What is a Dudley Labrador? All You Need to Know
The world of canines is full of many colorful terms and the term "Dudley Labrador" certainly deserves a spot of honor.
Let's start by giving a little hint: the term Dudley doesn't refer to a specific dog breed in particular, although the term is often attached to the word Labrador. So no, in case you are wondering, a Dudley Labrador isn't a rare type of Labrador, nor is it a type of coat color.
Instead, the term Dudley refers to a dog's nose and the most correct way to refer to it is "Dudley nose." So a "Dudley Labrador" is simply a Labrador with a Dudley Nose. So now let's dive deeper into Dudley noses, shall we?
What on Earth is a Dudley Nose?
First, let's start with a little lesson in canine anatomy. The part of your dog's nose that is pigmented is technically known as "nasal planum." The nasal planum typically presents as black, but in some cases, there may be some variations.
One variation in color is the so-called "Dudley nose." A Dudley nose simply consists of a nose that presents as the color of flesh (pale brown) or has a slightly pinkish tone.
This is considered a form of "nasal depigmentation," in other words it's a change in the dog's nose color. The cobblestone-like appearance of the nose remains unaltered and there is no rawness, scabbing or itching associated with it.
A Dudley nose may be accompanied by pink or chocolate eye rims and lips.
What Dog Breeds Have Dudley Noses?
The Labrador retriever is a dog breed that is known for sporting a Dudley nose, but there are several other dog breeds that are known to be also affected. Other dog breeds known for having a flesh-colored nose include:
- Doberman Pinschers
- Afghan hounds
- Irish Setters
- Poodles
- Pointers
- Samoyeds
- White German Shepherds
Are Labradors Born With a Dudley Nose?
One peculiarity associated with the Dudley nose is that it is not present from birth. According to veterinarian Dr. Ryane E. Englar, author of "Common Clinical Presentations in Dogs and Cats," the nasal planum is typically black at birth, and then, for unknown reasons, it fades to a flesh tint or assumes a pinkish cast and stays this way.
This is therefore an age-related change seen as certain Labradors grow older.
Snow Nose Versus Dudley Nose
Once gone from black to flesh-colored, a Dudley nose is therefore there to stay. This makes the Dudley nose easy to distinguish from the so-called "snow nose" which is a temporary discoloration of a dog's nose that happens during the winter.
Also known as "winter nose," a snow nose is known for changing color mostly in the middle area of the nose. Then, once winter is over, sometime around the spring or summer months, the nose returns to its normal original color.
Snow nose is thought to occur because of lack of sunlight and is commonly seen in Siberian huskies, Labrador and golden retrievers and some other breeds.
Is a Dudley Nose in a Labrador a Problem?
According to the American Kennel Club's Labrador retriever breed standard, the nose in black or yellow Labradors should be black, while in chocolate Labs it can be brown.
A nose color fading to a lighter shade is not considered a fault, although a thoroughly pink nose or a nose lacking pigment is considered a means for disqualification.
While often considered a cosmetic issue, a Dudley nose can predispose dogs to nasal solar dermatitis as a result of the exposure to ultraviolet light. The use of dog-safe sunscreen may help protect the nose from this skin issue.
It's important to note that sunscreen designed for humans can be toxic to dogs due to its zinc content. This common sunscreen ingredient causes anemia in dogs. Here are the risks of dogs ingesting zinc oxide and what types of sunscreen are OK to use in dogs.
Why is a Dudley Nose Considered a Fault?
In many standards of different dog breeds, a black nose is often a requirement. There's a good reason why a solid black nose is the default color seen in most dog breeds.
Nasal pigmentation is ultimately what protects the dog's nose from sunburn and potential skin cancer. Generally, the darker the nose, the better UV protection.
A lighter nose is therefore considered more delicate and more likely to cause issues. In an outdoorsy dog breed like a retriever, the increased exposure to sunlight may elevate the risks of sunburn and other potential skin issues. A light pigmented nose is therefore a trait that is preferable not to be passed down in future generations.
Are Dudley Labradors Different Temperament-Wise?
No, Dudley Labradors share the same temperamental traits as Labradors of other colors. They are friendly, sociable and energetic like any other Lab. Dudley Labs also love water and fetching.
The main difference remains just the coloring of the nose, eye rims, and lips, which in the Dudley Labrador appear pink or light brown due to reduced or absent pigmentation.
Are Dudley Labradors Rare?
No, Dudley Labradors aren't considered rare. They occur as a result of specific combinations of coat color genetics (Labs who inherit both recessive b and e alleles).
For example, by breeding a yellow and a chocolate Lab together you get a 25 percent chance of a Dudley.
They are not super common because good breeders won't specifically breed for it, and if a Dudley should pop up, they may not use it for reproduction. They may sell it as a pet with a spay/neuter contract and the price may be lower considering it's considered a fault.
Breeders now can rely on genetic tests so that they'll know what colors a dog carries.
Dudley Labradors aren't really "rare'
What Is The Origin of the Term "Dudley"?
The word Dudley derives from bulldogs with flesh-colored noses that were bred from a part of Black Country in Worcestershire, known as "Dudley" explains Rawdon B. Lee in the book "A History and Description of the Modern Dogs of Great Britain and Ireland."
This bulldog was a prolific sire who" threw his flesh-colored nose in his get," explain Edward M. Gilbert and Patricia H. Gilbert in the book: "Encyclopedia of K9 Terminology."
This means this particular bulldog passed on this physical trait to many of his offspring; however, nowadays, a brown or liver-colored nose in the bulldog breed is considered a flaw leading to disqualification at the show ring.
Female Names For a Dudley Labrador
Here are some cute female names for a Dudley Labrador Retriever that you may want to consider.
- Dudlette
- Dudlina
- Dudalia
- Dudelle
- Ruby
- Rudie (female name for Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer)
- Truffle
- Java
- Nutmeg
- Brownie
- Rosette
- Peach
- Tulip
Male Names for a Dudley Labrador
Here are some male names for a Dudley Labrador Retriever that you may want to consider.
- Dudley
- Rudolph
- Bruno
- Clay
- Pebbles
- Copper
- Teddy
- Rocco
- Cocoa
- Hershey
- Bear
- Walnut
- Biscuit
- Moose
- Rolo
- Eraser
Disclaimer: this article is not meant to be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice or behavioral advice. If your dog is acting sick or aggressive please consult with a qualified professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
