Cross
Bay Labradors was founded in 1992. We strive to
breed Labradors that not only exemplify Labrador
type, but are also devoted companions. Our breeding
program is based on the bloodlines from Blondella, Briary
and Sandylands.
It all
began with the purchase of my first Labrador, Otter.
Although not able to be shown in conformation, I was able
to train him for obedience and field work. We quickly
gained our CD title and with the help of my late mentor,
Nick Mickelson, soon completed the rest of our JH title
and then trained to Senior level until a shoulder injury
ended his career.
I
soon realized that I wanted to show and breed and I started
the search for a bitch to begin my line. I purchased
a beautiful yellow bitch from Winterset Kennels and began
to show and train her in field and obedience. She
earned her JH in 4 straight tests as well as a CD.
We moved on to Senior, but then at 1 ½ years of age, we
noticed she was missing her marks in low light.
Unfortunately this was a sign that her eyesight was failing
and when she was 2 we brought her to Cornell University.
An ERG test confirmed my worst fear. It showed that
she had PRA. Those are the words everyone is afraid
to hear, and I was devastated. My hopes for breeding
her were gone. I had been planning to breed her
to a dog from Zane Hill’s Kennels.
During
this time, I was able to get first pick bitch puppy from
a litter out of Zane Hill’s Sugar Cain (he is bred on
the Blondella lines), from Ralph and Kathy Root.
Jaysin (Zane Hills X-Bay Autumn Skye JH, CD) arrived here
in 1994, and has become my foundation bitch. I have
been lucky to have her! Not only is she a quick
learner and steady Retriever, finishing her JH at 11 ½
months, but she also exemplified the dual-purpose Labrador
when she won the Hunting Retriever Bitch class at the
Labrador Retriever Club of Potomac Specialty in 1999!
With the help and guidance of Salley Kelley of Kelleygreen
Labradors we have been able to breed Jaysin to several
outstanding dogs from the Blondella Kennels. She
has produced beautiful puppies and they all have her calm
temperament, devotion, and classic conformation, as well
as exceptional hunting ability.
I have
been involved with animals all my life. I was raised
with weimaraners: our bitch Senta and our dog Max were
always by my side. My parents bred several litters
with Senta, though the litter that sticks out the most
was her “black” litter, sired by a persistent German short-haired
pointer. Who knew that 20 years later I would be
raising my own “Black Dogs”.
I also
have a deep love for horses and have been riding since
I could walk. After high school I was finally able
to purchase my first horse, a quarter horse/welsh mare.
I named her Solitaire. She was the best friend a
girl could have. She had been bred and I also raised
her colt (Solitary Man). I trained both of them
in dressage, though I most enjoyed the freedom of riding
bare back through the fields and scenic trails that the
Pioneer Valley has to offer. My experience with
horses has been a tremendous benefit. It has trained
my eye to correct conformation, balance, and proper movement.
In 1996
I married my husband, Peter, and with his help we are
able to continue our efforts to breed Labradors that are
not only ideal companions, but also have the temperament,
natural hunting ability and breed type that we prefer.
In 2001 we moved back to my hometown of Granby CT, and
now we have a home in the country where we enjoy living
with our dogs, canoeing, kayaking, gardening and just
relaxing by the lake.
We
breed only once or twice a year and all of our puppies
are raised in our home. We feel that puppies that
are exposed to the usual activities of household life
are more capable of adjusting to the other stresses of
life than if they are raised in a kennel.
We
evaluate all of our breeding stock using OFA, CERF and
Optigen and other appropriate tests. These tests
are valuable tools when planning a breeding, but at no
time are they guarantees that a puppy won’t develop health
problems.
We
look forward to our newest generations to carry our lines.
We have been fortunate to have formed many close friendships
through our Labradors. Life with our Labradors continues
to bring us Love, Knowledge, Hope and an endless supply
of dog hair!
Regards,
Tiffany and Peter |