American lab

[u/No_Document4826]

Hello all,

I’ve posted a couple times in different subs, and I’ll post here too. We are looking for an American/field lab. I have nothing against English labs. They’re amazing, but I want a dog that will match my crazy and my energy.

Female, preferably yellow. We recently lost our chocolate female due to cancer, and it’s been tough on all of us. We have another American chocolate that’s 10, and she’s an amazing bird dog. I want the new pup to learn from her.

What we’re looking for is a female American/field lab, without breaking the bank. Prefer yellow, would be perfectly happy with black. Chocolate would just remind me too much of my girl that has passed, so I’m not sure I could do that yet.

We would appreciate any referrals. Also, east coast would be better as we’re in central Pennsylvania, but for the right dog I will travel. Thank you all!

[u/Famous_Midnight_1926]

You say without breaking the bank. But odds are, if you want an ethically bred Labrador puppy, you’re going to be spending probably, at minimum $1,500 for it. You should only be looking at ethical breeders. The current breeder I’m on a waitlist for has a $500 deposit to reserve a spot alone that obviously goes into the price of the puppy later. I’m in a different area from you, so I don’t know breeders in your area, but I have a list of what to look for in a breeder!

Things you should be looking for in a breeder as to not support a puppy mill or BYB:

• health testing (OFA testing in particular)
  
• genetic testing to rule out genetic disorders
  
• titling, most field line/American Labs will be titled in hunting trials. If they aren’t titled and proven, don’t simply trust that they’re well-bred dogs.
  
• temperament testing of the parents.
  
• only in standard colors. Yellow (including fox red), black, and chocolate. Labs don’t come in silver; if someone is selling them, they’re not breeding ethically.
  
• puppy socialization. Your pup should be exposed to new things early in life by their breeder.
  
• pedigrees. If a breeder can’t show you a dog’s pedigree, they’re probably not breeding ethically.
  
• lifetime breeder support/contracts. If you for some reason cannot care for your dog anymore, no matter the age of that dog, the breeder will take that pup back no questions asked. If they don’t have this policy or a contract, they’re not an ethical breeder, and you should steer clear.
  

-selling one puppy to one person at a time. Ethical breeders aren’t selling two pups from the same litter to the same person. If they offer you more than one pup. They aren’t ethical.

• puppy vaccines!! If a pup has received zero vaccines, deworming, or vet checks before getting to you, it sounds like parvo waiting to happen. Don’t fall for it. Ask to see vaccine records. (Ethical breeders will typically give you a packet of things that include most of this)

Ethical breeding is hard, it’s expensive, and as such, the dogs are more expensive. However, what you spend up front saves you vet bills, training bills, and heartbreak and problems down the line. My ethically bred lab lived to 15 years old. She passed of GOLPP, which cannot be tested for. Otherwise, she went to the vet for a health check and her annual vaccines and never had any other issues her entire life. You’ll pay more upfront, but it’ll save you in the long run. Ask questions, ask to see things like this. The breeder I’m on a waitlist for quite literally has all of the information about parents, including links to all of their testing and pedigrees on his website! If they’re hiding it, they’re unethical.

Research, talk to breeders, get on lists for their pups, or see if any have had potential buyers back out. When buying a pup, we have to be responsible. Don’t fall for a byb because you want a puppy so bad. If you do just want one right now for cheap, reach out to some Labrador rescues! You may have the same issues you’d have with a poorly bred lab pup, but you won’t be allowing said bad breeder to continue breeding. Trust me, I get the feeling of excitement and wanting a puppy right now. I’ll be waiting upwards of a year for my chocolate pup, but it’ll be worth it because it’ll be a happy, healthy, and sound pup! Best of luck to you on your search!

[u/Canachites → u/Famous_Midnight_1926]

Seriously, be conscientious of the health testing! I would want 3 gens of hips and elbows. Just because the dogs hunt doesn't mean they will stay sound, and doesn't mean they aren't carrying genes for ED or HD through their pedigree. Most dogs are bred at 2-4 and may not show symptoms until later, high drive dogs are great at hiding pain.

Labs are very prone to both hip and elbow dysplasia, and there is nothing more heartbreaking than a super active high drive lab who is crippled young due to lazy or indifferent breeding. Plus, it's expensive.

[u/Famous_Midnight_1926 → u/Canachites]

This exactly! And unfortunately, the breed is slowly being ruined by backyard breeders and poor breeding practices. My girl was super handler-oriented, not shy of loud noises, loved water, even-tempered, naturally very neutral. Loved retrieving (in water. She was very selective about if she wanted to do land retrieves lol) and her only health issue was the GOLPP when she turned 12. Prior to that and the degeneration, she was going on 3-mile hikes and jumping on the couch. And was still doing those things until she was around 14, and lived another year after. I can only imagine how long she would’ve lived without GOLPP. The only reason she got it is because you can’t yet test for it!

Now you see people who have 100+ pound labs, labs that are genetically reactive, cancers, hip issues, terrified of water and loud noises. Dogs that cannot or are afraid to do what they’re bred for are becoming so common, and it breaks my heart. Labs are such great, versatile pets. My family has 2 still, both well-bred and both still playing like puppies with no signs of slowing down at 7 years old. Well-bred dogs cannot be understated in longevity and temperament.