A black Lab German Shepherd mix dog is a large, athletic cross, with a thick, double coat. Labs and German Shepherd Dogs were originally bred to fulfil quite different purposes, which means their mixed breed puppies can have very variable temperaments. But for adaptable owners with a passion for training, they can be great companions. …
Dogs can drink most types of tea in moderate quantities without ill-effects. But, dogs do not need tea. For most dogs, plain fresh water is the only kind of hydration they need. And, some added ingredients in tea can harm our dogs. For instance, if tea is sweetened with xylitol, or with a milk substitute …
Can dogs eat mango? The Labrador Site team take a look at how to safely serve mango for dogs. Mango is sweet and delicious. It’s only natural to want to share this nutritious fruit with your pup. But dogs can only eat mango flesh, and only in small amounts. Mango skin and the pits of …
The black Lab Golden Retriever mix is still a Goldador. But, by using a black Lab parent, many breeders aim to get puppies with a black coat. A black Lab Golden Retriever mix will have the same general traits as any other Goldador. They will be friendly, energetic, and playful. Black Lab Golden Retriever mix dogs …
vc_rowvc_columnvc_column_text title=”How to keep your Lab from being dropped from you PET INSURANCE POLICY!! (A must read!!!)”These days its really hard to afford veterinary expenses, and the go up every year. Its gotten to the point where PET INSURANCE is a necessity unless you have thousands of dollars flying out of your ears. And now that there are more and more canine specialists, prices almost double if you need one of these types of veterinarians. And as everywhere, insurance companies are tightening the belt. As I hear clients report back I’ve learned some REALLY good tips to be sure you …
Can dogs eat oranges? The Labrador Site team takes a look at how to safely share oranges with your dog. Oranges are not toxic to dogs. And you can safely give small amounts to your pup. However, they are not very good for your dog. They are high in sugar, and the seeds and peel …
Can dogs eat celery? The Labrador Site team takes a look at the pros and cons of celery for dogs. Celery is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities if it is correctly prepared. If prepared incorrectly it is a choking hazard. Not all dogs will like celery. And celery is high in fibre, …
vc_rowvc_columnvc_single_image image=”12041″/vc_column/vc_rowvc_rowvc_columnvc_column_text title=”WHAT IS “VOLHARD” PUPPY TESTING?”WHAT IS THE “VOLHARD” PUPPY APTITUDE TEST? Years ago this test was developed by an individual (Wendy Volhard) that felt it could predict the temperament of a puppy or dog by assessing the litter at a young age. Just so you get an idea of what it entails, here is an overview: (Source) “Top Dog Tips: The ideal age to test the puppy is at 49 days of age when the puppy is neurologically complete and it has the brain of an adult dog. With each passing day after the 49th day the responses …
Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle – it’s a tough choice! These popular Poodle mixes are similar sizes, with similar coats and temperaments. But the Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. A Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. So, how do these mixes differ? And which one is …
A dwarf Labrador has a genetic mutation which causes abnormally short leg bones. There are several distinct types of dwarfism which occur in Labradors. And other types which can be introduced by outcrossing with other dog breeds. Dwarf Labradors appeal to some people because they seem cute, or give the impression of needing less exercise. …
Can dogs drink almond milk? Plain, unsweetened almond milk is safe for dogs in small amounts. But, it is high in calories, and doesn’t contain any nutrients your dog won’t already receive in their normal diet. Plus, some almong milk brands contain added dangerous ingredients like xylitol (an artificial sweetener), which is toxic to dogs. …
The term tan Labrador can be a way to describe a certain shade of yellow Lab coats. But, more commonly, it refers to mismarks, such as the black and tan Labrador, or Labs with brindle markings. If you’ve found a breeder advertising tan Labradors, it’s important to learn exactly what they mean by the term. …
vc_rowvc_columnvc_column_text title=”WHY SHOULD I GET A PUPPY FROM A “SHOW BREEDER?“ I JUST WANT A PET!”Many people that I talk to call us because they love the look of our dogs, they love the EXTENSIVE health clearances we do, and have heard lots of great testimonies. But inevitably, people will say, “but I don’t intend to show, so I just want a pet.” Actually this is a CORRECT statement, and a good one…but I want to let you know how your PET benefits from us showing in a category with the AKC called “conformation” (measuring dogs to see that they “conform” …
A teacup Lab is one that is bred to be extremely small. Some breeders will breed runts together over several generations to achieve this tiny size, but others may introduce dwarfism genes or mix a Lab with a toy breed. Many people believe a teacup Labrador will be better for small homes, with the same …
The best treats for puppies are small, easy to digest and don’t contain lots of unhealthy fillers. We all love rewarding our puppies. Whether it’s for good behavior, or just to give them a treat. It makes us feel good and they definitely love it. When properly used, treats can be one of the best …
Borador size can be hard to predict. As a mixed breed dog, a Borador puppy will usually grow somewhere between the sizes of its parents – in this case a Labrador Retriever and a Border Collie. An adult Borador will often be between 19 and 24 inches tall, weighing between 30 and 80 pounds. Males …
Hailstone Labradors are Labrador Retrievers with white spots over a black base color. Their coat resembles Dalmatian spotting, with the colors reversed. Many people remain skeptical about this pattern in purebred Labs. But, others believe it comes from original Labrador breed lines. Hailstoning is extremely uncommon in the Labrador breed. So, it is very difficult …
The yellow Lab is perhaps best known for its role as a guide dog for the blind. But the iconic Labrador Retriever is also one of the world’s favorite pets. Perhaps more than any other color, the yellow Lab has become associated with companionship and families. And also with the show ring. English Yellow Labs …
Can dogs eat tangerines? The Labrador Site team takes a closer look at tangerine for dogs. It is safe for dogs to eat tangerine in small quantities. Tangerines are not toxic to dogs, and contain important nutrients like vitamin C. But, they also contain lots of sugar. So, too much tangerine in their diet can …
Can dogs eat popcorn? Is it safe for them, or is popcorn bad for dogs? The Labrador Site team investigate the pros and cons of popcorn for dogs. Dogs can have fully popped popcorn in small quantities. But buttered, salty, or caramel popcorn is less suitable for dogs. And unpopped kernels can damage their teeth …
Can dogs eat carrot cake? Carrot cake made for humans is usually too sweet and sugary for dogs. Too much can lead to obesity and dental problems. Plus, some carrot cake recipes use ingredients like raising and nuts, which are toxic to dogs. But, there are plenty of dog-safe carrot cake recipes online if you’re …
vc_rowvc_columnvc_column_text title=”Will my Labrador protect me? Are Labradors good ‘watch dogs?’”This is a question I often get from those who have never owned a Labrador—and even some that DO wonder why their dog won’t be a better “guard dog.” (some use the term “watch dog”) I’d love to change the vocabulary to say they are GREAT “watch dogs”. But not necessarily “guard dogs” and if they were, history may have placed them in the AKC “Working Dog” class where many guard dogs are who were BRED to do this job. Some of them will even kill and turn on their …
Can dogs eat graham crackers? Graham crackers are safe for dogs as a small occasional treat. But, they are high in sugar and salt, so can cause health issues if they become a regular snack. Graham crackers should not form a large part of your dog’s diet, as they offer no nutrition that isn’t already …
What class of dog is a Labrador Retriever? Labrador Retrievers belong to the sporting group of dogs, also known as gundogs in the UK. Breeds in this group share an original purpose as hunting companions. Both English and American strains of Labrador belong to the class of sporting dogs. Although many modern Labs are kept …
The best hunting dog breeds are bred to fit specific roles, but your choice of dog may also depend on the game you are hunting. Some people prefer Retriever breeds or Setters, but for others, Pointers or Spaniels will be right. Hunting in the modern day is more of a sport than a necessity, and …
Why do Labradors dig holes in your yard? This pesky problem can have a number of causes. Some dogs dig because they’re bored or anxious, but others may do it for a practical purpose, such as to hide food or to cool off in the dirt. Finding out why your Labrador is digging holes outside …
Every New Years that rolls around, we hear resolutions left and right for bettering ourselves, getting healthier, and making a change in our routines. “New Year, New YOU!”, we hear. But what if we looked outside of our own personal growth and betterment, and thought of what we could do to better take care of those that are completely dependent on the decisions we make for them? Of course I’m talking about our fur babies! Our pups completely rely on us to research nutrition, supplements, exercise, and health choices for them. They really have zero control over these things. We …
Can Labradors swim naturally or do they need to be taught? Not all Labs can swim, and some don’t even like being in water. But, if your Lab has positive experiences with water from a young age, they will likely love splashing about and swimming. Traits like their double coat, healthy facial conformation, and webbed …