FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I buy a British Labrador?
A: Temperament is the primary reason. On average, British Labradors are kind and highly trainable. This means the dogs can be trained by their owners, and generally don't require a professional. In Great Britain Labradors are used differently than they are in America additionally the British emphasize different qualities in their retrievers. To be used on a shoot, or to compete in British field trials, a Labrador in Great Britain must fundamentally be quiet and still; alert but not nervous, even if hundreds of pheasants are being shot over him or her in a driven shoot. British Labradors must be excellent game finders once sent, They must retrieve game that is dead or crippled.. American Labradors, by comparison, have been bred, generally by American field-trialers, to be very big, strong and aggressive in the field; animals that more frequently than not now not only are best trained by an electric collar, but often the collar is a necessity to gain control of these animals. Differences can be seen between the two in their kennel manners, to cite just one example. British Labradors rarely bark or pace nervously. Many American Labradors do.
Q: Are all British Labradors the same?
A: No, unfortunately in Great Britain, as elsewhere, cast-off dogs sometimes are marketed to unsuspecting buyers or buyers who are not discriminating in their choice of kennels. We at Colmorg Kennels consider ourselves to be very discriminating buyers, and even more discriminating breeders. Dogs we breed must meet our high standards; standards we believe set us apart from the specialty industry of British Labrador breeding and selling that has sprung up in recent years.
Q: I want my Labrador professionally trained, largely because I don't have time to do it myself. Can any American retriever trainer work with these dogs?
A: Yes and no. Any good American trainer, sensitive to individual differences among dogs, and willing to consider those differences, can train any Labrador, British or American. But too often American trainers are constricted by time and are only willing to train retrievers using one method, namely by the electric collar. Such trainers generally will not achieve optimum results from a British Labrador, which generally is a "softer'' animal than its American counterpart. We do train and have relationships with trainers we can recommend to purchasers of our dogs.
Q: Can Colmorg Kennels Labradors succeed in American field trials? Hunt tests?
A: Yes, Some of our dogs have won in American field trials and HRC hunt tests. We would remind potential buyers that the American AKC field test can seem to be angled against British Labradors, many have achieved their Master Hunting titles and HRCH hunt test Championships.
Q: Can electric collars be used at all in training Colmorg Kennels Labradors?
A: Yes, provided the trainer knows what he or she is doing. Keep in mind, the collar is not used in Great Britain, and dogs there are routinely trained to very, very high levels. Hunt tests in America, like field trials, reward dogs that run straight lines, that ignore points of land jutting into ponds and lakes and other natural temptations and reward dogs that respond to the handler instead of using their natural instinct. Proficiency at training dogs to succeed at these tasks is often aided by a collar, wherein a retriever can be "burned" off a point, or similarly reprimanded if it fails to run a straight line.
Q: What are the primary and best uses of Colmorg Kennels Labradors?
A: Our goal is to breed first-rate companion hunters, animals that are as easy to live with as they are to train and hunt over.
Q: Can I visit Colmorg Kennels ?
A: Yes, by appointment. We welcome visits by customers and prospective customers. Visitations should be scheduled ahead of time as quite often we are out training our running Hunt Tests. Hours are Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday 9AM- 3PM.
Please call 336.301.6060 to make an appointment, don't forget to bring your camera
The following are visitation guidelines for visiting your puppy before the delivery/pickup date at 8 weeks of age.
A. Visitation of puppies can begin after 4 weeks of age. By this time they have acquired good maternal immunity, their eyes and ears are open, and they are playful.
B. Please do not visit any other kennels, the veterinarian, or handle any other dogs on the day of your visit. If you own a dog, we require a copy of his/her health record indicating he/she has been vaccinated in the past 12 months and at least 4 weeks prior to your visitation. This can be brought along to your visit or e-mailed.
Q: Are ColMorg Kennels British Labradors as good for use in waterfowl hunting, as for upland hunting?
A: They are excellent for both uses.
Q: Where can ColMorg Kennnels British Labradors be found?
A: We have customers from California to Florida. Most are used as hunter companions, some only as companions, some as Field Trial or Hunt Test dogs.
Q: What about appearance? How do British Labradors differ in appearance from American Labradors?
A: Let's talk specific differences between ColMorg Kennels British Labradors and American Labradors. American Labradors generally are bigger than our Labradors; in some cases much bigger. A typical female of ours will weigh a few pounds either side of 55 pounds; a typical male between 60-65 pounds. It is not uncommon today to see American Labradors weigh upward of 100 pounds. In this regard, we believe smaller is better. The smaller Labradors (which, by the way, conform to both AKC and British Kennel Club standards) usually have fewer skeletal problems, and usually hold up better in the field. Additionally, they are not as problematic in a duck blind or boat. As for appearance, we strive to produce Labradors that are pleasing to the eye in all respects. Tails absolutely must be carried down. Heads must be blocky and bold (particularly for males), or at least leaning in that direction. The animal must be within an inch or so of proportionate at the front shoulder, and proportionately coupled front to back.
Q: What other qualities are considered when choosing a ColMorg Kennels British Labrador to breed?
A: Dogs must have soft mouths. They must be natural retrievers. They must be what we call "natural carriers,'' in other words wanting even from a young age to carry something in their mouths. Our dogs must be free from hereditary health issues such as elbows and hips, eyes, PRC and EIC. Dogs must be athletic and free flowing, so they can complete their tasks afield. They must be intelligent. And, as previously mentioned, easy going with the family.
Q: Why should I buy a dog from ColMorg Kennels?
A: We've been in business a long time. We guarantee the health of our dogs. We have a 26 month guarantee on all of our puppies for major illnesses. We help our customers succeed with their animals. We care deeply about the breed and improving it as well as your enjoyment of our dogs.
Q: How many litters does ColMorg Kennels produce in a year?
A: We are very selective breeders, and a relatively small breeding operation. On average, we have between two and four litters annually.
Q: Do I need to make a reservation to purchase a puppy?
A: Always. A deposit of $500 toward your purchase price is required to reserve a puppy. (See our puppy contract under current litters.) Once the deposit is received, we place your name on a list of your preference(s) of sex and color. We have 4 reservation lists: Black Male, Black Female, Yellow Male and Yellow Female. We highly recommend utilizing our knowledge of the litter to help determine your choice (lifestyle and goals, instead of just color and sex). When a puppy of your preference of sex and color becomes available, you are contacted. You can then make a decision to take a puppy from this litter or wait for an upcoming litter. Puppies may be picked up at 8 weeks of age or we will ship the puppy to you at 8 weeks of age. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the purchaser.
Q: Can ColMorg Kennels import a fully trained Labrador or starter Labrador for me?
A: Yes. Sometimes the process takes months, or even longer. An imported British Labrador can be very costly as shipping and paperwork are added costs, Prices do vary. Please call for availability, prices and references.
Q: Why do you restrict your AKC registrations on dogs you sell?
A: Primarily to maintain the integrity of our breeding program. People can argue about whether animal breeding is more science or art--or both--but it is an extraordinarily sophisticated process. A high degree of knowledge is also required as is experience and, perhaps as important as any, a refined eye for "right" kind of animal. We think we do all of this pretty well and have endeavors to continue building our knowledge. That's why we restrict our AKC registrations to "limited," which allows owners to use and compete with their animals in any way they can imagine, but does not allow them to breed their dogs and register the offspring with the AKC or UKC.
A: Temperament is the primary reason. On average, British Labradors are kind and highly trainable. This means the dogs can be trained by their owners, and generally don't require a professional. In Great Britain Labradors are used differently than they are in America additionally the British emphasize different qualities in their retrievers. To be used on a shoot, or to compete in British field trials, a Labrador in Great Britain must fundamentally be quiet and still; alert but not nervous, even if hundreds of pheasants are being shot over him or her in a driven shoot. British Labradors must be excellent game finders once sent, They must retrieve game that is dead or crippled.. American Labradors, by comparison, have been bred, generally by American field-trialers, to be very big, strong and aggressive in the field; animals that more frequently than not now not only are best trained by an electric collar, but often the collar is a necessity to gain control of these animals. Differences can be seen between the two in their kennel manners, to cite just one example. British Labradors rarely bark or pace nervously. Many American Labradors do.
Q: Are all British Labradors the same?
A: No, unfortunately in Great Britain, as elsewhere, cast-off dogs sometimes are marketed to unsuspecting buyers or buyers who are not discriminating in their choice of kennels. We at Colmorg Kennels consider ourselves to be very discriminating buyers, and even more discriminating breeders. Dogs we breed must meet our high standards; standards we believe set us apart from the specialty industry of British Labrador breeding and selling that has sprung up in recent years.
Q: I want my Labrador professionally trained, largely because I don't have time to do it myself. Can any American retriever trainer work with these dogs?
A: Yes and no. Any good American trainer, sensitive to individual differences among dogs, and willing to consider those differences, can train any Labrador, British or American. But too often American trainers are constricted by time and are only willing to train retrievers using one method, namely by the electric collar. Such trainers generally will not achieve optimum results from a British Labrador, which generally is a "softer'' animal than its American counterpart. We do train and have relationships with trainers we can recommend to purchasers of our dogs.
Q: Can Colmorg Kennels Labradors succeed in American field trials? Hunt tests?
A: Yes, Some of our dogs have won in American field trials and HRC hunt tests. We would remind potential buyers that the American AKC field test can seem to be angled against British Labradors, many have achieved their Master Hunting titles and HRCH hunt test Championships.
Q: Can electric collars be used at all in training Colmorg Kennels Labradors?
A: Yes, provided the trainer knows what he or she is doing. Keep in mind, the collar is not used in Great Britain, and dogs there are routinely trained to very, very high levels. Hunt tests in America, like field trials, reward dogs that run straight lines, that ignore points of land jutting into ponds and lakes and other natural temptations and reward dogs that respond to the handler instead of using their natural instinct. Proficiency at training dogs to succeed at these tasks is often aided by a collar, wherein a retriever can be "burned" off a point, or similarly reprimanded if it fails to run a straight line.
Q: What are the primary and best uses of Colmorg Kennels Labradors?
A: Our goal is to breed first-rate companion hunters, animals that are as easy to live with as they are to train and hunt over.
Q: Can I visit Colmorg Kennels ?
A: Yes, by appointment. We welcome visits by customers and prospective customers. Visitations should be scheduled ahead of time as quite often we are out training our running Hunt Tests. Hours are Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday 9AM- 3PM.
Please call 336.301.6060 to make an appointment, don't forget to bring your camera
The following are visitation guidelines for visiting your puppy before the delivery/pickup date at 8 weeks of age.
A. Visitation of puppies can begin after 4 weeks of age. By this time they have acquired good maternal immunity, their eyes and ears are open, and they are playful.
B. Please do not visit any other kennels, the veterinarian, or handle any other dogs on the day of your visit. If you own a dog, we require a copy of his/her health record indicating he/she has been vaccinated in the past 12 months and at least 4 weeks prior to your visitation. This can be brought along to your visit or e-mailed.
Q: Are ColMorg Kennels British Labradors as good for use in waterfowl hunting, as for upland hunting?
A: They are excellent for both uses.
Q: Where can ColMorg Kennnels British Labradors be found?
A: We have customers from California to Florida. Most are used as hunter companions, some only as companions, some as Field Trial or Hunt Test dogs.
Q: What about appearance? How do British Labradors differ in appearance from American Labradors?
A: Let's talk specific differences between ColMorg Kennels British Labradors and American Labradors. American Labradors generally are bigger than our Labradors; in some cases much bigger. A typical female of ours will weigh a few pounds either side of 55 pounds; a typical male between 60-65 pounds. It is not uncommon today to see American Labradors weigh upward of 100 pounds. In this regard, we believe smaller is better. The smaller Labradors (which, by the way, conform to both AKC and British Kennel Club standards) usually have fewer skeletal problems, and usually hold up better in the field. Additionally, they are not as problematic in a duck blind or boat. As for appearance, we strive to produce Labradors that are pleasing to the eye in all respects. Tails absolutely must be carried down. Heads must be blocky and bold (particularly for males), or at least leaning in that direction. The animal must be within an inch or so of proportionate at the front shoulder, and proportionately coupled front to back.
Q: What other qualities are considered when choosing a ColMorg Kennels British Labrador to breed?
A: Dogs must have soft mouths. They must be natural retrievers. They must be what we call "natural carriers,'' in other words wanting even from a young age to carry something in their mouths. Our dogs must be free from hereditary health issues such as elbows and hips, eyes, PRC and EIC. Dogs must be athletic and free flowing, so they can complete their tasks afield. They must be intelligent. And, as previously mentioned, easy going with the family.
Q: Why should I buy a dog from ColMorg Kennels?
A: We've been in business a long time. We guarantee the health of our dogs. We have a 26 month guarantee on all of our puppies for major illnesses. We help our customers succeed with their animals. We care deeply about the breed and improving it as well as your enjoyment of our dogs.
Q: How many litters does ColMorg Kennels produce in a year?
A: We are very selective breeders, and a relatively small breeding operation. On average, we have between two and four litters annually.
Q: Do I need to make a reservation to purchase a puppy?
A: Always. A deposit of $500 toward your purchase price is required to reserve a puppy. (See our puppy contract under current litters.) Once the deposit is received, we place your name on a list of your preference(s) of sex and color. We have 4 reservation lists: Black Male, Black Female, Yellow Male and Yellow Female. We highly recommend utilizing our knowledge of the litter to help determine your choice (lifestyle and goals, instead of just color and sex). When a puppy of your preference of sex and color becomes available, you are contacted. You can then make a decision to take a puppy from this litter or wait for an upcoming litter. Puppies may be picked up at 8 weeks of age or we will ship the puppy to you at 8 weeks of age. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the purchaser.
Q: Can ColMorg Kennels import a fully trained Labrador or starter Labrador for me?
A: Yes. Sometimes the process takes months, or even longer. An imported British Labrador can be very costly as shipping and paperwork are added costs, Prices do vary. Please call for availability, prices and references.
Q: Why do you restrict your AKC registrations on dogs you sell?
A: Primarily to maintain the integrity of our breeding program. People can argue about whether animal breeding is more science or art--or both--but it is an extraordinarily sophisticated process. A high degree of knowledge is also required as is experience and, perhaps as important as any, a refined eye for "right" kind of animal. We think we do all of this pretty well and have endeavors to continue building our knowledge. That's why we restrict our AKC registrations to "limited," which allows owners to use and compete with their animals in any way they can imagine, but does not allow them to breed their dogs and register the offspring with the AKC or UKC.