Saturday, January 16, 2016

What To Consider When Choosing A Labrador Retriever Breeder

By Scott Watson


There are many different breeds of dog and they all have specific characteristics that make them appealing to different people. If you are in love with labs and want one that is purebred, here is what you need to know about choosing a Labrador retriever breeder that will sell you a healthy, well adjusted puppy to become your new furry family member.

Labs were originally hunting dogs although now the majority of dogs tend to be family companions. Retrievers were expected to jump into water or other conditions and bring back game that a hunter had shot with a gun or bow. Because of this, they have specific physical characteristics that have been bred into them over generations.

Keep in mind that some dogs are better hunters than others. If this is what you want your adult canine to excel at make sure that you work with a breeder who specializes in hunting dogs. There is no reason why a hunting dog cannot also be a good family companion as well.

It is important to ask about the health of these dogs before agreeing to bring home a particular puppy. Like other large breeds, these dogs can be prone to certain health issues. Some of these can be quite serious. Hip dysplasia is common in these dogs and a reputable breeder will be careful to minimize the chances of their dogs developing this medical condition.

Socializing a puppy is important and it doesn't start when you pick it up. Much of what a dog learns is actually imprinted early on when the baby is still with its mother and its litter mates. You may want to find out how long a dog will stay with its mother. The longer it stays the happier it will be and this can translate to being easier to train once you bring it home.

Some breeders go for periods of time without having pups available for purchase. While this can be frustrating when you want a dog immediately, you may end up being further ahead if you have to wait. Some breeders may be waiting to breed dogs who live a fair distance away or may be allowing their females to rest and recover between litters.

A lot of breeders will allow you to meet a litter of pups before you choose one to bring home. It is not unusual to have to pay a deposit once you have figured out which puppy you want. Don't be afraid to talk to the breeder and find out what the different personality traits are for each of the puppies. They may be able to recommend a particular personality type that will suit your family situation better than another would.

Once you know what to look for in a breeder, its time to find names to interview. One option is to look in breed specific publications or on national websites that are dedicated to a particular breed. Then you can start narrowing down your options until you find someone you trust that you can get your new pup from.




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