Wickwhistle Labradors
'Fit for Function'
The affix Wickwhistle was granted to me in March 2007; this was many years after my interest in Labradors was ignited. Work and family life never allowed me to have a Labrador of my own but I always hoped I would settle down with a Labrador or two. I sat round the showring and admired the dogs from afar for a long time.
I wouldn't say we're a kennel as such because our dogs live as part of the family, indoors with us and our cats who all have lots of fun whether they are sprawled out on the sofa together or walking in the Northamptonshire countryside where we live. Our dogs are adored first and foremost above everything else – all their achievements are bonuses!
I serve on the working sub-committee for the Cotswold and Wyevern Labrador Retriever Club, plus I try to be an active member of both the show and working sides of the following clubs: The Labrador Retriever Club, Midland Counties Labrador Retriever Club, and Kent Surrey and Sussex Labrador Retriever Club.
Everyone at Wickwhistle is expected to be able to work as a picker up or in the beating line - some are shown too - so they're happy to look pretty and wag their tail in the show ring as well as retrieve game in the Winter and do the odd working test in the Summer. My dogs are definitely ‘Fit for Function’!
I only breed a litter when I want to keep a puppy to work and show. I am a Kennel Club Accredited Breeder therefore use all available health tests including BVA/KC hip and elbow scoring, eye testing, then more recently CNM DNA testing and OptiGen PRA DNA test - temperament and trainability are just as important as all the health tests and all are considered equally. I aim to breed medium sized Labradors who are trainable, kind tempered and remain true to the Breed Standard.
Visitors are always welcome – please call or email first.
Lucy Earp - 01604 643240 or 07828 591757
