Lab breeding age

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a black female lab almost 6 mos. old.  At what age should you wait til before breeding one time?  Thnx, Mike

ANSWER: Labs should not be bred before the age of 2, and they should not be bred until they pass all of their health clearances.  We have so many health problems in the breed in the USA that we have to make sure the dogs being bred have been cleared of hips, elbows, heart, and eye problems.  There are also some other diseases, EIC and CNM, that we are now testing for.  Some things you can test for before the dog is 2.  If they do not pass these health tests, it doesn't matter the age, they should never be bred.  

Then there is the point of dog shows.  If you dog is not shown in conformation or performance events, you should NOT breed your dog.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thnx for your answer!  I am puzzled about one thing you said - not to breed if the dog is not shown in conformation or performance events.  Why is that?  Thnx again, Mike

Answer
While all labs are cute and lovable family companions, in the USA they are the #1 registered dog with the AKC, and unfortunately many times that's just people breeding their pets together with no regards to the standards.  That's why there are so many variations in what labs look like.  Along with making sure that a dog is healthy and sound by doing the health checks at the proper age, you also want to make sure that the dog looks/performs the way a true Labrador should.  

Dog shows will tell you if your dog matches the standard and is a good visual representation of the breed.  Others focus on performance, so if their goal is to produce excellent hunting dogs, they have proof that the dogs that they breed have received titles in hunting competitions.  This can also include obedience, rally and agility.  It shows the intelligence, trainability and working ability of the dog.  

Too many folks put their cute pets together that don't really look like labs and have long ago lost the ability to retrieve a ball.  While we love our PETS, just because they are cute and we WANT to do it is really not a valid reason to bring more puppies into the world.  Those who want to breed need to be stewards of the Labrador Retriever by making sure that we are doing all the things possible to be breeding only the best dogs together.  

Breeding is not a money making venture, it's done because one loves the breed.  I breed a litter when I want a new puppy for dog shows.  The beautiful pups that adhere to the standard but might not make a good show prospect are sold to families that value a good pedigree and a sound puppy to add to their family as a pet.  These dogs are not sold in order for others to breed from.  

In the USA, if you don't breed correctly, you are known as a Back Yard Breeder (typically someone who only cares about producing puppies for money) very similar to Puppy Mills.