English Labs- Were breed more for show rings & occasional group game hunts. Very calm demeanor good for walks & cuddles. How ever have a hard time keeping up with PNW families. Nicknamed (Bench Labs)

 

American Labs- Are sleeker with a higher energy level for longer harder hunts & can swim for hours they are  athletes with enthusiasm for exercise constantly. Thus can be over whelming for a working family. Nicknamed (Field Labs)

 

Our Difference is balance! We want a calm family member during the work week, but once the weekend arrives they are ready for the adventure. Our dogs snuggles and take naps with the professionals until the “weekend” and then they need some fun and adventuring. British Labs Nicknamed (Off Switch labs)

We adhere to current Breed requirements. All paperwork / certifications can be seen on sight. We are currently working on getting set up on CHIC/OFA web sight. Genetic DNA testing done by Paw Print Genetics 

 

- Current breeding standards for Labrador Retriever-

 OFA Hip Evaluation for Hip Dysplasia,

OFA Elbow Evaluation for Elbow Dysplasia, 

ACVO Eye Examination,

OFA Cardiac Exam,

DNA  test for EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse), 

DNA test for D LocusCentronuclear Myopathy,

DNA test for prcd-PRA 

Early scent introduction (ESI) is a training program for puppies designed to enhance their ability to identify and react to specific scents. Everyday we introduce a strong scent to the puppy for brief intervals. 

For practical purposes, this means the potential for even better companion, service, and therapy dogs. Scent abilities are often very important. Service dogs can also use scent to identify the early stages of diabetic reaction, or the onset of a seizure. All these skills enhanced by ESI. Of course, not all dogs are going to be service or therapy animals.

 

ENS for dogs, or Early Neurological Stimulation, is a puppy development technique using brief, mild stressors (like temperature changes, holding in different positions) from days 3-16 to stimulate their nervous system, aiming to improve stress resilience, immune response, cardiovascular health, and problem-solving in later life, based on the U.S. military's "Super Dog" program. It involves specific exercises like paw tickling, holding head up/down, and supine positions, performed gently for a few seconds daily to build a stronger foundation for adult dogs, though it must complement, not replace, broader socialization. 

The history of Labrador Retrievers is an intriguing tale that spans continents and centuries, intertwining with the hunting traditions of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada and eventually capturing the hearts of British royalty.

Labrador Retrievers originated in Newfoundland, Canada, where they were initially bred as working dogs by fishermen and hunters in the early 19th century. The breed's ancestors likely include the now-extinct St. John's Water Dog, a versatile waterfowl retriever known for its excellent swimming abilities and gentle temperament.

Labrador Retrievers gained recognition from the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom in 1903, and the American Kennel Club recognized them shortly afterward in 1917. Over the years, Labradors have become one of the most popular dog breeds globally, cherished for their friendly demeanor, intelligence, and versatility in various roles, including hunting, service work, therapy, and as beloved family pets.

 Labrador Retrievers have also found favor with royalty. Queen Elizabeth II of England is famously fond of Labradors and has owned several throughout her reign. One of her beloved companions was a Labrador named "Monty," who became quite popular and was often seen accompanying her on walks and during outdoor activities.

In summary, the Labrador Retriever's journey from its origins in Canada to becoming a favorite of British royalty is a testament to its remarkable qualities and enduring appeal as a companion and working dog.

Why we don't remove the Dewclaw -A New Perspective on an Old Adage -Form Follows Function. Dewclaws provide extra stability and leg stabilization when they’re running. Dogs use their dewclaws in tough environmental conditions. Give a dog a bone and you’ll see him use his dewclaws for manipulation. The paw and claw in combination resembles our hand and fingers. The dewclaw functions as the thumb. Potential to mitigate injury over the long hall by supporting the elbow and shoulder.

 

M. Christine Zink, DVM, PhD, DACVSMR, is a veterinarian with Johns Hopkins University, has extensively studied dewclaws. Her research suggests that dewclaws are essential to a dog’s mobility.  As a result, she believes that dewclaws should NOT be removed. There are two major tendons that connect muscles of the lower limb to the dewclaw.  Of course, that means that if you cut off the dewclaws, the major muscle bundles that will become atrophied from disused. Thus, for dogs it is best for the dewclaws not to be amputated. Further more this in the long run may help with arthritis and joint pain. If you want to know what the human equivalent  is like then try doing pushups with just four fingers. It’s not as easy as it is with five, is it?

Working from the idea of food diversity for dogs we enriching their diet with varied proteins, textures (kibble, wet, raw, toppers), and fresh ingredients to boost gut health, provide complete nutrients, prevent boredom, potentially reduce allergies, and support overall immunity, moving beyond single-protein processed foods for a more balanced, microbiome-rich diet, with benefits seen even from adding small amounts of fresh food. 

 

Diamond Naturals skin & coat is our base because  it is formulated with optimal levels of protein, fat and whole grain to fuel a hard-working dog. Omega fatty acids and antioxidants help support ideal muscle condition, helping your dog stay active, strong and fit. - No corn, no wheat, no soy -

 

But as long as you do your research that is what is key https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/labrador-retrievers/

Delayed spaying/neutering for gun dogs is generally recommended, often until 24 months, to allow for full physical and mental maturity, leading to better joint development, confidence, focus, and reduced anxiety, though it requires managing heat cycles for females and potential marking in males; it's a balance between hormonal benefits for performance and potential health/behavioral risks. 

 

• Hormonal Influence: Sex hormones play crucial roles in brain and physical development, impacting confidence, drive, focus, and impulse control.

• Physical Maturity: Waiting allows for skeletal and muscular development, reducing risks for certain joint issues like hip dysplasia.

• Behavioral Benefits: Intact dogs often show less fear/anxiety-based behaviors (like separation anxiety or noise phobia) compared to those altered early.

• Performance: Proper hormonal balance supports the high energy and consistent performance needed to work. 

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British labradors and the late Robert Milner with Absolutely Positively Gundog Training, Milner has taken the latest scientific research into how dogs learn and combined it with his own vast experience and commonsense training methods. The result is an approach that is as effective as it is easy. For the hunter who wants a calm, steady, and obedient retriever, there's no better training method.

Milner debunks a number of groundless myths and counter-productive training practices that proliferate in today’s sporting dog culture. A big divide exists today in the gundog sector in America. The opposing views are tradition-based compulsion training versus the science-based positive training model derived from B.F. Skinner’s operant conditioning theory.  Milner cites many examples of recent dog research that upend traditional training theories. The simplicity of the training model will be a pleasant surprise to many new trainers. Most importantly, Milner’s training model is fun for the trainer and the dog.