Read About Labrador Breeding

Labrador Breeding produces excellent versatile dogs that can be used as show dogs as well as performance dogs. Here's everything you need to know about these breeders.

Labrador Breeding - Breeder Facts

1. Professional Affiliations:

   Breeders must be affiliated with the Labrador Retriever Club (LRC), which is a parent club of the American Kennel Club (AKC) at a minimum.

2. Why Use a Breeder:

   Breeders are well-versed with health and genetic concerns of the puppies. They can tell what kind of food and training must be provided and what shots would be required.

3. How to Find:

   Reputed breeders can be found by referrals from your local Labrador Clubs. Even the vets and families owning labs can give information. You can visit dog shows, but they are not definitive sources.

4. What to Expect:

   A genuine breeder would want your whole family to visit the puppy. They would ask questions such as why do you want the dog, what luxuries you would give him, etc. There will be paperwork involved.

5. Breeder's Surroundings:

   See that the breeder does not just dump all dogs together in a kennel rug. Labrador puppies need to grow up in a well-maintained, well-lit and healthy environment.

Labrador Breeding - Newborn Facts

1. Average Number of Newborns Delivered at Birth:

   There are generally seven to eight puppies born in a single litter of Labradors.

2. Age To Be Sold:

   Labradors can be sold after they attain the age of six weeks.

3. What to Look For in a Newborn:

   Check the coat. If it is matted, it implies improper grooming, and worse, skin infections. Teeth must have a scissors bite and gait should be unimpaired.

4. Registry:

   Labradors must be registered under the AKC class in the sporting category.

5. AKC Recognized Characteristics:

   The AKC registers characteristics such as short, dense, perennial coats with flat tails. Their heads have a clean cut. They have a broad skull and prominent jaws.

6. Expense to Purchase Newborn:

   A new Labrador puppy could cost anywhere between $600 and $1500.

7. Dam and Sire Information of your Newborn:

   Parents must have their OFA, CERF and Penn Hip certification. Parent information is available from the breeder, and they are usually present on the premises.

Labrador Breeding - Breeder Concerns

1. Breeder Reputation:

   A Labrador breeder must be affiliated with some kennel clubs. They must have good veterinarian records and make their dogs participate in shows. It is ideal if they are recommended by other dog owners.

2. Pet Health:

   Labradors are vulnerable, like other dogs, to dysplasia of the hip and the elbow. They can contract eye problems and ear otitis.

3. Assurances:

   When Labrador breeding, the breeder should provide health guarantees of the Labrador they sell, which must be of a minimum thirty days.