~ Lorlyn Labradors ~

Are your dogs AKC registered?  Yes, of course!  All of our dogs are AKC registered, meaning their pedigrees are on file with the American Kennel Club and they can be verified as pure-bred Labrador Retrievers.

Are your dogs health tested? Yes, of course!  I test for at the minimum, OFA-hips & elbows, eye clearances, PRA, EIC and Dilute.  Some maybe clear by parentage, so I might not have them tested.  

What is the difference between American & English Labs? American Labs are taller, have a longer muzzle and are more athletic, bred for sport as well as pets. English Labs are stockier, shorter, with blockier-shaped heads (these are the ones you see in the show ring).  Please read the breed standard here.  Conformation Requirements by Working vs. Show Dogs by Dr. B.W. Ziessow.  I only breed English Labs.

Origin & Purpose of the Labrador by Dr. B.W. Ziessow

Is there fox red, white & other colored labradors?  Yes, but they are not "rare".  Within the Labrador Retriever breed, there are many variations in appearance, including varying shades of yellow (ranging from light cream to fox red), as well as, chocolate and black.  The nose and eye color can also vary from light to dark. A small white patch on the chest of a black Lab is also acceptable within the breed.  There can be any combination of colors within a litter (but not multi-colored), depending on the genetic background of the parents.

Are there Silver Labradors? According to the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.: There is no genetic basis for the silver gene in Labradors. The silver color is a disqualification under the Standard for the breed. The LRC does not recognize, accept or condone the sale or advertising of any Labrador as a silver Labrador. The Club opposes the practice of registering silver as chocolate.  This is why we test our Labradors for the Dilute Gene.  Lorlyn Labradors are clear of the dilute gene!

How can I reserve a puppy?  Once you have filled out our online puppy questionnaire & communicated with me about what you are looking for in your puppy (and usually after I meet you), I will accept a deposit of $500 to hold a pup.  You will be able to choose your pup in the order your deposit is received.  For example, if you are the first to make a deposit for a black male, you will have second pick from the black males in the litter (1st pick is always reserved for me).  I will help guide you with your selection on personality traits, temperament, etc. too.  I prefer to meet you prior to accepting any deposits.

Do you sell puppies for breeding?  All of our puppies are sold on a strict non-breeding limited AKC registration (unless you are a breeder that I know or have excellent references).  I am sorry, but I want to protect the breed and my kennel name from unscrupulous breeders.

What is a Limited AKC Registration?  It means that the dog is AKC registered, but litters produced by that dog are ineligible for registration. In addition, a limited dog cannot compete in conformation shows, but it is eligible to be entered in any other licensed or member event, incl. obedience, rally, agility, tracking, field trials, hunting tests, herding, lure coursing, and earthdog.  

See this list of titles you can earn with your dog.

What comes with the puppy when I purchase him/her? You will receive the AKC papers to register your puppy (or I will register him/her); a certificate of health from my vet including the puppies first shots, your puppy will be microchipped, pedigree of the parents, copies of the parents health certifications, puppy information booklet, articles to read & a toy.

How much are your puppies?  This is often the first question breeders receive in emails and it shouldn't be. You should be concerned first with the parents health & also the reputation of the breeder. Puppies are a long term investment that you will live with for the next 10-15 years.  A well bred puppy can range anywhere between $1,800 - $3,500.  Be sure to choose wisely.

How many litters has the mom had? This usually depends on the age of the mother when she has her first litter (always after age 2 & health testing is completed), but generally, my moms have 1 - 3 litters in their lifetime, or by age 6, they are retired from breeding.

What are Labradoodles?  The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. is dedicated to the health and welfare of the Labrador Retriever breed while conserving the original breed function - that of a "working retriever." A purebred dog offers to his owner the likelihood that he will be a specific size, shape, color and temperament. The predictability of a breed comes from selection for traits that are desirable and away from traits that are undesirable. When a breed standard or type is set, the animals within that breed have less heterozygosity than do animals in a random population. A Labradoodle is nothing more than an expensive crossbred.  Because the genetic makeup is diverse from the Poodle genes and the Labrador genes, the resultant first generation (F1) offspring is a complete genetic gamble. The dog may be any size, color, coat texture and temperament. Indeed Labradoodles do shed. Their coat may be wiry or silky and may mat. Body shape varies with parentage but tends to be lanky and narrow. Behavior varies with the dog and within a litter with some puppies poodle-like in attitude and others somewhat like the Labrador Retriever.

The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. is opposed to cross-breeding of dogs and is particularly opposed to the deliberate crossing of Labrador Retrievers with any other breed. These crossbreds are a deliberate attempt to mislead the public with the idea that there is an advantage to these designer dogs. The crossbred dogs are prone to all of the genetic disease of both breeds and offer none of the advantages that owning a purebred dog has to offer.

Can I purchase a puppy for Christmas?  Puppies are not good Christmas presents, please read this article.