Back Ridge Premium Labradors
Back Ridge is currently planning its next litter of Fox Red Labrador puppies. Click here to read about the latest litter.
Our quality defines our premium Labrador breeding. We prioritise excellence, producing limited litters of the highest standard. Our fully registered Dam and Sire from proven working lines ensure top-notch genetics. Health is paramount—we conduct DNA testing and rigorous veterinary checks, guaranteeing labrador puppies free from inherited diseases and excellent hip and elbow scores. We always prefer meeting new owners but puppies can be transported anywhere in NZ by prior arrangement. Beyond sale, we offer ongoing support, and a Back Ridge dog always has a home with us.
Why A Labrador from Back Ridge Kennels
There are lots of Labradors for sale – just look on TradeMe. So why choose one from Back Ridge Kennels?
Quality – These Pups Are the Best.
At Back Ridge, we are not interested in numbers. We will only produce a litter of the highest quality. We must be confident that the pups produced will improve the breed, or we won’t go ahead. Both Dam and Sire are fully registered with DogsNZ, and pups are sold fully registered.
Field Proven
Back Ridge Labrador puppies come from proven working lines. Both Dam & Sire have Field Champions in their breeding.
Click the link on the latest litter, to see the pedigree papers.
Temperament – Family Friendly
We place high priority on breeding happy dogs with a biddable temperament. This makes a Back Ridge labrador a pleasure to own, easier to train, and great with the family. Even if the pup is being bought as a gundog, it will spend most of it’s life around the family, so we breed with this in mind.
Health is a Priority
Reputable breeders like Back Ridge prioritise the health and well-being of their dogs. Here are some of the ways:
DNA Testing
Both Dam and Sire have been DNA Tested. This expensive tool provides great value to buyers:
Prevents Inherited Diseases. DNA testing identifies carriers of genetic diseases that are common to Labradors. Back Ridge only uses dogs proven to be healthy. Buyers can be confident to not be affected by these distressing problems, that plague lesser quality dogs.
Confirming Breed: Buyers can be sure their pup is a pure Labrador. It’s not unknown for unproven pups advertised as “purebred”, to show some decidedly un-Labrador like traits, as they grow.
Hip Scoring
Veterinary examination and assessment confirm both Dam & Sire have excellent hips and elbows.
This is why that matters:
Healthier Dogs: Dogs with good hip scores are less likely to suffer from hip dysplasia and its associated problems, leading to a better quality of life.
Lower Veterinary Costs: Treating hip dysplasia can be costly, involving long-term pain management and possibly surgical intervention. Dogs with good hip scores, have healthier hip joints, and are less likely to incur these costs.
Better Mobility: Hip dysplasia can severely affect a dog’s mobility. Dogs with good hip scores are likely to have better mobility and be more active. Back Ridge pups come from animals that have proven themselves healthy and active in the field. Dogs that don’t meet the standard are not considered.
Breeding Considerations: For breeding dogs, hip scoring is crucial. Only dogs with good hip scores should be bred to avoid passing on the traits that lead to hip dysplasia.
Support and Advice
Support doesn’t stop with the sale of a puppy. Back Ridge Kennels are available for ongoing support and advice to new owners.
Security For The Future
Should your circumstances necessitate it, we will always accept a Back Ridge dog back. No dog we breed should ever end up in a shelter.
Ethical Breeding Practices
Back Ridge kennels believe in ethical breeding practices:
Proper care and housing for their dogs
Careful selection of breeding pairs
Health, hip, and DNA testing
Proper socialization of pups before being homed
Lifetime interest in the pup
We recommend that prospective dog owners should only deal with a reputable, responsible breeder, who prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs.
Breed history
Pedigree Labrador Retrievers
The Labrador Retriever, beloved for its friendly demeanor, intelligence, and adaptability, traces its roots to the 17th century. Its exact lineage involves crossbreeding St. John's Water Dogs with various breeds, notably the Newfoundland and smaller water dogs from Portugal.
Initially, these dogs were utilized by fishermen for retrieving escaped fish, showcasing exceptional swimming skills and intelligence. Their popularity soared in England during the early 19th century due to their remarkable retrieving abilities and amiable temperament. The Earl of Malmesbury significantly contributed to their recognition and development.
Originally known as "St. John's Dogs" or "Lesser Newfoundland Dogs," the breed was officially named "Labrador Retriever" in the 19th century, derived from their place of origin, the Labrador region in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Their widespread appeal stems from their friendly disposition, intelligence, and adaptability, excelling in roles such as top-notch retrievers, excellent family companions, adept search and rescue dogs, and fulfilling various other roles like assistance, therapy, drug detection, and competitive dog sports.
Why a Fox-Red Labrador?
Labrador Coat Colours
Labrador Retrievers typically come in three recognized coat colours: Yellow, black, and chocolate. However, within these colours, there can be variations. The term “Fox Red” is used to describe a distinct variant - a deep red or dark reddish-gold coat colour. Fox Red Labrador Retrievers are recognized and registered by kennel clubs, and considered a legitimate variation within the Labrador Retriever breed.
So Why Choose a Fox-Red Labrador Retriever?
Unique Appearance - They look so good!
With their rich coat colour, they are simply beautiful to look at.
Friendly and Outgoing Nature
Like all Labradors, Fox Red Labs are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They get along well with kids and other pets, making them a great choice for families.
Heat tolerance
Their red coat means they tolerate hot and sunny conditions really well. There is nothing wrong with black labs, but they really heat up in sunny conditions. Working them on hot days requires care, lots of water, and frequent rests.
Versatility
Labradors are highly versatile dogs, capable of learning a wide range of tasks. They have a proven history in hunting, but also as service and therapy dogs because of their intelligence and trainability.
Camouflage.
If used as a gundog, the Fox-Red coat acts as a natural camouflage, not standing out like that of a yellow labrador. Chocolate labs are reasonable for camouflage also, but their popularization as a pet has often led to a dilution of their working ability, as it has not been factored into the breeding.
Working Ability
The Fox-Red Labrador Retrievers from Back Ridge Kennels carry generations of breeding for working ability and temperament. They can make you look good in the field, and feel great around the home.
Most Important
While the Fox Red Labrador Retriever’s coat colour may be distinct, the focus of responsible breeding remains on preserving the breed’s temperament, health, and working abilities rather than solely emphasizing coat colour.
If you are interested in a Fox Red Labrador Retriever, it is essential to work with a reputable breeder who prioritize the overall health, temperament, and quality of their dogs.
Rehoming
The optimal time to rehome Labrador puppies is typically between 8 to 12 weeks of age. This period allows them to benefit from the crucial developmental stages with their mother and littermates while also being old enough to start adjusting to their new environment and family.
Ethical considerations when rehoming Labrador puppies include:
Socialization: Puppies need time with their littermates and mother to learn social behaviors and basic manners. Rehoming too early (before 8 weeks) might hinder their social development.
Health and Vaccinations: Rehoming should be done after the puppies have received necessary vaccinations and health check-ups to ensure they're healthy and less susceptible to diseases.
Bonding and Emotional Development: Separating puppies too early from their mother can impact their emotional well-being and could lead to behavioral issues later in life.
Education for New Owners: New owners should be educated about the needs and responsibilities of raising a Labrador puppy, including training, exercise, proper nutrition, and healthcare.
Responsible Breeding and Adoption: Ethical considerations also include responsible breeding practices, ensuring proper care for both the mother and puppies, and screening potential adopters to ensure suitable and caring homes.
Ultimately our priority is the welfare of the puppies, ensuring they're physically and emotionally ready to transition to a new home where they'll receive proper care, attention, and socialisation.