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Breeding Labradors
can be quite a challenge in Hawaii, as we have a 120 day, (4 month)
quarantine for dogs and cats that don't meet the new requirements for
5 days or the quarantine free law just passed to hopefully prevent rabies
from entering the islands. I got my first Labrador 20 years ago as a
birthday gift for my husband. I had been raising Norwiegan Elkhounds
prior to the acquisition of our first Labrador for 4 years and was discouraged,
due to the fact that the Elkies are not a lovable, easily trained breed
of dog. I was quite lucky that our first Labrador Ipo, which means "heart"
in hawaiian was an exceptionally mellow and loveable lab who also turned
out "OFA", (Orthopedic Foundation of America, which determines
if animals are free of genetic bone problems, that dogs are prone to)".
and "CERF",( Canine Eye Registration Foundation which does
basically the same thing as OFA, but deals in genetic eye problems)
cleared. She was of Australian bloodlines, as are a lot of the labradors
on the islands due to the fact that we are allowed to bring in dogs
from there, New Zealand and England without the quarantine period required
from other parts of the world. To make a long story short, from there
on I was hooked on the breed and have been breeding and showing Labradors
ever since. I cannot say enough good things about the breed. While they
are prone to genetic problems as are every breed of dog, they are exceptionally
smart loving dogs and never will I be without one ever again. All breeding
stock at Black Sands are OFA and CERF certified, must have good temperaments
and correct conformation. Over the years I have gained a lot of knowledge
on Labradors, breeding, showing and genetic problems. If you need any
information on any of these things I will be more than happy to help
answer any of your questions and if I can't I will do my best to steer
you in the right direction . Please feel free to email me and I will
try to help you as best I can. Aloha!
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