How to Buy a Labrador Puppy
Labrador retrievers usually make good family dogs because, according to the Dog Owner's Guide online magazine, they are friendly to other animals and to people, including children. They are little and cute as puppies, but full-grown Laboradors weigh 60 to 80 lbs.
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Considerations
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Before you buy a Labrador puppy, consider whether the breed is a good fit for your family. An active household is a must. Your puppy will need daily walks, a fenced-in yard and regular attention. Otherwise, the dog might develop bad habits.
Health Concerns
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To minimize your risk of buying a Labrador retriever with hip dysplasia, ask the breeder if the dog or its parents have clearance from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or the Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP), recommends the Dog Owner's Guide. Labs can also develop eye disorders, so ask if your puppy and its parents are tested and registered with the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF).
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Finding a Dog
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Visit the breeder referral page of the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. website at www.thelabradorclub.com to locate ethical breeders. Breeders must apply, and the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. has to approve them, to be listed on this page. Labrador or all-breed rescue groups occasionally also have purebred Labrador puppies available for adoption.
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References
- Photo Credit Sleeping Labrador puppy image by Suto Norbert from Fotolia.com
