HKG Articles

There is a curse to being the most popular breed of dog in America. That means there are a lot of Labrador Retrievers that are being bred for money at the initial sale without any thought as how good a potential pet they will make. You can help avoid these so-called Labrador Retriever breeders by asking them some questions about how they do business and what they expect for from a Lab owner.

The questions that will tell you the most about any Labrador Retriever breeder will be what kind of contract do you require, when can I visit the kennels and are there any health warrantees. If your potential breeder refuses to let you visit the kennel, say goodbye and move on. They may have something to hide. If your breeder doesn’t do contracts, also move on, because they definitely have something to hide.

You should always be able to visit the kennel or home of the Labrador Retriever breeder you have in mind before putting any money down. Some breeders will have outside kennels - some will not. All good Labrador Retriever breeders will be extremely proud to show off their dogs to you, especially the mother and father of your potential puppy. You are visiting a home, so some places will normally be off limits to visitors.

You also need to ask what the breeder considers a good home for one of his or her puppies. If they don’t seem to care, then they certainly do not care about dogs. They are just after your money. A good Labrador Retriever breeder will go on and on about they kind of owner he or she wishes all Lab puppies could go to. They will also quiz you about your store of Labrador information to see if you are anywhere close to being their idea of a good Lab owner.

They are a breed that can do as well outside as inside. It is not okay if they live in stacked crates. That’s a sign of someone who doesn’t care about the quality of dogs he or she breeds.

If there is no contract, then you should not have anything to do with this so-called Labrador Retriever breeder. There should be health certificates of the parents to see, including hip dysplasia scores as well as a contract.

And you need to ask about what Labrador information you need to know in order to comfortably live with a Lab. A good breeder will already pepper you with questions about your knowledge of dogs and past experience with them before you even get a chance to ask this question!

You won’t get your money back, but at least your dog will have a good home. Assume nothing. Great Labrador Retriever breeders will bring all of this up if you forget to ask.