About Sunset Labradors- Breeding Practices and Policies
Sunset Labradors is a small breeding
program dedicated to producing healthy, sound, intelligent Labradors
with correct conformation and classic temperament. I
strive to breed Labradors with conformation based on the American
Kennel Club standard for the breed. Many of the dogs in my lines
have show, obedience and/or working titles. Most of my dogs are
great retrievers, but they do not have formal field training.
Obedience training and walking in the woods are my favorite activities
with my dogs. Several of my dogs are show quality and have
been in the show ring on a few occasions. I don't have a
very competitive personality, so exhibiting my dogs is not a
priority. I prefer to donated my time and talents to finding
suitable second homes for Labradors in need of a new family. I
have been an active volunteer and a member of the board of directors of
Labrador Retriever Rescue, Inc. for many years. I am also a
member of the Labrador Retriever Club of Greater Boston.
The dogs in my breeding program have OFA
hip, OFA elbow, OFA cardiac and CERF eye clearance.
The stud dogs also have
hip, elbow and eye clearances. Some also have heart
clearance. I provide new owners with a
copy of the pedigree, copies of all the health clearances of the sire
and dam, and an application for AKC registration.
The selection of the stud dog is based on
health clearances as well as the pedigree, conformation, temperament,
and working ability. I usually keep one puppy from
every litter, so I plan each litter with the hope of making an
improvement in the next generation of Sunset Labs. The stud dogs
I select have show and/or working titles, or they come from show lines
with some working ability. I do not own any stud dogs.
My dogs and their puppies receive quality
care with regards to safety, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.
My "canine kids" are part of my family and they live in the house with
me. I have a large fenced-in yard for my dogs to play in.
My breeding females have 2 or 3 litters during their lifetime.
Most of my retired girls live out their natural life with me. I
breed 1 or 2 litters a year. You will be able to meet with the
dam, the puppies, and several other older relatives. My puppies
are raised in my home in large pen in the kitchen where they have room
to sleep, play, and grow. Weather permitting, 4 to 8 week old
puppies are in a spacious, shaded outdoor pen for several hours a
day. My puppies spend a lot of time interacting with both
humans and canines while they are with me. When the puppies are
about 7 1/2 weeks old, they make the first trip the veterinarian
for a check-up. The puppies receive the first vaccination against
canine diseases and prophylactic treatment for parasites. I
provide new owners with a copy of the New Hampshire health certificate,
care instructions, training tips, and a small bag of dog
food.
The selection of a puppy will be a joint
effort between the breeder and the buyer. There is
usually some difference in personality, activity level, and temperament
among the puppies in the litter. A puppy placed in a home with
young children or first time buyers will receive careful
consideration. There may not be a puppy in every litter that is
suitable for a home with young children. More information on the
selection of a puppy can be found on the next page.
A written health guarantee is included in
the written sales agreement. The purpose of my sales
agreement/contract is to establish an understanding between the breeder
and the buyer. The intent is to protect the interests of the breeder
and the buyer, and to provide for the health, safety and well being of
the puppy. I want my puppies to have a happy, healthy life.
The goal is to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, and remain on
friendly terms with the new owners. The agreement states my
obligations to the new owners as well as the obligations of the owner
to me and to the puppy. I stand behind my puppies with a new
puppy or a refund if a problem develops.
AKC limited registration will be issued
with all the puppies sold as companion dogs. A
spay/neuter agreement is also required. This is an important
aspect of responsible dog ownership. Unplanned and unwanted
litters are prevented. The risk of several serious medical
problems is greatly reduced by this surgery. I have placed a few
show quality puppies with AKC full registration and a co-ownership
agreement.
I will be available to answer questions as
long as you own a Sunset Labrador. I have a
lot of experience raising puppies and helping others solve problems
with their puppies. I am happy to help new owners and I will
continue to assist the owners of a Sunset lab with any problems and
concerns throughout the dog's lifetime.
If for any reason you cannot keep the dog,
I will take the dog back regardless of age. My
responsibility to the Sunset Labrador puppies continues throughout the
dog's lifetime. The dog can be returned to me at any age for any
reason. After any training or medical issues are resolved, the
dog will be placed in a home approved by Labrador Retriever Rescue,
Inc. A puppy that has been returned may be sold and the first
owner will then receive a refund.
I will provide references from people who
have purchased a Sunset Labrador. Several families
that own Sunset Labs are available to talk with prospective
owners. I will also provide you with the names of my veterinarian
and other Labrador breeders.
If you are interested in purchasing a
puppy, please contact me. I will send you some
information on my breeding program, some health problems in the breed,
various questions about dog ownership, a copy of my sales agreement and
a questionnaire. After you have reviewed my
sales agreement and completed the questionnaire for prospective owners,
we can set up an appointment for you to visit with my dogs. I
like to meet with all family members at least once. Visitors are
welcome after the puppies are 4 weeks old. My puppies will not be
transferred to new owners until they are 8 weeks of age.
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