Choose a Labrador Puppy

Labrador retrievers are friendly, intelligent, energetic dogs. As a result, they are the most popular dogs in the United States. Taking the time to choose a Labrador puppy carefully will pay off, whether you are looking for a pet, a working dog, or a show dog.

Steps

Deciding on a Labrador

1. Make sure that a Labrador is the right dog for you. Do you have the time, space, and money to give a Labrador a good home? Labrador retrievers are very energetic, medium-sized dogs and will require considerable exercise and space. In addition, their thick double coats require regular, though not elaborate, grooming. Although Labradors are generally healthy, be sure to consider routine veterinary costs as well as the cost of providing high-quality nutrition.
2. Do your research about non-purebred Labradors. Labrador retrievers crossed with other dogs have gained in popularity. The “Silver Labrador” may be the result of cross-breeding with Weimaraners, while the “Labradoodle” is a mix of Labrador and poodle. Such so-called “designer” dogs can make great pets, but they will not necessarily live up to claims that they combine the “best” of both breeds.
   • Rather than paying a high price for a specific mix, you may be better off adopting a non-purebred dog from a shelter whose looks and temperament match your needs.
3. Decide what your Labrador’s main role will be. Do you want a family pet, a gun dog to assist you in hunting game, or a dog who can compete in shows or field trials? What qualities are most important to you?
   • Hunting dogs are bred to withstand cold water, to have a keen sense of smell, and to be able to bag game quickly, gently, and effectively.
   • Champion or field trial Labradors are bred with more attention to speed and intelligence, and somewhat less to looks; they may need a great deal more exercise and space than the average pet Labrador.

Choosing the Right Source for a Puppy

1. Choose a responsible breeder. Your breeder should be concerned with breeding healthy dogs who improved the breed. Visit a potential breeder and observe his interactions with his dogs; they should be friendly and relaxed.
   • Look for breeders who are registered with national organizations such as the American Kennel Club or with breed-specific organizations such as the National Labrador Retriever Club.
   • Ask the breeder why these two particular dogs were bred. If they have had other litters, ask for references from people who bought those puppies.
2. Choose a breeder who specializes in raising the kind of dog you want. If you want a gun dog, don’t choose a breeder who primarily raises cuddly pets or award-winning show dogs. These breeders will be able to assess puppies more accurately for the qualities you’re seeking.
   • Look for quantifiable measures. For example, select breeders with litters from parents who have hunt test or field trial scores if you want a puppy who will grow into a good hunting dog.
3. Adopt from a Labrador retriever rescue society. These are organizations that work to find homes for Labradors who need a good home. While these organizations often have many adult and even senior dogs who need homes, they also place puppies.
   • Large non-breed specific rescue organizations may also get Labrador retrievers. Contact local humane societies or rescue organizations and let them know that you’re looking to adopt a Labrador.
4. Don’t participate in an auction. Charities or non-profits may offer Labrador puppies for auction as a means of raising funds. Because these auctions are often conducted without appropriate legal oversight and because they encourage rash decisions about pet ownership, they are opposed by groups such as the National Labrador Retriever Club.

Meeting the Parents

1. Meet your prospective puppy’s parents, if possible. Many physical and temperamental attributes are inherited. Your puppy’s parents should be healthy and should have the same general temperament and strengths that you are looking for in a dog, whether that’s high intelligence, agility, or an extremely affectionate nature.
   • A responsible breeder will always let you meet at least one of the puppy’s parents; if they refuse, you should not buy from them. In the case of a rescue organization or shelter, of course, meeting the parents might not be possible.
2. Make sure that that your puppy’s parents meet the breed standard if you want a show dog. For example, do they have the characteristic “otter” tail, thick and tapering without any feathering? Are their coats thick, dense, and coarse? Labradors may be black, yellow or chocolate in color, but they must not have brindle or tan markings.
   • Ask to see the parents’ American Kennel Club registration papers or equivalent documentation. This is important if you want to be able to register your puppy with the organization in order to participate in shows and competitions.
3. Ask if the parents’ hips and elbows have been screened for dysplasias. These are joint abnormalities that can be inherited and may be detected by x-ray before symptoms are apparent. Both parents should be free of hip and elbow dysplasia.
4. Ask if the parents have had their eyes examined. Labradors can inherit several vision problems, including progressive retinal atrophy, retinal dysplasia, and juvenile cataracts. Your puppy’s parents should be examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist to rule out these problems.

Selecting Your Puppy

1. Look for a healthy puppy. A healthy Labrador puppy has clear eyes and a glossy coat. He should be clean and energetic, with no signs of infection or parasites such as worms, fleas, or ticks. The whole litter should look healthy and well-fed.
2. Make sure that your puppy has been well socialized. Puppies should not be fearful or spooked when interacting with people. Play with your prospective puppy and cuddle her to get a sense of what it’s like to interact with her.
3. Assess the puppy’s temperament. Spend time with your puppy and ask about any behaviors that concern you, such as biting or cowering. Ask the breeder how she assesses temperament and be clear with her about what you are looking for in a puppy: affection, physical courage, gentleness, or keen intelligence, for example.
4. Choose a puppy based on temperament rather than sex. Unless you plan to breed or show your dog, have your puppy spayed or neutered at an early age. Spaying your female dog is a slightly more complicated and expensive procedure than neutering your male dog. An unspayed female dog will have to be carefully monitored during her estrus cycles, while an unneutered male dog may have a tendency toward dominance that will require firm training. However, individual temperament determines far more than sex, and claims that female dogs are easier to train, for example, are more anecdotal than factual.
   • Ask your breeder how she assesses qualities in her puppies. For example, if she is selling gun dogs, does she have a process for assessing interest in prey and self-confidence?
5. Make sure your puppy has been vaccinated. You should receive a certificate of vaccination outlining what vaccinations the puppy has received. In addition, ask about whether the puppy has been tested for worms or treated with de-worming medication.

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Sources and Citations

See also

• Adopt a Purebred Dog
• Find and Adopt a Healthy and Happy Shelter Dog
• Adopt a Puppy
• Persuade Your Parents to Get a Dog
• Choose a German Shepherd Puppy
• Choose a Jack Russell Puppy
• Select a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Choose a Shiba Inu Puppy
• Check a Dog's Pedigree
• Make Your Labrador Retriever Happier

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