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Discuss with the breeder the type of dog you are looking for and how you expect it to fit into your lifestyle. Will this be a companion for very small children, a hunting companion, or are you considering competing in obedience or conformation?
Expect the breeder to ask several questions in order to determine if a certain litter will be an appropriate match for you. A good breeder is concerned about the puppy's welfare and wants the puppy to be carefully matched to his new home. The perfect home for one puppy might not be the best match for a different puppy.
Don't be surprised if you are not permitted to pick your puppy. Often the breeder does this for you. The breeder spends a great deal of time with the puppies and will be in a position to observe their individual temperaments. Daily interaction with the litter helps the breeder match each individual puppy to the best home. If you have a breeder that is knowledgeable and caring enough to want to find the puppy that is the perfect match for you, let them do their work. They have doted over these puppies since birth and will do a better job selecting your puppy than you will be able to do by evaluating a litter for 15 minutes!
It is OK to have an opinion about color or sex, but be willing to listen to your breeder's suggestions with an open mind. For example...you might prefer a female because you would like a sweeter, more attentive pet; but it is generally true that the male labrador is the sweeter and more attentive sex, while females can be more aloof and less interested. Of course each individual is different, but be prepared to enter your breeder's home with an open mind regarding the puppy that is best for you. Be willing to benefit from your breeder's many years in the breed. A good breeder's main interest is finding the right home for each puppy. A good breeder will not knowingly place a puppy in the wrong home for any reason.
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