How to Buy a Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a very popular breed. This is so common that there are more than 20 different variations of this breed. Because of the Labrador’s popularity, you can find it in nearly any kind of color imaginable, including chocolate, black, blue, liver, gold, and many more. And don’t think because Labradors are popular, they’re expensive. Actually, they’re quite reasonably priced, especially when you consider their longevity and excellent temperament.
But how can you buy a Labrador Retriever? One of the best ways to get a Labrador is to adopt one from the shelter. There are plenty of these available for adoption. Or you could look online for websites that list Labradors for sale. Some breeders sell puppies. Many of these breeders have been in the business for years, and they know their dogs really well.
Like most purebred dogs, Labradors are prone to certain health problems, and you should be aware of them.
You need to be careful, though, as some of these issues can be serious. Of course, the biggest concern you should have is the possibility of getting cancer, but there are other things you should be aware of, too. So if you want a Labrador retriever, what should you really look for?
One of the main issues you should be concerned with is temperament. Labrador retrievers are extremely energetic and healthy dogs, but they can also be quite destructive and have other health problems. Keep an eye out for dullness or excessive barking, lack of exercise, and separation anxiety.
You might also want to visit a dog breeds rescue shelter or breeder, and talk to the owner about potential Labrador Retriever breeders. A Labrador Retriever rescue shelter will typically have records for every single lab they have ever had. Talk to the owner and see if he is willing to show you all of his breeding records.
Breeders who don’t have any documentation can make it tough for prospective buyers, but it’s often possible to contact them via email or phone.
Be careful though, as many unscrupulous breeders are only too happy to sell you a puppy without any history of proven good breeding. It’s a simple thing to check online – just do a search for Labrador Retriever breeders in your area.
If you are ready to adopt, then you can check with a Labrador Retriever club or rescue group in your area. These organizations generally hold an adoption fair at the end of each year. They can help you locate potential homes for your new Labrador Retriever, and they will even give you contact information for potential homes in your area that will be looking for Labrador.
You may not find a home immediately – it can take a while to find a puppy, and in general you can’t go to all the dog shelters in your area to look for a lab – so you might want to consider working with one of the clubs or organizations to locate homes for your new Labrador Retriever.
Once you find a few potential homes for your Lab, make sure that you are getting a healthy, happy puppy.
All Labrador Retrievers have certain health problems, just like all dogs. There is no “one breed fits all” solution to this problem, but it is generally helpful to try to avoid AKC-listed Labrador Retrievers. AKC breeders who are trying to pass their breed as the “perfect” Labrador are more likely to have Labrador Retriever puppies with severe temperament problems. AKC Labrador Retrievers are great dogs, but their increased incidence of behavior problems makes them undesirable for most potential pet owners.
As you can see, adopting a Labrador Retriever is not the easiest of tasks. Even though the breed is very friendly and loyal, it can be difficult to find an appropriate home for these dogs. However, with careful research and dedication, adopting a Labrador is a task that can be accomplished with a minimum of stress.
If you are thinking of getting a lab, talk to your veterinarian to learn more about the different breeds and their temperament before making any final decisions. You can find dog training videos online that will help you understand the differences between all the different Labrador Retriever breeds and how they can be used together to create the best possible dog.
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