Polar bear labs are a variant of the yellow Labrador Retriever, which produces more color variations than either black Labs or chocolate Labs. Yellow Labrador Retrievers can range in color from fox-red to yellow to pure white.
These pure white dogs are called “polar bear Labs,” because their coloration resembles that of a polar bear. A polar bear lab will have a snowy white coat with black eyes, a black nose, and black pigment around its mouth — just like a polar bear.
How does a polar bear puppy happen genetically?
Labrador Retrievers owe their coloration to genetics. Genes can be either dominant or recessive. They can occur in any of the following combinations:
Two dominant genes (EE)
Two recessive genes (ee)
One of each (Ee)
A Labrador’s coloration is governed by two genes: B and E. B determines the amount of eumelanin (a dark pigment) present in a dog’s coat. The dominant form (B) will give the dog a black coat. The recessive form (b) will give the dog a chocolate brown coat.
The dominant E gene doesn’t affect the B gene at all. The recessive e gene is a masking gene that prevents the expression of the B gene. Dogs that have two recessive genes (ee) will be some shade of yellow, rather than black or brown.
There are nine possible genetic combinations that govern coat color:
EEBB = Black
EEBb = Black
EEbb = Brown
EeBB = Black
EeBb = Black
Eebb = Brown
eeBB = Yellow
eeBb = Yellow
eebb = Yellow
As yellow Labs, polar bear Labs always have one of the last three combinations in their genetic make-up.
What are the advantages of owning a polar bear Lab?
Polar bear Labs have become popular because of their show-stopping good looks. They also have delightful personalities. Here are a few benefits to owning this type of dog.
Polar bear Labs have calm temperaments
Most polar bear Labs are descended from Labs that were bred in England. English Labs tend to be calmer and less rambunctious than their American cousins. That docility makes them a perfect fit for families with children.
Polar bear Labs are easy to train
Like other Labradors, polar bear Labs are eager to please and very willing to learn tricks and commands. They’re easy to socialize and make good service dogs. Retrievers have been bred for generations to fetch things for people, which makes this breed a great choice to assist people with disabilities.
Polar bear Labs love to play
Polar bear Labs are always ready for a game or play session. They’re the descendants of hunting dogs, which means they need plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
How do you take care of a polar bear Lab puppy?
Both your breeder and the veterinarian will provide recommendations on the best way to care for your new puppy. Schedule a visit to the vet within a week of adopting your new puppy to check on its health. The vet can also tell you when to administer specific vaccines.
Many authorities recommend feeding dogs puppy chow for the first year. Young puppies are growing rapidly and are ravenous! Feed a two-month-old puppy four times a day and a three-month-old puppy three times a day. The puppy’s growth and appetite will start to taper off around six months old. From that age on, feed the puppy twice a day. Switch from puppy chow to adult dog food when the puppy is between six and 12 months old.
Make certain your puppy also has plenty of fresh water. Labradors tend to be lively dogs and can easily work up a thirst from playing or running around.
Your puppy’s age will affect how much exercise you should give it. Most breeders follow a “five-minute rule” for determining how long to walk a puppy. This means you walk a puppy five minutes for every month of its age. If your puppy is four months old, for instance, walk it for around 20 minutes.
You should also have your puppy undergo some kind of obedience training to make sure it behaves well in a variety of situations. This training will make the dog easier to handle and a lot more enjoyable. You’ll be able to enjoy fun activities with your dog like a road trip or a jog along the beach. Dog-friendly shops and stores are usually happy to accommodate a well-behaved pooch and their human.
Where can I get a polar bear puppy?
When you’re ready to adopt a polar bear Lab puppy, look for a humane and reputable breeder that specializes in polar bear Labs like Snowy Pines White Labs. This is the best place to adopt a polar bear puppy that will love you for the rest of its life.