​Seaching for a puppy? Here is some stuff you might like to know. 

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Our Labradors are friendly, loyal, and great with families. They thrive on companionship and activity, making them wonderful pets. The breed has three colors; Black, Chocolate & Yellow (Yellow dogs come in various shades from light yellow to a fox red shade).  Our puppies are raised in our home so are well socialized. 

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Solving the Question of BREED TYPE: This is confusing for potential puppy buyers so hoping the following explanation can help folks out. When breeders receive inquiries they are often asked if their dogs are "English or American" in type.  

So here we go...."English" verses "American" Labrador Retrievers. First off this is incorrect terminology, and to help clear up the mystery, here are some of the differences.  Actually, there is NO difference between English bred or American bred, or any other of countries' bred Labradors.. 

However there is a  difference in the emphasis on breed "TYPE" in any country. There is the misconception that so called "American bred" Labradors (Generally it is believed their conformation is a slighter built dog, less body mass, more narrow heads and may have a higher energy level) are often what the folks refer to as "Field type bred Labradors). "English" so called Labradors (Also referred to as "Conformation, Bench/Show" type.  All Labradors should follow the Breed Standard set by the breed's parent club. There is link below to the Labrador Retriever Breed Standard in the USA.

 

All Labrador Retrievers should be bred to the country of origin's Labrador Breed Standard. In the US, the parent club is The Labrador Retriever Club, & it sets the Labrador Breed Standard.  A Breed Standard is an in-depth, written description of how the ideal dogs in a breed should look, move, and act. A Breed Standard was orginally created to set a standard for each breed, so that dogs could be assessed against this guideline (or standard), and each other, and be bred to maintain breed integrity for future generations.

Many breed standards have been amended over time, to better explain the breed, to improve or correct errors, or to clarify parts of a standard. The link provided above is to the US/AKC standard. The United Kingdom and much of Europe use the FCI Breed Standard. So whether you are taking about American or English or Australian bred dogs, you are talking about what we call "Type". Whatever countries' Standard you view, Labradors will or should follow their countries Breed Standard, and will look much alike.  The dogs and Standards are similar in almost all instances to the US standard. 

In fact, if you look at examples of dogs on Our Dog's page, in their pedigrees there are dogs with not just US bred sires or dams but also dogs from Canada, England-UK, Poland and Austria and a few other counties' bloodlines.

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Dog conformation, or "type," refers to a dog's overall physical structure, appearance, and movement, evaluated against its breed's written standard to assess its ability to fulfill its original purpose and produce quality offspring; it's more than just looks, encompassing body proportions, bone structure, and angulation, with "typey" describing how closely a dog matches that ideal. 

Conformation Explained

• Definition: The external structure and appearance of a dog, from head to tail, including bone, muscle, angles, and proportions.

• Purpose: In dog shows, it's used to judge how well a purebred dog conforms to its breed's ideal, ensuring the preservation of breed characteristics for function and health.

• Breed Standard: Each breed has a detailed written standard, and a dog with good conformation closely matches these specific descriptions.

• Beyond Beauty: It's not just about being pretty; correct conformation impacts a dog's ability to move efficiently, be strong, and avoid injury, linking structure to function (e.g., speed, agility). 

"Type" vs. Conformation

• Type: Represents the unique distinguishing features and essence of a breed, making it individual.

• "Typey": Describes a dog that strongly embodies these characteristic features of its breed.

• Subjectivity vs. Standard: "Type" isn't personal preference; it's adherence to the breed standard, though variations exist within a breed. 

Why it Matters

• Breeding Stock: Conformation shows evaluate breeding stock to maintain breed quality, not just compete in a beauty contest.

• Functionality: A dog's structure (conformation) influences its physical capabilities and suitability for different tasks, linking to health and athleticism. 

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Examples of a Labrador Retriever that you would find in the Conformation Show Ring.

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​​​​​​Below is an eample of a generalized Field Type Labrador Retriever

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If you are searching for a puppy and have a "look" in mind, know the difference. You may also run into Service Dogs. Often they have a more refined look and can be smaller in conformation/body mass similar to some Field type bred Labradors. 

To confuse you a bit more, most Labradors will perform or do what they were bred to do, Retrieve. So whether Conformation or Field they can be trained to Retrieve. While my interests are primarily in showing in Conformation, puppies we have bred have hunting titles, are hunters themselves, obedience and therapy dogs.

 

One of the best places to see a variety of types of Labradors is at the Labrador Retriever Club National Specialty event week. It is in October each year, and the location moves about the country from year to year. They offer Hunt Tests, Obedience and Rally Obedience trials, often Agility and at times, Dock Diving.

Also visit a Labrador Retriever specialty, a Lab only show. You can find schedules of events on the AKC web site. AKC.org . The Pawcatuck River Labrador Retriever Club has their specialty the third week in September in North Stonington, CT. They offer classes in Conformation showing as well as Obedience and Rally Trials where you can view many dogs. Come and watch the dogs strut their stuff in Conformation and perform in OB and Rally. 

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About Us:

We are a small hobby breeder located in Southeastern Connecticut only breeding when we wish to add another generation to our lines.

We have been exhibiting under the Stonecrest prefix for over 50 years, showcasing our commitment to quality in the Labrador breed. Ours is generational hobby, breeding Labradors as well as earlier, Basset Hounds and Scottish Terriers.

George & Louise "Happy" White and their daughters, Claire & Lois all showed their dogs. Claire continued showing and breeding under the Stonecrest prefix. Her husband, Bill has been a great help with socializing the dogs. George had been an AKC licensed judge and Claire followed in his footsteps.

Lois along with her husband, took on a more challenging life with dogs by dedicating many years to training Guide Dog and Service puppies. 

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Claire also founded the Pawcatuck River Labrador Retriever Club, and served as President for the majority of the club's time to date and now, VP. She is also a member of the breed's parent club, the Labrador Retriever Club. For the LRC, she has serviced on the Judges Education Committee and Co-chaired two LRC National Specialty event weeks here in New England.  She is also a member of the All-Bred club, St. Hubert Kennel Club, and have served as President, VP, Secretary and Show Chair throughout the years. 

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General Info:

If you're interested in acquiring a puppy, we encourage you to reach out via email stonecrestlabs@comcast.net. If we do not have pups, we will refer you to our partner, Cabin Labradors cabinlabradors@yahoo.com. or we also suggest you visit the Pawcatuck River Labrador Retriever Club website at PRLRC.com. 

We are always available to answer questions related to our breed, puppy care, and stud inquiries for your Labrador Retriever.

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Our Puppies:

Our puppies go home not before they are 8 weeks of age.  Some puppies are kept back to continue our lines or if we need more time in evaluate them. They will go home with a "puppy packet", which includes instructions on feeding and vaccination schedules, a Health Certificate from our vet,  a AKC pedigree, info on vaccinations (they have had their first shots). Also is health info on the dam & sire. The pups have been wormed and are microchipped for identification as well. Our puppies will go home with an AKC (American Kennel Club) LIMITED REGISTRATION. Dogs registered as Limited Registration may not be bred and cannot be shown in AKC CONFORMATION EVENTS but can participated in all other AKC events.  AKC FULL REGISTRATION on  pup would only available to those who are seeking to seriously participate in AKC Conformation Events and must be willing to be mentored by us or an approved Breeder. Joining a Breed Club is the best option if there is an interest in Conformation Event Shows. 

​We are dedicated to supporting not just our puppies' future but also the Labrador Retriever breed. We often can provide information & resources and events opportunities, ensuring a fulfilling experience for new puppy owners. 

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Stud Inquries:

Please contact us via email as soon as possible if you are interested in using one of our Boys. 

We require health info on your girls, which include clearances for OFA Hip & Elbows, Eye clearance and DNA - Labrador panel (ask if you are unsure what this entails) and pedigree. We will also require progesterone testing to determine correct breeding times. Know that shipping of semen is not always possible so be aware and prepared to travel to us.

stonecrestlabradors@comcast.net

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