Health and care
Breeding dogs is a big responsibility. You want not just beautiful, balanced dogs, but also healthy. We make sure we test every parent before we take the decision to use that dog in our breeding program. This is minimising the chances of the offspring to have any health issues directed to a hereditary conditions.
The minimums
1
Hip and elbow dysplasia
One of the main screenings for the breed is the hips and elbow dysplasia, and OCD. Those are developmental disorders caused by dysmorphic and lax joint formation. This malformation consequentially results in abnormal wearing of bone over time, inducing the secondary development of osteoarthritis or arthrosis, and degenerative joint disease. In short, your dog can be in a lot of pain if parents are not certified healthy and well bred.
2
Eye checking
The breed unfortunately is affected by some hereditary eye conditions that can cause impaired vision and even blindness. It is important to make the eye checks of every parent yearly. You can learn more in the EVCO site - HERE.
Another "must do" test is the prcd-PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) which is a DNA test but extremely important to avoid breeding from affected dogs and menage the mutation genes.
3
DNA testing
Thankfully the laboratories have found the responsible genes for some hereditary conditions and breeders can menage the mutation genes in advance to protect the offspring. Here are some very common conditions to ask your breeder if they have tested the parents for:
Exercise-Induced Collapse
Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Stargardt Disease
Copper Toxicosis
Well taken cared of.
The hereditary conditions are not a topic to hesitate on. Its a must-do and a must-ask for.
But the cares extend beyond testing.
Every puppy should be raised according to the breed needs. The labrador retrievers are relatively heavy but active dogs design to retrieve birds across waters. Therefore their best exercise remains swimming and retrieving. You've probably heard the saying "A tired dog is a happy dog" - well yes, and no!
It is very important the exercise to be enough! Not too much, not too little. A puppy needs short walks and plays but often. An adult can take longer daily exercises but should have time to rest and sleep. If the dog has had unusually more exertion, let the dog rest in the next 2 days with shorter walks. Do not ever put a large dog live in a slippery floors at home, that's an important part of their development.
Not just physical exercises are needed but mental too. All dogs need to develop their brains and raise their mental heath. There are brain games you can search for and practise with your puppy and an adult.
Another important part of the well-being of your dog is the food you're providing them. Feeding well balanced high quality food is essential for your dogs' health. You can combine high quality kibble and fresh meat in the diet which is often prefered by many pet owners and breeders, including us. But do not serve kibble and fresh meats in the same bowl, just separete the meals for mornings and evenings.
Annual vet checks are a good idea to keep in mind.
We can go on endlessly. However, when taking your puppy from us you're receiving a list of specific needs and advices that can be helpful all their lives.
