We receive numerous requests for advice, information, assistance, etc from around the World in relation to Labrador puppies. So, we have attempted to provide information in this article (mainly our opinion), hopefully to be of some assistance.

The three 'official' colours of Labradors are yellow (sometimes incorrectly called 'golden'), black, and chocolate. One interesting request for advice we received was in relation to a Labrador that had had puppies, and which were spotted (ie like dalmations)!

The request was whether these were 'normal' markings etc! In this particular case, the person who owned the female Labrador (ie the mum) had apparently used the services of a stud Dog (but without sighting the pedigree papers first). In our opinion, there seems to be some other breed in the pedigree of these pup's parents and which led to these spotted markings.

The environment in which the puppies are continued to be raised in after they leave us is also very important. There are a range of factors can have have various effects upon their development. For example, the level and type of exercise they are exposed to, the quantity and quality of their diet, etc.

The minimum age at which a pup should be sold is eight weeks (in NSW). We are aware that some other breeders do sell their pups earlier. And we also receive requests re this. However, in our opinion, a Puppy should not be sold any earlier than eight weeks of age (allowing for vaccination at six weeks of age etc).

All of our pups are wormed for intestinal worms on several occasions prior to going to their new homes. Regular worming should continue, and may vary depending on the location and risks etc. Local veterinarian advice may be of assistance in this regard.

In our opinion, all of our pups should be regularly treated with a heartworm preventative medicine and which should start by no later than the age of six months (and preferably earlier).

We have found the once-per-month treatments to be most suitable (eg Proheart).

Labradors, like many other animals and breeds of dogs, can be inflicted with a hip condition known as hip dysplasia. And it is reported that there can be various factors that can cause and/or contribute to this, such as (for example) diet, exercise, trauma, genetics, etc.

The analogy seems to be similar to humans and arthritis. That is (for example) whether your parent/s are or are not affected by arthritis, does not necessarily mean you will or will not be also affected by it. But, obviously, the greater the affect on the parents, then it would seem that the risk of the offspring also being affected is increased.

So, it seems sensible to purchase a puppy from a breeder who has had their breeding stock appropriately screened. And, once you have the puppy, then it also seems wise to take at least some precautions, such as with diet, exercise, etc.