By Cheryl Nelson, Professional Dog Groomer Well honey, sit down and let me tell you something that might surprise you! After 18 years of grooming every shade of Labrador you can imagine, I’ve learned that not all white Labs are created equal when it comes to sun sensitivity and skin issues. The secret ingredient? Black pigment on their noses, lips,…
By Cheryl Nelson, Professional Dog Groomer Oh honey, let me tell you about white Labradors and shedding. After 18 years of running “Pawsitive Grooming” here in downtown Springfield, I’ve seen it all—but white Labs? They’re in a league of their own when it comes to leaving their mark on the world (and your clothes, furniture, car, and probably your morning…
By Dr. Carrie Taylor, Canine Geneticist Let me start with a confession: I’ve spent the better part of my career staring at dog DNA under microscopes, and I still get irrationally excited when someone asks me about white Labradors. It’s like being asked about that one weird cousin at the family reunion—technically part of the family, but with some explaining…
By Ben Tanner, Owner of Rocky River Retrievers As someone who has dedicated over two decades to breeding healthy, well-tempered retrievers, I’ve seen firsthand the difference a responsible breeder makes in a puppy’s life. At Rocky River Retrievers, we believe that ethical breeding practices aren’t just good for dogs—they’re essential for families seeking a healthy companion for years to come.…
By Dr. Joseph Wilson, DVM As a veterinarian with over 15 years of experience, one of the most common questions I hear from new puppy parents is: “Which vaccines does my puppy need, and when?” It’s a critical question, as proper vaccination is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your new family member lives…
By Jared Mitchell, Certified Professional Dog Trainer April 24, 2025 There’s nothing quite like the unbridled enthusiasm of a white Labrador puppy. Their snowy coats seem to amplify their joyful energy as they bound toward you, ready to shower you with affection—often in the form of jumping up to greet you face-to-face. While endearing in a tiny puppy, this behavior…
By Dr. Arden Cole, Veterinarian As a veterinarian, I’ll always recommend professional care for dogs facing bacterial infections. But I also understand that sometimes, due to location, finances, or availability, antibiotics just aren’t immediately accessible. While home remedies aren’t a replacement for veterinary-prescribed antibiotics, there are some natural tools you can use to help support your pup’s immune system and…
By Ben Tanner, Breeder at Rocky River Retrievers If you’ve been swooning over the stunning, pale-coated pups known as English White Labradors, you might be wondering: Are they really purebred? It’s a fair question—and one I get all the time. So let’s dig in (pun intended). 🐾 The Truth About That Gorgeous White Coat Despite the “white” in their name,…
By Ben Tanner, Breeder at Rocky River Retrievers As a professional dog breeder, I spend a good chunk of my life surrounded by wagging tails, muddy paw prints, and the occasional stolen sandwich. So you can imagine my reaction when someone asked me: “Ben, do you think AI will replace dogs as pets?” I laughed. Out loud. But then I…
From the Whelping Box to Their Forever HomesBy Eden De La Fuente – Trainer at Rocky River Retrievers Bringing Labrador puppies into the world is one of the most beautiful, exhausting, and rewarding parts of dog ownership. I’m Eden De La Fuente, trainer here at Rocky River Retrievers, and I’ve had the privilege of helping with dozens of whelpings over…