Black Lab - Dark Brown Head

[jweese]

As the topic says - has anyone ever had a black lab (a purebred, we know for sure) that seems to have a very dark brown tint to the fur on top of his head? David is 13 weeks old and had a small white star on his chest (which has disappeared); but now we're noticing the fur on top of his head is turning a dark brown colour.

Can only see it in the bright sun.

Now, it doesn't really concern me - I know his blood lines, but I'm just more curious than anything else.

[Whosinthebushes]

My guy was the same way when he was a pup he will be a year next month and he's black as black now even shining in the sun. I was worried too with mine. I'm sure yours will grow out of it.

[Fishinchris]

My black lab was also the same when he was young but I only noticed it when he was in the sun. He is 4 now and I haven't noticed it in the last few years

[C.A. in TO]

I don't know about labs, but it wouldn't be the first breed to have colour take a while to set. My breed - Rhodesian Ridebacks change colour during the first 4 to 6 months. Breeders look at the coat between the ears to determine what colour the adult dog will be. Amazing to watch your pup change before your eyes

[jweese]

Good to know, makes me a bit more comfortable. After making this post I did a bit of Google'ing and discovered it is quite common in the breed to change from black to brown to even auburn over the first couple years.

I was more concerned it was a health or feeding issue, but the little guy eats like it's his last meal so I didn't think it was an issue.

[Bluebulldog]

There are a number of genetic traits that happen in labs.

One is there can be a cinnamon coloured tinge to the coat for the first little while.

Another is the white "star" patch on the chest.

Both often disappear as the dog matures.

[Wood Witch]

Sometmes in the lineage there is a chocolate factor . That will give the brownish tint . We say there are two tones of black ...
Blue Black and Rusty Black . If you look to the roots of the fur you can see the brown.

[Fenelon]

Our black Pig-dogs get a definite brown sheen on their heads when they've had a feed of human "cah-cah". Usually some filthy pig snowmobiler who craps either on the trail, or two feet off the side of it. You also get a lot of "brown head syndrome" when you cross the portages while canoeing.