Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions we’ve heard over our 30+ years of breeding, raising and training quality Labrador hunting dogs. But don’t worry. If you don’t see your questions listed, contact us. We’d love to talk to you!
What types of payment do you accept?
Personal or business checks are the preferred method of payment. If needed, we can also process online credit card payments through Paypal.
How do I receive my dog?
Puppies and dogs can be picked up, shipped by air, or sometimes delivered (depending on distance). We can arrange something during the purchase of your dog.
How do you determine the order of picks when buying a puppy?
First come, first serve per your deposit.
Is “First Pick” important?
First pick sounds good, but it’s not really that important. Most puppies are chosen between 7 and 9 weeks of age, which is too young to predict how the dog will turn out. The biggest impact on your pup’s development will be its environment, training, socialization, nutrition and exercise.
Does the color of the Lab make a difference?
You might have heard that black Labs are better hunters, yellow dogs are lazier, and chocolate dogs are hard headed and stubborn. This is just a wives’ tale. The color of a lab doesn’t make a difference in its hunting ability or temperament. Coat color in Labs is determined by two genes unrelated to anything else about the dog.
Are there any other colors of Labradors?
Black, chocolate, and yellow are the only correct colors of Pointing Labradors. Be wary of anyone selling “rare” Labradors of other colors. While there are yellow Labradors that are so pale they appear white, they are still considered to be yellow and will usually have some color (ear tips, for example). These lighter yellows are not unusual and should not command a signi cant price hike. The same goes for “fox red” Labradors.
Can you get yellow Labradors from black ones, etc?
Absolutely. Color all depends on what color genes the parents carry. In fact, it’s common to have multiple colors in the same litter.
I know your Labs are great hunting dogs, but how are they as a pet?
Our Labs make great pets. They have a calm temperament and make great family companions for years to come.
Do Labs shed?
Yep. Labradors have a double coat—a soft, downy undercoat and a harder guard coat. These two types of coat help keep them warm and dry while swimming in cold waters when retrieving ducks. Generally Labradors will shed their coat twice a year. This is called “blowing” their coat.
Do Labs bark a lot?
If your Labrador is bored, they may bark a bit, but excessive barking is not generally typical of the breed. They do, however, like to give a “warning bark” in response to an unusual event that they feel needs your attention (someone at your door, etc.).
What is considered a “Started Dog” from Alcorn Kennel?
A 6 month to 2 year old dog at the Alcorn Kennel being trained. Started dogs are trained to have basic obedience skills such as sit, stay, heel, kennel, stairs, place on a mat or bed, and being on a leash. A young started dog is also exposed to retrieving on land and in water, being shot over, fetch and hold, and getting used to being in and out of the house.
What is tri-factor coloring in pointing Labradors?
A Labrador is considered to be “tri-factored” when that Lab has all three colors of black, yellow, and chocolate as part of its genetics. You can find this information on the AKC pedigree certificate of the dog. Beside the name of each parent it will say for example: black or yellow or chocolate. This dog can birth or sire all three colors of pups in one litter.