Question: We are looking for a Labrador for the entire family to enjoy. We want a gentle playmate for the children as well as a hunting companion for dad. Should we get a male or a female.

Answer: This is probably the most asked question that we get here at Chelsia Labradors and it is a very good question. This is a big step for most families since hopefully your Labrador will be an active participant in all aspects of your families activities. My response to this question is quite honest and most sincere. Unless you are planning on doing some breeding down the road, which is a big step and should not be taken lightly, we at Chelsia Labradors feel that the sex of the puppy should not be of concern, because we support a spay/neuter policy. In light of this we suggest that you pick the puppy that has the personality that best suits your family. Many prospective pet owners are of the impression female Labradors are more gentle and loving than males, but this is simply not the case, at least with the high quality Labradors produced by Chelsia Labradors. We breed for not only correct conformation, but also soundness and temperament. We refuse to introduce any dog into our lines that displays any signs of aggression, regardless of how correct a conformation he may have.
 

Question: Do I want a puppy or an adult dog?

Response: Most people automatically think that they want a puppy because they're so cute (which they certainly are), you can't teach an old dog new tricks, and any array of reasons. While the majority of our customers do indeed purchase puppies, those that purchase an adult dog spare themselves they constant attention a puppy needs, the chewing, and the 3:00 in the morning LET'S PARRRTTTTYYYYY!!!!!!! blues. I'm exaggerating a bit here, but we suggest that you don't throw out the idea of purchasing an adult Labrador. Age is not a concern in training and an older dog will adjust to a new environment very well.

Question: Are there any differences in temperament between a Black, Chocolate, or Yellow Labrador?

Answer: Absolutely not!
 

Question: I have a book on hunting dogs and it says that I have to take possession of the puppy at 6 weeks of age and begin training IMMEDIATELY!!!! You don't place puppies until 8 weeks of age so yours are too old for me to train to hunt.

Response: I don't know who wrote this book, and yes its out there, but this is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of. We don't place puppies until 8 weeks of age, as do many "responsible" breeders, because we feel that the additional 2 week together help make all the puppies a little better socially adjusted. As far as training (serious training) we like to let the puppies get to be at least 6 months of age and enjoy just being a puppy for a while, before we get any type of program started. Think about the raising of your own children, it makes sense, doesn't it! My first Labrador I didn't get until she was 2 years old, and did not start any obedience training prior to this. If what you read in books doesn't make sense, it probably is wrong.

We hope that this has answered some of your questions, but if not, please return to the main page and send us an E-Mail. We'll be glad to help in any way.