Most people don't realise the amount of time that goes into planning a litter properly. And all the stress! Especially waiting for test results.

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Interested in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers? www.thetollerclub.org.uk

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Not long back from the vets, so now just the wait for confirmation of her PRA status as clear, which I know it is in any case, but this will ensure that the status will be on any paperwork for pups.

The owner of the stud dog has been in touch, and is more than happy if I decide to go ahead, for me to use him with Tau. I still have no idea where they are in the country, nor how much they charge for a stud fee, might get round to asking that a little nearer the time.

Completely forgot to ask the vet about pre-mate tests, so will have to ring them up and have that conversation; the vet was more than pleased with Tau's overall condition, and seems quite experienced with this breeding thing, although I won't be relying on their advice it's nice to know they're not completely uninformed as some vets are about canine reproduction.

So now we've got her BVA eye test which is booked for Monday, and then we'll just be waiting around until she's in season, by which time I should have decided whether I'm definitely going ahead. The dog I've come across, and who compliments her pedigree nicely, is Oakglen Over The Border At Poniel, who happens to be chocolate, wouldn't have bothered me at all if he wasn't, which means all the pups will be chocolate. He worked 50 days out on various shoots including a grouse moor last year, and is successfully shown

Well I hope it all goes to plan for you, and you do go ahead and have little puppups running about next year, lol!

Am quite jealous actually, as we arent breeding for a while now

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Fere libenter hormines id quod volunt credunt

ooooh little chocolate lab pups for us to admire - can't wait!!! hope it all goes well!!!

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Never argue with an idiot. They will reduce you down to their level and then beat you with experience.

I'm not really worried about the PRA test as I know her status is clear, so that shouldn't be anything other than clear/normal, so it's just the BVA eye test that she's not had done for a few years, as plans kept getting knocked back, but thankfully that's an instant result so it's not like we have to wait around for results to come back.

Just thought it might be interesting for those who know nowt about what the BVA eye test is all about. We have to arrive half an hour before the appointment, so that drops can be put in Tau's eyes, which dilate the pupils making it easier for the eye specialist to examine her eyes. The BVA have a list of the eye specialists on their website, they're not usually your normal vet, we have to travel a little further but not too far thankfully, up to Mirfield. The vet then checks in a darkened room with one of those eye examining thingamybobs with a bright light, for several conditions to see if there is any evidence that they're developing/developed.

The certificate below is from Tau's first BVA eye test, some years ago now, where everything was completely clear and as it should be, fingers crossed she's still the same, dogs can and do fail their eye tests in later years, this is not the same as a genetic test where the dog is guaranteed to not ever develop a condition.



And just for interest, these are her hip and elbow results, which Tau slightly nibbled

Think about his kennel name, that might give you a clue as to location

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What you need to know before buying a Labrador puppy

I hope all goes well for you, whatever you decide. I have been lurking for a while and have discovered how much work good breeders put in before, during and after birth. I have never really thought about breeding personally but I am sure I couldn't stand the stress.

Strange tho, as before we moved abroad I bred my cat (with the help of a mentor). I guess being with supportive people really helps and I just don't have that here. Anyway, I look forward to reading all about it if the mating goes ahead

I'm finding this thread completely fascinating. Breeding isn't something i would personally consider, but it's so nice to see the thought processes, tests and consideration you are giving to this possible mating. If only every one took such care.

I shall be watching closely for each and every update. A huge thanks for sharing

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The vets use Idexx, so it's pretty cheap anyway, even though they submit the bloods to optigen as I understand it. They must have some sort of agreement with Optigen in place, works for me

Aha, that and the grouse moors is pointing me significantly northwards, I'm guessing haggis land