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BREEDING PHILOSOPHY |
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| Prior to
breeding, all dogs must have cleared and certified,
hips, elbows, eyes and hearts. Eyes are certified annually
beginning at six months of age by the Canine
Eye Registry Foundation (CERF)
and, Optigen tested and cleared
prior to breeding, for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Hips
and elbows
are initially evaluated at 16 weeks of age by a
PennHip
certified veterinarian for a "preliminary" rating, and again at two years of age
by the Orthopedic
Foundation For Animals (OFA) for final certification.
Additionally, in some cases, breeding stock has been evaluated by the
British Veterinary Association (BVA). Heart evaluations are
conducted by the Cardiology Department of NC State University and certified by
the OFA. Each breeding is carefully managed with progesterone timing to determine accurate breeding dates, ultrasound to confirm pregnancy, and, contraction monitoring and Fetal Heart Doppler monitoring. McNeil puppies are born and raised inside at home in a safe and clean environment where they are under watchful eye, exposed to a lot of human contact, and early socialization. Puppies have their first veterinary wellness checkup at one week of age and a final in-home veterinary wellness visit prior to leaving for their new homes. Puppies are micro-chipped for permanent identification using an Avid Microchip. Puppies are wormed routinely and vaccinations are administered at 7/8 weeks of age. Litters are temperament tested at seven weeks of age. The Wendy Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test is used to assess temperament and intelligence trainability. Puppies are available for adoption at eight weeks of age provided all puppies are on the same social and psychologically developed level. McNeil puppies are sold by referral/application only. Under absolutely NO circumstances will a puppy or adult be sold or consigned to pet shops, other commercial dealers, or offered at auction. Pet quality puppies are sold on Limited Registration, registered with the American Kennel Club with encouragement for spaying/neutering. Every puppy goes to their new home with a "Puppy Raiser Guide". Information on the Labrador Breed Standard, puppy preparation, health and safety, and training and obedience are provided for you at McNeil Education and Training Corner For a list of recommended reading, please visit Beamer's Bookshop A letter to the veterinarian describing the puppy's medical history is included in the "Puppy Raiser Guide" book, as well as a copy of the Juvenile Adoption Agreement, pictures of the litter from birth to eight weeks of age, pictures of parents and grand parents, five generation pedigree, individual registration application, microchip registration, and copy of the individual temperament test evaluation. Early puppy socialization and obedience training is very important. This is very much encouraged through my training program which offers puppy socialization, kindergarten and obedience training, and obedience familiarization and canine behavioral consultation for owners. Continuing education and research is paramount to the improvement of this wonderful breed. As breeders, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves, as well as educating potential Labrador owners. AND, it is our responsibility to protect, preserve, and improve the breed! I strongly encourage you to research the breed, familiarize yourself with the term responsible breeding, and read the "Guide to Buying a Labrador" before you begin your search. Give serious consideration to where and from whom you purchase a puppy. Remember, a puppy is for life! |
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National Labrador
Retriever Club
Labrador Retriever Club of the Piedmont
Piedmont Kennel
Club
Charlotte Dog Training Club
My "dash" between the journey......"Beamer"
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Statesville, NC 28677
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Updated: November 13, 2007
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Copyright 2001 - 2008 by Margo Carter, McNeil Labradors, All Rights
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