOL ( sorry John ) ;) ;)

<< since they built Hadrians wall >>

Do you mind, Ive still got the blisters!!!

That could only be "Local Terminology". In the first instant the only colour which was acceptable for a Labrador was Black. People with yellows campaigned to get them accepted by the Kennel Club and eventually succeeded The KC calling the colour yellows to differentiate between the Golden retriever. (Remembering that at that time retrievers were not classified as breeds, rather as varieties!) The Yellow Labrador Club of Great Britain was formed to further the colour both at show and in the field. Some time later the Chocolate colour was accepted as a separate colour. (Until that time anything which was not black was yellow regardless of the shade!)

You often see colours listed such as "Fox Red" usually at inflated prices. There is no such "Recognised" colour! Just the three stated here, Black, Yellow and Chocolate!

Regards, John