Frequently Asked Questions

Despite terms often used to differentiate one line of Labrador Retrievers from another, such as "English" or show lines and "American" or field lines, there is only ONE Labrador Retriever.

"English" Labradors, which are oftentimes described as coming from show lines, more closely meet the breed standard as described by the American Kennel Club (AKC). They have a broad head, thick coat, and a more pronounced stop between the forehead and nose, making them easily recognizable. "English" Labradors also tend to be stockier and more compact than their "American" counterparts, have shorter legs, and have thicker tails. They also tend to have a calmer and more laid-back temperament.

"American" Labradors, also referred to as coming from field lines, are bred more for their athletic ability and endurance. They are leaner and taller than "English" Labradors, with a more energetic and enthusiastic temperament. They have narrower heads, longer legs, and thinner coats. Their tails are also thinner and often have a slight curve.

The differences in appearance and temperament do not negate the fact that they are both still Labrador Retrievers. Labradors continue to be one of the most popular and beloved dog breeds, and both "English" and "American" Labradors make excellent pets and can be exceptional hunting partners. 

At Macushla, we carefully select breeding pairs to constantly improve our lines and move further toward the AKC breed standard. More information on the Labrador Retriever and the breed standard can be found here. 

Purchasing a puppy that is registered (limited or full) with the AKC provides the owner with the pedigree. Full registration allows dogs to participate in all AKC events and to be used for breeding purposes. Limited registration, however, restricts dogs from being used for breeding and from participating in certain AKC events, such as conformation shows. 

At Macushla, our litters are bred to continue and enhance our breeding program. Therefore, we reserve the right to first pick from each litter and may keep as many puppies as we consider appropriate. Any puppies not held for our program will be placed in carefully screened, loving pet homes on limited registration. We're committed to responsible breeding practices, including health testing, proper socialization, and training, and we ensure that our breeding dogs are not overused or exploited.

Buying a dog whose parents have been properly health tested helps to ensure that you are getting a healthy puppy that is less likely to develop genetic health issues later in life. When breeders conduct health tests on their dogs, they are able to identify potential health problems that may be passed down to their offspring. A responsible breeder will use this information to carefully select breeding pairs in an effort to reduce the likelihood of their puppies developing these health problems. 

For example, hip dysplasia is a common health issue in many dog breeds. When breeders conduct OFA screenings, they can identify dogs that have healthy hips and elbows and only breed those dogs. This reduces the likelihood of their puppies developing hip or elbow dysplasia in the future. 

Genetics is a tricky business! Dogs inherit one copy of each gene from the sire and one from the dam. Some genetic conditions only require one copy of a particular mutation in order to affect a dog while others require two (one from the sire and one from the dam). In the case of the latter, the breeder may breed around the issue by only breeding a carrier dog to a dog that is clear of that same mutation to help ensure the puppies will not be negatively affected. Without comprehensive genetic testing, this level of prevention would not be possible. 

While puppies purchased from a breeder who conducts health testing may be more expensive than those that aren't, it is an investment in the health of your new furry family member and can ultimately save you money in the long run.

Labradors are known for their friendly, outgoing, and affectionate nature. They love people and take pleasure in pleasing their owners. In addition to being good-natured, patient, and loyal, they are highly intelligent and trainable, making them an ideal choice for families or individuals interested in service/therapy work, hunting, obedience,  agility, or other competitive events. However, it is important to note that many outside factors, such as neglect or failure to properly socialize or train the dog, can negatively affect any dog's temperament, sometimes permanently. 

Labrador Retrievers only come in THREE colors: Yellow, Black, and Chocolate. Some variation is allowed within each of these categories, the most notable of which is found in yellows which can range from a very light cream to red fox. However, these just describe the shade of yellow, not the color classification itself. 

Unfortunately, several unethical breeders are taking advantage of the public by advertising puppies as "rare" when, in reality, they're purposefully breeding disqualifying faults into their lines to achieve these traits. The most popular of these today is the "silver," "charcoal" or "champagne" lab which is the result of breeding two dogs that carry a particular gene that results in the diluted color of their coats.  Many people who buy these dogs pay top dollar because they're led to believe it's special when, in reality, it goes against the breed standard and should never be bred.

Does this mean that you can't love your dog or it can't be a beloved family member if you have one? Of course not; every dog deserves to be loved and cared for. But it's the responsibility of the breeding community and owners to help educate the public in an effort to preserve the integrity of the Labrador Retriever breed. 

At Macushla, we only accept dogs into our breeding program that have been genetically tested and are clear of the dilute gene.

More information on why the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. does NOT believe dogs that carry the dilute gene to be purebred Labradors can be found here.

Most Labradors are highly active and energetic dogs that require ample space for exercise and play. Therefore, a home with a spacious backyard or access to nearby parks would be highly desirable. Additionally, Labradors are known for their love of human company and affection, making them well-suited to households with individuals or families that can provide regular attention and companionship. It's also crucial to note that Labradors have a strong hunting and retrieving instinct, which means they need a safe and secure environment to prevent them from wandering off. Finally, Labradors are intelligent and trainable dogs, making them an excellent fit for homes with experienced dog owners who can provide consistent training and guidance.

You may see a long list of abbreviations before or after a dog’s registered name that can be quite confusing. These titles are a type of shorthand that tells others what titles or other recognition the dog has earned in a particular activity or sport such as conformation, obedience, rally, barn hunt, agility, or a plethora of other canine events. Earning any title is a significant achievement and requires a lot of hard work and dedication on the part of both the dog and its owner/handler.

While titles represent the dog’s proven abilities, they are not necessarily indicative of the dog’s overall quality or suitability as a pet. A dog can be a wonderful companion even if it has not earned any titles. That being said, we only admit dogs into our breeding program that hold a title in conformation and/or a minimum of two performance titles recognized by the AKC.

A purebred dog is one that has a known pedigree and comes from a long line of dogs of the same breed. This means the dog’s ancestry can be traced back through many generations and they have predictable physical and behavioral traits that are characteristic of their breed. 

There are several reasons why someone might want a purebred dog as they are bred for specific traits and purposes such as herding, hunting, service work, or guarding. This means they are more likely to excel in these activities and are often preferred by people who want a dog for a specific purpose. 

Purebred dogs have a predictable appearance and temperament, which can be important for people who have specific preferences or needs. For example, someone with allergies may prefer a breed that is hypoallergenic, while someone who lives in an apartment may prefer a small dog that doesn’t require a lot of exercise. 

It’s important to note that while purebred dogs have many advantages, they can also be prone to certain health issues due to the genetic predispositions of their breed. Doing your research and choosing a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings and utilizes ethical breeding practices that prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs is imperative.