| What could be more fun than a Labrador puppy? | | | | * Has the breeder had the parents' hips and elbows |
| What could be more fun than 8 Labrador puppies? | | | | X-rayed to be sure there are no dysplasias? A |
| Black Labrador puppy breeders have the joy of giving | | | | Labrador puppy can inherit a tendency for these |
| a healthy, happy start to numerous wriggling bundles of | | | | potentially crippling abnormalities of joint formation. |
| energy and affection. Yet those who set out to be | | | | Breeders who try to be sure that both parents, and as |
| Black Labrador puppy breeders take on a great | | | | many of the bloodline as possible are radiographically |
| responsibility with the joy. A good breeder has a | | | | free of hip and elbow dysplasia are showing care for |
| responsibility both to the animals in his or her care as | | | | the breed as well as each puppy. The parents may |
| well as to the potential owners. | | | | not show any outward signs yet of the painful arthritis |
| Finding Good Black Labrador Puppy Breeders | | | | associated with hip and elbow dysplasia, but their joints |
| You can begin your search for good Black Labrador | | | | should be checked by x-ray examination before |
| puppy breeders by visiting the Labrador Retriever Club | | | | breeding. |
| (LRC) on the Internet. THE LRC maintains a directory | | | | * Did the breeder invest time and money to have the |
| of breeders. Black Labrador puppy breeders are listed | | | | parents' eyes checked for eye defects that could lead |
| by state. They are not guaranteed, but they have had | | | | to poor eyesight or blindness? Progressive Retinal |
| to complete applications to get their listings. | | | | Atrophy (PRA), a disease that results in blindness, |
| If you cannot find a breeder in the directory, try | | | | develops gradually. Although Retinal dysplasia seldom |
| contacting the LRC. They may personally know a | | | | results in blindness, it does cause poor eyesight. |
| good breeder in your area. | | | | Breeders should have the parents of a Labrador |
| Learn before You Leap | | | | puppy checked for all eye problems. |
| A Labrador puppy is nearly irresistible. That is why you | | | | * Ask if the breeder has had every Labrador puppy |
| should take time to learn about the breed before you | | | | examined by a qualified veterinarian. Is there a |
| go to see puppies. You might fall in love with the puppy | | | | guarantee regarding each puppy's health? What are |
| before learning how big it will become and what its | | | | the terms of the guarantee? |
| needs will be. Love might blind you to possible | | | | Be Observant |
| hereditary defects. If you don't know the official | | | | When you do visit Black Labrador puppy breeders, |
| standard for a Labrador puppy, you might pay a | | | | keep your eyes open. Are the kennels and the yard |
| handsome price for a dog that falls short of that | | | | clean? If a puppy left a stool that the breeder has not |
| standard. | | | | had time to scoop, look at it. It should be well-formed, |
| You should learn about responsible breeding practices, | | | | and not runny. |
| too. Before you contact your first Black Labrador | | | | Look at each Labrador puppy, whether or not that |
| puppy breeders, understand what they should be doing | | | | specific one is of interest to you. Do they all have |
| with and for the puppies. | | | | shining, clear, clean eyes? Are their coats clean and |
| Prepare a List of Questions | | | | glossy? Are they alert and playful? Even if the best |
| Before calling or visiting Black Labrador puppy | | | | puppy has been reserved for you, the health of its litter |
| breeders, prepare a list of important questions to ask. If | | | | mates will tell you much about the general care they |
| you want a Labrador puppy to take on hunting trips, | | | | receive. |
| you should ask questions about its potential as a gun | | | | Taking Home Your Own Labrador Puppy |
| dog. If you are looking for a companion, family dog, you | | | | When you find the Labrador puppy you want, arrange |
| will want to know about its temperament, and whether | | | | to have it examined by your own veterinarian as soon |
| it has been socialized. The following are only a handful | | | | as possible after you pick it up from the breeder. Have |
| of other questions you should ask: | | | | the vet assure the puppy is in good health. |