Welcome to
Squassux Landing Labradors
Rosie's Litter Born April 9, 2008 You want a puppy, but have you really searched your soul and asked yourself if you are REALLY ready to take on all the responsibilities of dog ownership? Are you prepared to take in a new family member? One that will depend upon you for everything? Will you be able to provide it with adequate companionship, nutrition, exercise, grooming, veterinary care and training? Do you have a fenced yard? Do you have a stable home life? Are you anticipating and life changes which might cause you to consider giving up your dog? Are you prepared for this 10-15 year commitment? A LABRADOR IN YOUR LIFE: Are you sure that this breed is for you? Are you aware with the less desirable nature of a Lab? They chew, dig, eat a reasonable amount of food and have a good amount of energy. HAVE YOU SPENT ANY TIME WITH ADULT LABRADORS? A cute fuzzy Labrador puppy loses that cuteness as it becomes a pre-teen dog with an endless amount of adolescent energy. This period can last two to three years! If you know someone with an adult Labrador personally, ask the owner if he/she remembers the damage the do did as a puppy and how much work and training did it take to make that dog a well behaved pet. ARE YOU FINANCIALLY ABLE TO CARE FOR A LABRADOR? Labradors eat about three to six cups of high quality dog food each day, Veterinary care, crates, a dog house or bed, toys, supplies and any of the dozens of "extra" that come along with dog ownership can quickly add up in dollars. These are just a few things to consider BEFORE getting a Labrador puppy. Making the right decision: 1. Do you understand that a puppy is made of endless energy? Labrador puppies are very well known for ability to reconstruct your yard and chew about everything they come into contact with. Our female is known as the "landscaper". 2. Does everyone in your home really want a dog? Make sure it is not just whim, or a child's birthday present when you pick out a puppy. 3. Can you afford to keep a dog? Consider all the food, vet bills, boarding fees, etc. 4. Do you and your family members have the time and patience to spend training and exercising a dog? 5. Will the puppy fit well into your lifestyle and home? Please read these questions carefully, understand them and answer them honestly to yourself? Do not make the mistake of buying any puppy on impulse. It could be the worse mistake of your life and cost you and your puppy months of sorrow. A puppy IS a cute little bundle of fur but in a couple of months it becomes a big teen-aged dog who has a sense of humor and boundless energy. Do not expect your dog to become a mature dog for two to three years. DO expect to spend a good amount of time trouble shooting many "growing-up" issues, including training and every day living with your Labrador. We have some guidelines by which we will select homes for our puppies. They are not set in stone, but it is important that you discuss them with us if you have any concerns. 1. We expect any potential owners of our puppies to be honest with us as we are with them.These are our babies and want them to only go to the best of homes. 2. We are concerned about the dog living in a condo or apartment. Labradors are large dogs and need a lot of space, both inside the home and outside. Will you be able to give your puppy that? 3. We ask that you have a fenced yard. The fence must be high enough and sturdy to keeps the dogs in and safe. Labradors need a lot of room to run and play. Learning About Labradors: Labradors are wonderful, intelligent, gentle, beautiful and helpful dogs. They are one of the most popular breeds in United States and indeed in many other countries too because of their good nature and gentle way with children and other animals. In fact right now they are listed as the number one dog to have! These are often very important traits in a family pet and the main consideration when families are choosing a pet. A family or person may look for a dog to complete their family or to bring them companionship. There is never a guarantee that a pet will not become sick and require extra expenses, so you must be prepared for the unexpected, vet care and other expenses. But when it comes to dogs, the Labrador is one of the best for both individuals and families.
Country of Origin: The Labrador Retriever (also known as the ‘Labrador’ or ’Lab’) descends from the Newfoundland Dog and the St. John’s Water Dog in Newfoundland, Canada. It was bred to hunt in water and pull boats, which is evident to this day in its natural love for water. Contrary to popular opinion, the Labrador Retriever’s name likely derives from the Portuguese ‘lavradores’ or Spanish ‘labradores’, both of which mean ‘farm worker’, rather than the ‘Labrador’ region of Canada. The Labrador Retriever was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 and thereafter rose slowly but steadily in popularity due to its incredible versatility, obedience, and rugged good looks. It is now considered the world’s most popular breed. The Labrador Retriever has been the most registered dog in America and England since 1991; the American Kennel Club had almost three times as many Labrador Retriever registrations in 2006 (124,000) as the second most popular breed. Famous Labrador Retrievers include the title character from the film version of ‘Old Yeller’ (though the book version was a Mountain Cur), Marley, from the bestselling memoir ‘Marley and Me’, and Tawny, a yellow Lab who gave birth to 18 puppies with her first litter in 1999 and was named the ‘Iams Mother of the Year’. Size: The Labrador Retriever has a shoulder height of 53-64 cm (21-25 in) and weighs 25-36 kg (55-80 lbs). It has emotional brown or hazel eyes, a large nose, moderate stop (point at which the muzzle meets the forehead) and straight, thick tail similar in appearance to an Otter’s. Although not classified separately, the English and American lines have separate lineage. English Labradors (sometimes described as the ‘show’ line) have smaller, shorter bodies and a fuller face, and American Labradors (sometimes called the ‘working’ line) have a larger body and more boisterous personality. Coat: The Labrador Retriever has a short, thick, dense, weather-resistant coat which can be black, yellow (varying from cream to gold or almost red) or chocolate brown. There is also a rare silver variety which some think to be the result of a Weimeraner cross. A small white marking on the chest is permissible. It is possible for all colors of Labrador Retriever to appear in the same litter. Character: The Labrador Retriever is unusually adaptable, obedient, and kind-hearted. No wonder it’s so popular! Labs are sociable, affectionate, and loyal. They have a very keen sense of smell. Most Labrador Retrievers are athletic; puppies are particularly active. Temperament: The Labrador Retriever has a mellow personality and gets along well with children, other dogs, and any household pets. Some Labrador Retrievers may chew, but they can be trained not to. Labradors do not make great watchdogs because they are friendly with strangers and are not territorial. Care: The Labrador Retriever must be brushed once a week, twice when shedding. Like other large breeds, it is susceptible to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Some Labs are prone to PRA (an eye disorder) or ear infections. Ever the food connoisseurs, Labradors are prone to obesity, so don’t let their charming personality connive you out of maintaining a healthy diet for them. Labrador Retrievers have a lifespan of 10-12 years. They can live outdoors in warm weather, but prefer indoor life with the family. Their high intelligence makes them adept at staging elaborate escapes, so proper precautions should be taken. Training: The Labrador Retriever learns very quickly and loves to work for its handler. Leash training is recommended when young. The Labrador Retriever is capable of learning a wide variety of dog sports including Frisbee and Flyball. Activity: Labrador Retrievers need plenty of exercise. They enjoy long walks and are especially fond of field sports, fetch, and water games.  |
