Comparison table
| Chocolate | Black | Yellow | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genotype (simplified) | E_ bb | E_ B_ | ee _ _ (any B) |
| Inheritance | Recessive at B | Dominant | Recessive at E (masks B) |
| Median lifespan (VetCompass 2018) | 10.7 yrs | 12.1 yrs (black & yellow combined) | 12.1 yrs (combined) |
| Ear infections (otitis externa) | Highest prevalence in the study | Lowest | Middle |
| Hot spots (pyotraumatic dermatitis) | Highest prevalence in the study | Lower | Lower |
| Nose / eye-rim pigment | Brown | Black | Black (may fade, “snow nose”) |
| Temperament | Same breed standard; survey differences are confounded by breeding line |
Genetics in one paragraph
Two genes decide Lab color. The E locus (MC1R) decides whether dark pigment shows at all: an ee dog is yellow no matter what else it carries. The B locus (TYRP1) decides whether that dark pigment is black (B) or brown (b). A chocolate is a dog that is not ee and is bb. Try any pairing in our coat-color calculator, or read the full genetics guide.
Health: what the data actually says
The VetCompass study is the strongest evidence. Its color findings were:
- Shorter median lifespan in chocolates (10.7 vs 12.1 years).
- More ear infections and skin hot spots in chocolates.
The authors suggest these may come from breeding chocolate-to-chocolate, which narrows the gene pool, rather than from the brown pigment itself. In practice: clean and dry ears after swimming, and pick a health-testing breeder.
Temperament myths
“Chocolates are hyper and dumb.” “Yellows are calm.” “Blacks are the best workers.” None of these is supported once you account for working vs show lines. See chocolate Lab temperament and myths vs facts.
Price
Prices vary widely by region and breeder, so we don’t quote a figure. Puppies from health-tested parents with OFA clearances cost more upfront and tend to cost less over a lifetime. Use the lifetime cost calculator to see where the real money goes.