Contents:
Labradors - Introduction
We receive numerous requests for advice, information, assistance, etc from around the World in relation to Labradors. So, we have attempted to provide information below (mainly our opinion), hopefully to be of some assistance.
Please note that it is intended to continue to include further information and to update that already included. Also, please note the disclaimer notice at the foot of this page and on our website.
Labrador Colours
The three 'official' colours of Labradors are yellow (sometimes incorrectly called 'golden'), black, and chocolate. One interesting request for advice was in relation to a Labrador that had had puppies, and which were spotted (ie like dalmations). The request was whether these were 'normal' markings etc! In this particular case, the person who owned the female Labrador (ie the mum) had apparently used the services of a stud dog (but without sighting the pedigree papers first). In our opinion, there seems to be some other breed in the pedigree of these pup's parents and which led to these spotted markings.
We also often receive requests in relation to chocolate Labradors. Our experience has been that these have not met the same standard or quality as we have experienced with the yellow labradors (and observed in the black labradors). Hence, we do not breed chocolate labradors.
Of course, these comments etc are generalisations, and no doubt, there are some good quality chocolate labradors about. However, in our opinion, we believe that the yellow and black labradors generally represent better value (ie the quality compared to the price etc). (For example, we know of one breeder of chocolate Labrador puppies that paid several thousand dollars to procure a quality chocolate Labrador).
Envronment in which Pups are Raised
Our Labrador pups are raised in an environment in which they (and their parents) are treated as part of our family. Not just as a 'breeding machine' etc, locked in a pen (which we have seen at some other breeders).
All of our Labradors interact with us and our family throughout everyday.
They are raised on a rural property, and are not only socialised with people, children, etc, but also with other animals (eg goats, cattle, etc).
We strive to have our Labrador pups highly sociable (ie not scared etc to interact with people etc). We also strive to minimise potential problems in the transition from us to their new owners.
Minimum age
The minimum age at which a pup should be sold is eight weeks. We are aware that some other breeders do sell their pups earlier. And we also receive requests re this. However, in our opinion, a puppy should not be sold any earlier than eight weeks of age (allowing for vaccination at six weeks of age etc). Also, we believe that if breeders do sell puppies under this age, it is also contrary to law (in NSW).
To the best of our knowledge, the Department of Agriculture (NSW) is responsible for the administration of this law. And it is suggested that any breaches etc be reported to them.
Maximum age
Another enquiry we receive is people wanting an 'older' dog, as opposed to a puppy. The breeders that we know (that includes us!) usually have most of their puppies going to their new homes when they are old enough (ie 8 weeks of age). And that is normally a market driven decision (ie most new dog owners want their pups etc as soon as possible etc).
Of course, there will be times when any breeder may still have a puppy that is past the 8 week age stage, and for no particular reason. However, we believe that if a breeder has a puppy for sale way past this age (eg say 16 weeks etc), then there may be reasons behind why this has occurred. And that may warrant further inquiries etc to clarify or confirm what these reasons are.
As we do not know of any breeder that keeps puppies past the age where they can go to their new homes, for no reason/s! And the reasons we have witnessed for puppies to be kept past that period has included (for example) illness etc, inadequate development, etc.
Worming of Pups
All of our pups are wormed for intestinal worms on several occassions prior to going to their new homes. Regular worming should continue, and may vary depending on the location and risks etc. Local veterinarian advice may be of assistance in this regard.
Heartworm
In our opinion, all of our pups should be regularly treated with a heartworm preventative medicine and which should start by no later than the age of six months (and preferably earlier).
We have found the once-per-month treatments to be most suitable (eg Proheart etc). And for the budget-minded, by purchasing the extra-large dog tablets (ie for 46 - 68kg), and breaking each tablet in half (for administerting to an adult dog up to 34kg), it also works out to be very cost-effective.
Puppy health insurance
Some new puppy owners may find health insurance a worthwhile consideration.
We do not recommend any particular product. But we are aware of the pet insurance that is available through AFS-PetMed (and is also available free for the first six weeks with our pups, after transfer of ownership with the RNSWCC, and conditions apply). If this is of interest to you, then please contact us and we can provide further details.
There are also other pet insurance schemes, companies, etc. One that we know of includes Vets Own Pet Health Insurance.
And it is also interesting to note that some breeds of dogs, excluding Labradors (at the time of publishing) are more costly to insure, as "some breeds have higher veterinary care costs, so the premium for these breeds or part breed is an extra $5.00 per month". These breeds that cost extra (whether pure breed or part breed), include (for example) "Alaskan Malamute, Bernese Mountain Dog, Boxer, Bull Terrier, Bulldog (all breeds), Chow Chow, Great Dane, Golden Retriever, Irish Wolfhound, Mastiff (all breeds), Newfoundland, Old English Sheepdog, Pit Bull Terrier, Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Shar-pei, St Bernard".
Labrador Hip Dysplasia
Labradors, like many other animals and breeds of dogs, can be inflicted with a hip condition known as hip dysplasia. And it is reported that there can be various factors that can cause and/or contribute to this, such as (for example) diet, exercise, trauma, genetics, etc.
The analogy seems to be similar to humans and arthritis. That is (for example) whether your parent/s are or are not affected by arthritis, does not necessarily mean you will or will not be also affected by it. But, obviously, the greater the affect on the parents, then it would seem that the risk of the offspring also being affected is increased.
The following quote also seems relevant and may be of interest:
"Studies indicate the more normal the parents, on average, the more disease free their offspring and the less severe the disease would be if it did occur. In one study normal parents resulted in 64 - 81% normal offspring and 19-36% dysplastic offspring while with diseased parents only 7-37% of offspring were normal and 63-93% were abnormal. We also know high growth rates, high levels of dietary supplementation of vitamins and minerals and lots of exercise increases the risk and severity of Hip Dysplasia. "(Dr F. Anderson, 2000)
So, it seems sensible to purchase a puppy from a breeder who has had their breeding stock appropriately screened. And, once you have the puppy, then it also seems wise to take at least some precautions, such as with diet, exercise, etc.
Labrador Hip Scores
There is a growing trend for future puppy owners to ascertain the hip score details of the pup's parents. That is, the hip score being the score or rating allocated by a veterinarian following the assessment of x-rays of the hips.
The general idea being to only use those dogs that have been appropriately screened, for breeding, so as to hopefully minimise the risks of hip problems (eg hip dysplasia) for the pups.
The system for 'scoring' the hips involves making an assessment for each hip and against nine seperate criteria, which include:
- Norberg angle
- Subluxation
- Cranial acetabular edge
- Dorsal acetabular edge
- Cranial effective acetabular rim
- Acetabular fossa
- Caudal acetabular edge
- Femoral head/neck exostosis
- Femoral head recontouring
With the maximum possible score being 108 (ie 54 for each hip, or 6 for each criteria).
Males or Females?
One question that often arises for prospective puppy owners is whether to 'adopt' a male or a female pup?
Our personal preference is for males. We have found their temperament, personality, etc to be more to our liking. Of course, there are many people who prefer females, and we have found that many of these have been people who have either been raised with a female Labrador, or who have had a female dog later in life and wish to remain with that particular sex.
In our opinion, unless you want a female for breeding etc, then serious consideration should be given to 'adopting' a male. As not only are they very suitable companions etc, they can also be easier and cheaper to desex!
We raised our four children with various sex of dog, and have found the male to be just as 'safe', non-aggressive, etc (and more playful etc) as the females. And we believe that the environment (eg training, attention, etc) in which the pups are raised has a significant impact upon their behaviour etc, regardless of their sex.
Pets - not for showing etc
We often receive requests for a 'cheaper' pet. One that is not for showing etc.
All of our pups are bred from the same quality parents, and who have all been cared for, fed, etc with the same quality food, veterinarian care, screening for hip/elbow dysplasia, etc. The pups are also all raised in the same way, and cared for and fed with the same quality food, care, etc.
So, the end result is that we do not have litters of pups that are a percentage of low quality pups and a percentage of higher quality. Our pups are quality pups. They all come with pedigree papers (ie your proof of their breeding, quality, etc), regardless of what you may intend to use the pup for (please note that the vast majority of our pups are sold as pets, and to owners who appreciate their quality etc).
If you are working to a fixed budget, and one which will not allow you to purchase a quality pup, then we suggest that consideration should be given to saving the life of of dog on 'death-row', and visit one of the many dog pounds etc, and select a suitable pet there. The quality may well be just as good (or better!) as some of the 'budget priced' pups around.
And, in our opinion, the possible savings you may make with the initial purchase price of the 'budget-priced' pup may eventually prove to be a 'false' saving, particularly if the pup has come from breeding stock that has NOT been screened for hereditary diseases (such as hip dysplasia etc). Imagine having a puppy that may eventually be inflicted with such a disease, and the problems this then causes for both the pup and its owners (and of course, the associated Vet bills)?
This is just one small aspect of selecting a quality pup. And we have witnessed first-hand how some breeders treat their breeding stock (eg locked in a pen in crowded conditions, with poor facilities, fed on low quality food, etc, etc).
And we also recieve feedback etc from various people who (for example) have purchased a Labrador puppy, got it home, and only had it a few days, before it died from parvovirus! Not only in this case did the person no longer have a puppy (which cost many hundreds of dollars), but was also not able to get another puppy for her home for at least several months, due to the potential risk of infection etc to another pup from the parvovirus. The breeder in this case did not provide a vaccination certificate, pedigree papers, etc! So, as you can see, there is a vast variation in the quality etc of Labrador puppies available.
We are not trying to convince any-one to necessarilly obtain a puppy from us! But what we do suggest is that careful consideration should be given to selecting a pup that represents quality, and that you will be happy with, in the long term. Not just a pup that may give you some joy now in the savings you may have made. But possibly bring you long term dissappointment etc!
Labrador Puppy Vaccinations
There are various vaccinations available for pups. Some breeders use what is known as a 'C3'. That is, it is a vaccination for three diseases (eg canine distemper, hepatitis & parvovirus). There is also a C4 (which is for four diseases, eg those as for C3 plus parainfluenza), and a C5 (yes, you guessed it, this is for five diseases, and includes those for for C4 plus bordetella). And various others!
Our experience is that different Veterinarians have differing opinions re what they consider to be the most suitable etc vaccination.
There have been varying opinions, evidence, reports, etc in relation to the use of vaccinations, particularly on a long-term basis. Some of which have included that vaccinations have caused and/or contributed to (for example) most skin allergies (and similar skin diseases), and that others may also be involved. Such as acute diseases, chronic health problems, bleeding disorders, bone and joint inflammation. And the problems were noted mostly after canine distemper vaccination and the canine parvovirus vaccination.
Some qualified opinion/s have suggested (for example):
- use single or simple vaccines instead of complex vaccines;
- where possible, use only 'killed' or 'inactivated' vaccines (as opposed to 'modifed live');
- use a reduced vaccination schedule for young animals;
- don't vaccinate too early; and
- avoid annual boosters.
However, it is our understanding that in NSW Australia it is a requirement of both law and various governing regulations etc that no dog may be sold unless it has been vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus and is accompanied by a current vaccination certificate. Hence, puppies should be vaccinated prior to being sold.
Labrador Puppy Registration
There are various requirements now in NSW for registration of dogs. And we suggest that the F.A.Q. page for dog registration, which is at the Department of Local Government, and which can be viewed by clicking here, be perused.
All of our pups come microchipped (and by a Veterinarian, which some are not), and documentation is also provided.
Suppliers of Dog Products
http://www.ozpets.com.au/products/index.shtml
Labrador Puppy and Dog Training Information
There is a significant quantity and quality of puppy and dog training information available in the open market. And one suggested place for you to visit is http://www.101-dog-training-tips.com/
Labrador Dangerous Plants
There are various plants etc that can be harmful to and/or not good for dogs. These are believed to include (for example):
- Apricots (kernel)
- Asparagus fern
- Caster oil plant (seeds)
- Chrysanthemum
- Ivy
- Lantana (berries)
- Oleander
- Paspalum
- Peaches (stone and leaf)
- Pinsettia (leaves & stems)
- Privet
- Ranunculius (or Buttercup)
- Rhubarb (leaves)
- Wandering jew
- Wisteria
- Onions
- Chocolate
- Nutmeg
So, it is suggested that access to these by dogs and especially puppies be restricted or avoided.
Pens or chains?
We believe that puppies (like children) need to have areas where they can play etc safely (particularly when not supervised). And we feel that the use of suitable pens (eg made from wire netting, wire mesh, etc) are most suitable.
Puppies can get into all kinds of 'mischief', particularly with the chewing of unsuitable items etc (eg plants, garden hoses, etc) when they are not being supervised. Puppies also require a reasonable amount of rest and sleep, and we have found that the pups will normally go back into their pens to rest or sleep, as the pens may also provide them with security or safety.
So, we suggest that puppies (particularly when not being supervised) be placed in 'puppy safe' areas, such as a suitable pen etc. And a pen can be easily constructed (eg wire netting and some steel posts), and can be as elaborate and/or as permanent as is desired. As the puppy gets older and matures, the need for use of a pen will probably diminish. But this may also be dependant on (for example) the training that the puppy receives, the area that it has access to (eg is it fenced etc), etc.
Charges for pedigree papers!
There seems to be numerous breeders that charge for the provision of pedigree papers. We do not understand why, when it only costs about $23 to register the puppy and to obtain the registered pedigree papers? And we believe that the registered pedigree papers are also your 'proof' of the details of the puppy purchased, the details of the breeder, the puppy's ancestors, etc, etc. And that these papers are important documents to obtain, as they also help to show that the breeder is a registered breeder, AND that the breeder is breeding in accordance with the correct policies, guidelines, etc. As not ALL puppies are automatically eligible to registered and provided with registered pedigree papers. For example, the breeder may not be registered and/or the puppy may not be of the satisfactory standard etc to be registered on the appropriate register etc.
So, please ensure that you do obtain REGISTERED pedigree papers. And we would query why the provision of such papers needs any additional charges etc (the quality breeders that we know of do not charge extra, and nor do we)?
Aggression and Labradors
Labradors and aggression are not synonymous, and we believe that Labrador Retrievers should not show or demostrate any signs of aggression etc. And the official breed standard has stated that Labrador Retrievers should have a temperament "with no trace of aggression". Of course, like many things, there can be various factors that may affect this (eg how the puppy is treated etc), and to varying degrees.
Australia
In Australia, there is the Australian National Kennel Council, to which the various State organisations (eg Royal NSW Canine Council Limited) are 'affiliated' etc. The various State organisations etc have various roles, policies, etc in relation to the breeding of purebred dogs and/or their registration, their pedigree registration, etc.
Bitch
This term relates to the female sex of a dog.
Labrador breed standard
Various breeds of dogs have an official 'breed standard' which provides details in relatin to various aspects of that breed, such as height, colour, general appearance, coat, temperament, skull, eyes, head, ears, mouth, neck, forequarters, hindquarters, body, feet, tail, gait, and movement.
These 'breed standards' should be available through the various State organisations (eg Royal NSW Canine Council Limited http://www.rnswcc.org.au)
Breeders
The type, quality, experience, of breeders seems to vary considerably. When buying a puppy, it is strongly recommended that dealings should be with breeders that are registered members of the control organisation for their State (eg in NSW, the Royal NSW Canine Council Limited). Also, ask the breeder what papers you will receive, which should include vaccination, microchip, and pedigree documents. The type of pedigree papers you receive can also vary (eg in NSW there are "main" or "limited" pedigree registration papers).
Breeding Labradors
Before breeding Labradors (particularly if inexperienced in breeding dogs), then it is important to learn as much as possible about the various aspects etc involved with breeding.
There are a number of relevant books etc available, such as through libraries and bookshops. And adequate research should be undertaken to gain a good understanding of how to undertake responsible breeding of quality puppies, and which are good 'role models' of their breed and minimal health risks/problems etc.
Dogs
This term can mean or relate to 'canines' etc in general. Or can be used to relate to the male of the canine species (eg opposite to bitch).Some of the intended subjects, issues, etc to be included in the future are:
Buying a puppy
Canberra
certificate, pedigree
certificate, registration
certificate, vaccination
elbow scores
frequently asked questions
food
Labrador, Labradors, Labradore, Labradores
mating
Melbourne
New South Wales, nsw, N.S.W.
pedigree
pedigree paper charges
pup, pups, puppies
purebred
quality
registered, breeder
registered, dog
registered, pedigree
retrievers, retreivers
showing
traits, labradors
yellow
Disclaimer
If you have any concerns etc (eg health, medical, etc) for your pet, then we strongly recommend that professional veterinarian assistance be obtained.
Please bear in mind that we are not Veterinarians etc. The above is provided for information etc. We make no representations in regard to its accuracy etc, nor that of any web pages etc. And no liability nor responsibility is accepted etc. This page, and the web site, may also be subject to change, and without notice.
And lastly, there will no doubt be some people who do not agree with our opinions etc, and they are certainly entitled to do so. The same as we do not always agree with the ideas etc of some others. However, from our experience, we believe that it is at least better to be able to have an 'opinion' (and one from research, experience, etc), than to be the eternal critic, offering nothing other than criticism.
We hope that the above, and our web site, is of assistance. Particularly to the inexperienced etc who often seek guidance, but do not always receive it!
Our contact details are:
Email (use this link): Contact Us
