Has anyone ever heard this before ...a puppy buyer emailed me and asked this...guess her vet has this notion?? I never heard this before ..See below.....

"I was wondering if there is any history of allergies with his mom and dad. The vet was a little concerned about the dark pigment on his belly. Apparently this can be a sign of an allergy problem? Not knowing anything about it I thought I'd ask you."

I'm certainly no vet but dark belly pigment has always been a sign of good pigment, not allergies, in my experiences anyway. In fact, the dogs I've seen with allergies and skin problems have PINK bellies, and even a pinkish rash. Most of my dogs have dark bellies.

Could it be that in some other breed the dark belly might indicate problems, but not necessarily in our breed? Not all vets know everything about every breed.

I agree with Linda. Most of my yellow pups have dark bellies, and nice pigment, and to my knowledge, I haven't had any skin problems.

Why do these vets like to make their clients worry?

Because they hate breeders...

That is one of the dumbest things i've heard yet geesh!
Aloha,
jackie

To breeder II.... That's a harsh statement in my opinion as there are very wonderful vets including mine that go out of their way for us. Based on what I've read on this forum, seems that most of us have close relationships with our vets which only enhance what we do. Sure, there are those that do not like breeders however any true breeder with that type of vet is going to move on and find another fast.

I hate to be so cynical, but have honestly come to believe it's a matter of "ka-ching, ka-ching"

And come to think of it, I do remember now, that when I bought my first show lab, in early '94, the vet told me his black tummy could indicate all kinds of problems and I remembered worrying that it would quash any chances of him having a show career. Luckily, he became the #2 Lab in Canada, 2 years in a row, black belly and all. But I was worried at the time, too.

From my great expeience with 3 labs - 2 light bellies - one with moderate seasonal allergies - 1 dark belly (all yellow labs), with mild seasonal allergies.

A dog whose skin TURNS dark can be a sign of Addison's Disease. Addison's is an autoimmune disease. Allergies, which is also an autoimmune problem can preceed the disease. When one type of autoimmune problem arises others can follow, they are linked. I believe there are other diseases where the skin can become dark and/or thickened.

My puppy has a normal belly just dark not pinky pink. He's yellow with gorgeous pigment. This is a new on one me from a Vet.

It is not unheard of (at least in other breeds). My German Shepherd has been plagued with allergies (I have another whose skin is in perfect condition - a healthy shade of light pink). The one with severe skin allergies has a dark belly, not from pigment but from irritation and inflammation. The black stuff cannot be scratched or washed off. Her skin was pink as a puppy.

Working at a vet clinic, I've seen other breeds where dark bellies (like my GSDs) were a sign of allergies, not necessarily a predisposition, but instead a manifestation of those allergies.

Some vets are only in it for the money, but a lot are are in it for the love of the animals. Do you know how many people come into a vet clinic saying they got their puppy from a "breeder" when it turns out to really be a BYB or a petshop? Most vets are quite skeptical that owners would bring in a pup from a reputable breeder, because it generally doesn't happen all that much.

Please, give your vets some credit. They may not be super knowledgeable about Labs, but they are knowledgeable about veterinary medicine as a whole, which is not as easy as it seems when you have over a hundred recognized breeds plus mixes of many shapes and sizes. Compounded by needing to know all about the diseases/ailments/anatomy, etc of cats and all the other animals (large and exotic)all bringing their own, unique cards to the table; and only 4 years to absorb it all in vet school, I think they do a pretty good job. I bet if you ask your vet what breed they have they can tell you so much about it, because it interests them. Labrador breeders should be specialists in labradors - its your interest, vets can't be expected to be specialists in every breed, but they should have a good knowledge of veterinary medicine and practice.

So, basically, if they've seen a dark belly on 15 dogs, of various breeds that have all had severe allergies, why can't they be concerned that it may be the same case with your puppy? I'm assuming the vet doesn't know you or that you are a reputable breeder, and they are genuinely concerned about the dog's well being.

Most vets have to refer allergy problems to dermatologists - and they don't get finder fees, so an allergy problem doesn't necessarily help them make money in a long run.

Also, thought dark was a good sign. Mine yellow has pink and does have issues. Very tender looking skin.