Why Choose Brandywine Labradors

our passion for pets

At Brandywine Labradors, it is our goal to support the health and welfare of our labs and their puppies through a reduction in the incidence of disease and an overall health and wellness plan. Some of the ways we support this effort is through genetic and orthopedic testing, diet and nutrition, grooming, exercise and veterinary care.

genetic Health

All of our adult labs have been tested CLEAR genetically using Embark Veterinary Inc testing. This includes 20 breed-specific genetic tests as well as 250+ other genetic health conditions. This includes CLEAR results for

* Centronuclear Myopathy, CNM

* Degenerative Myelopathy, DM

* Exercise-Induced Collapse, EIC

* Hereditary Nasal Parak..HNPK

* Hyperuricosuria HUU

* Hyperuricemia/Urolithias HUU

* Macular Corneal Dystrophy

* Narcolepsy

* Progressive Retinal Atrophy

* Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency

* Skeletal Dysplasia 2, SD2

* Achromatopsia

*Alexander Disease

*Canine Elliptocytosis

*Congenital Myasthenic Synd

* Golden Rtvr Pro Retinal Atrophy

* An additional 250+ DNA tests

Orthopedic testing

Our adults labs have all tested Good or Great for hips and Normal for elbows utilizing the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation For Animals) testing. This includes radiographic evaluation, data management, and genetic counseling. Breeding only labs with the high scores for hips and elbows helps reduce the possibility of canine hip dysplasia later in life for their puppies.

labrador retriever care

exercise

It's important to remember that Labrador Retrievers need daily physical activity and mental stimulation. Owners should plan time each day for exercise such as walks, playing fetch, and outdoor free time. Swimming and playing in the water are also perfect methods of entertainment. Remember, Labs are very social and would rather exercise with you than be left alone in the yard.

Our labs at Brandywine spend their time between our home, large farm and kennel. Our kennel has over 700 square feet of indoor/outdoor space and 3 additional, large outdoor exercise areas. Plus we have plenty of free range time on our farm, with access to swimming and lots of places to explore.

diet and nutrition

Owners should always have fresh water available for your lab. Puppies should be fed 3 X Day up to 6 months of age. After 6 months, they can be fed 2 X Day. A nutritionally balanced dog food should be fed. Dog food labels offer information on nutrition and feeding amounts. If you have detailed questions, we suggest consulting your vet. Oftentimes, Labs become obese because they love food and will eat past the point of being full. Be careful and ensure proper portion sizing to prevent overeating. We feed our puppies Purina Pro Plan, Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Rice and we feed our adult labs Diamond Naturals.

Grooming

English Labs have a thick, soft, water-resistant coat that requires little more than basic grooming. Brushing is needed to remove loose fur and a bath will be needed at least every couple of months. Nails may need to be trimmed monthly, depending on how much your dog wears them down. Ears should be checked for dirt or debris. and be sure to dry the ears after swimming and baths.

Puppy Vaccinations

puppy exams and vaccinations

Going to the vet, over several months for puppy shots may seem inconvenient, but the protection they bring make them well worth it. At Brandywine we will take your puppy to the veterinarian for a full nose to tail exam before they come to your home. In addition they will have received their first round of shots (6-8 weeks).

As reference, this is one possible schedule for puppy shots. ( https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/puppy-shots-complete-guide/) However, we recommend you speak to your veterinarian and follow their specific recommendations including possible additional shots.

Puppy’s Age Recommended Vaccinations

6 — 8 weeks Distemper, parvovirus

10 — 12 weeks DHPP (vaccines for distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis], parainfluenza, and parvovirus)

16 — 18 weeks DHPP, rabies

12 — 16 months DHPP, rabies

Every 1 — 2 years DHPP

1 — 3 years Rabies (as required by law)