Chocolate Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale

overview of the Chocolate Labrador Retriever Dog Breed

Do you want a dog that is great with children, loves to be involved with any family activity, and is one of the friendliest and kindest dog breeds available?
If this describes your next ideal family member, then browse our Chocolate Labrador Retriever puppies for sale below!

The Labrador Retriever breed has been one of the best-selling breeds for years, and they are famous with families for a reason. They are an easy-going breed that is friendly with humans and animals, have outgoing personalities, and are very sweet when interacting with humans and children.

Chocolate Labrador Retrievers have a gorgeous brown or rich chocolate color for their coat. However, because the chocolate color is recessive, you won’t find as many brown/chocolate Labs when compared to the dominant colors (yellow and black).

If your family is ready for a Labrador Retriever with a beautiful chocolate coat, then purchase your Chocolate Lab puppy today!

You can also view our Yellow, Black, Silver, or White Labrador Retriever puppies. And if you’re not sure a Lab is the right puppy for your home, then view our full list of puppies for sale.

Chocolate Labrador Retriever temperament

Friendly: The Labrador Retriever breed is known for their friendly personalities. It doesn’t matter if they meet strangers or other animals, Labs love making new friends and being with other people and animals. For this reason, they don’t usually make the best guard dogs.

Outgoing: Labrador Retriever dogs are not shy! They are full of energy and love to be involved in whatever is happening around them. They do need training as puppies to ensure that their energy is channeled in the right direction.

Family-oriented: Labrador Retriever puppies are one of the most-loved puppies by children, and they quickly become one of the family. Their friendly attitude, love for people, and enjoyable nature make them a favorite for every family member.

Companion: Labrador Retrievers quickly know who their family and main tribe are. Even though they don’t hate strangers, Labs always come back to their home tribe. They also love being involved with whatever their owners are doing.

Smart: Labrador Retrievers are an intelligent breed and can be trained to do a variety of tasks. While the retrieving and sporting genes are strong in them, they are also used for a variety of other roles as therapy, guide, and search-and-rescue dogs.

Adaptable: Chocolate Labs are adaptable dogs that can do well in various living environments, including houses with yards or apartments. However, they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Retrieving Instincts: Labrador Retrievers, including Chocolate Labs, have strong retrieving instincts. They often enjoy playing fetch and carrying objects in their mouths.

Remember that individual puppies, regardless of coat color, can have their own unique personalities and quirks. It’s essential to spend time with a puppy before bringing one into your home to ensure their temperament matches your family’s lifestyle and preferences.

Chocolate Labrador Retriever Breed history

The Labrador Retriever breed has its origins in Newfoundland, which is off the Canadian coast.  Originally called “St. John’s Dog,” they were used as retrievers in the water for hunters and fishermen. 

It is thought that the St. John’s Dog was crossbred in the 1700s with the Newfoundland Dog and other smaller water dogs.

British sailors who visited northern North America noticed the speed and ability of these dogs, and they began bringing them back to England.  One of the most notable British to bring back one of these dogs was the Earl of Malmesbury.  He used his new dogs to help hunt in the swamps and water of his estate.

The breed continued to grow in popularity, and in 1903 the Labrador Retriever was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club.  The American Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever in 1917.

The Chocolate Labrador Retriever was at first not the most popular color.  Only a couple hundred years ago, Labs that were not the desirable black or yellow colors were often separated and not used for breeding.

However, in recent years, the Chocolate Labrador Retriever had made a comeback.  Today, its chocolate color is one of the most popular Lab colors.

Chocolate Labrador Retriever Average size

Labrador Retrievers generally grow to be 22-25″ tall at the shoulder and weigh around 65-80 pounds as adults.  

Average Chocolate Labrador Retriever lifespan

The Labrador Retriever breed has a typical lifespan of 10-12 years.

Chocolate Labrador Retriever body features

Chocolate Labrador Retrievers have a beautiful outer dark brown or chocolate coat, and they typically have a brown or light nose.

Because black is the dominant gene in a Labrador Retriever’s color, Chocolate Labs are not as common as the other dominant colors.

grooming Your Chocolate Labrador Retriever Puppy

Being made for the water, Labrador Retrievers have a double-layer waterproof coat that protects them from both cold and moisture.

The topcoat is a shorter coat that is straight, and the undercoat is a softer and water-resistant coat.

The result of these coats is that Labs shed a lot!  

Thankfully, their coats are easy to groom, and most Labrador Retrievers are receptive to grooming, especially if started at a young age and done consistently.  Labs should be groomed several times a week, or daily if kept inside.

Keeping Your Chocolate Labrador Retriever Puppy Healthy

 Labrador Retrievers are an overall healthy breed, and they don’t usually require any unusual care.

Due to their floppy ears and their love for water, you will want to check regularly behind the ears for infection.  To prevent infection, make sure the ears completely dry out whenever your Chocolate Labrador Retriever becomes wet.

Like all dogs, Labs are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia.

Hip and elbow dysplasia occurs when the leg or hip becomes weakened, and it can result in arthritis or lameness if not addressed.

One of the best ways to prevent this is by keeping your dog from excessive running on hard surfaces.  This is especially vital when they are a puppy.

Typical Chocolate Labrador Retriever Allergens

In talking of allergen levels with Labs, it is important to know what causes allergens.

Allergens are caused by dander, which is dead skin cells. Any animal, including humans, shed these dead cells.

With their tendency to shed easily and sometimes heavily, Brown Labrador Retrievers are not the most allergen-friendly dog. Regular grooming is critical in reducing the dander and allergen level in your Lab, but it is still a concern.

If allergens are a concern with a family member, you should consult with your family doctor before purchasing your Chocolate Labrador Retriever puppy.

If you want a Labrador Retriever with lower shedding, take a look at our Labradoodle puppies for sale!

• Is the chocolate color recessive in Labs?
  Yes, the chocolate (or dark brown) color for chocolate Labs is the recessive gene. This is one of the main reasons why you don't see as many chocolate Labs as black or yellow!
• Is it true that Chocolate Labs have shorter lifespans than other color Labs?
  Reports show that some chocolate Labs may have shorter lifespans, but a recent study showed this was more likely caused by poor breeding and genetics rather than the actual color. Because chocolate is a popular Labrador Retriever color but a recessive gene, some breeders use poor breeding and genetic practices to try and have more chocolate puppies. However, if the breeder has chocolate Lab puppies "naturally" in litters, then health problems are not usually an issue.
• What are some tips to having a Chocolate Labrador Retriever?
  Don't allow your chocolate Lab to overeat or become obese. Give your Lab regular exercise. Try to avoid extensive running or jumping on hard surfaces - this is hard on their joints. Watch for unusual pain, limping, or other strange behavior. If you see unusual behavior or pain, take your dog to the local vet.
• Do Labs make good watch dogs?
  Because they love human interaction and know few strangers, the Labrador Retriever does not make a good watchdog.
• Do Chocolate Labs shed a lot?
  Sadly, yes. Because Labs have a waterproof, double-layered coat they tend to shed a lot. They will need regular grooming.
• Is it true that Chocolate Labs are more wild and rambunctious than Yellow or Black Labs?
  Some say that Yellow Labs are the sweetest type while Chocolate Labs are more exuberant and rambunctious. However, this isn't really based on science - a Lab’s coat color is determined by two genes that have nothing to do with personality and there is no proof that coat color affects temperament at all.
• Do Chocolate Labs have an odor?
  They can be if they aren't properly cleaned and taken care of. If not cleaned regularly, they can be particularly stinky because of their thick double coats. They also tend to smell stronger when they are wet. Keep your Lab clean and trimmed, and you will reduce many of the potential odors!
• How are Chocolate Labs’ eyes different from other Labs’ eyes?
  Chocolate Labs can have hazel eyes, whereas Yellow and Black Labs usually have brown eyes. Chocolate Labs’ retinas also differ somewhat from those of Yellow and Black Labs.
• Do Labs tend to wander off?
  They can, especially if not properly trained. Some dog breeds seem born with wanderlust, and Labs are one of them. They love to explore and may wander off if not on a leash or properly trained.
• Do Labs have a strong prey drive?
  In general, yes, Labs have a fairly strong prey drive. This is due to their retriever heritage and part of what makes them good hunting dogs.