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

[ilovetofu]

Just wondering where to start??

[ilovetofu]

Thanks @Catsrus thats really helpful advice!

[ilovetofu]

Ha! Thanks @BrokenWing yes its been mentioned once or twice 🤣

[BrokenWing]

Has anyone warned you about the hair yet?

I am not particularly house proud but have, brushed ddog and vacuumed twice today and i am still sitting here looking at clumps of black hair on my carpet. They shed constantly, and twice a year have major moult that go on for weeks!!!!

You have been warned!! (Still love a lab!)

[Catsrus]

When I was looking for a working golden retriever (because I wanted to do obedience as I had with my first Golden in the 90's) I joined a working golden ret Facebook group - I lurked and then carefully joined in - let it be known that I was looking for a pup in my area, that I wanted a bitch and was planning to do obedience. I made it clear I was planning for the future not looking for a pup right then.

I was messaged by someone who works her dogs, had three generations of bitches, only had a litter when she wanted a bitch puppy for herself. She was planning on breeding in 12 months time, asked to be Facebook friends so she could get to know me and see if I was the right person for her dogs

12 months later the litter was born, I was third on her list for bitches (after herself and the stud dog owner). Both parents winning field dogs, all my bitch's siblings are working dogs. The reason I was allowed to get on the list was because the breeder felt I could give the dog a stimulating life even though she wouldn't be doing field work. I wanted a dog from someone breeding to get their own working puppy because I knew they would be very picky about the heath and temperament of both sire and bitch. My bitch is 2.5 now and just what I wanted, doing well in obedience, loves her walks but happy to curl up after that.

A good breeder will NOT be keen to sell you a pup, they will give you a grilling, you will get on a waiting list but might not get a pup at the end of it if not enough are born.

ATM I've got two rescues on the sofa with me and the golden is crashed out in her bed. I'm all for rescues and you might find one that's perfect so yes, keep an open mind, consider why you might want a puppy rather than rescue etc. There are good reasons for both choices imo.

Good luck !

[ilovetofu]

@Whatelsecouldibecalled thanks for pointing me in the direction of topgun labs. Had a good chat with them

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

Thinking about it, you could join a gundog page on FB and ask for opinions.

[adaline]

Yes, just outside of Kendal :)

[ilovetofu]

We are in the south east @adaline
Is Staveley near Cumbria?

[adaline]

Whereabouts are you?

A friend of mine has a working lab from High House Labradors in Staveley.

[ilovetofu]

Thanks @StrictlyNameChangin

[StrictlyNameChangin]

@dreamingofbedtime consider a labrador rehome group, like Labrador Rescue UK? People often surrender their dogs for all sorts of reasons (family circumstances etc) and the rehoming organisations can often give you a better idea of the dog's temperament and suitability for you.

[ilovetofu]

Oh gosh @dreamingofbedtime that sounds like a nightmare!

[ilovetofu]

Thanks @feliciabirthgiver

[ilovetofu]

Thats an excellent idea thanks! @GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

You could find a local gundog trainer and ask for recommendations - you'll probably be wanting his (or her) advice later, so you might as well build up a rapport with a good one now.

Even if you don't plan to work your dog, gun dog breeds really benefit from the right sort of training. It exercises their minds and tires them out while slowly turning them into civilised members of the household.

[feliciabirthgiver]

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.

[Whatelsecouldibecalled]

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

[dreamingofbedtime]

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.

[ilovetofu]

@Wolfiefan yes will be wary of puppy farms!

[Wolfiefan]

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

[ilovetofu]

Thanks @Whatelsecouldibecalled will have a look.

[ilovetofu]

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

[ilovetofu]

Good idea will ask around.

[Whatelsecouldibecalled]

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

[Wolfiefan]

@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.