Read About Labrador Breeders

Labradors, Black or Chocolate, are the gentle giant of family dogs. Here's everything you need to know about Labrador breeders.

Labrador Breeders - Breeder Facts

1. Professional Affiliations:

   The American Kennel Club, the United Kennel Club and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, are just three of the professional affiliations that recognize the Labrador.

2. Why Use a Breeder:

   A reputable breeder will have the endorsement of the professional affiliations for their dams and sires.

3. How to Find:

   Always check the references of any breeder. The Internet is an especially good place to find a breeder as there will most likely be a reference list for previous customers of that particular breeder. You should always ask for some type of reference or proof of accreditations and endorsements.

4. What to Expect:

   In addition to checking the breeder's qualifications before you buy, you should be prepared for some application demands on you, as the prospective owner. A good breeder will not allow just anyone to adopt one of his or her prized pups. He will need to make sure you are able to meet the needs of the dog, and that you and your pet are a good match.

5. Breeder's Surroundings:

   Most breeders, especially of the medium to larger breeds of dogs, should have enough room for all of the dogs to be able to run about freely and get enough air and exercise. Also important to note is the temperament of the breeders themselves. If they seem to be disgruntled owners/breeders, you'd be best to look around a bit. How the breeder treats his animals is also an important factor to consider.

Labrador Breeders - Newborn Facts

1. Average Number of Newborns Delivered at Birth:

   Some litters can be quite small, as few as 4 puppies. This occurs usually when the mother is of a much younger age. A litter can also be very prolific - all the way up to 14! On the average, however, 8 puppies is normal.

2. Age To Be Sold:

   Puppies of most breeds are not ready for adoption until about the age of 7 or 8 weeks.

3. What to Look For in a Newborn:

   The newborn Labrador should have a good, rich colored coat, either black for the black labs, brown for the chocolate lab, or 'blonde' for the yellow lab. The coat should be a uniform color if it is in fact a pure breed. Labradors are normally calm and gentle dogs, so the puppy should be willing to be held and not seem too skittish.

4. Registry:

   Your puppy should be registered with the American Kennel Club as a sporting dog.

5. AKC Recognized Characteristics:

   The three colors mentioned above (black, chocolate and yellow) are the only three colors that a Labrador retriever has as an AKC recognized characteristic.

6. Expense to Purchase Newborn:

   The average price of any pure bred dog is somewhere between $500 and $1,000.

7. Dam and Sire Information of your Newborn:

   All reputable breeders will have complete information about the parents of your prospective puppy, including their own AKC registration, health certificates and genetic certifications.

Labrador Breeders - Breeder Concerns

1. Breeder Reputation:

   Obtain references of other satisfied dog owners from this breeder to get a good handle on what you may be able to expect from your puppy purchase.

2. Pet Health:

   Labrador Retrievers are known to suffer from hip dysplasia. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, or the OFC can offer a certification that your animal has not been found to have this condition. It is a good idea to ask for this certification before you make your purchase.

3. Assurances:

   Labrador breeders should be able to offer some health guarantees with the purchase of your Labrador Retriever.