Purposely breeding for a disqualification just is not responsible and certainly is not proper stewardship in any breed. There is no legitimate reason to perpetuate fad colors in Labradors. A dilute breeder may be "giving the market what it wants," but are these breedings what is best for the Labrador Retriever breed? All reputable breeders, exhibitors, and Labrador parent clubs worldwide agree that the answer to that question is a resounding, "NO!”
Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA) is well-documented in many breeds exhibiting dilute coat color. It should not come as a surprise then that CDA is now being seen in the "silver" Labrador population. CDA is just one example of undesirable traits being perpetuated by breeders of dilute Labrador Retrievers. Why would anyone purposely want to add, and encourage the breeding of, heritable diseases in a breed not historically known to contain such problems? There is no good reason, and I question the ethics of those doing so. At the very least these breeders need to be honest with their puppy buyers about the likelihood of CDA in their dilute puppies.
This is a community about CDA on Facebook. The page centers around the issues and treatment of a "silver" Labrador with CDA.
People posting about their personal experiences with CDA in "silver" Labs at this site.
Recently, a person with a silver dog exhibited in conformation at an AKC-sanctioned show. The dog was disqualified one day and awarded a 3rd place ribbon in a class with only two entries its other day out. While the dog should've been disqualified based on color both days, it's clear to me that a message is being sent. These silver dogs are being bred outside the standard of the breed. No ethical breeder produces dogs that are outside the breed standard worldwide. People perpetuating the dilute gene are not breeding with the Labrador Retriever's best interest in mind. Our parent club agrees. This letter from the LRC, Inc. makes their position clear.