Labrador Retriever Dog Gifts : Articles : Lab Breed : Questions for Lab Breeders
Labrador Retriever Breeder Questions
It took us over a year to find the perfect breeder for our family. When looking for a breeder, there are a number of things that your family must think about and it is not only important to be well informed but also to ask questions.
Some questions to ask:
1. Can you see one or more of the parents?
2. Will you be given a minimum 3 generation pedigree? 
3. If advertised as champion-lines are the champions within the first 3 generations?
4. If there a return policy if the puppy doesn't work out?
5. Are you able to see the whole pedigree? (provided the litter isn't over 8 weeks)
6. Does the breeder acknowledge there are hereditary diseases within the breed?
7. Does the breeder offer a guarantee against hereditary diseases?
8. Do the parents of this litter have their health clearances and can you see their certificates?
9. Are the puppies raised in a home environment?
10. Are the surroundings clean?
11. Are you able to take a tour of the facilities?
12. Does the breeder provide you with a record of the inoculations, wormings, etc.?
13. Are you satisfied with the temperaments of the puppies and/or parents?
14. Is the breeder charging you extra for the registration papers?
15. Are you able to talk to the breeder and obtain all of the information you need?
16. Is the litter socialized and how?
17. Are the puppies microchipped prior to going home?
There should be only one NO answer: #14. If there are more than 3 No answers, your next step is to NOT buy from that breeder. Seek out another.
Please read and find out everything about the breed BEFORE you buy. Find out about the height, weight and faults. You deserve a good representation of the breed, even though you only want apet?. The differences between a show and pet puppy will be something very minor; not noticeable to the average person. Your pet puppy should grow up to be a dog that anyone would be proud to own. Even though he/she may not grow up to be a champion, in the eyes of the public, he should look like one.
(Reference: Ask these questions when buying a puppy. Retrieved October 23, 2005, from: http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/breederquestions.html.)
