What Every Future Owner Needs To Know Before Buying Labrador Puppies

Labrador puppies are one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Known for their gentle and outgoing nature, they are great with children and are often used as disability assistance dogs. They are very friendly and get on well with other breeds of dog too.

Types of Labrador

80 years ago there was only one type of Labrador, originating from the fishing waters of Newfoundland. Often used as shooting companions, their amiable nature made them popular pets. Now both “Field” and “Show” Labradors are bred in the US and the UK, with the ‘Show” bred as medium sized dogs, shorter, stockier and calmer than their “Field” counterparts and with fuller faces. The ‘Field” are taller, lighter and usually have longer noses. The dogs can be registered in one of three colors: black, yellow or chocolate.

Health

No one type of Labrador is healthier than another, but it is important to ensure that proper health checks have been done before you buy a dog. Three of the most common problems that Labradors suffer from are hip problems, elbow problems and eye problems, sometimes even causing blindness in very young dogs. All three of these issues have strong genetic links, so it is important that a dog’s parents are tested for these and a clean Health Certificate provided.

Breeders

It goes without saying that you should, wherever possible, buy from a registered breeder. The breeder should allow you to see the puppies with their mother in the litter. They should also provide you with a Contract for Sale and written information about things like pedigree, socialization, vaccinations, feeding, and exercising. Remember if this is your first dog you will also need to buy supplies including a feeding and water bowls, collar with ID, a leash, and a dog bed.