A large majority (about 60%) of the inquiries at Chambray Labradors for a puppy or adult dog are from those looking to (A) add a new canine member to their family with existing dogs or (B) those who have recently lost a dearly departed canine friend.

Having lived with Labradors for the last 40 years, I know the pure pleasure of sharing my life with this incredible breed of dog. With my vast experiences as a breeder, trainer and handler, I know what a joy these dogs have brought me throughout these last 4 decades. I can not remember a day without my dogs, nor would I even entertain the thought.

I also know the tremendous heartbreak when one of those faithful friends reaches the end of their lifetime and leaves us way too soon. As I write this article tears come to me eyes as I remember those very special friends that are no longer at my side, that no longer stare at me with undying devotion, waiting for my every move and desire so that they could fulfill their destiny as my best friends. You would think that someone that has had the great fortune of living with as many dogs, that I would get used to them departing. Not even close to happening, as I still get very emotional when my 8 week old puppies leave for their new destinations beyond the fences of Chambray Acres.

(A) So, when I receive those emails from people wanting to add a new dog to their family with dogs, here are the rule of thumb suggestions to them.

• Make sure you have the time for an extra dog. It is not the “more the merrier”, in fact when dogs get together and are not supervised properly, they can become very destructive! Dogs need people interaction for proper socialization; they need to have individual attention paid to them, such as individual walks and individual play time.
• Dogs of the same breed are better adaptive to each other. Grouping of large dogs with very small dogs sometimes causes problems with the rough play and the likelihood of accidents and injuries to the smaller breed. Plus, same breed pairings tend to have similar characteristics and same game skills.
•  The best pairings are female with female, male with female or multiple of these as long as there is only 1 male involved. The worst and most problematic pairing is male to male. It just will not work out, as one male will become dominant and force the other to take a submissive and effeminate nature.
• COST: It cost twice as much for two dogs!!!!! Twice as much food, twice as much vet bills, twice as much for rabies/licenses.

When adding a second dog to a family situation, it is very important to discuss the different personalities of all involved with the dog breeder.The breeder should perform a temperament test on his puppies to determine personality type so that he/she can be instrumental in the correct placement of those puppies into the prospective new homes.

(B) For those people who have recently lost a dearly departed canine friend, I offer the following:

• No puppy or dog will ever “REPLACE” the departed pet! There are never 2 dogs alike as each will fill a certain spot in your heart and your mind that you will never, ever forget. In 40 years, I have had well over 100 dogs that have lived with me for extended periods of time and each of those was very special to me, however I have also had 7 very, very special dogs that became my constant companions and each of those dogs has a unique place in my heart!
• The new puppy will soon fill your heart again; not the same, but you will realize what I am talking about within 3 weeks of your new relationship! You will always remember the first friend, but the new one will occupy your time and make the mourning more tolerable each day and the healing process will end with a smile. GUARANTEED!!!!!! I myself have been there many times and I have also guided hundreds through that same process and each and every time it has the same outcome…………………a new found love!

There are many situations where people start their search as the original dog starts to age and the end may seem imminent. Depending on the individual situation, bringing in a new puppy at times is the best thing that could happen for all involved, including the older dog. In most cases the older dog becomes rejuvenated and puppy-like and enjoys his remaining time with his owners and new playmate. When the inevitable time comes, it is a much easier transition for all involved especially for young children. Coping with the loss is never easy, but having a young puppy around usually fills the void and the grieving period is lessened.

We encourage all of these searchers to

• visit us at dog shows in their area (Florida) and meet up with the large group of existing Chambray owners that travel to many of the Florida dog shows,
• to come out to our training classes and see us in action and speak to the dozens of people there with their dogs
• to visit Chambray Acres where we can sit and chat up a storm about our love for the breed.

The relationship that you establish with the breeder is very important and sharing with the breeder your individual situation and concerns will make the addition of a new canine family member so much more enjoyable.

 Although we breed exclusively for Show Puppies, not every puppy born in a litter will grade out to have the conformation or the competitiveness for show, these we offer as Pet Quality.

For those adding or replacing a pet we offer Pet Quality Puppies with the AKC Limited Registration or a Show Quality Puppy with Full Registration and eligibility for participation in our Labrador Retrievers Owner’s Community. 

The reason we breed is to produce Show Quality dogs for further development in all the activities available them, including dog shows and perpetuating the breed with the next generation of top quality dogs. There is more information at the following pages:

click above icon for puppy & litter information

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