puppy

Question
Hello i have got one question!!
I want to buy a new Labrador retriever, can you tell me some things to make me pick te best one?
With kind regards Loek s.

Answer
Hi Loek,

Sorry I didn't get to this sooner.  I was having computer issues.

The first, and most important, step in choosing the right puppy is to choose the right breeder.  Purchasing a puppy from a pet store, a backyard breeder, or a puppy mill is not the way to go about getting a dog.  You can find reputable, ethical, responsible breeders by going to dog shows, asking at kennel clubs, or by typing the breed's AKC parent club into your browser.  In this case, you would type in "Labrador Retriever Club".  There, you will find listings of the LRC's members.  

Now, just because they are members of a kennel club, it does not mean they are ethical or responsible.  Ask for names of their previous puppy buyers.  Ask if they have a contract of sale for their dogs.  Ethical, responsible breeders will put into their contracts that, should you not be happy with your dog/pup, they have first right in getting that dog back, and most will insist that the dog be returned to them rather than you placing the dog/pup yourself.  Many offer some money back if your dog should develop a genetic health problem.  

Go to the breeders' facilities.  Ask to see their dogs.  Are the dogs friendly, or are they shy and stand-offish?  Do they appear to be well-taken care of?  Are the facilities clean?  How many dogs, and/or how many breeds does that breeder have?  More than two breeds, which are actively being bred, on the premises should send up red flags.  How many litters do they have per year?  More than two should send up red flags.  Are they showing their dogs in any venue?  If they are not showing in any manner, they are probably breeding just for the money and not with the purpose of the integrity of the breed.

How to choose the best pup for you?  Many responsible breeders know their pups' temperaments.  They will ask you a lot of questions.  This is to try to make the best matches for their pups.  If you are in a family situation with younger children, you will want a puppy that is fairly laid back, not as apt to startle, run, or bite when a child "makes a move".  In fact, many responsible breeders prefer not to sell to homes with young, active children as it is a lot of work bringing up puppy, let alone bringing up puppy with young children.  

Make sure to tell the breeder what you expect and want out of your pup.  Are you going to hunt with this Lab?  Are you wanting to do performance events?  Show?  Just a family companion?  The more information you can give the breeder, the better the match!

I hope this helps, and good luck!