When people are looking into getting a dog for their own or for their family, among their top picks is the Labrador Retriever. The Labrador is a popular choice because of its intelligence and its friendly, easy-going demeanor. These qualities and more make the Labrador Retriever the ideal dog for families.
However, do you know what to look for when buying a Labrador? Let us give you some tips so that you are sure to get the best dog for you and your family.
1) Know the Labrador that you want to buy
First of all, you need to know the specific Labrador Retriever that you want to buy. Do you want a male or a female dog? Although Labs, in general, have the same temperament regardless of sex, females are reported to be more laidback and less exuberant than their male counterparts. Getting a female for the purpose of having puppies in the future is another consideration. Some dog owners prefer males for stud or breeding purposes.
Another consideration is coat color. Most families looking to have a good pet can choose any of the coat colors, although yellow is a particular favorite. Black Labs have strong working and retrieving roots. So, if you love outdoor activities, such as hiking or hunting, a Black Lab would be the best choice. If you are looking for a Labrador that is just for show, and you are not interested in having it participate in obedience and field trials, you can get a Chocolate Lab. Take note though that some dog trainers have claimed that Chocolates are stubborn and hard-headed, and thus difficult to train.
2) Finding the Right Breeder
If you are looking for a dog with a pedigree, then you should start your search with a reputable breeder. A great place to start is the Animal Kennel Club Marketplace. Just type in your location and the search engine will give you a list of breeders in your area.
You need to take note that some breeders/individuals that are listed in the Marketplace are committee members with expertise in certain specializations. For example, a person labeled “FT” (or Field Trial) means that he/she specializes in working type Labs. Another label “GWT” (Gundog Working Test) means that he/she specializes in working gun dogs. You can contact these individuals so that they can recommend you to a good breeder.
Marketplace also lists puppies for sale in your area. There may be announcements for stud service, a male dog for siring quality puppies. You can also reserve puppies for a reasonable down payment if their dams or female dogs are pregnant.
For those with puppies available, request for a copy of their health records. Most breeders do not release puppies to their new owners until they have given them their first standard vaccinations and deworming. You should also check if the puppies have been tested for genetic disorders, such as hip dysplasia which is common among Labs.
3) Schedule a visit to the breeder
One of the best ways to determine the quality of the Lab puppy that you will be buying is by personally visiting the breeder. Check the premises. It should be kept clean and carefully maintained for the comfort of the dogs and their puppies. Ask to see the father and mother of the puppy you intend to buy. Both parents should be in good health and with a friendly temperament. If the dam was sired by a stud outside the breeder’s establishment, contact the stud owner and make inquiries as to its health and temperament. If not, ask from people who have had puppies from the same stud.
If you are looking for puppies that you intend to compete in field or obedience trials, you should also check the sporting credentials of the stud and dam. Pedigreed dogs can have lofty letters/titles, such as “Field Trial Champion” or FTCH, stamped in their papers.
Take note that a good breeder wants to ensure that their puppies go to homes that will love them. If you are unhappy with the dog you buy for any reason, breeders have contract clauses stating that they will get the puppy back and refund the money you have paid for it.
4) Do not buy puppies from pet shops/puppy mills
Because Labrador Retrievers are expensive dogs with an average price of USD $800 to $1,500, you might be thinking of buying puppies from cheaper sources. Be warned that pet shops can just be fronts for puppy mills. These greedy and irresponsible breeders overbreed their dams and keep them in deplorable conditions. Some dogs are even abused. The puppies that are born can have health issues aside from genetic disorders.
5) Adopting a Labrador from a shelter or animal rescue center
Another cost-friendly option is to adopt a Lab from a shelter or animal rescue center. While the Labs from these establishments are not pedigreed and may be of mixed breed, they have been cared for and re-trained by shelter volunteers so that they can be adopted by families who will love them. In these cases, it is best to visit the shelter and check out the Labs that they have.
It is important that the Lab you adopt has a friendly temperament. You can inquire about the dog’s temperament with the shelter volunteers. You should also visit the dogs frequently to get to know them so you can make the right choice. A good dog should not be afraid of you and should approach you with tail wagging. Certain Labs may have been abandoned or abused by their previous owners. If you want to adopt these unfortunate dogs, you should be committed to giving them love, patience, and positive training.
Don’t forget to ask the shelter personnel if the dog has been given their vaccinations. You can also inquire of any special dietary needs or health issues that dog may have had.
These are the tips that can help you know what to look for when buying a Labrador. We hope these tips can aid you in your search for a good dog to love.
