You may be interested in a Labrador Retriever for a variety of reasons . . . as a pet, a hunting dog, an obedience competitor, a show dog, or a combination of these things. Whatever your objective, you, as the dog's owner, will be responsible for the care and training that will enable your Labrador to fulfill its potential.

If you  aren't home much, you shouldn't get a Labrador Retriever. Labs are very people-oriented, and aren't happy alone in a kennel. Before you even start looking at litters of puppies, take time to learn about the breed. Attend dog shows and field trials  and talk with and question  Labrador breeders and owners. They are proud of their dogs and are happy to share their enthusiasm.

Look around, It is much easier to find a "puppy mill" or "backyard breeder" that knows and cares little about the welfare of the breed than it is to find a reputable breeder. Have patience and never buy impulsively. . .all puppies are cute! 

You want a sound, healthy puppy who will grow up to be a sound, healthy representative of the breed. Careful selection now will save heartache and money later. Poor quality puppies are produced by people who breed their pets just to have a litter, or by profit seekers who give little thought to quality, looks or temperament in the puppies they produce. Many of these indiscriminately-bred puppies have health problems, poor temperaments, and/or breed disqualifications. Remember, you are choosing a companion for the next ten to fifteen years.

PRICE

A poorly-bred, badly-raised puppy, no matter how cheap, is NO BARGAIN! Chances are that the parents were not screened appropriately for hereditary defects, that the puppies have had little, if any, veterinary care, and that the pups were not given the proper socialization and TLC that is needed to raise a healthy litter of Labrador Retrievers. You should expect to pay a reasonable price for a sound, healthy, properly raised pet from good parentage sold on a spay/neuter contract and/or AKC Limited Registration. 

Choosing A Reputable Breeder

Choosing a reputable breeder is very important. Since it would be almost impossible for you to know what the puppy you are buying will grow up to be physically and emotionally, you must rely on your faith in the person from whom you are purchasing your puppy. There are three options open to you in choosing this person.

1. PET SHOP or DEALER.

The worst possible choice. The puppies are poorly bred and raised. They are thought of as merchandise to be sold for a high profit. The high profit results because little has been put into the breeding or the care of the puppies. Many are sickly. Pet shops rely heavily on impulse buying, which is no way to choose an addition to the family.

2. BACKYARD BREEDER.

Also a poor choice. This is the person who owns a pet Labrador and thinks it would be "fun" to have puppies, that it would be a great experience for the children, or that the bitch should be bred once before she is spayed. Even worse, perhaps it's being done just to make money. Usually this breeder knows little about the standard or history of the breed, and still less about proper care. The backyard breeder is not aware of breed problems, and doesn't care. This person's only goal is to produce puppies, and when the "fun" is over, to sell them quickly!!

3. SERIOUS HOBBY BREEDER.

The very best choice. The serious and dedicated hobby breeder regards his/her dogs as more than a hobby. They breed for themselves and always plan to keep at least one puppy to compete in their chosen genre. When someone breeds with the goal of producing the finest animals possible in their chosen event, the results are SUPERIOR.

The best breeders acknowledge responsibility for each and every puppy produced, and stand behind every dog they have bred. Unequivocally, your choice should be from the ranks of the SERIOUS HOBBY BREEDER. It is an interesting fact that poor quality puppies from pet shops are often sold for the same price and sometimes even more than those purchased from the experienced hobby breeder.

How does one recognize the responsible breeder?

Presented below is a list of requirements the breeder should meet before you consider purchasing a puppy. Don't be afraid to confront the breeder with these requirements. It is your right, and you can rest assured that the dedicated breeder will respond positively and with pride.

1. The breeder should be involved in showing his/her dogs in the breed ring, the obedience ring, in hunting tests/field trials, agility, tracking, or in a combination of any of these.

The reason for this requirement is that the breeder is not working in a vacuum. The breeder who does not participate has no idea how good his/her dogs really are, and is deprived of the opportunity to share information and ideas with others. Showing provides the competition which encourages breeders to produce better dogs. The breeder who competes wants to prove how good his/her dogs are and is putting his/her breeding program on the line. This breeder is not relying on just a pedigree to indicate quality. Even if you do not want a competition animal, you deserve a companion that is the end result of a carefully planned litter; a puppy which received the same care as a potential champion. The breeder who competes in organized activities is known by others and has a reputation to uphold. This breeder will be as careful and honest in selling you your pet puppy as in selling show stock.