Hepper blog

Search our database of over 9,984 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians.

Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Red Fox Labrador Retriever: Breed Info, Pictures & Traits

By Nicole Cosgrove
Share
Ask us a question in the comments
Red Fox Labrador Retriever

Breed Overview

Height:

21–23 inches

Weight:

55–70 pounds

Lifespan:

10–14 years

Colors:

Darker yellow with reddish tones

Suitable for:

Families, singles, houses with yards, apartments with plenty of outdoor walking space

Temperament:

Highly intelligent, loyal, family-oriented, protective

The Red Fox Labrador Retriever might sound like a crossbreed, but it is a color variation of the traditional Labrador Retriever. As their name suggests, they resemble the red fox due to their unique coat, which is darker than that of the yellow Lab, with red highlights throughout. This gives the dog a reddish fur color that distinguishes them from other Labs. They never have black, cream, or brown markings.

Red Fox Labs are known for being fun-loving, compassionate dogs that eagerly learn and love to please their family members. Their bubbly personalities are just as large as their athletic bodies. They enjoy spending time outdoors and will get bored easily if they’re left inside to their own devices for too long.

That said, the Red Fox Labrador Retriever does do well at home alone if they’re properly exercised and get quality time with their family. There is much to know about this beautiful dog breed, so keep reading to learn more about owning a Red Fox Labrador Retriever.

Red Fox Labrador Retriever Puppies

Red Fox Lab Characteristics

Energy
+
Trainability
+
Health
+
Lifespan
+
Sociability
+

Red Fox Labrador Retrievers are full of energy and love to learn by getting into just about anything they can. You’ll have to keep your sneakers, slippers, and important paperwork out of reach until your puppy is trained.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Red Fox Labrador Retriever

Bred to work, the Red Fox Labrador Retriever is a powerful dog that can take on a variety of jobs, such as fish and duck retrieval, material hauling, search and rescue, scenting, and guiding. Hunters, farm owners, the military, the police, and even the elderly can find value in the service of these dogs. This purebred dog is outdoing and can spend an entire afternoon playing with kids in the backyard. They’re social when allowed to be and are fiercely loyal to their family members, especially their pack leader.

While the Red Fox Labrador Retriever is typically mellow by nature, they don’t play around when it comes to food. Other animals and kids should be kept away from these dogs while they eat to prevent fights and injuries. Each dog is different when it comes to activity level, but owners should expect to spend several hours each week outdoors spending quality time with their pups.

These dogs will take advantage of every opportunity to go on an outing, even if it’s just to rake up leaves in the yard. They love to camp, swim, and go fishing. They also love a good snuggle session on the couch when the sun goes down.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Red Fox Labrador Retrievers are patient and gentle, making them perfect companions for younger children. They don’t typically mind being crawled on or having their ears tugged occasionally. Families of all ages and sizes will enjoy sharing their lives with one of these well-rounded dogs.

They can play rough and tough with the older kids, and they’ll hang out near your feet when you’re working at home or watching a movie. These dogs can handle family get-togethers like pros and won’t let you down when it comes to behaving with the family at the beach or park.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

The Red Fox Labrador Retriever typically gets along splendidly with other dogs and cats. They should be socialized from a young age, so they have an opportunity to learn from and get along with other animals, especially older ones. As your puppy ages, they’ll quickly learn how to interact with other animals that they don’t live with. They’ll likely become best friends with any dogs or cats that happen to live in the same household.

red fox labrador retriever
Image Credit by: Fred Lalkens, Shutterstock

Things to Know When Owning a Red Fox Labrador Retriever

Knowing about the Red Fox Labrador’s personality isn’t enough as a new puppy owner. You should know about their food and diet needs, their exercise requirements, their training aptitude, and more before bringing a puppy home.

Food & Diet Requirements

Red Fox Labrador Retrievers do well on a high-protein diet free of fillers and artificial ingredients. It’s best to choose a food that’s produced specifically for large breed puppies until they’re about 1 year old. Afterward, any high-quality dog food of your choice will do the trick.

Puppies usually eat more in volume each day than grown dogs because they need the extra calories and nutrition to grow strong bones, joints, and organs. Pups might eat anywhere from 1 to 3 cups of food a day to support their quickly growing bodies. Adult dogs don’t need as many highly concentrated nutrients as puppies, so their food is formulated differently, and they might eat anywhere from 1 to 2 cups of food a day, depending on their activity level.

Exercise

While all Labs are bred from a lineage of working dogs, some need more physical activity than others. One pup might want to take a walk several times a day or spend all day in the backyard, while another may be happy taking a long nap after a short walk in the morning and then running around the house or yard for a couple of hours later.

No matter their activity level, every Red Fox Labrador Retriever expects to get outside and take a walk to “check the news” every day. Whether in the morning, at noon, or just as the sun is going down, you should commit to daily walks to keep your pup happy. Even puppies like to take walks every day!

In addition to daily walks, your Lab will need daily activities to participate in that will keep their senses and curiosities satisfied. Playing with puzzle toys and engaging in games like hide-and-seek are fun and engaging indoor activities that your pup is sure to love. A game of fetch in the yard would likely never be turned down.

Red Fox Labrador at the beach
Image Credit by: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock

Training

Labrador Retrievers thrive with direction. They enjoy learning new tricks and entertaining their family members. But they also need to learn basic obedience commands at a young age to understand how to behave while spending time within the household. A Red Fox Labrador Puppy has a great deal of energy, and if they don’t have a way to focus that energy, chances are that you’ll experience frustration as a Lab owner.

Teaching your pup to sit, stay, and come at the very least will result in a more well-rounded, well-behaved dog that everyone in the family can appreciate. Red Fox Labrador Retrievers do extremely well when it comes to agility training and competitions.

They can weave through poles, duck under obstacles, and run through tunnels with the best of them. Military, police, hunting, and service training is not out of the question for this breed. Training should always be kept in mind when adopting one of these fun-loving but hard-working dogs.

Grooming ✂️

Red Fox Labrador Retrievers are easy to groom. They could use a brushing every day to keep shedding under control and your home free of fur balls as time goes on. Labs love to roll in things like chicken poop and other unattractive substances, so they may need to be bathed regularly.

These dogs tend to take care of their own nail trimming, thanks to their naturally active lifestyle, even if that lifestyle includes indoor time. If owners don’t want to commit to regular tooth brushing, dental treats should be offered on a regular basis.

Health Conditions ❤️

This breed can live a long and healthy life, but there are health problems to be aware of when adopting a new Red Fox Labrador Retriever.

Minor Conditions

  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Cataracts
  • Otitis externa

Serious Conditions

  • Gastric torsion
  • Epilepsy
  • Hip and/or elbow dysplasia
  • Osteochondritis dissecans

Male vs. Female

Both male and female Red Fox Labs are kind, loyal, loving, thoughtful, and intelligent. Females can sometimes be more independent than males, and boys can be harder to potty train than girls. Both sexes need training and both deserve good homes.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Red Fox Lab

1. They Aren’t Foxes

Many people mistakenly think that the Red Fox Labrador Retriever is part fox because of the name. But the truth is that these dogs are 100% Labrador Retriever. Just like any other domesticated dog, these pups belong in the household and not the wild.


2. They Aren’t Really Red

Although red highlights might be seen in the coat of a Red Fox Labrador Retriever, the truth is that these dogs are just a darker color of yellow. Some think that they look orange or resemble the color of bricks. But their full coats aren’t truly red.


3. They’re Actually Quite Rare

Since these dogs aren’t as popular as the yellow Labrador, or any other colored Lab, for that matter, they aren’t a priority for most breeders. So, the Red Fox Lab tends to be a rare option on the market overall.

red-fox-labrador-retriever
Image Credit: Nigel Kirby Photography, Shutterstock

Final Thoughts

The Red Fox Labrador Retriever is an excellent pet, working dog, and therapy companion. These dogs offer as much love as they demand, and they won’t let owners down when it comes to peace of mind and true companionship. Whether you’re looking to adopt a male or female puppy, the Red Fox Lab deserves your consideration.

See Also:


Featured Image: Thunderovslabs, Shutterstock

Get Hepper In Your Inbox

Pet care tips from our vets and experts, straight to your inbox.

List

Select all that apply.

You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

Nicole Cosgrove
Authored by

Nicole Cosgrove

Join the conversation

Ask a question, share your story, or send private feedback.

Rate this post
Required to post. Only our editors see your rating.
Who should see this?

A human reviews every comment before it appears. Your email is never published.

Picked to go with this article

6 Labrador Colors: A Complete Overview (With Pictures)

6 Labrador Colors: A Complete Overview (With Pictures)

Labrador Retrievers are perhaps the most recognizable dogs in the country, and year after year they’re named as the most popular breed in the U.S. Their fun-lo…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove ·
Red Golden Retriever: Breed Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Traits

Red Golden Retriever: Breed Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Traits

The Golden Retriever, including the red variety, is one of the most popular dog breeds in America, and for good reason. These dogs are among the friendliest an…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove ·
Yellow Labrador: Facts, Origin & History (with Pictures)

Yellow Labrador: Facts, Origin & History (with Pictures)

The yellow Labrador is a medium to large dog known for being good-tempered, intelligent, and an excellent companion. They were initially bred for hunting but n…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove ·
Silver Lab Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Personality & More

Silver Lab Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Personality & More

The Silver Labrador isn’t just a gorgeous spin on the most classic dog breed; it’s also a lightning rod for criticism and controversy. Many people believe that…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove ·

Keep reading

More stories you might like

Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Dogs: Signs, Causes & Treatment

If you’re like most dog fanatics, the day you adopt a puppy or adult dog is one of your happiest, most exciting, and most emotional days. The last thing on you…

Gregory Iacono
By Gregory Iacono ·
Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Dogs: Signs, Causes & Treatment

Is Great Wolf Lodge Pet Friendly? 2026 Policy & Requirements

Are you planning a trip to one of the Great Wolf Lodge’s locations but unsure if they are pet-friendly? Knowing the facts before you go is essential in ensurin…

Rachel Giordano
By Rachel Giordano ·
Is Great Wolf Lodge Pet Friendly? 2026 Policy & Requirements

Is Meijer Pet Friendly? 2026 Policy, Requirements & FAQ

Have you ever considered taking your furry friend to your local Meijer store? If so, this guide will shed some light on Meijer’s pet policy for the current yea…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove ·
Is Meijer Pet Friendly? 2026 Policy, Requirements & FAQ

Who Is the Biggest Dog in the World? Current & All-Time Records (2026 Update)

Dogs are incredible creatures. They are strong, intelligent, and loyal, and set new records every single day! Some dogs can jump over a 75-inch obstacle; other…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove ·
Who Is the Biggest Dog in the World? Current & All-Time Records (2026 Update)

What Causes Dilated Pupils in Dogs? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Very few things are as heart-warming as a pup with beautiful wide open eyes looking at you with affection. The same can’t always be said about dilated pupils,…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove ·
What Causes Dilated Pupils in Dogs? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

How to Get Dog Pee Smell Out of Concrete & Garages: 5 Proven Methods

Dog urine is something that all dog owners will need to deal with at some point in their pets’ lives. As frustrating as it is, it’s even more so when the pee s…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove ·
How to Get Dog Pee Smell Out of Concrete & Garages: 5 Proven Methods

How to Get Dog Pee Smell Out of Concrete & Garages: 5 Proven Methods

Dog urine is something that all dog owners will need to deal with at some point in their pets’ lives. As frustrating as it is, it’s even more so when the pee s…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove ·
How to Get Dog Pee Smell Out of Concrete & Garages: 5 Proven Methods

My Dog Bit Someone, Help! What To Do & Possible Repercussions

Dogs are our best friends. People with a true understanding of canines know that the bond we share with them runs deep. They are family. Just like any family m…

Melissa Gunter
By Melissa Gunter ·
My Dog Bit Someone, Help! What To Do & Possible Repercussions