So, you want a Labrador puppy. Here are some hints and advice on the purchasing of your puppy. Read many books on the breed and on rearing and keeping dogs. Ask your self these questions.

Can I afford this puppy? – purchase price – insurance – feed – vet bills – kennel costs

Do I have the time and commitment to give to the puppy?

Will there be someone at home to look after the puppy?

Is my garden totally safe and dog proof?

You must realise that your new family member may live for 10 – 15 years so it is a huge commitment. ‘Cute’ puppies are destructive individuals who can destroy an armchair in one evening. Puppies are babies who need constant supervision and must not be left for hours on end. Young dogs need socializing and boredom can lead to anxiety and destructive behaviour.

Only visit litters of reputable breeders. Contact your local Labrador Club Secretary who will be aware of any litters in your area and will be happy to advise. When you visit the litter, be sure that you see the mother of the pups and the whole litter, do not be ‘fobbed off’ with being shown only one or two pups. It may not be possible to see the father of the litter as he may well live many miles away. Insist on seeing (and having copies of) certificates for both sire (father) and dam (mother). These certificates are BVA/KC hip and elbow scores and current eye pass. The hip and elbow are a ‘one off’ which are done after the dog is one year old. The eye certificate has to be updated every year.

The conditions in which the litter of pups are kept should be clean and fresh and with plenty of stimulation for them. Puppies should be round and plump and be housed in clean, fresh and dry accommodation. A reputable breeder will give you a diet sheet and a record of worming, and very likely a contract of sale.

Do not accept any other registration documents other than official Kennel Club certification and certainly insist that the pup is registered with the Kennel Club of GB prior to your purchase and not any other unrecognised register, however remember that health certificates and registration alone is no guarantee that you will have a perfect dog – there is no such thing.

Labrador’s make wonderful family members and as such are extremely popular pets in the UK, thus they suffer from mass over breeding by unscrupulous ‘puppy farmers’, these people not only breed poor quality stock, often in filthy conditions but they are well known for buying in whole or part litters of puppies at an early age simply for re-sale to the unsuspecting public. This can cause untold heartbreak for the new owners who can find them selves with a sick pet who may well cost hundreds of pounds in vet fees or simply not survive.

The are many folks who are only too willing to give their help and advise do not be afraid to ask, and enjoy your Labrador!