What do you think about when you picture your life with a Lab?  Games of fetch in the backyard, long walks in the country, lazy afternoons snuggled together on the couch?  Maybe you want a friend for your children, a guardian for your home, or an athlete to train for and compete in AKC events.  Or maybe you just like the idea of sharing your life with a devoted companion animal.  A well bred Labrador can be all those things, and more.

But before you decide to make a Labrador a member of your family, you also need to picture this:  Veterinarian bills for routine vaccinations, checkups, illnesses and injuries.  Housetraining, and the accidents that happen before training is complete.  Losing your best shoes, or worse yet your carpet to chewing, and your best rosebush to digging.  Barking when you’re trying to sleep, begging when you’re trying to eat, and mud on all four feet.  Labradors do all these things too, and unless you’re prepared for that reality, you’re not ready for a Labrador.

Owning any dog is a lifelong commitment with a variety of responsibilities; if you cannot meet those responsibilities, neither you or your dog will be happy.  Consider the following list carefully, and honestly evaluate your lifestyle, your home, and your finances before you decide that you really want a Labrador puppy.

Food
In addition to your dog's meals - some 35 to 45 pounds of kibble each month, you'll want to supply occasional healthy treats.  You'll need to feed a special diet for puppies, allergies, weight management, illnesses, and older dogs.  You'll need to train your dog not to beg for people food, and your family not to give in to those pleading puppy eyes.

Shelter
Indoors, you'll need a crate or other confined area to protect your pup and your belongings at night or when you're away.  You'll want to keep a supply of carpet cleaner on hand, and provide a bed or mat.  Gates to keep your pup out of certain rooms are also helpful.

Outdoors, you must have a fenced yard.  Labs are energetic dogs, and most experienced owners agree that a kennel run doesn't provide adequate space for a Lab during extended periods.  Your Lab will need a sheltered place where he can stay out of the heat in summer, the cold in winter, and the rain.  You'll need to protect your garden from your dog, and protect your dog from toxic plants in your yard or garden.  You will have to do some obedience training to prevent nuisance behavior, and you'll need to commit to regular pooper-scooping to keep your yard clean and stay on good terms with your neighbors.

Exercise
Labradors require daily exercise, and a Lab is too much dog to get that needed exercise indoors.  You will have to commit to providing exercise time for your dog, even in inclement weather.  Labradors don't care if it's raining - they want and need play time.

Training
Housetraining is first.  A crate is helpful, but stock up on carpet cleaner and deodorizer, and expect accidents - they will happen.

You must be prepared to control your dog's behavior at home, with guests, and in any public place - at all times.  Teaching basic good manners requires time and dedication, and in many cases, expert help.  Obedience training not only will make your dog much more pleasant to live with, but it can also save his life.

Healthcare
Your dog will need regular checkups and vaccinations.  You must also be prepared to care for your dog during illnesses or after accidents - such as a sprain, a torn paw pad, consumption of toys, bedding, or poisoning.  Labradors can develop chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and hip or elbow dysplasia. 

Forgiveness
Your dog won't apologize for having housetraining accidents, for digging, for barking, for chewing - for being a dog.  Regardless, he requires and deserves your tolerance and forgiveness.

Dickendall Daveron Amigo X BISS Ch. Ghoststone Woodland Gossip
DOB: 9/15/2007 all black litter 3M,5F
Lisa Cruanas
herclee8@msn.com or 360-609-4958

Eclipse Fats Dominoe X Devonshire's Ticketeeboo
Both parents are OFA Good, Elbows normal, Heart clear, eyes clear.
Black males available - show quality pups with very laid back temperment
Born: September 3, 2007 .
Contact: Eclipse Labradors

 

Oakridge Heart Beat of Rockinoak x MidnightSky's Vela

Whelped 11/24/07 - all black litter

One black male and female available.

Contact: Susie Morrill 541-686-1240

 

Oakridge Heart Beat of Rockinoak x MidnightSky's Lunar Eclipse

Whelped 1/29/08 - black and yellow litter

Males and females available

Contact: Susie Morrill 541-686-1240

 

Beechcroft's Ambridge Nutmeg X Big Sky's Stone Kutter

Due February 14, 2008

Chocolates & Blacks expected

Contact Randy Johnson, Rimrock Labradors, 503-576-0211rimrocklabradors.com/puppies.htm

Blackthorn Rocks U Too x Blackthorn's Just Breezin By

All Yellow Litter
Expected:March 16, 2008
Contact:Debbie and Danny Neal
503-366-9645 or spiritlabs@aol.com

Hyspire Adrenaline Rush x CH Spiritwood's Lessons in Grace

Black and Yellow Litter
Expected:April 2, 2008
Contact:Debbie and Danny Neal
503-366-9645 or spiritlabs@aol.com

  Additional litter referral information may be available by contacting Susan & Greg Huntzinger:  503-655-9405  or email   puppies@rosecitylrc.com

Adults and Older Puppies Available

Black Male

1 year old - neutered - crate trained - loves water

Out of Ch Lor-als Chuck Waggin x Blackthorn’s Charisma

Contact: Lisa Cruanas

360-609-4958 herclee8@msn.com

The following is a list of Breeders who have requested they be included under this web site heading.  This listing is for reference only, and does not imply endorsement by the Rose City Labrador Retriever Club.  Each breeder operates independently from the RCLRC.  

Blackthorn Labradors, Barbara & Bob Gilchrist,  360-273-5462  email  web site

Blythmoor Labradors, Margie Dykstra, 971-239-0670  email  web site

Breton Gate Labradors, Betty Barkley  503-645-4187  email

Devonshire Labradors, Allison & Ron Hillius  360-508-9195 web site  email

Eclipse Labradors, Janet Rhodes email

Eola Hills Labradors,  Jeff & Mary Kennedy  503-363-8223  email

Galshire Labradors, Julie Galbraith  530-938-3338  email

Ghoststone Labradors, Judy & Scott Chambers  503-678-6933  email   web site

Gun River Labradors & Training, Renee & Archie Ivy  503-623-2676  email  web site

JonValer Labradors,   Valerie Jones, 208-678-1624 email website

Laurglen Labradors, Lisa Cruanas  360-573-3008   email

McStorms Labradors, Mike & Colleen Storms  360-423-1890  email

Quail Run Labradors, Cynthia Freeman,  360-273-7218 web site  email

Rimrock Labradors, Randy Johnson, 503-576-0211 web site

Riverlane Labradors, Susan & Greg Huntzinger  503-655-9405  email

Skye Labradors, Joanne & Morgan Logan  907-522-5104  e-mail

Sunlight Labradors, Christine Crosby  541-383-9053  e-mail

Spiritlabs, Dan & Deborah Neal  503-366-9645  email

Thistledown Labradors, Irlanne Warren  360-754-4944  email

Thornwood Labradors, Kevin & Cheri Conway  541-723-2467  email   web site

Whispering Hills Labradors, Jeff & Heather Jennings  503-873-8243  email   web site

Wind River Labradors, Lee Salmon  360-686-3901  email  web site

Web site - Allison Hillius devonshirelabs@comcast.net