Can anyone tell me at what age the pups can leave there mother, and anyone know how much Lab puppies are sold for. Mum and Dad are pedigrees

John

Goodness, I'd say you have a lot of homework to do, John. You'd better get busy before anything goes wrong! Puppies can usually leave Mom anywhere between six weeks and older. Most people here would say seven weeks is the youngest they should leave, but the pup would be fine at six. Most would also say that a puppy older than 12 weeks shouldn't be sold to a new home, as it is already adjusted to its current home and would have a hard time switching homes at such an older age. I don't know how much Labs are sold for; I don't breed Labs. My guess would be anywhere between $175 to $250, American money.

You just now have these questions?? You really need to spend some time online doing research and get a copy of "The book of the bitch" ASAP. :)

Unregistered puppies, from labs that have not had the neceesary breed tests, are only too common. You have a bitch, who is only 15 months old, in whelp, you asked none of the equestions here until day 60 - 3 days from completion of gestation, and you are now asking how much the pups will sell for? You had better start doing some research now - as the breeder you are responsible for the wellbeing of these poor puppies - and before they can go to their new homes - which should not be until they are 8 weeks old - do not attempt to sell them in the run up to Christmas - and you are going to have to spend some money:(

Firstly, have you got her a good whelping box? about 3ft x 4ft - or a cupboard or similar - or an old wardrobe with the doors off on its back would make a good one. You should not leave your poor bitch on her own during labour - she is barely a baby herself. You should be prepared to be with her 24-7 for the first week. She will need as much as 5 times her normal amount of food - and of course, the dog MUST be kept away from her - for his sake - she could go for him. Labradors can have large litters, and although they are generally excellent mothers, you could well have to help ensure that the smaller pups get sufficient nourishment. The mum should look after them herself for the first two or three weeks - but she is a baby herself, and as you will see from other threads here, there are tragedies. Have you spoken to her breeder?

Once the puppies are 3-4 weeks, you will have to start to wean them - and you will have to clean up after them - and puppies are little poop machines - you will clean up after them, put them back, and then have to clean up again - and again - and again - and again!

On this board you will see that we do not recommend that people who are doing their homework do not buy from people who have not done the ncessary health checks - so do not expect to make megabucks from your babies - you might just break even - just enjoy them whilst you have them.

You have allowed your bitch to get pregnant - now you have a responsibility to her, and to her pups, to ensure that the pups get the best possible start in life, and that you find the best possible homes for these babies - otherwise there are going to be more sad puppies in the Rescue homes next year. You must check out prospective owners very carefully to make sure that they go to the best possible homes in the circumstances.

I'm sad that I'm having to give this advice - again - but you have asked for help, and I'll do what I can on here to help you.

Margot

Both my daogs are registered and as soon as she has the pup the too will be registered, I have ask questions from day one, but its always good to get other peoples advice and experience too. They will all go to good homes
and will not be leaving there mum until they are 10 weeks

Its not a case of the money but i was just enquiring, as i have a commitment to make sure all dogs are registered and vacinated before they leave.

I apprciate what you are saying, but i havent just let her roam and come back pregnant.

I do hope that you will have either her or the dog neutered before she comes in season again. Now that he has had her once it will be even harder to keep him from mating her, and in the average domestic situation keeping both sexes entire is too dificult as you have found (it is why I only keep bitches).

The bitch is likely to come in season again when her pups are about 4 months old. If you wanted her spayed you would need to get it done when they are about two months old, otherwise it will be too close to her next season. For preference I would have him castrated, and then have her spayed 3 months after her next season. As two months after whelping may be a bit soon, especially if she has had a C section.

If she does have a C section then if all is going smoothly she can be spayed at the same time.

I don't know if you are in the UK or USA but I would like to let you know that rearing these pups will cost a lot.

By the time pups are 10 weeks old they will each be eating about half as much again as an adult dog. So with an average litter of say 8 you will be having to find an extra 12 helpings of best quality food for the pups. With parents that will mean you will need 7 or 8 times the amount of Dog food you are using now, and as they and Mum will need a high quality (Puppy) food it will cost half as dear again as their ordinary rations.

That is just the food.

As other posters have said the best potential buyers for the pups are those who will have researched the breed and will want puppies from responsible breeders who do all the health checks and are there with knowledgeable back up for the rest of the pups life.

This unfortunately means that you are less likely to find such people to buy your pups. Please be very very careful to whom you let them go.

There is nothing more panic inducing than a litter of older pups eating you out of house and home, and no good homes in sight!

Did you not know that you could have taken your bitch to the vet after the accidental mating, and have any pregnancy stopped with an injection, or if you found later she was pregnant she could have been spayed?

I hope all goes well, and please continue to ask for advice, which will be freely offered, but don't be surprised at any critisism.

I'm glad that you are saying they're not leaving until 10 weeks - so that means well after Christmas!

Are you going to be able to register the puppies? Are you sure that both parents do not have endorsements on their registration papers? Check this out now.

I know you are saying that you haven't let her roam & come back pregnant - but you have let her become pregnant 1 year before the Breed Clubs advise pregnancy and you don't say whether both parents have been hip-scored and eye tested.

How is she doing now?

Margot

Both parents have been hip scored and eye tested. Shes fine had 9 puppies and all are doing well and feeding fine.

Congratulations Michelle when did she have them.
Did everthing go okay?

Hi,
Are you in the UK, USA, or somewhere else?
:)

The Uk how bout you?

Hi Brodie - I actually meant John (1michelle) .... :o

Ooops sorry!!

Thanks brodie for your support im glad someone understand and doesnt critisice.

Everything went fine i was really suprised how well she coped, with her only being 15 months, she had 5 black ones and 4 golden, and i have just contacted the kennel club to get them registered. They will be off to vets later to be checked over.

Michelle

Im in the UK.

Your welcome im glad everything went well for you and that mom and pups are doing fine, i bet your tired then sitting up with her through the night.

You were very lucky that you had the Hips of your bitch scored and results back all within 3 months, but surely your bitch must have been mated before the results came back?

Just curious what was her score?

What a terrible attitude you have Margot.
The girl was only asking the question, never said the dogs were unregistered you just pressumed.It makes you wander why people come on here to ask advice cause they only get their head bitten off.

I'm sorry if you think I have a terrible attitude - but when someone asks - when her dog is 60 days pregnant that her 1 year old bitch is about to have puppies as to how long a pregnancy lasts, gives NO information herself, I'm afriad that I presume (wrongly in this case) that there has not been sufficient care taken in undertaking the breeding.

I stand by what I have said: I am only too pleased to offer assistance, we all have to start somewhere, and in my book that means starting by LEARNING first, then breeding.

Margot

Edited to say: I am absolutely delighted that the puppies are born safely and that they are Mum are doing well - what colours do you have?

I should think so we all care about that but you shouldn't judge people until you know the facts.
Any way nice to meet you.

Likewise;)

Margot

hi michelle....im interested in how they score the hips and the actual ratings...what were the numbers on your parents????