Cheetahs, the world’s fastest land mammal, and Labrador Retrievers share a lasting bond when raised together. That’s what the Columbus (OH) Zoo and Aquarium has observed over the years of pairing young Labrador puppies with cheetah cubs to give the latter confidence.
Not all reputable breeders offer a standardized contract for sales of older puppies and/or adults or even for stud dog services. But they all agree they want their prospective buyers to know they’ll take back their canines should the need arise. And they all carefully screen female dogs (and their owners) before allowing their males to be used at stud.
An international breeding cooperative program is providing quality puppies—mostly Labrador Retrievers— to nonprofit service dog organizations and helping to reduce the long wait times for deserving individuals to receive their well-trained assistance canines.
Founded in 2019, Southwest Oasis Lab Rescue saves hundreds of Labrador Retrievers and Lab mixes primarily in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and even Mexico. This non-profit volunteer organization, that doesn’t have a shelter, takes in dogs that owners surrender and from shelters as well as those found abandoned in the desert or on the streets. After a checkup at a veterinarian’s office, the rescues are placed in foster homes before these needy canines find their forever homes.
Canine liver disease experts, who have observed a rise in copper toxicosis (CT) in purebreds and mixed breeds, recommend less copper in commercial dog foods. On other CT fronts, Dutch researchers continue their CT studies in Labrador Retrievers, and state-side researchers conduct clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of one drug used for treating this often fatal disease.
One young California couple fortuitously decided to buy insurance for their young Labrador Retriever pup and saved nearly $15,000. But pet insurance isn’t for everyone: it’s expensive and may not cover much of your pet’s medical expenses. If you opt to purchase insurance, carefully read and compare different policies which often significantly differ from one another.
A nonprofit organization that places service dog canines free of charge to deserving veterans has always bred its own litters of Labrador as well as Golden Retrievers. Civic-minded, reputable breeders made this possible by donating dogs, puppies, and stud services.
A well-bred Labrador became the American Kennel Club’s 2020 recipient of its prestigious Award for Canine Excellence thanks to the dedication of his puppy raiser, his veteran, the breeders of his parents, and so many others who helped socialize and train him. Every day, Luke gives his veteran the ability to cope with ordinary life and bestows upon him much love and happiness.
Prospective puppy buyers should expect to be asked to sign written contracts before they bring home their new family member. Learn what five longtime reputable breeders, each with decades of experience, say protect not only their puppies but also the human parties.
4-H offers an inexpensive way for youngsters to train their dogs and learn patience, responsibility, and confidence as well as other useful life-long skills. In one Colorado county, 4-H provides a much-needed diversion from our COVID times and helps youths bond with their four-footed friends.