Labrador Puppies: How To Pick The Perfect Pup
Buying Labrador puppies from a pet shop are never a good idea and can lead to a lot of heartbreak later. Just like other breed dogs there are certain diseases that the Labrador is more prone to. It is only when you buy from a responsible breeder that you can minimize the chances of buying Labrador puppies that will develop health problems later on.
The typical breed characteristics of friendliness and loving devotion are true of many Labradors but not all. Some Labradors can be aggressive and dominating, it all comes down to how they were bred and socialized. Choosing the right breeder is just as important as choosing the right Labrador puppies. Otherwise you might have a puppy that will grow up with a temperament you were not expecting and health problems that burn a huge hole in your pocket.
The better the blood line the better the dog you are getting. You may not think that bloodlines don’t matter when you are only buying a family pet and not a show dog, but they are just as important. It’s the difference between healthy Labrador puppies and unhealthy ones.
Think about why you are buying Labrador puppies. Is it because you simply want a friendly dog or a loyal companion? Or do you want to show your dog? If you want a family pet then consider buying a male Labrador, as they are usually more friendly and affectionate.
Remember that to get a good idea of what the puppy will be like you need to see where it came from, this means the parents. The kennels should be clean, if they are dirty and you can’t imagine keeping a dog in those conditions do not buy from this person.
Labrador puppies are prone to eye diseases and can develop blindness. This can be avoided if your puppies come with CERF certificates. A puppy with a CERF certificate has been certified as free from heritable eye diseases. CERF should also certify the parents of your pup. When choosing Labrador puppies you should examine the eyes of the puppy carefully. The eyes should be clear and free from any mucus.
Additionally you should check that your puppy comes with certification from OFA. This is to make sure that there is no history of hip problems in your pup’s bloodline. The history should go back at least three or four generations.
The rest is down to genetics. If choosing a puppy seems like a lot of work, it is. However a puppy that has been chosen carefully will reward you and your family with lots of fun and love. You will feel a lot happier when your Labrador grows up to be happy and healthy.
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