Is it true that they are being overbred?

Question

I've heard that Labs are recentley changing in both color and size. Also the densty of their coats are getting thicker. I read that they are being overbreed and I'm curious as to know if this is true

what I mean by color changing is that I have been seeing pure white pure blood labs

Answer 1

Most dogs are being overbred, including purebreds. That's why it's estimated that 25% of dogs in shelters are purebreds.

I'm not aware of the AKC standard being changed for labs, so it sounds like BYBs and puppy mills that may be 'changing' the breed. See, they breed poor quality dogs that do not conform to the standard, and breed them over and over, then their puppies are bred over and over, etc.

Just take a look around here. I've answered at least 10 questions on here tonight posted by backyard breeders who are having problems breeding their dog. Tomorrow night, it will probably be BYBs who know nothing about puppies. The night after that, it will be BYBs who aren't sure if their dog is pregnant and if she's giving birth. Too many people who shouldn't be breeding are doing so recklessly, ignoring the ethics and the facts, and continuing to breed non-standard pet quality dogs.

This is also the reason for the alarming rate of hip dysplasia in Labs - poor breeding.

http://www.grca.org/acquiring.htm#choosingbreeder

Answer 2

In the past Labs were being over bred terribly. Now you are seeing the correction being made by some very fine breeders I know very well and are dedicated in resolving the problems once found in these labs. To do this they had to bring Lab in form overseas and Canada to strengthen the Lab lines here in the US. They are doing a super job.
I cannot affirm what you have heard. Labs come in only 3 coat colors that I know of brown and black and yellow.
P.S. Thsi was also done in many other breeds years ago. I also agree that there are way too many back yard breeders but my biggest concern are the puppy mill stil being alowed to pump out all kinds of dogs with no reguard to breed standards.

Answer 3

Yes, some dogs are overbred... partially because people know there's money in it and they like that idea! The dogs do all the work and they get the money w/o really caring for them as they should. This isn't true for all breeders.

The color "change", I think is people desiring the look of a "white" lab. There's no such thing according to AKC as a "white" lab, they're just a light version of yellow. They likely just took the lightest yellows and bred them... but that isn't always going to work bc you can breed two yellows and get a chocolate lab. My dog is a yellow and he has black, yellow, and chocolate in his ancestry. I'm not sure that's so much a sign of overbreeding as it is a sign of them attempting to give people what they want.

Also, these "designer" dogs as I've heard them called.. like Labradoodles (Lab and poodle) or whatever other mixes you hear about.. they're not AKC registered or acknowledged.

Answer 4

There has always been pure white "yellow" Labs. A thick "double coat" is proper for a Lab, and always has been.
If you mean by "over bred" that there are far to many Lab puppy's on the market then Yes there is a glut of Lab puppy's.
If by "over bred" you mean that the breed is in danger of a catastrophe, then no, they are not being over bred.

QUOTE
"This is also the reason for the alarming rate of hip dyspepsia in Labs - poor breeding."

That is absolutely NOT true!!
There are more cases of HD reported in Labs ONLY because there are 3 Labs tested for every 1 dog of all other breeds combined.
My Lab (in the avatar) was PennHip L32 R40 80% @ 16 weeks and OFA Excelent @24 months. Which is a fairly normal reading for a Lab.

Answer 5

I think a lot of breeds are being over breed; such as the now fancy breeds; which are mixed with poodles, or pugs and beagles mixes; I think some breeders are just trying to make money and not worrying about the breeds that are being mixed or the health.

We have so many great dogs in our shelters and we keep breeding pure breed dogs with each other to make a bigger dollar because they are cute and or because they don't shed as much for the people that are allergic to dog dander or the fur.
This is what I think, I don't want to offend anyone out their. I know their are a lot of reputable breeders I just wish they wouldn't cross two pure breeds to get money.

Answer 6

There aren't any purewhite Labs only very pale yellow.
Yes Labs are being overbred by BYB/Mills. It is sad because a once beautiful, stable breed is being ruined. There are many now that hardly resemble Labs at all, who have unstable temperaments and are prone to serious health issues.

Answer 7

My opinion is, ALL purebreds are being overbred, and mated with too close a relative-that leads to genetic disorders, just like with humans. We people need to learn to be happy with an average mutt and not be so cussed worried about papers on our animals! But, their colors and coat density don't seem to be changing.

Answer 8

Yes, they are over bred. Anyone and everyone think they can breed labs. You have to find a reputable breeder and check their lineage before buying one.

Answer 9

all dogs and cats are overbreed which is why 1000 a week are put to sleep

Answer 10

yes they are terribly over bred by people who shouldn't be allowed to procreate dogs at all