MissMonaro

would it be any good on a long coated breed ??

Thanks Tkay - much appreciated.

Thanks Missymoo......greatly appreciated.

Labrador.....and from the research I have found they are one of the breeds listed.

One site I found said that all pups are born with a liver shunt, but they close over within 3 days of birth and the pups livers then function for themselves instead of via the mother. Of course, some dont close over and hence, they have a problem.

So I'm a bit confused as to if "all" breeds do have it, then why do some sites list that its more common in certain breeds etc.

Just after some information on Liver Shunts in young dogs for a friend. I dont know much about it, so thought I'd put some feelers out on DOL for any information.

I have done some googling, but am after "real life" experiences....if your dog had one and what did you do about it ? Is it hereditary or just "one of those unfortunate things" ??

Did you operate and if so, how succesful etc ?

Can PM me if you like.

Thanks.

;)

sorry dont know of any in melbourne...but as allerzeit said, hopefully someone will be along soon that will know one.

He may need to be crated and actually just need to rest and recover if it is something simple like a sprain, because he might be re-aggrivating it each time he plays with the other one.

We tried the UA and GB here.....but my labs put on weight with it. Some loved it, others sniffed at it (but still ate it).

We feed Bonnie Working Dog....and the youngsters get Optimum puppy.

We also use Supercoat puppy at times.

Also recently tried a bag of nutro - and in all honesty I saw no change in the dogs at all.

My dogs do get sardines, chicken frames, fish oil capsules, and food scraps as well.

I would try a dog chiropractor.

I just had one of my dogs there for a limp and it turned out it was a pinched nerve in the shoulder (from playing). Now he is good.

There is only one thing missing. They are not with the special person who loved them on earth. So, each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up. The nose twitches! The ears are up. The eyes are staring.

And this one suddenly runs from the group. You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her into your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.

RIP Cassie

Hugs - my thoughts are with you both at this very sad time. :D

MM - whilst not disagreeing with you, I was wondering if you would consider the fact that a dog with a score of 1:9 (for example) may have had an injury relating to the average score, vs the better score of 1 on the other hip? Would you take this into consideration if choosing to use a dog with such a score?

Yes I would take this into consideration. But for me personally I would want to see evidence rather than believing someones word of mouth. I know that may sound a bit distrusting, but unfortunately not everyone in the dog world is "honest" about hip and elbow issues.

whoops......it was 1892

The dogs were Ned (born 1882) and Avon (born 1885). Many say that these two dogs are the ancestor of all British Labs. Buccleuch Avon is said to have sired 'liver-coloured' pups.

In 1892 two 'liver color' Labradors were born at Buccleuch's kennel. (Richard Wolthers, The Labrador Retriever)

In 1899 the first recorded yellow Labrador was born at the kennel of Major C.J. Radclyffe and named Ben of Hyde.

In 1903 the Labrador Retriever was popular enough to be recognized by the Kennel Club in England.

1916 the Labrador Club was formed in England with support from Lord Knutsford (Munden Kennel line) and Lady Lorna, Countess Howe (Banchory Labradors). Some chocolate labs are said to trace back to FC Banchory Night Light from the Banchory Kennel. He was a black dog born in 1932 in England. Night Light comes from the line of Dual Ch. Banchory Bolo (1915) who appears to be a carrier of the chocolate gene from Buccleuch Avon. Banchory Bolo was also known for carrying a trait of white hairs under the feet (Bolo pads).

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

Breeder, Exhibitor, Obedience and pet owner

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

Just wanted to add that the first chocolate was actually recorded before the first yellow. Around 1893.

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

(these were already answered)

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Generally a very happy dog, keen to please, love food and water. Good with people and devoted to owners. Also have a very good sense of smell.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Labs need exercise. A good walk twice a day, a game of ball. People have a misconception that labradors are lazy couch dogs. They are only this way because their owners overfeed them and allow them to be lazy. They are a gundog and essentially should be kept active.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

I would say no if you are not going to put the time and effort in to your puppy. They are prone to being like small children in dog suits and some take a few years to mature. On the other hand, not all are like that, but you must be prepared. A labrador, or any dog for that matter, will only be as good as the effort you put into raising it.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

A bored labrador can be a destructive labrador. They are not suited to being stuck in a back yard with no socialisation. Provide plenty of toys, a sandpit to dig in, a clam pool to cool off in as well, and ensure plenty of human contact as they like to be with their owners.

9. How much grooming is required?

Very minimal. Wash when needed. A brush once a week to help remove the shedding hair - and yes labradors do shed 365 days a year. But not copious amounts of hair, but it is continuous.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Labradors sometimes forget their size and can be a little too bouncy for small children. They will knock a child over in play and do not realise their own strength. Again, they need to be trained. Labradors are not born guide dogs, despite what people think, and they need a firm hand with their training.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, Progressive Retinal atrophy are the main ones that are tested for.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

Check paperwork on tests done. Dont always accept the breeders "yes the parents have been done" as the parents scores could be too high.

This is a very debatable subject but I would not like to see a parent with more than a total score of 2 for elbows. Hips I'd be a bit more flexible on - but a score of 5:5 is better than a score of 1:9 (even though both are under the breed average). The breed average for hips is 12 (at present) so ideally you would like to see both parents under that score. Also if possible, its good to research hip and elbow scores of grandparents, siblings, etc (if you can).

Unfortunately breeding two low scoring dogs together does not mean that somewhere, sometime a "gene" is going to present itself and the pup has problems. But at least if you go to a breeder that is vigilant and breeds with sound stock, then you are a lot better off.

But it is also important on how you raise your puppy - a fat puppy puts extra strain on growing joints, as do things like climbing stairs, jumping on beds and couches, and into cars, and slippery floors are not good either. So your care on raising your pup also goes a long way to ensuring protection of that growing body.

One more thing - Labradors are a VERY popular dog and favoured by the the BYB and puppy farms because of their popularity. Stay away from that cheap one from the guy down the road, or the local petshop, as all too often they have not had testing done, and the amount of ppl I talk to with dogs with problems is heartbreaking.

Again, not all breeders are ethical either, and a lot have jumped on the bandwagon of the colour of the moment and are breeding "chocolate" pups simply for colour and some are seriously lacking type.

Most importantly research and feel comfortable with your breeder. :p

They really are a wonderful breed !!!!

Burpengary Produce sell a reasonably priced wooden kennel with a lift up colourbond roof. I have a few of them.

The only downside I have found is the nails arent strong enough when one of my fully grown labradors, that has just had a bath and decides they want to throw themselves into the walls and floor rubbing themselves. But I normally just get a hammer and some nails and its fixed in no time.

what beautiful blue eyes. :D

I agree with the box. This is one my daughter managed to get of one of our litters. Maybe just being in the right spot at the right time helps too.

I had one pup in my last litter that always seemed to hang back. She seemed to be the quiet, shy one. Rather than fight for your attention she would just go into the bed and lie down and watch.

That was at about 4 to 5 weeks of age....but by 6 weeks of age she was the devil.

OMG did she come out of her shell. She ended up being the naughtiest, most mischievous puppy in the whole litter, and drove me insane, she was just so full on. I wanted back that quiet, shy puppy again.

I was a bit concerned as the family that had been selected has 3 small toddlers and I thought OMG not sure they'll cope....but they have and she has graduated puppy pre-school and all doing very well.

Dont forget....you are strangers as well to the pup. And timing to see the pups can change also. The most friendly pup when you visit, might be the most shy one next time as it has just fed, or played etc.

Puppies can change when they leave the comfort of their littermates as well, and they need time to find their own feet.

Good luck though !!

Polly

She is just gorgeous !!!

Were these cute bubbas born with tails or naturally bobbed?

3 with and 3 without

glad to hear that she is feeling better

Check her mouth to make sure she has nothing stuck in her teeth or the roof of her mouth that is causing her distress.

Also you said she can get into the laundry........by some chance could she have gotten hold of a sock ??

My labs are notorious sock theives and will eat them if given half a chance.

I'd be keeping an eye on her too. My labs rarely whinge for no reason at all.

Cos he's the best colour........chocolate.....

KR he is just gorgeous

I love Polly's colour....just beautiful

Misty looks very sweet and I think Lacey also has a lovely face.

Yummmmmmmmm..........chocolate ;)

He is adorable......and I have to say he looks a bit like a labby puppy with his ears down.

That would depend if she has an ear fetish or not.

For some reason I find pups always seem to go for labrador ears......or maybe its just my pups.....

I think she would love a labrador or two for a new friend.....

Misty just being cute!

What a gorgeous photo of Misty