About The Breed

Active / Friendly / Outgoing / Intelligent

The sweet-faced, lovable Labrador Retriever is one of America's most popular dog breeds, year after year. Labs are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited companions who have more than enough affection to go around for a family looking for a medium-to-large dog.
The sturdy, well-balanced Labrador Retriever can, depending on the sex, stand from 21.5 to 24.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 55 to 80 pounds. The dense, hard coat comes in yellow, black, and a luscious chocolate. The head is wide, the eyes glimmer with kindliness, and the thick, tapering 'otter tail' seems to be forever signaling the breed's innate eagerness. Labs are famously friendly. They are companionable housemates who bond with the whole family, and they socialize well with neighbor dogs and humans alike. But don't mistake their easygoing personality for low energy: The Lab is an enthusiastic athlete that requires lots of exercise, like swimming and marathon games of fetch, to keep physically and mentally fit.
More Information Found At: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/labrador-retriever/

Many people often ask professional breeders, "Why are your puppies priced higher than others I've seen? And what exactly is health testing?" 
For the average pet owner simply looking for a loving companion, the concept of health testing may seem unfamiliar. Most people see a dog and think, "They look healthy, so they must be fine." However, just because a dog appears well doesn’t guarantee they are structurally sound. For instance, a dog with hip or elbow dysplasia may not always show symptoms. Some may never limp, while others could suffer from severe pain and limited movement. Without proper health testing, breeders can unknowingly pass on this debilitating condition to puppies and their future owners.
Health testing gives breeders critical information to make more informed breeding decisions and helps reduce the risk of passing on preventable conditions. These tests come at a significant cost to breeders, but they provide valuable data. 
For dog owners, correcting conditions like dysplasia can cost between $3,000 and $5,000 for surgery. Less invasive treatments such as hydrotherapy, physical therapy, or cold laser therapy, along with medication, can still total thousands of dollars.
Each breed has its own set of health risks. Although not all conditions can be tested for, ongoing advancements in genetic testing continually expand our ability to screen for more. It’s essential to test for the conditions we currently can, to reduce their occurrence, and stay updated as new tests become available.
So, why are some puppies more expensive? The price difference often reflects generations of health testing. This testing improves the puppy’s quality of life and increases its lifespan. Many "backyard breeders" and "newspaper puppy sellers" are unaware of organizations like OFA, CERF, or the importance of DNA testing. Even a veterinarian’s puppy exam at eight weeks can't detect all genetic health issues.
Health-tested puppies grow into healthier adults, capable of living active, pain-free lives. Though a genetically sound puppy may cost more upfront, it can save thousands in veterinary expenses and prevent significant physical and emotional suffering for both the dog and its owner.
As breeders, using genetic testing data to make responsible breeding choices is our duty—to both the dogs we produce and the families who welcome them into their homes.




Images directly from OFA (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)