| When choosing a new Labrador puppy, be sure to | | | | You should be able to see the puppy's parents-at |
| look at the individual dog for temperament, likes, and | | | | least the mother. |
| dislikes. Choosing a good breeder when getting a new | | | | Instead of having puppies available all the time, find a |
| dog is a very important step. You can avoid getting a | | | | breeder who keeps a list of interested parties. Then |
| dog with poor health, temperament problems, or lack | | | | when a litter arrives, those people on the list are |
| of socialization. This ultimately can cost you money | | | | contacted. |
| and heartache. | | | | A good breeder has a good relationship with a |
| A good breeder is selective about the people they | | | | veterinarian and should have medical records for their |
| send their puppies home with. They raise healthy, | | | | dogs. |
| happy dogs in clean and humane conditions. Ask your | | | | A good breeder should be able to give you advice |
| vet for a referral or contact local Labrador clubs. You | | | | and assistance in caring for your puppy after you |
| should be able to visit the breeder's facility to see | | | | take him home. |
| where the puppy was born and raised. | | | | They should be able to give you references from |
| Here are some recommendations from the Humane | | | | others who have purchased Labrador puppies from |
| Society for things to look at when you choose a | | | | them. |
| breeder: | | | | They should be involved with local Labrador clubs and |
| Find someone who keeps the dogs in the home | | | | may compete in dog shows or obedience trials. |
| rather than outside in dog runs. You should be able to | | | | They should provide you with a written contract and |
| see where the dogs spend their time, and it should | | | | a health guarantee. |
| be clean and well maintained. Dogs should be well fed | | | | Often good Labrador breeders ask questions of you |
| with premium dog foods. | | | | because they want their puppies to go to only the |
| Find a breeder who only breeds one or two types of | | | | best homes. Some questions they might ask you are: |
| dogs. When looking for Labrador puppies, find | | | | Why do you want a dog? |
| someone who is well versed in the characteristics of | | | | Who will be primarily responsible for the care of the |
| Labs. They should know about the genetic problems | | | | dog? |
| that Labs have, and they should know if the parents | | | | Who will train the dog? |
| of their puppies have these genetic tendencies. | | | | Do you have a veterinarian? |
| The dogs should appear happy and healthy and | | | | Will you be spaying or neutering the dog? |
| socialize well with people, even strangers. They | | | | Will you return the dog to the breeder if you are |
| should encourage you to visit the puppy often and | | | | unable to keep it? |
| bring your whole family to meet the dog. | | | | |