Finding and Selecting a Responsible Breeder

Now that you have done your research on the Labrador Retriever breed and decided that you are ready to adopt a puppy, you will need to determine whether you are interested in rescuing a dog or working with a breeder of purebred Labradors. If you decide that you want to work with a breeder, it is imperative that you do your research to ensure that you choose a responsible and ethical breeder.


Here are some tips to help guide you in your examination: 

• First, you must decide what traits you are looking for in a Labrador. Do you want a dog that is a simple, everyday companion for the family, or are you more interested in a working dog, bred for hunting or sport? In addition, Labradors can be used for rescue work, therapy, and of course, competing in the show ring. Once you decide what characteristics you are looking for in your Labrador, you can refine your search to breeders who focus on refining these specific traits in their dogs.
• There are several sources you can refer to in your search for a responsible breeder. These include:
  • The AKC Marketplace
  • The official AKC Parent Club of the Labrador Retriever, www.thelabradorclub.com 
  • AKC dog shows and trials 
  • To find a breeder near you, you can search www.breeders.net
• Once you have identified one or more appealing breeders, your next step will be to contact them. Don't be discouraged if a breeder isn't immediately responsive; however, do be selective and choose a breeder who you believe is knowledgeable and with whom you feel comfortable.
• Once you have determined that the chemistry between you and a breeder works, you should visit the breeder's home or kennel, preferably before the puppy is born, in order to meet at least one of the parents. Not only is this an opportunity to witness what the future holds for your puppy in terms of temperament and appearance, but also will provide you with additional time to ask the breeder further questions.
• Making a visit to the breeder’s kennel or home also gives you a chance to observe the breeder and the environment where the dogs and puppies are raised. Signs of a responsible breeder are:
  • The environment is clean, both inside and outside
  • There is plenty of space for the dogs to engage in healthy exercise and activity
  • All dogs and puppies are clean, well fed, and healthy (shiny coat, clear eyes, and clean hindquarters are good examples of well-cared for dogs)
  • Dogs and puppies should be lively and outgoing rather than lethargic, skittish, or scared
  • Watch how the breeder interacts with the dogs and puppies - do they show a genuine kindness and caring for them? Do the dogs shy away from the breeder? 
  • The breeder will be able to show you all the documents pertaining to the breeding including health and genetic screenings for both the dam and the sire, pedigrees for both parents, proof of American Kennel Club (AKC) registration, and will also be forthright in acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses of the breed and the steps taken to avoid them when breeding. Be sure to request copies of the the OFA and CERF certificates before agreeing to adopt a puppy from a breeder.
• If after your visit you determine that this is the breeder you want to adopt your puppy from, then as a responsible breeder, she will most likely want to ensure that she is sending her puppies to a good home. To determine this, she may ask you a series of questions that you should be prepared to answer such as, but not limited to:
  • The living conditions - will your puppy be living inside or outside, and how will you insure your home and yard is puppy-proof?
  • Do you have a veterinarian?
  • What other pets do you have at home?
  • Have you ever been a Labrador parent in the past?
  • How much time are you willing to commit to raising, training, and playing with your puppy?
• Once you and the breeder have established a comfortable report between one another, the breeder will provide a contract that details the health guarantee, appropriate conditions of care, and specifics about what happens if you are unable to care for or keep the puppy. Furthermore, responsible breeders will not consider sending their puppies to their new homes until they are at least eight weeks old. 
• When it comes time to bring home your puppy, a responsible breeder will have a packet of information for you that contains important information about caring for your puppy, vaccination records for you to share with your veterinarian, microchip identification information, and the appropriate documents such as the dog’s pedigree and the application form to register your puppy with the AKC.

Adopting a puppy is a significant commitment emotionally, physically, and financially. I encourage you to spend the time and energy, now, doing a thorough search for a responsible breeder who not only cares about the integrity of the breed standard, but also about the health and happiness of the dogs and puppies they are raising. Please contact us to learn how you can  bring an Ashling Place Labrador puppy home.

Check in next week to learn about the importance of testing for genetic diseases.

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