On the scent of a new puppy nd
How to choose a breeder in Atlantic Canada
After the passing of their second dog about two years ago, a Halifax couple thought long and hard before choosing a new canine companion and where to find the right dog for them.
Lindsay and Noel Macdonald eventually decided the temperament and behavioral traits of a pure-bred Labrador Retriever would best suit their active lifestyle. The outdoorsy couple enjoys cycling, trekking/hiking, days at the beach and camping.
“I wanted a dog I could take everywhere,” Lindsay Macdonald said.
At home, however, the Macdonalds prefer peace and quiet.
“Our home is quiet and peaceful, and we want a dog that’s going to be quiet and peaceful in the home with us,” said Noel Macdonald.
The couple decided they would try something different. They would use a breeder for the first time because they wanted to raise their new pure-bred dog as a puppy rather than adjust to an already adult dog.
Lindsay Macdonald stressed the importance of choosing a breed to match your lifestyle before choosing a breeder to match you with the dog right for you.
Eventually, the Macdonalds chose to work with Wendy Cook of Everwood Labs in Annapolis Royal, N.S. Cook is a highly reputable breeder with more than two decades of experience, known for producing litters of high-quality Labrador Retrievers.
“I’ve always lived with dogs. Ever since I was a baby,” Cook said, relating her passion for surrounding herself with multiple Labradors and English Pointers in her home and kennel.
“They’re always there,” Cook said. “I always want a dog to fall over. You know, when you turn around at the kitchen cupboard and you fall over a dog.”
To Cook, studying your pedigree is a key to success in the breeding game.
“It goes back to knowing your dogs, knowing your breeds, and knowing your lines,” said Cook.
Pairing the puppy up with the needs and lifestyle of the family is also important, she said.
To do that, Cook keeps the puppies in her watchful care for eight weeks after they are born, nurturing them and carefully observing them in the kennel and in her home.
“I watch their personality, temperament and behavioral traits,” said Cook.
Cook combines her observations of the puppies with knowledge of the person, couple or family applying to become a dog owner.
“My application is a little extensive,” she said.
Cook learns about the daily activities in the home, the schedule of the prospective owners and what they are looking for in a dog.
“I love talking to people,” said Cook. “I don’t care how many times you call me, because I’ll sit and talk about dogs all day. That way I get to know the people.”
“And they’re also invited to come visit us at any time,” she said.
“I always say they have joined the Everwood Family when they get a puppy.”
Cook said when considering owning a puppy, ask about the mother and father’s health because most breeders do all the health clearances.
“Is your dog’s health certified?” Cook asked.
“A lot of people do not like asking to see the (medical) clearances. But I encourage people to ask,” she said. “Or ask what the parent’s names are and plug them into the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) registry to get their data.”
“Every test that we perform like hips and elbows, hearts and eyes, and all of our other genetic testing can be submitted (to the OFA Registry) so they carry a database for them,” Cook said.
“If anybody asks me for clearances or to come see dogs or whatever, I have no issues,” she said.
Obtaining that information was reassuring for Lindsay Macdonald. “At least I knew Arrow’s parents were healthy dogs. They were vetted,” Macdonald said of the female black lab which they eventually brought home as a new member of their family.
Dominica Mccutcheon breeds registered Australian Shepherds at Amadore Acres kennel in St. Andrews, P.E.I. She has been a breeder for 22 years.
She too encourages people looking for a dog, to ask about health testing. “Health testing doesn’t mean that your dog is going to live forever. But what it does mean is that a breeder cared enough to test their dogs and make sure that they’re breeding a dog that is healthy,” Mccutcheon said.
Mccutcheon also recommends prospective dog owners consult the Canadian Kennel Club Breeders List.
“They can go on there and look by breed and by location to locate people that do breed registered dogs,” she said.
Imelda Mcdonald of Land n Sea Kennels in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, goes a step further when choosing new owners for her purebred Labradors. Mcdonald insists on a questionnaire, phone interview and application before an in-home visit.
“We want to make sure that we’re a right fit as a breeder to the family, but we also want to make sure that family is the right fit for us as a breeder,” Mcdonald said.
“The application determines whether or not you get a home visit. The home visit determines whether or not you get a puppy,” said Macdonald.
Meanwhile, with a lot of patient TLC, Arrow has settled comfortably in her new home.
“She’s very much at peace at our house and with the life that we are able to give her,” Noel Macdonald said. “And I think that speaks to the match we made with our breeder and our new puppy.
“And how well this has worked out speaks to the importance of careful consideration when choosing a breed,” he said.
“Essentially we got the dog we always wanted,” Lindsay Macdonald said. “I got my dream dog.”
“Do your homework,” Macdonald advised would-be dog owners. “Choose the breed you’re interested in and then start googling breeders.”
“I would look around the whole Maritime region and start reaching out to them,” she said.