Pet Topics

You need to ask your prospective Labrador Retriever breeder a lot more questions other than how much they cost. Because Labs are the most popular breed in North America, there are (sadly) many people who breed Labs for quantity rather than quality. With a pre-written list of questions for your Labrador breeder, you can help avoid those breeders that shouldn’t be within a mile of a puppy.

The most important questions when can I come look at the kennel, what kind of contract do you require and what do you look for in a new puppy owner. If you don’t have time to ask a lot of questions (say, if you are at a dog show), then at least try to slip in those three. The answers you get will tell you most of what you need to know about what kind of breeder your future Lab puppy will be like.
It is absolutely vital that you are able to visit the kennels of any Labrador Retriever breeder. Even if you are at a show and there are literally a littler of pups for sale, resist the temptation and schedule an appointment. The environment your puppy will be raised in will tell you a lot about the health and mental stability of your future puppy. You also should be able to meet dogs related to your puppy.

The kennel or home kennel should not smell putrid or like a garbage truck in summer. The dogs should be healthy, smiling, well behaved and clean. It is okay for Labrador Retrievers to live most of their lives in outdoor covered kennels with runs. They are a breed that can do as well outside as inside. It is not okay if they live in stacked crates. That’s a sign of someone who doesn’t care about the quality of dogs he or she breeds.
There should be a contract for you made up by any reputable Labrador Retriever breeders. It should clearly spell out what the breeder is responsible for and what you are responsible for. Ask if you could take a copy home with you to look over more thoroughly before you sign. If there is no contract, then you should not have anything to do with this so-called Labrador Retriever breeder. There should be health certificates of the parents to see, including hip dysplasia scores as well as a contract.

And you need to ask about what Labrador information you need to know in order to comfortably live with a Lab. A good breeder will already pepper you with questions about your knowledge of dogs and past experience with them before you even get a chance to ask this question! A good breeder will take a long time to learn your personality and lifestyle requirements before selecting a puppy for you.

There are too many Labrador breeders in the world and not enough homes for the Labrador pups. There would be a lot fewer abandoned Labs if people knew basic Labrador information before buying a puppy.