Dudley Labradors are beautifully marked dogs that stand out from their standard pigmentation sporting brethren. The Dudley Lab is a Labrador Retriever whose nose, eye rims and feet lack any pigment. These areas will look pink in color from the day they are born, right up until old age. In general black and yellow Labradors will have black noses, and chocolate Labradors will have brown noses. But this is not always the case. And there is some disagreement over whether this is where the Dudley Labradors end. Some people believe that any Labradors with reduced nose pigmentation are also Dudley Labs. The difference really lies in their genetics!
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Labrador Pigmentation Genetics
All puppies are born with bright pink noses, which usually become darker in color over the first few weeks of their lives. A few yellow Labradors noses will remain the same pink color, some other noses will darken but only to a light brown shade, others will become completely black.
These different shades are produced as a result of the density and type of melanin carried in the dog’s cells. The melanin in the nose cells will depend upon the genes that your puppy has inherited from his parents. ‘Bee’ genes control whether a dog is black (B) or chocolate (b) in color. Yellow coloration is controlled by ‘Eee’ genes. The ’Eee’ genes have the potential when combined as ‘ee’ to act as a switch to override any of ‘Bee’ colors.
Yellow Labradors will have one of three possible gene combinations in order to be yellow. These will be:
- eeBB
- or eeBb
- eebb
Any combination including ‘ee’ will result in a yellow coat. But the ‘Bee’ colors are still contributing factors in determining the shade of the Labrador’s nose, as this is influenced by melanin, which is in turn influenced by the ‘Bee’ gene.
A yellow Labrador with the genes eeBB or eeBb will have a black nose and eye rims, because ‘B’ puts a greater density of melanin into each cell. Resulting in a darker color being shown on the skin.
A Labrador with eebb will have a brown or paler nose. The tone of this nose will depend upon the shading of colors in their parents genetic backgrounds.
It is possible to have adult dogs DNA tested, to find out whether they carry the right genes to produce Dudley puppies. Some show Labrador breeders will have this test carried out as a lack of pigmentation in yellow Labs is marked as a fault in the show ring.
Black Labrador Nose Turning Pink
A Dudley Labrador will have a pink nose throughout his life. But many Labrador noses turn pink when they advance in years. This process is known as depigmentation and is quite common and not usually a cause for concern. When the yellow Lab is younger he will have a black nose and dark rims around his eyes. But as he ages and his coat begins to turn a little white in places, he may also lose pigment in his nose.
The pigment in your Lab’s nose is produced by an enzyme called tyrosinase, which makes melanin. Tyrosinase becomes less effective as your dog grows old.
However, you may find that the fading of his nose is less noticeable in the warmer weather as the pigment producing enzyme works better in the heat. This phenomenon is known as ‘snow nose’.
Pink Nose Problems In Labradors
It is worth noting that on occasions a Labrador’s nose will turn pink due to a medical problem. If your Lab cuts her nose, the resulting scar might be pink and not black or brown. This will normally return to it’s original color in time and is not a cause for concern.
The Problem With Dudley Lab Puppies?
Dudley Labradors are no different to their dark nosed Labrador friends. However, if you are going to buy a Dudley Lab puppy then you will need to be aware of a couple of things.
Low pigmentation is linked to sunburn due to increased UV sensitivity. This is not a big deal if you live in a mild climate, and you can discuss with your veterinarian how to help your dog to reduce the chances of burning on those occasionally hot summer days.
(paid link)The show ring also penalises yellow Labradors for their pale noses, eye rims and feet. However, if you are looking for a loving family pet or working dog then a Dudley Labrador can make just as much of a wonderful companion and hard working friend as any other Labrador Retriever.
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i got my dog max from a shelter . pure bred with papers . i always wondered how such a beautiful dog ended up in a shelter . after some research i found that th AKC will not allow dudley labs in the dog show because of their pink noses . so i figure some breeder dumped him . their loss is my gain !
I adopted a puppy from a shelter, lab mixed with golden ret. I believed she is dudley because her eyes are hazel and nose is pink, her coat is “gold” like dudley have. My friends who have labs, they said that she is rare one because of her mix with dudley. The shelter told me that her parents were golden ret and Lab(their heartless owner dumped her at shelter right after she was born with a sister). So, is it really rare for a lab mix with ret that have dudley? I love my dudley goldador puppy!
We just got an 8 week old Dudley femake and she is wonderful! Our friends have a 6 month old Dudley. If we breed these 2, will we get more Dudleys? Thanks!
I have been researching for months about getting a lab. Dudley labs seem to be more common than the Internet makes out. In my area, they seem to be cheaper and the last of the litter taken. A couple times I have held back on purchasing a Dudley because I am concerned about the sunburn thing. I am basically looking for a fishing, camping,Boating, walking buddy and I worry about the heat and sun for any dog when I am on the water. Can a dudley handle 4-5 hours in a boat or should I try for a yellow with a black nose?
I have Dudley Labs that are in my dog walking pack. In the summer they are outside playing most of the day. One goes to camp where she is outside swimming, on a boat, or just running around. Neither of these dogs, 3yo and 1yo have ever suffered from sunburn. Personally, if I had a Dudley lab, I would find an organic sunscreen and rub it on their noses if they were going to be outside for extended periods of time. As a puppy you can train your lab to wear sunglasses just because everyone should protect their eyes especially if you are going to let your pup put his head out the window of your vehicle! Go ahead and get yourself a Dudley, they are just as wonderful as other Labs! Good luck and remember, a tired dog is a happy dog!
We have a 2-1/2 yr Dudley lab. E get so many compliments on her because she is so beautiful than labs with black noises etc. Never had she been sunburned and she is in the water for hours we etc. I wouldn’t buy any other lab except for Dudley because they are so beautiful.
Can you also talk about how/whether the eye color differs for Dudley Labs? We have a dudley and his eyes are hazel. Isn’t the eye color also a good indicator that the dog is a Dudley?
I had my pick of 12 lab puppies, six weeks old today. Of the two yellows (Five blacks, five choc. and two yellows,) only one yellow male has a pink nose and feet with hazel eyes. He won my heart!!
We have a 4 month old yellow lab with pink nose known as a Dudley lab he is an absolute wonderful joy to have !!!
Jack, you will be so happy with your choice. We had a Dudley lab who passed away last year he was eight years old. He got diabetes and then Cushing’s disease. He was by far the smartest dog we’ve ever had. We got him at 9 weeks and had no idea what a Dudley was. My sister actually said what he was and then I researched it. Our dog actually knew different colors of balls, he could say I love you, he could bark when he wanted to go outside or he was hungry and if you asked him to do anything as far as go lie down in the corner on his bed he would go do it. By far a wonderful dog. We actually just waited and found a Dudley pup here in Arizona. I had been looking for one but was unable to find any that were here in my home state. We never had any problem with our dogs nose getting sunburned in the summers the temperature rises to about 118°. I think you will be fine on the lake with your puppy. Best of luck to you oh and by the way we named our puppy Benny and our other two labs are going to be called and nicknamed the Jets. We have one who is six years old and his name is Sherlock, and we have a rescue puppy who is 11 months old and his name is Toby. I think once you get a Dudley you will never get any other breed. They are a little bit cheaper in price but I think people just don’t understand what a golden gem is that they have.
Our Amber has Amber eyes and a pink nose. She is a golden Labrador but at the darker fox red of the spectrum. However, her pads are black? Is she, therefore, a Dudley?
That’s exactly what mine has, except mine has a bit of black along the nose not hardly noticeable. I think he looks better than all the black nosed dogs my opinion. I don’t care about all these people push about being a snow dog. I’m not into all that. I know my boy is an English Fox RED not an AMERICA FOX RED. That’s why I like his looks he’s shorter, stocker and has the block head. The features the American doesn’t really have
I have a four year old Fox Red English male block head, short and stocky. He has a beautiful red color and is the best dog I have ever owed. I totally agree with you I like the pink nose and eyes I don’t like the ones that are black nosed either. His temperament is the best. I wouldn’t have any other than a pink nosed one. I really would like to breed him with a pink nose female. I want another so I always have one. I’ve had breeders tell me you shouldn’t have puppies with pink nosed dogs. They say it’s going away from breed standards but I don’t really agree.
Is here rose nose any problem…
I rescued a Dudley a few months ago. He is 3 years old. I absolutely LOVE him! But I need assistance! He vomits every time he eats and drinks – Not all of it – But quite a bit. The vet has run every test we can, and has chalked it up to possibly eating/drinking too fast. Has anyone ever experienced this? I am only giving 1 cup of food and water at a time now, and it has helped some, but I’m gone all day at work. I especially feel like he isn’t getting enough water now. I’ve tried wetting his food, feeding on cookie sheet so he has to “chase” the food, everything I can try has been tried. I also switched to grain-free food. Something has made it “better” but he still does it at least 1x a day. Thanks!
Get a slow feed bowl — it really helps.
Same happen to my lab. He ate too fast. I got the slow eat bowl and it resolved the problem. He is now 16 months and I continue to feed him still that way.
Our son and his wife have a yellow Lab and are out at work all day but they have a dog walker daily who takes him out for at least an hour to ensure he is not alone for more than four hours at any one time. If your not following a similar regime your dog could have separation anxiety which could affect it’s eating habits. Labs have a tendency to gobble food anyway but do need water freely available. We have recently rescued a lab and if you do not know their full history it’s a bit like working on a blank canvas. I hope five months further on your dog is sorted. Best wishes.
Hi Amber.
Our pup now 4 months old had the same problem, As we nearly lost him he was throwing up after his food and after drinking but he also had the runs.
We had in the vets over the weekend they did scans xray’s all came back clear, the vet told us after they managed to rehydrate him he had gastro entritus.
He was on dry food but move him to wet food and now he is fine, but I do hope you get yours sorted….
Regards.
Ian
Did your vet check for mega esofogus? Need to xray him in order to find out.
Can any one give me breeders contacts near Wiltshire , looking to get a blonde labador in September
Very interesting indeed. I am pretty sure my brown Labrador has the regular brown nose etc but I was particularly drawn to this article as my dog’s name is Dudley – thus making him a Dudley Labrador either way!
We have a Dudley,my son named him Frank after the combine harvester from the movie cars. He is 6 months old 55lbs pink nose green eyes. He’s a beauty. Everyone loves him. His dad is 125 lbs mom is 80 lbs so he’s goin to b huge. Wish we could send a pick.. Lori John Leland
I have, I guess you would call them Yellow Labs, but these Pup’s are pure white as the driven snow. Pink eye-lids, noses, mouths, paws, and hazel eyes, people might be calling them Dudley’s, but let me tell you, these Dudley’s are beautiful and sell for hi-$! Many Lab lover’s want them trust that…,..Eric Paul
My Dudley Lab.will be 1 1/2 years young May 3rd.I rescued him @ 9 months from Pasadena Animal Shelter.Never heard of Dudley Lab. before.We hike in the Hollywood Hills daily and turned out to be the best dog.He’s about 90 lbs and just a joy to have around getting ready for a summer road trip soon.Wish I could send a picture of him.Beautiful Dog people always compliment how good looking he is.Best dog in Toluca Lake
I also have a Dudley and she (Tasha) is the best dog I have ever had and I have had lots of good ones. This is my first Lab and I am looking for another one.
What a coincidence! We have one Dudley and her name is Sasha. She has pink nose and hazel eyes.
We have a Dudley lab pink nose yelllow hazel eyes redder coat. He is 13.5 years and diagnosed with mega esofogus last april when he turned 13.
He was 100 lbs and now he is 78 lbs.
We feed him special food. I am so thank ful that he is still alive and doing well.
My son rescued him when he was 3 months.
I have had him since he was 3.
I love this dog and his girlfriend of 13 years who is a yellow lab thats white.
Please feel free to contact me about the mega esofogus.
My last 2 yellow labs had Winter nose. Now I understand why. Thank you for the information! I knew it wasn’t Dudley nose. Both had black noses as pups, but over time, turned a bit lighter at times. Good info!
Glad you found it helpful Jennifer 🙂
LOVE my big Dudley Dallas! Best dog ever!
Our Dora will be 2 years old in 2 months. She had a black nose as a pup but now has a pink nose. All last summer she had awful skin problems around the eyes. The fur became non-existent, due to scratching which we had trouble controlling, and the skin around the eyes was red and raw. Vet visits became a regular thing and medicines, creams and anti-biotics didn’t help. She wore a lamp shade thing round her head, at home, for the whole summer. It’s now winter, December, and she’s fine. Seems it’s all sorted by itself. I’m wondering if she’ll have the same problem next summer? Could she be allergic to the sun? Does Dog Sun Cream exist?
Try Apoquel for itching – works wonders
My daughter lab just had a litter of Dudley’s, and chocolate pups, never seen one before, Beautiful, also a couple cream colored…love them
Congrats on the new litter of pups, you will be so happy with them. We had a Dudley lab who passed away last year he was eight years old. He got diabetes and then Cushing’s disease. He was by far the smartest dog we’ve ever had. We got him at 9 weeks and had no idea what a Dudley was. My sister actually said what he was and then I researched it. Our dog actually knew different colors of balls, he could say I love you, he could bark when he wanted to go outside or he was hungry and if you asked him to do anything as far as go lie down in the corner on his bed he would go do it. By far a wonderful dog. We actually just waited and found a Dudley pup here in Arizona. I had been looking for one but was unable to find any that were here in my home state. We never had any problem with our dog what so ever until the 8th year. Best of luck to you oh and by the way we named our puppy Benny and our other two labs are going to be called and nicknamed the Jets. We have one who is six years old and his name is Sherlock, and we have a rescue puppy who is 11 months old and his name is Toby. I think once you get a Dudley you will never get any other breed. They are a little bit cheaper in price but I think people just don’t understand what a golden gem is that they have. I hope your daughter keeps one, LoL.
I am from eastern nc and got my got my double dipped eared, pink nosed and even pink toe nail, what I call green eyed pony lab. He is blonde and looks like those pictures. The hunters down here didn’t want him and he has papers longer than me. How did I get him. My best friend has his sister. Looks like all labs I had in my life. Brown nose etc. His mother was from abercombrie kennels . Was he a mutant. Nobody down wanted I just paid nothing. Hell!! They paid a ton some hunter didn’t want him. Didn’t know he might be special until visited friend who told me about this. He is 1 year 3 moths 87 lbs blonde but with dark sports behind his shoulders. Excuse person above me. Baxter has dug up three moles,been on the beach and I have never thought about sunscreen.
My boy is a labrador crossed with a golden retriever. He has a very black nose. His skin when younger was dark. He is now 3 years and 3 months old and his skin is starting to turn pink…will his nose do the same as he gets older..
Our Dudley Lily had green eyes as a little pup and now has hazel eyes. Most of her offspring have pink noses; some light paw pads, but all have their yellow lab daddy Otto”s dark rimmed dark eyes.
Lily is a total clown and never misses out on fun with the young ones.
We discovered she was a Dudley when we Googled her green eyes as a puppy.
Our 2 yr. old Jackson had green eyes and a pink nose, his eye color has also changed to hazel. He is our joy; always doing funny things and making us laugh. He’s the most loving dog we’ve ever had
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My Keeva is half lab / half golden retriever. She is 2 and energetically more like a lab (The leaner small boned type..aka lots of energy!) She is 2 years old now so not old obviously. She had a black nose as a puppy ( I have pictures to prove it…and man are they cute!) but but the time she was one it turned pink or possibly light brown? Her eyes are dark rimmed as is her nose I guess but the main body is pretty pink looking. If you are curious her hashtag on instagram is #keevathebeeva and you can see what I mean, and don’t worry she is very photogenic. This kind of colouration or loss of pigmentation wasn’t mentioned or would that be what brown may show up as? Sorry I love genetics…and lab coat colours are pretty cool and the nose combination got me all intrigued!
I have a dudley then aswell pinky brown nose n pinky brown eye rims people would ask me why her eyes were that colour ,,,we still love her loads
I have a beautiful, big 60-pound, six-month-old male chocolate lab. He has a very dark brown coat and his nose matches the color of his coat. However, he has pink eye rims. I wonder if this qualifies him as Dudley. The pink eye rims add to his unique look.
Our yellow labrador was born with a black nose which turned pink before she was a year old. She has dark brown eyes and dark brown pads on her feet so I guess she isn’t a Dudley labrador. She has a short, smooth coat with only a slight ridge of coarse, wavy hair down her back so I presume there isn’t much retriever in her genes. Having read the article above, I wonder where she fits in?
I am not sure if my old lad is a Dudley, he has always had a brownish pink nose but has dark eye rims and lips, He is 13 now but no colour changes, I have always used sunblock on his nose but it seems less sensitive now than in his youth.
So I have a Dudley lab! Did not know that
Do all Dudleys also have Yellow eyes? Ours does. And why is it called “Dudley”?
Pat
Our adopted lab has a very light pink nose, light color around eyes and yellow/hazel eyes. She looks all lab but I wonder if this is normal for a Dudley?
I absolutely love my pink nosed yellow lab !
I didn’t know or notice the “nose” color or pay attention to the differences. She has just a beautiful attitude and kindness and was easily trained!
Then one day chasing lizards she scraped her pink nose and it wouldn’t heal. Vet said DLE. I had to look it up. (!) Tetracycline was the best medication used for her condition, but at the time costly and back ordered due to some kind of recall!!?? I gave up on THAT. Vet gave us some antibiotic topical that helped for a while but once gone the area would crack again and bleed.
As my country vet didn’t seem too concerned, I proceeded to find holistic remedies to aid in her healing. One being SUNBLOCK. I use baby sunblock and neosporin and allow her minimal sun exposure. She loves sunbathing!
After many months/years of trial and error, her nose will never be all pink again, it’s spotted with black and light scarring but the cut has closed no more bleeding. No more suffering, but I think her nose skin is thin and fragile; so I don’t allow her to dig for gophers (as much…after all ..she needs that pleasure of the chase sometimes!)
I don’t know if others have had this experience DLE is NOT usual in labs (of course).
I would encourage furfamilies with “pink noses” to use sunblock just in case, check with your veterinarian.