If you are interested in adopting a Labrador Retriever puppy from a rescue organization or shelter, you should follow these tips in choosing a Labrador breeder. You should also ensure that the puppy has a health certificate from the breeder. Read on to find out more. Also, you should never buy a puppy from an ad! Instead, choose a reputable breeder who offers a health certificate.
Adopting a Labrador Retriever puppy from a shelter or rescue organization
The AKC has listed Labrador Retrievers at number one in the most popular dogs list since 1991. And that popularity is continuing to rise, with more pet owners choosing this breed over novel crossbreeds. Finding a Lab breeder in your area is relatively easy. However, if you're not in a position to adopt a puppy, adopting from a rescue organization or shelter is an excellent option.
While there are several advantages to purchasing a Lab from a shelter, it's essential to consider the cost. While Labrador puppies are known to be mouthy and destructive chewers, older rescue dogs have less of an impact on your home. In addition, adopting a Lab puppy from a rescue organization or shelter is significantly cheaper than purchasing a Lab from a breeder. Professional breeders in the U.S. can charge between $500 and $2500 for a puppy, which makes the cost of a Labrador pup far less reasonable.
While the adoption process for a Labrador puppy from a shelter or rescue organization is often more affordable than buying a puppy from a breeder, the process can be long and costly. In addition, many Labrador rescues will ask for a home evaluation and application before allowing you to adopt a pup. However, adopting a Labrador puppy from a shelter or rescue organization can provide a beautiful new member of your family and save a dog's life. And it can also lower your up-front costs.
Choosing a good breeder
Before purchasing a Labrador Retriever puppy, it is crucial to choose a breeder dedicated to improving the quality of the dog's health and temperament. Labrador breeders Robertson County who have a passion for the breed will often repeat breeding their parents, which means they know how previous litters have fared. A serious breeder will also monitor the performance of their puppies throughout their lives. Ask for references and talk to past buyers of Labradors. If possible, meet the prospective dog's parents in person.
While it can be tempting to go with the breeder closest to your home or the one with the best prices in the newspaper, you should aim for a reputable breeder. This breeder will be interested in the health of their puppies and will carefully select excellent breeding stock for the dog's future. Make sure to ask what their mission is when you're calling them. For instance, if the breeder has AKC registration, it doesn't necessarily mean that the puppies are high quality.
Social media is an excellent source of information about reputable Labrador breeders. Online forums, blogs, and social media sites can connect you with people who share your interest in the breed. However, if you're unsure whether the breeder you've chosen is legitimate, you can still get recommendations by asking people who own Labrador puppies. And don't forget to check out the breeder's website before you make your final decision.
Getting a health certificate from a breeder
When buying a puppy, you want to ensure that the Labrador has received a pre-breeding examination and genetic testing. Although breeders are not required to provide these reports, you should ask the breeder to provide them if you're buying a puppy from an unregistered breeder. While the results of these tests are confidential, it is worth asking about the other health tests performed on the puppy's parents. These tests can help prevent a puppy from inheriting genetic diseases or other problems, and some breeders guarantee their puppies against congenital disabilities.
A health certificate is one of the most important documents for a puppy. A Labrador breeder will not issue one without having a health certificate on file. The health certificate must be sent to the owner within 30 days of purchase. In addition to health certificates, a Labrador breeder should also provide the buyer with an unofficial premium list. While it may seem tedious to go through all these papers, it is necessary for your pet's welfare.
Another essential health certificate is the CHIC number. This number is issued after a dog has passed a comprehensive set of tests. It does not imply that the results are typical, but you can rest assured that they're legitimate and trustworthy. You can also ask for a CHIC number. CHIC numbers are issued when the results of a dog's health tests meet the breed club's standards. Getting a health certificate from a Labrador breeder can help you avoid problems down the road.