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Choosing a healthy laborador retriever that is right for you and your family can be a time consuming, yet very rewarding task. The characteristics that set labs apart from other breeds are their tail, head and temperment. Labs have a double coat with a soft, downy undercoat which keeps them dry and warm in cold water and an outer coat that repels water.
All else aside, yellow, black and chocolate labs all share the same temperment. Any differences in the dogs are related to their breeding or nurturing.
To begin, when choosing a lab always go through a breeder, to ensure the puppy is from pure blood lines. Make sure you ask the breeder the blood line of the puppies, ensuring that the puppies do not have mixed blood lines. The average price for a pure lab should run from $400 to $600. If the price is any less you should have cause to be wary. Also, most breeders will certify the puppy against hip dysplasia, a common ailment of labs. This certificatin will ensure that the puppy has been x-rayed to detect the presence of the ailment. Many breeders will also certify the puppy against eye problems, which labs are also prone to. Make sure you ask the breeder to explain in detail why these ailments will never affect your dog.
When choosing a lab, make sure to inspect his or her tail. A labs tail should not be carried over the back. The tail should also not be curled.
The best feature of the lab, and a testament to why they are such popular dogs, are their temperments. Labs are people oriented dogs who are wonderful with children and guests. Labs also require a good deal of exercise. If left to their own devices labs can become bored and unmanageable, which can lead to destruction. Thus, be sure when selecting a dog that the temperment of the puppies is to your liking.
There are many dishonest breeders out there so beware. One way to find one out is to investigate their background through calling some of their other customers and looking at the energy levels of their dogs.
Like all dogs, labs will act like puppies, no matter how well they are bred. Also, labs do not fully mature until they reach the age of three.
When deciding whether to choose a male or female lab, one noted distinction may come as a surprise. It has been observed that male labs are in general more dependent and femals are somewhat more independent. For example, a male lab will most likely lay out your feet while you are working at your desk, while a female lab will most likely stay in the other room and just check on you periodically. Also remember that male labs will grow to be a bit large than females.
The most imporant rule to follow when choosing a lab is to do your homework. This means investigating breeders thoroughly. Different breeders pride themselves on breeding great hunting labs, or labs who swim, or very calm and small labs. It is important to talk to a few breeders about your concerns and ask all the necessary questions about the health and temperment of the puppies.
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