Labrador Retriever: Coats & Style

Traits and identification

Look for a broad head, hanging ears, a strong body and a thick tail that narrows towards the tip. The short double coat is dense rather than feathered. Appearance offers clues, not proof of ancestry. ¹

Origin and history

The Labrador's story begins with working water dogs in Newfoundland, including the St John's dog. Dogs brought to Britain were developed as retrievers during the nineteenth century. The breed's name can obscure that Newfoundland connection. ²

Coats and sizes

The AKC standard recognises black, yellow and chocolate. Yellow spans pale cream to fox-red shades; chocolate also varies in depth. The three portraits are examples, not a complete shade chart. ¹

A note on size

AKC shoulder heights are 22½–24½ inches for males and 21½–23½ inches for females. These are breed references, not garment sizes. Measure the chest, neck and back; ask us about suitability before ordering for a Labrador. ¹

Black Labrador Retriever on a white background — Black

Yellow Labrador Retriever on a white background — Yellow

Chocolate Labrador Retriever on a white background — Chocolate

Colour and couture

Compare each shade in daylight: black offers strong light–dark contrast, yellow introduces warmth, and chocolate sits deeper. The designs below are colour inspiration, not confirmed Labrador-sized garments. Custom size does not by itself confirm fit.

A colour pairing is not a fit recommendation. Check the individual garment's measurements and available options before choosing a size.

Black

A deep black, short dense coat.

Isabella's white gives a crisp bridal contrast; Fleur's pink takes the same dark backdrop in a softer party direction. Check that the garment's outline remains distinct from the coat.

May include: A tan Chihuahua wearing a white tiered lace dress with a large central bow and a rhinestone brooch. The dog also wears a matching white floral headpiece with a sheer veil, standing on a cobblestone path with scattered rose petals.

Pink Feather Dog Party Dress — product image 1 of 7

Yellow

A warm yellow example within a wider shade range.

Celeste's blue sets up a cool–warm contrast. Audrey's black offers a sharper evening palette. A very pale yellow Labrador may read differently from this warmer example.

May include: A small tan chihuahua wearing a light blue dress featuring a ruffled collar, a large bow on the back, delicate floral lace overlays, and a hemline trimmed with soft, light blue feathers, standing on a path covered in fallen autumn leaves.

May include: A small white dog wearing a black dress with a high collar, a textured bodice, and a layered skirt. The dress features a black bow at the waist adorned with a central decorative jewel and a matching jewel accent at the neck.

Chocolate

Rich brown across the head and body.

Adeline's pale blue brings lightness beside chocolate; Genevieve's creamy white is gentler. Compare against the face and ears as well as the back, where light may change the brown.

Pale Blue Butterfly Lace Dog Wedding Dress with Train — product image 1 of 4

White Sequin Lace Dog Wedding Dress with Bow — product image 1 of 6