06/28/2026
Since my last puppy post apparently brought out the “fat-shaming puppies” committee… let’s chat. 😂
These babies are roughly 10 weeks old. They are growing, changing, eating, sleeping, playing, and somehow getting bigger even while they nap. Puppies at this age are supposed to have some softness, roundness, and extra baby fluff. That does not mean they are unhealthy, neglected, or destined for a lifetime of lounging on the couch with snacks and judging the rest of us. (Dune: That's my job! lol)
They are babies. They still trip over their own feet, fall asleep mid-thought, and wake up looking like they doubled in size overnight.
There were also a few comments about “English” Labradors, so let me explain that carefully — and lovingly — before the field folks remove my head. 😅
There is one breed: the Labrador Retriever. There is one breed standard. What people often call “English” or “American” are commonly used terms to describe differences in style, pedigree, and emphasis within the breed. They are not separate breeds.
Both conformation and field breeders should have the Labrador standard as the goal, while also preserving the qualities that make a Labrador a Labrador: soundness, temperament, willingness, intelligence, biddability, and working ability. Field-bred Labradors may often show more athleticism, drive, and efficiency for long days of work, while bench-style Labradors may often show more bone, substance, and the traditional outline many people associate with the show ring. Both have value. Both have purpose. Both should still be Labradors in heart, body, and function.
The labels are imperfect, but they are words many families recognize when trying to describe the look, temperament, and style they are drawn to. I do use the word “English” sometimes because families ask me that exact question daily. If I gave a full Labrador history lesson every single time, we would never make it past the first message. And even after the explanation, most people still say, “Okay… but they’re still English, right?” 😂
And yes, before anyone jumps from the bushes — our dogs retrieve. We have a pond, and Ramsey, Rita, Marsha, Madi, and Amber will absolutely tell you Labradors are still very much retrievers. Some of them retrieve with fierce commitment and zero regard for whether I was ready for the game to begin. (Dune: I retrieve bacon only!!!)
The point is this: a short video of 10-week-old puppies is just that — a short video of growing baby dogs. Baby puppies are allowed to be soft. Human babies have cheeks that look like they’re storing acorns and no one says, “Better cut back on the bottles.” 😂
These puppies are loved, raised carefully, monitored, socialized, and growing exactly as baby Labradors do. Extra puppy fluff is not a scandal. It is part of the stage, and honestly, it is one of the sweetest ones.
So no, we are not putting 10-week-old puppies on a diet. We are letting babies be babies, and enjoying every round, sleepy, wiggly, ridiculous minute of it. 🐾
*Disclaimer: I am not applying for the official position of “World’s Leading Expert on Explaining English vs. American Labradors on Facebook.” Technically, there is one breed and one standard… but here we are, trying to explain decades of style, pedigree, purpose, breeder language, pet-family language, and internet opinions. Peace, love, and Labradors. ✌️💛🐾
