FAQ

The official breed standards states that they should weigh 55-75 pounds. In reality, there are Labs anywhere from 40-110 pounds.  We aim to keep our Labs within standard and our ideal is a 55-65 pound female and 65-75 pound male.  

There are two basic ‘types’ of Labs that are referred to as “English” labs or “American” labs.  The show type "English" dogs are typically heavier set, with bigger, blockier heads and less drive and the American field type are leggy, lean and athletic with higher energy and working drive.  Are Labs are the show type "English" Labs and descend directly from many well known Champions and Grand Champion show dogs.  

Our Labs genetics allow our puppies coats to be a range of yellows from medium yellow to medium fox red. 

In brief, Silver Labs have an off-color (grey) dog Lab whose origins as a purebred Lab are questionable. There are many theories as to why the dilute gene that causes the silver colored suddenly appeared in labs in the US in the late 19th century from a single kennel. However the origins don’t really matter because the fact is that the original breeder who introduced (or discovered) this mutation, decided to capitalize on it through in-breeding.  Grey Labs can not be shown because they do not adhere to the breed standard and ethically should not be bred (just like any other mismark…. color is something that defines each breed) In the case of the dilute gene that causes grey, it’s undesirability in a Lab is not just because of the appearance, but due to their high risk for a skin condition called Color Dilution Alopecia which causes the grey dog’s hair to fall out and results in skin irritation which is uncomfortable and unsightly. You should not have to pay a premium price for any mis-marked or odd-colored labrador, even if it comes with papers – they are not rare nor more valuable although unscrupulous breeders would have you think otherwise. In fact, due to the health risks associated with dilute colored Labs, we advocate against their breeding and purchase. No Lab can be registered as ‘silver’- in order to register these dogs as a  Lab, the papers must be falsified to read ‘chocolate’. Any breeder who would falsify papers is one that I would not personally choose to deal with.  The dilute gene is also what produces so-call ‘charcoal’ and ‘champagne’ Labs so the same wariness should be applied to anyone breeding those colors. The only accepted colors of Labs are “Black”, “Yellow” and “Chocolate”. 

Fox-red Labs are yellow labs who happen to come in the darkest version of the shade. Some appear quite reddish in color, but they are still genetically yellow and will be registered as such. Fox-red Labs have always existed but only recently has the ‘fox-red’ color description been used although the term is actually used in the breed standard and the shade is thought to be that of the original yellow labs.

I’ve heard that chocolates are crazy!
Color does not affect a dogs trainability. However, poor breeding does. Chocolate Labs have a reputation for being crazy, stubborn, and all sorts of other things…. this is because they are a popular target for backyard breeders looking to cash-in on the popularity of the color, not because there is any specific ‘link’ between brown and bonkers! That means that often, they are bred for color alone, without being selective about other traits such as temperament, drive, or an off-switch. Thankfully, there are many breeders who breed quality chocolate dog without all the negative traits you’ve heard about. You just have to do your research to find them (hint: the good chocolate dogs almost never come from a breeding program that only breeds chocolates). 

Labs are NOT hypoallergenic. They do shed quite a bit but the shedding can be managed through proper grooming, good nutrition, and the actual quantity of fur that is shed will depend on the living arrangements of the dog. Labs kept indoors tend to shed a little bit almost continuously. Labs who spend most of their time outside will shed profusely in the spring and fall. Regular grooming with a deshedding tool such as the Furminator will cut down on shedding by an unbelievable amount. Feeding a well-balanced diet will also improve the coat condition and reduce shedding. 

Usually Between 8 and 10 weeks of age. This time frame is based upon when the puppies and momma are ready. Puppies will usually show us when they are ready, but a Mother dog truly knows best and we will allow her to continue caring for the puppies until she is sure they can care for themselves. 

We have and always will be a small scale in-home breeder with 1 to 2 breeding females, so we typically will only have 1 litter a year. We feel this allows us to focus 100% on the heath and happiness of our puppies and breeding dogs.