How To Find A Good Labrador Retriever Breeder?

How To Find A Good Labrador Retriever Breeder?

Anyone who wants a Labrador Retriever for their dog should consider starting their search with a reputable breeder. This is especially true for those who desire a purebred dog. Although good Labrador breeders are the most expensive sources of purebred dogs, you are not only assured of the best quality in the puppies you buy; you are also guaranteed to have support care throughout the lifetime of your Lab.

The problem is, with the many puppy mills and unscrupulous breeders out there, you need to be more focused in your search so that you not only find the best breeder, but also a healthy puppy for you and/or your family.

Do you want to find a good Labrador Retriever breeder from whom you can purchase a healthy puppy? Here’s how you go about searching for a reputable breeder.

What is a Reputable Labrador Retriever Breeder?

Practically every article that you will read on Lab breeders uses the term “reputable”, which, as defined in the dictionary, means “having a good reputation.”

While there are no educational or training requirements to be a good breeder, these are individuals who have earned a good reputation through years of experience with Labs and their breeding among strict lines. They not only know the breed and the dogs that they have; they have a genuine love and interest in perpetuating and enhancing the best qualities of the breed and, most of all, ensure that any dogs they sell go to loving and responsible families

For these reasons and more, reputable Lab breeders become members of kennel clubs and must meet their strict requirements with regards to the breeding and care of the breeds they specialize in. 

What are the Characteristics of a Reputable Labrador Retriever Breeder?

A reputable Lab breeder should possess a number of characteristics which should be aware of during your search. These characteristics are as follows:

  • They should be members of or listed in your country and/or location’s kennel club. 
  • Upon inquiry with the kennel club, the breeder should have existing information on events and shows that their dogs have participated in as well as reviews from people who have purchased puppies from them in the past.
  • They should demonstrate genuine love for their dogs by maintaining clean kennels and taking good care of them. 
  • To differentiate a good breeder from a puppy mill, a Lab female should not have more than one litter within a 12-month period or should not have had three or more litters throughout her 10-to-12-year life span.
  • They perform regular health screenings for their dogs.
  • They possess a great wealth of knowledge about the breed they specialize in.
  • They are very picky as to the people they sell their puppies to.
  • They are not only open and honest in answering your questions; they should also be interviewing you so that they are reassured that their puppies are going to good, responsible people.
  • They should introduce you not only to the puppies, but also to the parents and the place where they are presently being raised.
  • Guarantee lifetime support and follow up care.

How to Find a Reputable Breeder

Now that you know about the characteristics of a reputable breeder, let us go through the steps on finding one.

1) Always start your search with a kennel club.

Your search for a reputable breeder should always begin with an inquiry with kennel clubs. They have a complete listing of member breeders which is updated on a regular basis. They can recommend existing members in their roster who meet their strict requirements. 

If you came across any breeders in ads or recommendations from friends, you should also ask the kennel club if these breeders happen to be members or if they have information on their operations.

2) Request for an appointment with the breeder.

Most reputable breeders have long waiting lists for puppies from the dogs in their stock, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t check out their establishments this early. 

Request for an appointment to meet with the breeder. Reputable breeders will not hesitate to show you their kennels. Kennels should always be kept clean to ensure the health and safety of their dogs. Make sure that you check the physical condition of their dogs and ask if they possess the necessary health certificates and pedigree papers. 

3) Do not hesitate to ask questions.

During your appointment, you should ask questions from the breeder which they should be happy and capable of answering without any hesitation. Here are some good questions that you can ask a breeder:

  • What is your involvement with the Labrador breed? Have your dogs participated in field trials and similar events in the past? How did they do in these events?
  • Are the parents registered? Have you personally worked with the sire and dam?
  • Can you provide a lineage chart for any puppy I purchase from you?
  • Where are your dogs and puppies raised?
  • How long have you been breeding? How many litters have you bred? 
  • Can I meet the parents of the puppy/puppies that I will be purchasing from you?
  • Can you provide health certificates of the parents, particularly guaranteeing the health of their hips and eyes?
  • Are there any inherited diseases that I should be aware of?
  • Could you provide me with references from previous puppy buyers?
  • If my personal circumstances change so that I can no longer care for the puppy or dog, would you be willing to take it back into your care? (Take note that this condition is actually a part of a reputable breeder’s contract.)
  • Will you provide me with lifetime care and support for the puppy that I will purchase from you?

4) Be prepared to be interviewed by the breeder.

All reputable breeders would like to know about the people they would be selling and entrusting their puppies to. Here are some of the questions that a breeder may ask from you:

  • Can you afford raising a dog?
  • What are your specific expectations in a dog?
  • Have you raised a dog/s in the past?
  • Tell me about your home. Do you live in a house or an apartment? Do you have a backyard or garden, how large is it, and does it have a fence? If you have don’t have a garden, do you have access to park or any large outdoor space?
  • Where will you keep the puppy when you bring it home with you?
  • How much time will you be spending with the puppy? 
  • Do you have a spouse and/or children? Can I meet them? Are they agreeable about your buying a dog? Are they also willing to take responsibility in the care of the puppy?
  • Do you have other dogs or pets at home? 
  • Are you willing to sign an agreement regarding the training, use, or show of the dog?

5) Ask from people who have purchased puppies from the breeder in the past.

While most breeders will provide you with a list of references, you can also inquire from other buyers about the health of any puppies and dogs that they have purchased. 

While these steps may seem meticulous and somewhat intrusive, no breeder should find offense, and neither should you as a potential dog owner. In your search for a good Labrador Retriever, what should be first and foremost in your and the breeder’s mind is ensuring the happiness and overall health and well-being of the dog.

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