Pet Information > ASK Experts > Dogs > Dog Breeds > Labrador Retrievers > Lab Pink Nose

Lab Pink Nose

20 9:35:52

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I have one labrador(male) puppy(Yellow) age of 2 months.His nose is pink in color and his eyes are blue in color. Some where i read that, the lab with pink nose is called "Dudley" and was written like "Breed standards for Labradors considers a true Dudley to be a disqualifying feature in a conformation show Lab" and such type of "Dudley" breeds are extremely rear..
So is it not a correct breed.. but i have seen both of his mother and father.. both are yellow labs and at a glance they are very huge and strength... rather than that my puppy was the first born puppy(means.. first out come from his mother belly".. it is so strong and cute when compared to other puppies. Is pink nose reflects poor breed...
anyway i love my puppy.. its name is "Stryker"..

ANSWER: I have a lot of problems with breed standards.  The Dudley nose is a good example.  No you can't show your dog, but it may be healthier and better behaved than many show champions.  I see thousands of Labs in the dog guide program.  These are truly well breed dogs, intelligent, good temperament, healthy, great dogs all around.  Many of them are quite flawed from a show standpoint including Dudley noses.  I question the priorities of anybody that would call them poorly bred.  

Others here have asked similar questions.  Check http://en.allexperts.com/q/Labrador-Retrievers-2374/yellow-lab-eye-color.htm  Be sure and click on the View follow ups below the answer.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Fine, Thank you. One more question is, Could u suggest me the way of feeding to him as well what kind of food, so that it has to build with a huge body and long last survive. Plz.

Answer
You should be feeding a puppy chow now. Switching to an adult chow for the larger breeds at 4 months, slows growth and helps develop sturdier joints.  Your dog will still reach its full size, but a few months later and with stronger joints.  

Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx

Dogs will do fine on nearly any of the commercial dog foods available here.  Pro Plan, Iams, Science diet, or Pedigree should be OK if available in India.  

There was an extensive discussion of weight in a recent newsletter from a service dog school.

''Obesity is the number one nutritional disease affecting dogs. It's estimated that 25-45% of dogs in the US are obese. Studies have shown that joint and locomotive problems increase by 57%, circulatory problems by 74%, respiratory problems by 52%, skin problems by 40% and cancer by 50% in animals that are overweight.

Large breed dogs that are overweight also are more prone to developing hip dysplasia. Obesity is especially dangerous for young puppies, as their underdeveloped frame cannot support the extra poundage that it must carry.''