Specializing in Labradors with proper conformation, sound temperament, & a passion for retrieving.
(254) 444-7640
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Every question is a good question!
Below are questions that we get frequently from both new puppy families and those who are interested in our program and learning more about how we do things. If you have a question that is not discussed here or would like more information in general, please do not hesitate to contact us!
WHAT ALL IS INCLUDED WITH YOUR PUPS?
All of our puppies go home with AKC registration, 30 days of puppy insurance and a free vet exam (both provided by AKC-valid at participating veterinarians), early neurological stimulation, multiple health guarantees, age appropriate shots and dewormings, a vet check with a full health evaluation, introduction to birds/wings/water/retrieving/gunfire (weather permitting), introduction to potty and crate training, and lifetime breeder support. We also offer optional first month of heart worm preventative, flea and tick preventative (when on hand), and a microchip.
CAN WE COME MEET THE PACKÂ AND THE BREEDERS IN PERSON?
Yes, but please note that due to our busy schedule and the ages of our little ones, it is sometimes difficult for us to schedule visits. We also only allow those with approved applications to visit our home.
DO YOU BREED DILUTE (SILVER) LABRADORS?
No we do not. We only breed the three colors recognized by the Labrador Retriever Club, which is our breed's parent club. They recognize black, chocolate, and yellow (ranging in shade from light cream to fox red)
DO YOU SELL PUPPIES ON FULL REGISTRATION?
Full registration refers to breeding rights. Most of the time no, we do not. Every now and then we may consider selling on full to approved breeders/clients, but on some litters, we will not offer full to anybody. This is to ensure that our lines stay protected, do not get over used, and do not end up in the hands of irresponsible breeders. We often will only place full registration puppies in homes that plan to title their pup.
WHAT IS HEALTH TESTING AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE OFFSPRING?
"Health testing" is referring to a series of health tests that are preformed on the dam and sire of a litter prior to breeding taking place. By doing these tests, breeders can ensure that they never produce puppies affected by any of the diseases known to Labrador Retrievers. Healthier parents make sure we are producing healthier puppies!
DO YOU TAKE DEPOSITS?
The short answer is NO, we do not! We used to, however, we have recently changed the way we do things. Starting in 2022, we have decided to just keep a waiting list. It is $100 to be added to our waiting list, and it is completely refundable if you change your mind. To learn more about this please visit our page on how we do things.
ARE YOU WILLING TO MEET FOR PICKUP?
We try our best to accommodate our puppy buyers in any way possible, so if it is possible with our schedule, we will definitely meet for pickup. But please remember, puppy pickup is a very hectic time. We have many other buyers that we are coordinating with for pickup as well, so we can't always meet everyone.
I AM OUT OF STATE, IS SHIPPING AN OPTION?
Yes it is! There are many ground and air transport options available to puppy buyers. We are always willing to help the buyer arrange transportation for their new pup.
DO YOU STUD YOUR MALES OUT TO THE PUBLIC?
Some males we will, and some we won't. But we are very selective and picky with what breeders we allow to use our males, and what females we allow them to be bred with. Some males we will not stud out, no exceptions.
HOW DOES THE PUPPY SELECTION PROCESS WORK?
Please refer to our page here on our website that details how we do things!
BEFORE THE PUPPIES ARE BORN, DO YOUÂ KNOW WHAT COLORS THE LITTER WILL PRODUCE?
We sure do! We test all of our adults for coat color genetics prior to breeding, so I know what colors are possible with every single one of our females paired with any of our males! Of course, theres no way to know how many of each color the dam will have, but I am always happy to share the color probability of a litter with anyone that is interested in knowing :)
HOW MUCH DO YOUR PUPPIES COST? WHAT FACTORS DETERMINE THE PRICES OF YOUR PUPPIES?
Our puppies are $3,100 at this time. When pricing our puppies, we take in to account the expenses of breeding, whelping, and raising the litter (vet expenses, food, supplies, etc). We also take in to account the investment we have in both the Dam and Sire, their personal achievements, and pedigree. Breeding is a huge time investment, and is not cheap! Please also know that puppy prices are subject to change at anytime.
WHAT IS A "WHITE" OR "FOX RED" LAB? ARE THEY DILUTE LABS (SILVER, CHARCOAL, CHAMPAGNE)?
White and fox red labs are just yellow labs, some with very light shading/coloring and some with very dark shading/coloring. "White" and "fox red" are just slang terms used by the Labrador world for the shade of yellow a pup is. White and fox red labs do NOT get their color from the dilute gene (the gene found in silver, charcoal, and champagne labradors). White and fox red are recognized by the AKC breed standard and are completely acceptable, while dilute labradors are not.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN "ENGLISH" AND AN "AMERICAN" LAB?
These are terms used by the general public to describe a show/bench bred Labrador (or "English") and a field/working bred Labrador (or "American"). We have chosen to breed the English style Labrador, because they are bred to conform to the breed standard, which we strive for as a program, and find more appealing. English labs are known to be more calm and better family pets, and we prefer their temperaments over American labs. But please keep in mind, it is important to evaluate the Dam and Sire and abilities of the bloodline of the litter you are considering a pup from, rather just generalizing what you're looking for as "English" or "American". The ability, drive, and temperament of the lines of the Dam and Sire will give you a better idea if a litter is will produce what you're looking for.
WHAT AGE DO YOUR PUPPIES GO HOME AT?
Per Texas state law, our puppies do not leave our home until they have reached 8 weeks of age. This gives them a proper amount of time to be weaned, see the vet, and learn important social skills from their momma and litter mates that they need for proper development and socialization. Our puppies go home between 8 and 9 weeks of age.
WHAT SETS CACTUS ROSE LABRADORSÂ APART FROM OTHER BREEDERS?
At Cactus Rose Labs, it is not just a business to us. It is truly a passion. We love this breed, and we are striving to help improve the breed with every litter we produce. We also genuinely care about our puppy buyers and the well being of our pups. We are always here for support, and always strive to be the best we can be. So many people are just breeding to try and make a quick buck, but we are here because it is truly our dream and what we love to do. We aren't breeding just to produce puppies, we are breeding someone's new family member, hunting buddy, show dog, service dog, or lifetime friend. We take this very seriously! We also treat each and every one of our adult dogs as loved and valued members of our family, which is what they are. We believe this is what sets us apart from other breeders/programs.