Selecting Your Labrador Puppy

[Considerations] [Why you really DO want a Show Dog!]
[Choosing Puppy] [Purchase Agreement]

 

Look Before You Leap! Please! A dog is a lifetime commitment! Think before you leap! Puppies require a great deal of patience and forgiveness.  They do not realize that the couch they chewed up was your favorite or that your neighbors get irritated with you when they spend the evening barking at their very large tree that rustles in the wind.  And if you do get a puppy, please remember the The 3 CPO's of puppy training:

C

onsistency:

if you are going to correct for a behavior - ALWAYS correct for it and ALWAYS use the same command (i.e. "No Bite" whenever puppy starts biting).

P

atience: 

do not get upset with puppy for not understanding right away.  Becoming frustrated is counterproductive.

P

ersistence: 

it will take awhile until puppy matures enough so that he/she always obeys - but do not give up!

P

raise (lots of praise!): 

I do not know about other breeds, but Labs respond best to praise!

O

r 

you will constantly be fighting an up hill battle! There are many excellent Labs that have survived much of their puppy stage that you can adopt from a Lab Rescue Organization.  Not only will you save yourself from the dreaded puppy stage, you will contribute to the cause of these wonderful organizations and provide a find a home for a dog that might otherwise be euphemized!!! OK, I see you are still reading.  You DO believe that you have the patience it takes for a puppy!  Good for you!  With patience, bringing up a puppy will add an amazing joy to your life!!!
[Back to the top] First (or why you really DO want a "Show" Dog): Acquaint yourself with the breed so that you recognize the correct type, soundness and temperament.  There is almost a limitless amount of information on the internet and in books.  If possible, attend a local dog show.  This is a great way to meet potential breeders - breeders who breed show-quality dogs. When you aquire a puppy from such a breeder, you are getting a dog that is the result of very carefully selected parents. The parents are chosen based on their ancestry and are the result of serious study, thought and planning - GREAT dogs do not just happen. Their lines have evolved by careful selection in order to avoid passing along any flaws and to ensure that only the strongest traits are passed along to future generations. In this way, breeders continually reinforce the positive traits of the breed, such as the temperament, intelligence, loyalty and field ability.

Identify two or 3 good breeders and, if at all possible, visit them all prior to selecting a puppy.  A good breeder raises its dogs in a friendly, well-adjusted home environment where the puppies will get off to the start they need in order to be enjoyable, satisfactory adult dogs. If possible, choose a breeder that raises the puppies in their home. It is believed that while 50% of a dog's demeanor is based on genetics, the other 50% is a result of their environment during their first few months. If the puppies are not raised in the home, be sure to ask how the breeder will socialize them.

Ask the breeder to share with you the qualities of both parents, their bloodlines, etc. Ask if any problems have been identified with the line.   Try to see both parents.  Pay attention to their demeanor.  Do they look like the Labrador should look?  Do they come from Championship quality lines and kennels? Male or Female?  If your Labrador is to be simply a pet or family dog (i.e. not used for breeding or showing and will be neutered by 6 months), you may want to consider a male as they are usually more affectionate.  The most important thing to look for is a GOOD Kennel and breeder-regardless of your intentions for the puppy-and get on their waiting list.  Even though pet shops occasionally have Labrador puppies for sale, such shops are not sufficiently concerned with the puppy's blood lines, rather they are most concerned with the stock (having puppies available).  Most breeders try to place their puppies as pets and their registration is restricted against breeding.

Don't care whether or not your dog will look like a Labrador or have the famous Labrador demeanor?? Willing to take a chance on their health? Then please visit your local Animal Shelter or Animal Rescue (Such as the

Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue

-rather than encouraging an irresponsible breeder-and save a Labrador!

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What to Look for in the Puppy: His eyes should be clear and free of mucus, upper palette completely closed. He should be energetic and playful and you should verify he will eat and drink. Look for "Ch. or Sh. Ch." titles in its pedigree (unless you are looking for a hunting dog-they will have hunting titles but these dogs are bred to be more "energetic" and often times have not been bred to the breed standard as far as physical appearance and demeanor). The following certificates must be available (click the underlined words for information on these certificates):

CERF (for BOTH Parents and the Puppy). OFA   (be sure to check all dogs in the puppy's pedigree 3 or 4 generations back.  Just because the 2 parents do not have joint problems does not mean that such genetic problems do not run in the family).

AKC Registration (your breeder should be able to give you the paper work needed to register the puppy with the AKC when you pay for it and take it home.  If not, I suggest you contact the AKC prior to paying for the puppy.  Pay attention to whether or not the box marked "restricted sale" is checked.  If it is, you cannot breed or show the puppy in AKC Conformation shows.  Is this consistent with your agreement?) .

 

See both parents if you can.  The puppy will more than likely look like one of them. Purchase Agreement:

• Are there restrictions against Breeding?
• Are there restrictions on the resale or relocation of the puppy (a good breeder will require an agreement that you return the puppy should you for any reason decide you no longer want it)?
• Does the agreement require that you notify the breeder in the event the puppy displays any health problems that may be genetic, regardless of whether or not they are covered by a guarantee?
• If the breeder is maintaining a Co-ownership, who makes decisions about showing and/or breeding?  How will proceeds from puppy sales or stud fees be distributed?
• Does the agreement provide for a guarantee against dysplasia?  If so,
• what are your options if it is determined that the puppy has this defect?  If it is for a refund or replacement puppy upon return of the puppy, do you think you will be able to return the puppy after bonding with it for 2 years, or whatever the guarantee period is?  If you request a replacement puppy, when must the puppy be made available to you?  From the breeder's next litter?  Who decides when and who will choose the replacement?
• how long will this guarantee be in effect?  The puppy must be 2 years old before you have the x-rays taken that you need to submit to the OFA for a certificate.  It may take another 3 months before you actually received the certificate.
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