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Can any of you tell me how you go about finding a good lab breeder?

40 replies

ilovetofu · 12/11/2019 14:05

Just wondering where to start??

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Wolfiefan · 12/11/2019 14:06

Working or show lab?

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HappyHammy · 12/11/2019 14:08

Go to the kennel club website. They list reputable breeders by region. Or would you consider a rescue dog. So many need homes.

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Wolfiefan · 12/11/2019 14:12

@HappyHammy it’s not “reputable” breeders they list. Just pedigree ones.

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ilovetofu · 12/11/2019 14:13

Working.

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ilovetofu · 12/11/2019 14:14

Really want a puppy.

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Wolfiefan · 12/11/2019 14:37

That’s a big undertaking! Are you ready for a high energy breed and a lot of work to train a pup?

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HappyHammy · 12/11/2019 19:35
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HappyHammy · 12/11/2019 19:37
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StrictlyNameChangin · 12/11/2019 19:38

Find somebody with gundogs and ask for recommendations.

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Whatelsecouldibecalled · 12/11/2019 19:44

Reputable breeders are registered with the kennel club. However be aware that some breeders might refuse to sell to you, particularly working stock if you are wanting a puppy as a pet rather than working or a highly active lifestyle. Or for example if they will be left on their own for a considerable amount of time etc. Don’t be surprised if the breeder vets you as much as you should want to vet them.

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ilovetofu · 12/11/2019 19:46

@Wolfiefan yes very ready!

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MrsElijahMikaelson1 · 12/11/2019 19:46

Assume you’re after a red fox then? Probably more prevalent north of the country.

Anyone reputable will be carrying a waiting list and will never have puppies available to sell as they will already be allocated to the list. Find breeders through the kennel club and find those with waiting lists.

This colour and breed are bloody hard work as puppies though and need major training when young-ours worked out how to undo the rabbit hutch and get the bunny out to play when she was bored!!! She was also very rambunctious and a complete nightmare-she was nearly returned at one point back to the breeder!!! However, if you are prepared to put in the spade work, they are amazing, intelligent and loyal dogs. Ours is bomb proof and has been sitting glued to the windows or insisting on going out to watch the fireworks! She is fabulous with the kids too.

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ilovetofu · 12/11/2019 19:48

Am happy to be vetted @Whatelsecouldibecalled
I work from home so around all day.
Very happy to go for long walks!

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WeeMadArthur · 12/11/2019 19:49

Word of mouth? Do you know anyone who has labs that can recommend the breeder they went to. I would also look at breed clubs list here as they may know who is due to have a litter and (hopefully) only reputable breeders would bother to join. Make sure that they test their breeding dogs for hereditary diseases for the breed ( hip dysplasia etc)

A lot of good breeders may only have one litter a year so you may have to wait for a while for a pup. If you are not in a rush then Crufts (5 -8 March next year) is a great place to meet breeders and get contacts at the Discover Dogs section, Gundog day is on Friday 6th and there will be literally hundreds of Labradors there for you to look at.

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Whatelsecouldibecalled · 12/11/2019 19:51

@ilovetofu sounds good! Decent breeders will have long waiting lists so I would start to look now. When we got ours we had to wait to wait fo for the next litter as the current litter was spoken for and the breeder only had one litter a year! Especially if you specifically want a set colour or a bitch or a dog.

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Wolfiefan · 12/11/2019 19:53

@WeeMadArthur really reputable breeders probably won’t have that many. They won’t keep many many bitches. They shouldn’t keep breeding from the same bitches either.

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Whatelsecouldibecalled · 12/11/2019 19:54

Have a look at ‘Topgunn Labradors’ on Facebook. They have produced some absolute beauties all working stock.

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ilovetofu · 12/11/2019 19:57

Good idea will ask around.

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ilovetofu · 12/11/2019 19:59

Prepared to be on a waiting list if required. Just wondering where to start really.

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ilovetofu · 12/11/2019 20:03

Thanks @Whatelsecouldibecalled will have a look.

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Wolfiefan · 12/11/2019 20:04

There will also be a lab rescue group.
I would avoid anyone who breeds commercially and advertises on FB.

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ilovetofu · 12/11/2019 20:06

@Wolfiefan yes will be wary of puppy farms!

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dreamingofbedtime · 12/11/2019 20:12

I am quite interested in people's advice on this too. We had a puppy last year that we bought from a kennel club assured breeder. Unfortunately the breeder was somebody who is mainly interested in showing her dogs at crufts etc (she had several dogs and her 'line' seem to do pretty well in shows) and I think that she was really breeding for looks above temperament. The dog eventually went back to the breeder as it became aggressive towards my children and bit my daughter on her face (completely unprovoked). When we called the breeder, her suggestion was that we picked up the dog and shook it to show it who was boss. We'd really tried our best, did training, read loads on puppy care and it has made me really wary of trying again with another dog as it has really put me off using the kennel club list and I just wouldn't know where to start looking.

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Whatelsecouldibecalled · 12/11/2019 20:14

Topgunn only use Facebook to show off their dogs working not advertising puppies just to reassure.

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feliciabirthgiver · 12/11/2019 20:14

Through MN we were recommended Wylanbriar Labs - our gorgeous puppy is now our fantastic 3 year old lab, hands down the best member of all our family.

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