FAQS

WILL MY LABRADOR POINT?

Our labs are bred to point and come from "pointing" labs. Some are born with the instinct more than others. Our sire is from one of the few kennels who are a part of the APLA. We feel pointing is a great quality hunting quail here in the south west. Our labs occasionally are caught pointing quail naturally even just in the yard. Our pups from past litters have also pointed and it's an amazing sight to see! We've also been hunting where other hunters will ask " Wow is that a pointing lab?!" We have definitely intentionally bred for the point and only breed "Pointing Labs", but it's something we can't always guarantee.  Labradors were originally a retrieving breed and that's definitely a given.  How your lab turns our really depends on the training you do with it once you take him/her home.

ARE YOUR DOGS HEALTH TESTED?

Our labs are tested CLEAR for the common diseases associated with the lab breed (such as EIC and CNM).  All labs have also tested clear for the dilute gene. Field Cockers are health tested and have tested clear for PRA, FN, AMS, and EIC. We also do hip/elbow testing through OFA or Pennhip.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR DOGS?

There are different types of Labrador Retrievers. Our dogs are the American/Field type and are bred for hunting, agility, dock diving, field trial, just to name a few.

Same goes with English Cocker Spaniels. Our Cockers are "working cockers" not American or Bench. That doesn't mean these dogs aren't great family/companion dogs.  It means they have the energy and stamina to last out in the field and do best having a job. Basic obedience training is important for lifelong success.

We suggest learning about the Labrador and Field/Working Cocker breeds before deciding on adding one of our pups to your home.

​

Our English Cockers do not need to be hunted to be successful. They do wonderful at scent work and love the outdoors. They are great dogs and love space to run around and use their noses. They are keen to please and would be thrilled with a job no matter what it is.

​

Our cocker spaniels are like potato chips, you can't have just one. These dogs have addictive personalities. You have been warned! 

COAT AND MAINTENANCE?

Labrador Retrievers have an under coat and do well with brushing. They are a large dog so do expect some brushing/shedding, but maintenance is low.

Field Bred ECS coats vary in length and feathering. Brushing will keep any matting at bay. Trimming feathers on legs and feet does help keep grass, etc. from sticking to their coat. We use Show Sheen (found at Tractor Supply for horses) to keep their coats soft and supple so if they do run into grass or stickers, it will not stick or is easy to remove.

​

Ear infections are sometimes a problem with any breed. We have not had trouble with our ECS ears. We do check for stickers after hunting our dogs so they don't get inside our dogs ear canals. If your dog has ear problems, seek your local vet for easy recommendations to fix.

Occasional nail trims are helpful and a bone here and there for clean teeth is a great idea!

ARE YOUR DOGS GOOD WITH CHILDREN? PUPPIES BITING?

Our dogs are wonderful with our children. We have rules set in place with our kids and they know how to properly take care of puppies and adult dogs. Our girls are very gentle with our dogs and know how to handle each dog to the best of their ability. Our daughters know to give all puppies and adult dogs their space. They know to respect our dogs and not push them out of their comfort zone. It will be YOUR job as a new dog parent to teach your CHILDREN to respect your puppy or dog's space. We cannot stress this enough!

​

Puppy biting and mouthing is natural behavior in young pups especially during teething. This is a phase and will pass. Redirecting your pup with a toy and helping them "hold" a toy is a wonderful training tip.  

I UNDERSTAND YOUR DOGS ARE WORKING BRED. ARE THEY OKAY FOR FIRST TIME DOG OWNERS & NON HUNTING HOMES?

​Cockers are a very intelligent breed and are bred to work closely with their owner, flushing and retrieving game.  They can be very easily trained and fulfilled without working out in the field. A tennis ball and a whistle go a very long way. Because they are intelligent and energetic means that they need firm boundaries and high expectations placed on them in terms of good manners and basic obedience. Some cockers are somewhat lazy and some are higher energy. We as the breeder try to place pups in the homes where the they will thrive with what genetics they carry. A higher energy cocker may not be suitable for a pet home if their needs aren't taken into account. If you have a relaxed cocker that loves walks and training, they can come home and switch off snoozing on the sofa and be happy just like that. 

​

We get asked all the time if our cockers do well in non hunting homes and the answer is, YES! We love to hunt, but we are just like everyone else that doesn't hunt when it isn't hunting season! Our hunting season typically lasts less than half the year. The other half our dogs enjoy being couch potatoes and going for a Pup Cup at our local coffee shop! 

​

We have placed dogs that go on to live in apartments or small backyards with college students and they have done extremely well. The basic obedience that you do with your dog is very helpful. Letting your puppy know what is expected of them early on will set them up for success and most of the time less is more! Every dog has a personality and energy level of their own. You can help redirect or control what comes out of your dog with some exercise and mental stimulation. We suggest not to rush or overthink things, and the bond is the best thing you can do with your new dog! 

​

​

​

Do you have more questions? Call or Text: Caity 575-649-7434 or Scotty  575-640-1879 
Emai: highbrassgundogs@gmail.com