Hip and elbow dysplasia cannot be diagnosed at birth and does not present until about 4 to 6 months of age. There is strong evidence that the primary cause of hip/elbow dysplasia is joint laxity very early in life. Although many genes are responsible for the development of these diseases much of the variation in the severity is caused by environmental factors early in life. That is while the dog is growing. This can be up to 18 months of age for a Labrador. These factors may include running/playing on slippery surfaces, running down steps, jumping down from heights, rough play especially with older larger dogs, being over weight, over exercise, diet (over feeding, feeding excessive amounts of protein and or Calcium) and fast growth.

We are employing every measure possible to eliminate the incidence of hip and elbow dysplasia in pups produced in our breeding programme.

1. Only animals with low hip and elbow scores that also exhibit a sound musculature and skeletal framework when at rest and moving are used in the programme.

2. The ancestry of all breeding animals is thoroughly researched with respect to the incidence of hip and elbow dysplasia. These investigations include researching siblings, parents, aunts, uncles and other extended family members where possible.

3. Puppies are never exercised beyond the limits they self impose during play with their littermates. Pups are never housed with older pups or dogs as rough play can lead to injury and/or joint laxity.

4. We do not force wean our pups. Mum does that at the right time for her and the pups. We believe that pups should be grown on a natural raw diet and this is introduced as their mother begins to wean them. We also believe that pups should be grown slowly. A fast growing puppy's joints are more susceptible to growth problems than those of a pup that does not "out grow" itself, so to speak. Excessive weight stresses growing bones and joints. You will not find rolly polly chubby pups in our litters.

When a puppy leaves the litter for it’s permanent home we no longer have control over most of the environmental factors that may influence the incidence of hip and/or elbow dysplasia.

We, therefore, do not offer a WRITTEN health warranty on our pups. HOWEVER

Puppy buyers are encouraged to maintain contact with us during their puppy’s/dog’s life. Any problems encountered will be dealt with on their individual merits and in a compassionate and fair manner.