Labrador Retriever Puppy with white hairs at base of tail

Subject: Fox Red fox red Labrador Retriever puppy with white hairs at the base of tail.

From: Pat (USA)

Labrador Retriever Name: Rusty

Reader's E-mail - Pat Writes:

I just got a fox red Labrador pup (6 weeks old) and there are hairs near the base of the tail that are white in color. Will the "ring look" disappear as the lab gets older and the hair grows out on the tail?

Thanks,
Pat

All About Labradors Answer:

Hello Pat,

Thank you for your patience with the answer to your question. A big congratulations on getting your new Labrador Retriever!

Continue Reading...

I remember receiving another question some time back (04/14/07) in regards to the same problem with another readers Labrador Retriever. I had found some information for that reader in regards to canine genetics, for I would have never be able to explain it.

As it turns out, it was a recessive gene with that readers Labrador. Here is that readers e-mailed question, along with my answer, and an update:

Labrador Retriever - Skin problems - Hair Color Change

UPDATE - Labrador Retriever - Skin Problems - Hair Color Change

Technically speaking Pat, the white ring around the tail is a mismark. It seems to be fairly common in the Labrador breed. The good news is that as the adult coat comes in, it usually grows over it and will cover the area up. The result will be that you will not be able to see it without going into your Labrador Retrievers coat and looking for it.

I hope you find this to be of some help to you Pat. Unless you see other areas of the coat changing colors, or other conditions occurring such as hair loss in these areas, I wouldn't worry about it.

If the condition is still worrying you, and you decide to take your Labrador Retriever to your veterinarian, please keep myself, as well as the readers of this blog informed as to what your vet tells you as it will be of great help to all.

Pat, if you have any photos of your new Labrador Retriever that you could e-mail to me, it would be appreciated. I would love to post them to the Labrador Retrievers Picture blog.

One last thing... what is your new Labrador Retrievers name?

Once again Pat, thank you for your patience.

Take care of yourself and your Labrador Retriever.

Fay

Reader's E-mail - Pat's Response:

Thanks for your response Fay. My dog's name is Rusty and he is now a little over 8 weeks old. I have already noticed that the whiteness is starting blend with other tail hair that is growing longer. It almost seems like the white hair was longer and coarser than the rest of the puppy's fur and the rest is starting to catch up with it in length and texture. I'm not sure I will be able to e-mail you a picture of him because I'm technically challenged. I could always try to have a picture sent to you if you really want one. Just let me know.

Pat

All About Labradors Reply:

Hi Pat,

You are welcome, I'm sorry it took so long! Please keep me informed if you notice any changes in the areas, such as hair loss, itchy, etc. As I stated, I don't believe it is anything to worry about.

Don't worry about the photo, it is not necessary. I must confess Pat, I'm technically challenge myself. All the nice work that is done on the All About Labradors, the graphics, pictures is done with plenty of help by my son and he is only fifteen!

Please keep me informed every now and then with how Rusty is doing and if you ever have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask. Good luck with him.

Take care of yourself and Rusty,

Fay

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