We at Acornoak have since retired from showing and breeding Labradors. Please do your homework on the breeder you purchase a pup from. Ensure they do clearances on All their dogs.
If you are interested in breeding, we do still have frozen semen from all three of our boys.
Please take a moment to watch this short video of what we, the real breeder is all about
"What is a responsible Breeder"?
See below for a slideshow of some of our previous puppies
Or, check out our facebook page. "Acornoak Labradors".
It has hundreds of photo's that have kindly been sent in by our puppy owners over the years.
All our dogs are screened for the following health clearances before any breeding is done:
- Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (CHD & ED) - Although polygenic (meaning a combination of genes and also how environment can play a role in the outcome) CHD & ED can only be screened by Radiographs. There is no DNA test to determine if a dog will get CHD/ED. Instead we rely on x-rays read by Orthopedic specialist who give us their opinion as to IF the dogs Hips and Elbows are Good or not. If they pass, then the breeder will register the results with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) who also manages a health data base for different breeds. www.offa.org Although every Labrador should be screened and certified free of CHD and ED before being bred, there is no way to absolutely guarantee that any and all offspring from cleared parents will also be free of these issues. Rather it is most important to acquire a Labrador from parents that are certified with many generations behind them also certified, therefore decreasing the chances of producing CHD and ED.
- Progressive Retinal Dysplasia: - Leading cause of Blindness in Labradors. We can avoid producing affected puppies with the prcd form of PRA with the use of DNA testing. A blood sample or DNA swab is submitted to Optigen for appropriate testing.
- Tricuspid Valve Dysplaisa (TVD) - A known Heart Condition in Labradors. Labradors one year of age and older can be screened by a Veterinary CARDIOLOGIST via auscultation and/or Echo Doppler and cleared animals can be registered in OFA's Health database.
- Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) - A condition which when the ambient body temperature of the Animal starts to rise either through working such as field work or getting overly excited, causing the animal to collapse. Rear limbs are basically useless and it takes several minutes for the dog too get on his feet again. This condition is dangerous in working retrievers while swimming which can result in drowning. A simple, cheap $65.00 DNA test can be performed to make sure the dogs IS NOT affected before breeding. (See video of Affected EIC Labrador Here)
- Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM) - A muscle wasting, very degenerating disease that leaves most affected dogs with a very poor quality life that usually results in early Euthanasia. 100 percent PREVENTABLE. No excuse not to test! All Labradors can be DNA screened to assure no future offspring will be affected. (See Video of Affected CNM Labrador Here)
- Heritable Eye Disorders - Labradors, like most breeds are prone to Hereditary Cataracts and other eye conditions. Before breeding, breeder SHOULD have their dogs eyes examined by an American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist (AVCO) Vet to rule out any heritable eye problems. The ACVO exam should be performed yearly on any dog actively used in a breeding program. The results can be registered with either the OFA or CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation) OR at the very least, the breeder should have a current (within one year) ACVO form on file.
- Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNPK) - is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder. Affected dogs begin showing clinical signs around six to twelve months of age. They develop dry, rough crusts on the tip of the nose. In extreme cases, the dog’s nose will crack causing severe discomfort. Lesions can occur on the area around the nose. The noses of these affected dogs are prone to bacterial infections and can lose pigment over time. This disorder may be treated with veterinary consultation and topical therapy.
-- Interesting Articles --
We use, and strongly encourage our families to use Kuranda Beds for their new puppy or adult Labradors.
Give your dog a lift with the orthopedic support and comfort of a patented chew-proof dog bed. The furniture, grade poly resin dog bed looks beautiful in any home, yet it's built tough for outdoor use. The neutral, almond colored frame blends perfectly with the wide choice of fabric colors. The UV resistant finish on the frame is guaranteed to stand up to the outdoors and repeated cleaning. All fasteners are stainless steel.
You will get a choice of fabric when customizing your dog bed. We use and recommend the heavy 40oz Vinyl fabric on the standard Kuranda Dog Bed, because of the circling and digging that our dogs tend to do before they lay down. This fabric is very durable and virtually indestructible. It is very easily wiped clean and comes in color choices. The other fabric choices are less destructible and not recommended for puppies or adults that dig and scratch prior to laying down.
We use our Kuranda beds indoors in the crates and also outdoors. Our dogs love to lay on these beds outside, versus the patio, when not laying in the grass. Simply click the link above to order your beds today!
A portion of your purchase will be donated to Wounded Warrior Canine Connection, a pioneering organization that utilizes clinically based Canine Connection Therapy to help wounded Warriors reconnect with life, their families, their communities, and each other. Click on the Kuranda link above to order and help those in need.
The $1,000.00 Puppy vs. The $300.00 Puppy
Why Pay More for a Pet Puppy?
Some of our previous puppies..
