A long-haired Lab is an example of a dog that has inherited two copies of a recessively-acting allele for a trait. In this case, the trait is the length and texture of its hair. The first copy of the gene (the dominant one) determines whether or not the dog will have a short or long coat.
If it has a long coat, it inherits both copies of the recessive gene. This means that the second copy of the gene (recessive) will determine its length and thickness.
Most long-haired Labradors are born with a very soft, silky coat that looks like a curly version of a poodle coat. However, some long-haired Labs are more coarse-looking, with a straight, flat coat that resembles a Pekingese.
Are there any Long Haired Labs?
The answer depends on where you look. In the UK, the Kennel Club has accepted long-haired Labs into its registry. This means that they are recognized by the kennel club and eligible to compete in dog shows. They may also qualify for breeding rights if they meet specific standards.
In the US, the American Kennel Club does not recognize long-haired Labs. Instead, it acknowledges only short-haired Labradors. As such, long-haired Labs cannot be registered as purebreds.
However, several other organizations do accept long-haired Labs. These include the Canadian Kennel Club, the Australian National Kennel Council, and the New Zealand Kennel Club.
Some people argue that the AKC does not recognize long-haired Labs, they should not be bred at all. Others say that long-haired Labs are just fine. It’s up to the owner to decide what they want to do.
What Does “Long Hair” Mean?
There are three types of long-haired Labs:
Short-Coated Labradors
These are the most common type of long-haired Lab. Their coats are usually shorter than those of short-coated breeds.
Medium-Coated Labradoodles
These are the rarest type of long-haired Labs. They have a medium-length coat that falls between the lengths of short-coated Labradors and long-haired Labradoodles.
Long-Coated Labradoodles
These are the longest-haired Labs. Most of these dogs have coats that fall somewhere between the lengths of short and medium-coated Labradoodles. Some even have coats that reach the ground.
Why Is Long-Haired Labrador Puppy Rare?
Few owners choose to take on the challenge because of the extra work involved in maintaining a long coat. And because long-haired Labs don’t fit into the standard Labrador breed description, no breeder would want to risk having a long-haired dog.
Furthermore, the short answer is that they are rare because the gene responsible for producing long hair is recessive. As a result, only one copy of the gene is needed to produce a dog with a long coat. If both parents carry the recessive gene, all offspring will inherit it. This means that if a breeder has a litter of puppies with long coats, half of them will be carriers of the gene and pass it along to future litters.
Is Long Haired Lab Genetic?
Yes. A long-haired Labrador lab coat is inherited with the same genetic mutation that produces long coats in other breeds. Like other long-haired breeds, long-haired Labs inherited this trait from wolves.
How the L Gene Controls Hair Length
The L gene determines hair length by controlling the production of keratin proteins. Keratins are the building blocks of hair and nails. Dogs with the l gene produce less keratin protein than normal dogs, resulting in shorter hair.
Canine Hair Growth Cycle
The puppy’s body grows rapidly during the first six weeks of life. At about eight weeks old, the growth rate slows down significantly. The puppy’s fur begins to fill in by ten weeks old. After that, the hair grows slowly until the puppy reaches adulthood.
If the puppy inherits the l gene, its hair follicles will stop growing after about four months. Once the hair stops growing, it stays that way forever.
How Do Purebred Labs Carry The Long Hair Gene?
To determine whether a dog has two copies of the long hair gene, it must first be determined if it carries one copy of the gene. This can only be done by testing DNA samples taken from the dog’s parents and grandparents. If the parents carry the gene, but the grandparents don’t, the dog does not carry the gene. If both parents carry the gene, the dog will always have the gene.
Do Long-Haired Labs Matter?
The answer is yes. For centuries, long-haired Labradors have been a unique genetic mutation in the Labrador population. They are not harmful to the dog’s health, and they are not dangerous to the public. If you want a long-haired Lab, choose one by all means. However, keep in mind that there are some things to consider before deciding to have a long-haired Lab as a pet.
- First, a long-haired Labrador puppy requires more grooming than average Labradors. Grooming takes time and money. It also requires patience. Most people find that their long-haired Lab becomes an expensive pet to keep.
- Second, long-haired Labs do not fit into the traditional view of making a good family pet. Many families prefer to adopt rather than purchase a new puppy. When adopting a long-haired Lab puppy, make sure you understand how much work he will require. Also, remember that the extra care needed for a long-haired Lab will increase his cost considerably.
- Third, long-haired Labradors often have trouble finding homes because of their unusual appearance. Potential owners may be put off because they need to spend more time grooming their pets.
- Fourth, these dogs cause problems when placed in mixed breeds. Although the long-haired gene is dominant in purebred Labs, it is recessive in crossbreeds. Therefore, long-haired Labs can be carriers of the recessive gene and pass it on to offspring.
- Finally, long-haired Labs sometimes become aggressive towards other dogs. While this behavior is rare, it can happen. The best way to avoid aggression is to socialize your long-haired Lab early on so that he learns to interact well with other animals.
So while long-haired Labrador is a beautiful sight to behold, they are not without their drawbacks. Before choosing a long-haired Lab over another type of Labrador, think about these factors carefully.
Temperament and personality of Long Haired Labrador
The genes and environment influence the temperament and personality of a dog. It’s important to remember that although a long hair Lab may look like a big softy, it’s pretty hardworking and has a strong will.
Cost of Long-haired Labradors
The cost of breeding a long-haired Labrador is similar to any other dog breed. It depends on whether you want to keep the puppies yourself or sell them. If you plan to keep the puppies, you will need to pay for veterinary bills, food, training, and so on. If you decide to sell the puppies, you will need to consider what it costs to raise a puppy versus the price you would receive for selling them.
Conclusion
The answer depends on whether you want to see a dog with a long coat or a short coat. If you don’t care about the length of the coat, then it doesn’t matter if the dog has one copy of the gene or two. But if you prefer a shorter coat, then breeding dogs with two copies of the gene will give you a shorter coat.