Products

• Are your Labrador Retrievers registered?
Absolutely! We only breed AKC registered Labrador Retrievers and the litters are registered. The appropriate registration paperwork will be completed on the day you pick up your new puppy, and we will submit it to AKC for registration when you have selected the registered name. The name "Dewberries" must be the first part of the registered name in order to identify this puppy is from our breeding.

• Do you have any White (or Silver) Lab puppies?
Labrador Retrievers come in three recognized colors, Black, Chocolate and Yellow. What most people refer to as a white Lab is a light yellow Lab, but it is still classified as a Yellow. The easiest way to understand this is in terms of humans being referred to as blondes…there are different shades and tones, but all are considered blonde, just as all Yellow Labs are considered Yellow. Also, you should know that even if you get a light yellow pup they can, and often do, become darker as they get older. "Silver" Labs are registered as Chocolates, and again there are differing shades of chocolates as there are differing shades of brunettes.

• Do you certify hips?
All of our Labrador Retrievers have hip x-rays at or after age 2. These films are then sent to OFA for review and certification. If the report indicates hip dysplasia, then we do not breed that Lab. The same is true for any breedings we do with Labs from other kennels…if there is hip dysplasia the breeding does not occur. Pups can not be x-rayed for hip dysplasia – this is done at age 2 or older, but by certifying the parents, and often the grandparents and great grandparents, we reduce the probability of hip dysplasia in all of our pups.

• What about the eyes? Is there something that is done is certify them?
At the age of 2 or after we have our Labs eyes examined by a certified ophthalmologist, checking for eye problems, especially PRA. If the specialist finds them to be normal, the information is sent to CERF for certification. Again, we only breed Labs that have been CERF cleared, thereby reducing the chances of this eye disorder in our pups.

• Why does the price of you puppies differ so much from the Labs in the paper, down the street, etc?
We are serious breeders and spend many hours researching, preparing and selecting the best stud dogs/bitches for our Labs. We are dedicated to not only maintaining the standards of the breed, but also betterment of the breed. Our pups are whelped and raised in our home and protected for the first 6 weeks of their lives from outside hazards and germs. We expose them to human contact, noises and various stimuli during the first 6 weeks and beyond. Because of all this our pups are better quality, healthier and happier than many of the "run of the mill" Labs you can find in the newspaper and/or down the street.

• Can I visit your kennel and see your pups?
Visitors are always welcomed, with pre-arranged dates and times. We do not allow contact visitors with our puppies until they have had their first immunizations shot, usually at 6 weeks. But, you can view them in their puppy room and watch them playing, eating and sleeping as we interact with them. In most circumstances we attempt to match the pup with what the new owner plans for the pup, such as swimming, retrieving, companion, temperament, etc. and the color/gender preference. From the time their eyes and ears open until 8 weeks old (the age for placement) they are observed and evaluated with future homes in mind. In the event you are able to visit, you will have the opportunity to select your puppy from those available, and we will assist you in making the right choice for you.

• What is the difference in having a male or female Lab (other than the obvious)?
Based entirely on our experience and with no empirical data to support this claim, we have found that male Labs tend to be more clinging, wanting to sit next to you, in your lap, or lay on your feet. They are almost constant shadows and seek human contact. Females tend to be more independent and content to check on you from time to time and then find somewhere else to sleep or play. You must also remember that females have "heat cycles" and this can present issues you must be willing to prepare for, such as total separation from male dogs, home cleanliness and sanitation. We can offer suggestions for these issues.

• Do you offer a health guarantee?
Yes, we have a detailed contract with health guarantees included. We will be happy to share this with you for your review.

• Why are your puppies sold on limited registration?
Only in selective circumstances are our pups sold on full registration. Limited registration does not allow you to show your puppy in AKC conformation shows, but you can participate in other AKC sponsored events. You also can not register any pups produced by your Lab. This protects the breed, and our kennel name, from unwanted and ill-advised breedings.