Be an Educated Puppy Buyer
You have done your breed research and decided that a
Labrador Retriever is the right dog for you (see Lab
Notes #2). Your next step is to find a reputable
Labrador Retriever breeder.
An educated buyer is in better position to make
decisions about a reputable breeder than someone who
just picks up a newspaper and calls the number on the
first ad they see.
One of the best ways to learn about breeders is to
attend events in which Labrador Retrievers participate –
conformation shows, hunting tests, field trials,
obedience trials, Rally – O, fly ball – remember this is
a versatile dog! Watch the dogs. Take notes. Talk to the
owners of the competitors. Most responsible breeders
want to test the results of their breeding programs by
participating in these events and will also encourage
their puppy buyers participate.
The internet is an invaluable tool for finding breeders
but you have to dig further. Be willing to phone the
breeder. Contact a breed club such as the LOC or the CKC
to ask for referrals.
Be prepared to visit the kennel. Are the conditions
clean and the dogs healthy and well cared for? Is the
mother of the puppies on site?
About The Responsible Labrador Breeder
A responsible breeder knows about the breed. They know
the breed standard, genetic diseases in the breed and
their own bloodlines. They belong to breed clubs (like
the LOC) and the Canadian Kennel Club ( www.ckc.ca) They
can offer advice on what the buyer can expect from one
of their puppies and test their breeding stock for
genetic diseases and will issue a guarantee to that
effect.
LOC breeder members agree to adhere to the LOC Code of
Ethics. Their reasons for breeding are to improve the
breed and enhance their own bloodlines. Consequently,
they do not always have puppies available so you might
have to go on a waiting list but finding the right puppy
from a breeder you can trust is always worth the wait.
Responsible breeders test the parents of puppies for
genetic defects. Both parents should have hip and elbow
clearances from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) or
the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA. Eye
clearances from a veterinary ophthalmologist (AVCO) are
also recommended. While there are no absolute guarantees
that these clearances will result in puppies which are
problem free, the clearances greatly improve the odds.
Ask the breeder if these clearances have been done. If
the breeder doesn’t want to give you a direct answer or
insists that their dogs don’t need to be tested– move
on.
A responsible breeder gives careful consideration to
each litter and the stud and dam used to produce the
litter. Ask if the stud and dam are titled. Do they have
titled dogs in their pedigrees that are in the next
generation? Pedigrees with titles that are farther back
in the pedigree or pedigrees with only a few titles are
not indicators of a good breeding program. Responsible
breeders want to have puppies that improve on the assets
of the parents.
What To Expect When you Visit The Breeder
The mother of the puppies will be on the site and you
should be able to see her. The father (or stud) may not
be on the site. Some breeders may send a dam a distance
away to be bred or use artificial insemination from a
dog that might even be in another country. However,
pictures and details of the stud will be available and
the breeder should have no difficulty showing them to
the puppy buyer.
Puppies are kept with their mother and littermates for
at least the first 7 weeks of life. In addition they are
well socialized – which means they get frequent
interaction with people and are safely exposed to a
variety of experiences.
The puppies should appear healthy. Before they go to new
homes they are vet checked, dewormed and have their
first shots. The puppies will also have some form of
identification – a breeder tattoo or microchip. Puppies
are evaluated for temperament and the breeder will help
you find the best match for you and your lifestyle.
There will be a puppy package of information supplied
with your puppy – everything a new buyer needs to know
about the care of the new family member.
Responsible breeders are very particular about placing
their puppies. You will be asked many questions about
your home, your lifestyle, your reasons for choosing a
Labrador Retriever and more. They will want to know
about your plans for the puppy. Family companion,
possible competitor in Labrador events? Do not be
offended! The breeder is just trying to ensure that the
home is a good match for one of their precious bundles.
They do not want their puppies ending up abandoned in a
shelter or worse and these breeders will always take
back a puppy you cannot keep.
A responsible breeder will require that you sign a
contract that spells out all of the conditions of buying
one of their puppies. Included in the contract will be
the guarantees the breeder is providing and breeding
restrictions. Remember a responsible breeder has spent
considerable time and effort in building their
bloodlines and establishing their kennel name and they
have every right to protect that. Read your contract
carefully – ask the breeder to explain anything that you
do not understand. Make sure you are comfortable with
the commitment before you sign the contract.
This Fact Sheet was
written for the LOC by D. van Nostrand. Reproduction in
whole or part without the express permission of the
author is prohibited.
March 2006
