I had my Aggie, a yellow lab that someone gave me for 14 years before she passed away. I'd like to get another lab. How do I find a reputable breeder?

Ask your vet if they know of any that are reputable and have healthy dogs. Sometimes, they will let you know if they are aware of any health issues that are prevalent with certain breeders. For example ours knew that a particular breeder raised German Shepherds for size alone and for a dominant personality--the adult dogs had skeletal issues and were bullies. Yet, that breeder had lots of good ads online and was on various breeder websites. It's an important decision, I'd really check around before making a decision.

First, I will do a push for any local Laborador Retriever rescue groups in your area that probably have dogs. You could very easily find a great dog through them.

As you are looking at a VERY popular breed, it is essential to find a good breeder.
The best way, go to many, many dog shows and talk with the lab people there. Many will not sell to "house pet" people unless the dogs are "cast-offs - or those that for whatever reason do not qualify for AKC registration". Those are the best people to get a dog from, because they are truly breeding top quality dogs and want them to go to top quality people, not just anyone with money. And most of those people - the pups are sold in-utero; hence getting the "castoffs".

Thanks for everyone's input.

It's risky to buy a pup advertized online or in the newspaper. Attend local dog shows & talk with Lab people; ask questions; get references. Generally reputable breeders have a list of qualified buyers before breeding. Producing a healthy litter is not inexpensive and breeders are lucky if 1 or 2 pups are show quality. Pet quality pups go to acceptable homes with a signed contract; so too retired show dogs.
My sincere condolences. in Aggie's honor, please consider adopting a rescue
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This message has been edited. Last edited by: tessa89,

Just an idea but have you considered going to your local shelters - NOT to look for a prospective adoptee - BUT instead to talk with the facility manager? Express your interest, tell him/her your qualifications and ask to be put on an alert when a lab is brought in...

You might be surprised at the number of really special labs these facilities receive!

Good idea, Idaho. This is an excellent suggestion and even if you choose not to adopt a rescue, many people at the shetlter might know about various breeders in your area. They can give you information that people at dog shows might not know.

I might take the time to leave a card at ALL the local vets in your area. They are often the first to know of a family needing to find a new home for a nice dog...or breeders that have great pups/adults. Lucky you are looking for a fairly common breed, it should not take too long to find a new companion.

I would print out your information and your wants/needs on some cardstock, (as well as your phone/address/ home environ) and deliver it to local vets. This way they can possibly connect you up with someone with a dog for you?

The Labrador Retriever Club of America has a breeder directory. http://www.thelabradorclub.com...ges/find_breeder.php

I found two breeders in my area. Thank you!

quote:

Originally posted by Whitdobe:
The Labrador Retriever Club of America has a breeder directory. http://www.thelabradorclub.com...ges/find_breeder.php

Whitedobe excellant idea. That was going to be my suggestion. Since we deal with so many clients at the ckinic this is what we suggest first unless the person wants a rescue. Thank you for posting this

My pleasure, glad I happened to stop by!

Dog Fancy magazine lists breeders in the back of the magazine.They are all very reputable breeders.

I have contacted a lot of breeders and they either don't have any or they never get back to me. I am not having any luck with talking to my local vets either.

having AKC "papers" is just that, PAPER.
Puppy millers sell their products to pet stores; same0 many breeders that advertize in dog magazines or online.
A reputable breeder will "Vet" prospective buyers

I finally found a breeder. I called a lot of vets and they were of no help. One lady even questioned why I called her!

When I was looking for my recent German Shepherd I looked at all breeder websites. Many nights and many hours of research. I found a breeder a few hours away from me that had been breeding GSD's for 30 years. They had the look and build I was looking for. And they also had the mother and father of the puppies including the grandsires and grand dams. All still in healthy condition with no health or hip problems even at 9,12, and 13. I met all of them and their temperament was perfect for a GSD. My dog is 3 years old now and I am very happy with our new member of the family.

I did finally find a breeder not too far away. Hopefully I will have a pup pretty soon.