As a labrador breeder my goal is to produce a sound labrador retriever that has the beauty which defines the breed while capturing the temperament and trainability that makes the labrador a versatile breed. It is important to me that my dogs and puppies will be good working citizens (seeing eye, narcotics, search and rescue, hunting, field trial, show etc.) as well as great pets and companions.

Chocolate Labrador Retrievers have been a part of my life since 1984,when a friend ask me if I would accept responsibility for a six month old chocolate lab whose owner was moving. It was love at first site for both of us. Jake and I were best friends and running partners for fourteen years. In 1998 when Jake passed away, I was devastated and swore I would never own another dog.

In the fall of 2002, Jake came to me in a dream and ask me what I had against chocolate labs and why I didn’t have another dog. The next day I drove to Norfolk,Virginia and fell in love with Bear. Three months later I drove to Va.Beach, Virginia and fell in love with Ana. And as they say-the rest is history!

Midnight was born in Ana and Bear’s first litter on December 3rd,2003. Carolina, along with Luke, was born in Ana and Bear’s second litter on June 15th,2004. Duke was purchased from a national field champion bloodline from Windsor, North Carolina on January 15th,2005. Brandy and Sunshine were purchased on July 28th,2006. Mia, younger sister of Brandy and Sunshine, was purchased the day she was born, January 19th, 2007 .Between Brandy, Mia, and Sunshine’s mother and father there are forty eight national field champions in their bloodlines.

Golden Retrievers are athletic dogs that are well balanced. They are a large breed, but are slightly longer than they are tall. Golden Retrievers have an outgoing temperament with a very luxurious coat. The coat is usually straight, waterproof and dense. Golden Retrievers do not have hard, silky, or wool-like hair. As they become older, their coats can become darker in color while the fur around their face whitens.

Golden Retrievers are about 22 to 24 inches tall but reach that height after only one year of age. After their second year, they maintain their weight at 60 to 75 pounds.

This breed of dog is quite active, but also very patient. Their history as dogs sitting and waiting for the catch during hunts may be the cause of this. They also enjoy cold water, which may also be a trait gained from their hunting past. Retrievers are affectionate towards people and are often used as therapy dogs because of this. Though they are intelligent, they require a companion to be happy which makes them great assistance dogs. Golden Retrievers also enjoy retrieving anything, from tennis balls to frisbees.

Though Shepherds have a reputation for instability, the fact is, with the help of an experienced obedience instructor, your dog can be extremely well trained. The first thing you need to understand is that dogs need to be trained from birth; they cannot be trained when they have already become adults. Trainers will tell you to always provide your Shepherd with plenty of regular exercise as well as mental stimulation to tame their rambunctious natures. Otherwise, you may find your bored doggie will turn to destructive chewing. If this occurs, simply sprinkle chair legs and other attractive targets with black or cayenne pepper to discourage chewing. Provide plenty of fresh water everyday, but especially after long walks. And introduce your dog to lots of friendly people so he can learn to recognize normal behavior of good guys; a dog that’s isolated may become suspicious of everyone, which can lead to biting.

German shepherds shed constantly, so be prepared to do a lot of vacuuming. There are some tips to reduce the work load: Mix one part brewers yeast and garlic with two parts doggie stew, or try Mrs. Allens Shed Stop, which is also mixed with the dog’s food. Daily brushing helps, but frequent bathing isn’t necessary. And do remember to trim Fido’s nails at least once every two weeks. A little care and lots of love help your German shepherd grow into a loyal and welcome member of the family for years to come!

What is The Best Diet?

There are many different recommendations on what diet is best for dogs. Many pet owners feed dogs homemade diets. Supporters of raw feeding believe that the natural diet of an animal in the wild is its most ideal diet and try to mimic a similar diet for their domestic companion. A poor diet leads to an increase in cancers, weakened immune system, kidney and liver failure, dull coat and heavy shedding, and who knows what else.

Health

Healthy dog food has quality proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and water. Any dog expert will tell you, prime dog health depends on much more than just diet. You must also follow a complete, health-care regiment throughout your dog’s life. We need to get everyone feeding their pets healthy treats and food.