Happy Birthday Ellie

Labrador retriever Ellie with toy

  I started this blog two years ago when we first got Ellie our female chocolate Labrador retriever.  I remember well how excited I was to hear the litter had been born.  We had already put a deposit in on chocolate female.  As fate would have it, there was only one chocolate female in the… more »

Happy Birthday Otis

Otis yellow labrador with chew toy

My male yellow Labrador Otis is one year old today.  That’s him in the banner on the day we picked him up at Cedar Swamp Retrievers last November on a beautiful fall day.  Dam is Ellie’s Camden Rain(Camden) and Sire Old Meadows Exceeding Safe Speed (Ticket).  Otis is a damn good dog and we are… more »

Dog Grooming Tips

It is easy to run your pup to the local groomers for a good grooming. However there are some things you, as the owner, can do for your pup that will keep them groomed and healthy between trips to the salon. First thing to do, especially before you buy any products, is to decide what… more »

Dog Barking Sounds

Dogs descend from wolves but vocalize much differently. The wolf uses howling more than dogs barking sounds and only bark as young pups or for close range communication. On the other hand the modern dog uses barking almost exclusively. Domestication of the dog is theorized as being the main reason for dogs barking. Barking warned… more »

Types of Working Dogs

working dog

The breeding of dogs by humans was started as a way to accentuate on certain traits for specific working conditions such as guarding, herding or hunting. Although the strict definition for a working dog has changed a little since the majority of us are no longer living off the land there are other functions that… more »

Describing Dog Coats-Types, Colors and Patterns

German Short Haired Pointer

Dog coats are very different and are grouped by coat length, thickness, texture and color-pattern. Some of the definitions of the coat can be used to describe the particular variety of breed. For instance the Kerry blue terrier or Wired haired terriers. Knowing what type of coat and what color will make your choices for… more »

Dog Bath

dog dressed as a human bathing another dog

Giving your dog a bath is both essential and an adventure. Bathing a dog too often and risk drying out their skin possibly causing some more serious skin and health problems. About every six weeks is about right on giving your dog a bath and then only if they are starting to get that dog… more »

Some Favorite Images of Dogs

Man has been in love with the dog since only God knows when. They are constantly referred to as Man’s best friend and from my perspective nothing could be truer. It is no wonder that artist everywhere and through the ages have depicted the loyal canine in paintings, photographs and artwork of all kinds. Here… more »

Preparing for the Puppy Pickup

picking up labrador puppy from the breeders

With just two days to go before we pick up our new Labrador puppy from the breeders.  I am beginning to puppy proof the house and get some supplies ready for the trip and our new arrival. First I went out and bought a dog crate and will have the crate on hand when we… more »

How to read a Dog’s Pedigree

labrador retriever Elliots blue collar carbonator - black labs

I’ve started the hunt for a breeder for my next Labrador Retriever. I know I want an American Field Lab, which is different from the “English” Lab the standard for the American Kennel club. This time around we’re going for a pure bred. Other than that it’s been almost 15 years since I had to… more »