Huck… The fox red lab
Eating mini powdered donuts, swimming, and always riding in the front seat are some of Huck’s favorite activities.
Huck is one cool guy on the block that may look like a yellow lab, but he is actually a fox. That is, a fox red American Labrador (lab) retriever, significant for his red highlights.
Five years ago, the Pardew family welcomed five-year-old Huck into their family when their youngest son Jack (now 17) asked for a puppy. Huck is the first Lab the Pardews have owned, and they agree that Labs make great family dogs. Labs have an easy-going, playful nature which makes them a great choice for first-time pet owners. “They are loving, loyal and people pleasers,” said Lesley Pardew.
Fox red Labs are not a separate breed but a rare, dark-coated variety of the yellow Lab. Their deep mahogany red color stands out from other Labs and their fur turns significantly darker red when wet. Initially, Labrador retrievers consisted of black Labs. Today, standard Labradors include yellow, chocolate, red fox, and even silver.
Fox red Labs are very social, active dogs and are usually up for a game of fetch, especially if it involves water. Huck loves adventures around Castle Pines, like taking walks, exploring in the woods, chasing wildlife anywhere he can, and his early morning routine which includes a visit to the Glendale Open Space Trail with his 2-year-old dog brother, Enzo, a Rhodesian ridgeback. Huck has a favorite human at the dog park, a friend who gives Huck treats at every visit.
Born a natural adventurer, Huck explores the great outdoors and swims in every body of water he finds. It seemed only fitting for Jack to name Huck after Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Not only are fox red Labs energetic, they are also very smart with loving and loyal personalities. When properly socialized, they are comfortable and friendly to guests in the home. Even as a puppy, Huck was easy going, extremely tolerant and loved everyone he met. “He is the sweetest dog in the world. He is always there to greet me at the door and make the day better,” added Jack.
Huck brings joy to the Pardew family, snuggling here with Will (left) and Jack (right).
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Lesley Pardew
