[bradleysmum]

Hi,

There's been alot of talk recently on good & bad breeders, and i really would like this topic to be researched thoroughly.

I thought it would be good to get a thread going, for people looking to buy a labrador, to offer them good advice about selecting a good breeder, and tips to avoid bad ones too.

If you can recommend tips on the above, please submit them to this thread.

Many thanks.

Bradleysmum

 

[bradleysmum]

P.S. Labdad offered some good advice, on a previous thread, which i am submitting to this post. Thanks Labdad.

Take your time in selecting a breeder. Go to Labrador shows and Labrador trials and agility meets, contact the Labrador Club, UK for a list of breeders, talk with other owners and interview prospective breeders.

The Labrador retriever has several genetic diseases that can be potentialy debilitating as well as expensive. There is now a health screening scheme in place in the UK. Consider a pup from a breeder who has had their dogs vetted and certified.

Check the lineage of the dogs involved. Make inquiries if you can. Would be preferred if they were titled or demonstrated they met the breed standard. A reputable breeder will want to show you their Labs, particularly the mom. Know the breed standard and look critically at the dogs.

Look at how they raise and keep their Labs. Labs are people dogs. Where do they keep the dogs, in what conditions and how do they treat them?

Reputable breeders know the breed standard they wallow in it. They are or should be students of the breed and should be able to give you lots of insight. What is their concern for the pup and you after the sale?

A reputable breeder will treat you like they are selling their favorite child. Be prepared to answer more questions than the bank did when they loaned you money. Think about what role your Lab will fill in your family and life style. Be prepared for a twelve to fifteen year committment. If you are concerned about colour coordination or Lab hair on cloths and carpet, or chewing up your favorite things, or getting old, or big, bouncy-Don't get a Labrador.


Unless you plan to shopw or breed Labs, neuter your puppy at the recommended time. Some breeders may insist on it.

 

[Labdad]

Some links:
http://www.inch.com/~dogs/breeders.html

http://www.bichonfriseusa.com/reputablebreeder.htm

http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/amateur-breeders.html

http://www.peteducation.com/category_summary.cfm?cls=2&cat=1671

http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/breeding.html

http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/checklist.html

http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/clearances.html

 

[lablover]

Reputable breeders know the breed standard they wallow in it.

lol - that is so true
and I am grateful that they do!

 

[Labdad]

I do not believe there are good breeders or bad breeders. There are responsible breeders, ignorant breeders, and an uneducated public.

The responsible breeder breeds for the sake of the breed. They know and understand the meanings of the breed standards, are aware of the genetic diseases, and the risks of breeding. They wish to further the breed.

The ignorant breeder breeds for the money, or because they think they have the nicest dogs, or so their kids can see the miricle of life being born, or for many other ill-conceived reasons.

The uneducated public does not know how to distinguish between the two.

The public can become better informed by attending dog shows, agility meets, and hunt trials; by reading books, surfing the 'Net, attending seminars, visiting different kennels, and talking to "dog people".