Below are frequently asked questions we get regarding Labradors and the process of getting a puppy from us! If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, please feel free to message us either by text or our contact page.
Buying a Puppy
Questions About Apple Tree Labs
How Big Are Your Labradors?
Our dogs are medium-large size. The males will be 65-90 lbs, 22.5-24.5″ at the shoulder. While the females will be 50-85 lbs, 21.5-23.5″ at the shoulder.
Are Your Labs English or American?
We breed English Labradors. They are known for the heavier build, more blocky heads, and tend to be calmer. We breed primarily for health and temperament, which allows us to breed the best stud for our ladies, this principle means we are always open to the best stud for our bloodlines, so long as he is a registered Labrador.
We have recently brought in some American lines to improve fertility, ease of whelping , and to lower the inbreeding coefficient which will improve overall health of our puppies.
What Color Labs Do You Have?
We have all variations of yellow Labs, yet their shade of yellow varies, including red, yellow, and white.
We do not have the gentics for any black or chocolate Labs at this time.
Do You Ever Offer Dogs to Guardian Homes?
Guardians are an unique arrangement where the guardian receives the dog as a puppy, but the dog is a part of our breeding program.
Depending on if you have a male or female puppy, the program would work differently.
Female Guardian Homes
When we need the dog for the breeding program, we will borrow the dog to breed, then place them back with you, until a week before whelping (birthing), we will have your female dog for seven weeks total, raising the puppies while she is here at our house, under our care. When the puppies are weaned, we will return her to you.
Guardian homes won’t be bred until they have a final score for hips from OFA at two years. We only breed guardian dogs twice, which concludes the guardian contract. At which time she is fully your dog.
Male Guardian Homes
Male guardians we will provide transportation and approximately two weeks notification of when we will need to have him. We will keep him for no longer than a week, then return him to you.
We will only ask to have your dog a maximum of two times per year, starting at two years of age and concluding when he is six years old, on his 6th birthday. At which time he is fully yours.
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We occassionally have openings for guardian homes, if you are interested in helping to be a part of our breeding program, please let us know!
Do Your Dogs Hunt?
We do have a fair amount of hunting bloodlines in our breeding program. If hunting is part of your ideal life with one of our pups, please let us know and we’ll get you on the list for one of the pups with higher hunt drive.
Some of our pups have also used their hunting ability for shed hunting (the search and retrieval of shed antlers from deer, and other antlered animals).
Questions About Labradors In General
What Were Labs Bred For?
As retrievers, Labradors excel in the retrieving world, everything from tennis balls, sticks, food from your child’s hand, and, of course, ducks and birds from hunting.
Are Labradors Hypoallergenic?
Labs are not considered hypoallergenic. They have a dense coat with an undercoat.
How Much Do Labs Shed?
There is a lot of shedding with this breed, mostly due to the nature of shorter, dense coats, with undercoats. Shedding can be reduced with a high-quality dog food. You can also reduce shedding in your home by taking your dog to a groomer who uses a high-velocity dryer, which effectively blows out the loose hairs. People who engage in this service generally take their dogs every 6 months.
What Are the Grooming Needs of Labradors?
Labs don’t require much grooming. Giving them a bath as-needed is ideal. We use dog shampoo. Ikaria’s line of dog shampoo not only smells amazing, but works wonders on your dog’s coat.