Having decided that you want to acquire a Labrador, be selective in your search. Do not act impulsively; seek professional guidance from local vet or dog training club, and choose carefully according to their advice and your lifestyle. Any purchase should incorporate a veterinary examination.

Few Points to remember before buying a Labrador

 • Vets and their staff can provide unbiased information on what to look for in a healthy Labrador retriever. They are usually aware of any prevalent medical problems or behavioral idiosyncrasies.

 • Contact a local dog club for guidance on how to find a trainable Labrador. Trainers can often also recommend breeders who produce dogs specifically for filed work or showing. While gender and coat color partly determine a dog’s temperament, so do breeding lines.

 • Select a dog that fits into your daily routine both now and as you foresee it in years to come. Labradors are large, energetic dogs, needing lots of exercise and mental stimulation. If you are new to the breed talk to other owners about their dogs and try to spend some time with one. If you have a family, all decisions on buying a dog should be made together.

 • Although puppies are undoubtedly appealing, they are also extremely lively and demand plenty of attention. Reputable breeders are the best source for Labrador puppies .Visit several litters before making your choice, and note the physique and temperament of the mother and, if possible, the father too. Resist the temptation to buy the first puppy that takes your fancy.

 • Whenever possible, buy your dog from a reputed breeder, either professional or amateur. Avoid puppy farms or mills, as they often provide inhumane environment for mothers and give little attention to the puppies’ health. Newspaper advertisement can sometimes be fronts for mills; be suspicious if when visiting a private home you cannot see the litter’s mother. Be wary also of pet shops; they can be fertile environment for a variety of infectious diseases and may supply you with an unhealthy specimen purchased form a puppy mill.