Geneology International

Month: December 2023

  • Distinctive Qualities of English Labrador Breeders: Setting Them Apart from the Rest

    Distinctive Qualities of English Labrador Breeders: Setting Them Apart from the Rest

    Distinctive Qualities of English Labrador Breeders: Setting Them Apart from the Rest

    Labrador Retrievers are a beloved breed worldwide, known for their loyalty, intelligence, and gentle demeanor. Among the Labrador breeders, English Labrador breeders stand out due to their specific breeding practices and the distinct characteristics of the dogs they produce. This blog post will delve into the unique qualities of English Labrador breeders, distinguishing them from others in the field.

    Lineage

    The cornerstone of English Labrador breeders is their unwavering commitment to preserving the pure English bloodline. This sets them apart significantly from most American and Canadian breeders. The lineage of these Labs can be traced directly back to the original stock from England. These breeders place a high premium on the historical and genetic purity of the breed. By focusing on this specific lineage, they ensure that the essential qualities of the English Labrador are preserved and passed down through generations. This dedication to lineage is not just about maintaining breed standards; it’s about honoring a legacy that has been cherished for centuries.

    Physical Features

    When it comes to physical features, English Labs are distinctively different from their American counterparts. English Labradors are known for their stockier, more robust build. Unlike the taller, leggier American Labs, these dogs are shorter and more compact. Their heads are notably blockier, featuring a pronounced stop and a shorter muzzle. These physical attributes are not just aesthetically pleasing but also contribute to the breed’s overall health and longevity. Breeders of English Labs take great care in maintaining these physical standards, ensuring that each litter exemplifies the breed’s classic, handsome look.

    Temperament

    English Labrador breeders pay special attention to the temperament of their dogs. The English Labrador is renowned for its calm, even-keeled disposition, contrasting with the often more high-energy American Labs. This trait makes English Labs particularly suitable as family pets, therapy dogs, and companions for those seeking a less hyperactive breed. Breeders work diligently to cultivate this temperament, recognizing that a dog’s disposition is as crucial as its physical attributes. This focus on a balanced, gentle temperament is a hallmark of English Labrador breeders, setting them apart in the realm of dog breeding.

    Color Standards

    In terms of color, English Labrador breeders adhere strictly to the traditional show ring standards. They primarily breed Labs in the classic colors of black, yellow, or liver/chocolate. Unlike some breeders who might experiment with trendy colors like silver or charcoal, English breeders remain true to the original standard. This commitment to traditional color standards is more than just a preference; it’s a testament to their dedication to maintaining the breed’s integrity and heritage. By adhering to these color standards, English Labrador breeders ensure that the Labs they produce are not only beautiful but also true representatives of the breed’s historic lineage.

    Show Ring Focus

    Many English Labrador breeders have a strong focus on the show ring. They breed their Labs with an eye toward meeting the stringent standards set by Kennel Clubs for confirmation and aesthetics. This dedication to show quality means that English Labs often exemplify the breed’s ideal physical and temperamental traits. Breeders invest considerable time and effort in ensuring their Labs are not just great pets but also potential champions in the show ring. This show ring focus differentiates English breeders from those who may breed Labs primarily for other purposes, such as companionship or fieldwork.

    Hunting Lineage

    Lastly, it’s important to note that some English Labrador breeders specialize in a hunting lineage. While not all English Labs are from field line stock, these breeders focus on retaining the breed’s working abilities. This aspect of English Labrador breeding pays homage to the breed’s origins as a hunting companion. Breeders who emphasize this lineage ensure that their Labs not only possess the physical and temperamental traits of the breed but also maintain their ancestral working skills. This focus on hunting lineage adds another layer to the versatility and appeal of the English Labrador.

    In conclusion, English Labrador breeders stand out due to their meticulous attention to lineage, physical features, temperament, color standards, show ring focus, and, in some cases, hunting lineage. These breeders go above and beyond to ensure that the Labs they produce are not only true to the breed’s standards but also embody the rich history and heritage of the English Labrador. As you search for ‘labrador breeders near me,’ consider the distinctive qualities of English Labrador breeders and how they set their Labs apart from the rest.

  • The Cannabis Industry’s New Workplace Threat: Occupational Asthma

    The Cannabis Industry’s New Workplace Threat: Occupational Asthma

    The Cannabis Industry’s New Workplace Threat: Occupational Asthma

    States legalizing medical and recreational marijuana have created a booming industry for which mass production is gradually becoming the norm. As with any industry, companies in the cannabis space need to pay attention to basic health and safety protocols. With that in mind, the industry’s latest workplace threat has recently been brought to light. That threat is occupational asthma.

    Occupational asthma his newly acquired asthma believed to be the result of one’s working environment. It was likely the cause of death for a 27-year-old Massachusetts woman who fell sick on the job, while working for a cannabis processing company, and eventually died. Her death sparked a federal investigation that has uncovered a pattern of occupational asthma symptoms among certain types of workers in the cannabis industry.

     Working Made Her Sick

    The Massachusetts woman first began working at the facility in 2021. Just a couple of months into the job, she developed breathing problems which included wheezing. She also developed shortness of breath along with a persistent cough and a runny nose. Her employer moved her to another department and hopes of helping her feel better. It did not work.

    When her cough got worse, the woman began wearing a mask along with long sleeves and gloves. Yet that didn’t help either. She was taken to the emergency room in October of that year after complaining of trouble breathing. To make a long story short, she was prescribed a steroid inhaler for asthma. But a couple of months later, she had a serious attack and died.

    Dust and Bacteria in the Air

    The state Department of Public Health and OSHA launched investigations into her death.  Although officials found marijuana dust and endotoxin in the air at the plant, the levels of both were within allowable limits. Yet investigators concluded the levels were still high enough to trigger allergic reactions and occupational asthma.

    In addition, no fewer than 10 current and former plant workers reported to investigators that they had also experienced symptoms of occupational asthma. Moreover, a study in Washington found that nearly half of the workers in one particular processing plant manifested occupational asthma symptoms. Some of them also reported allergy symptoms.

    New Standards On the Way?

    The recent death in Massachusetts, along with the research study out of Washington, clearly suggests there is something going on in marijuana processing facilities. Commonsense seems to dictate that new regulations are on the way. It is hard to imagine OSHA or state officials allowing things to continue as is.

    It should be noted that the occupational asthma concern is limited only to processing facilities right now. It’s not an issue for growers or dispensaries. Perhaps there may be concern for growers later on, but dispensaries are not environments conducive to marijuana dust and endotoxin.

    A company like Salt Lake City-based Beehive Farmacy deals with only small amounts of plant material. Even so, the plant material comes to them already packaged. The rest of the products they sell are in forms that do not produce dust or endotoxin. Medical cannabis pharmacy workers just don’t handle products that aren’t already packaged.

    Expect More Investigations

    If I were a betting man, I would say that we should expect more investigations into the relationship between marijuana processing and occupational asthma. We have seen similar situations in other types of work environments in which contaminated air is a problem. Perhaps we should apply the same solutions.

    Here is hoping that the powers that be figure it out sooner rather than later. The cannabis industry doesn’t need or want workers getting sick as a result of doing their jobs.