Newbie to dogs advice needed

[Minnie888]

Hi. We are in the VERY early stages of thinking about whether to get a dog or not. We are quite active outdoor people, I work from home. There is a possibility of being in a meeting which requires travel (so out the house maybe 8 hours) I would guess once a month on average but otherwise shouldn't be a problem. We mostly holiday via camping so shouldn't be a problem.

I grew up with golden and black labs, loved them so much. Am aware therefore of need for exercise and greediness! But also that loyalty which I've never found in another dog. We have a large garden but not a huge house, 3 bed.

I would really appreciate any tips or advice on where to start with actually looking for puppies. I know my dad was always careful to make sure they were KC registered but that is as far as my knowledge went! What should I look out for, what's a normal price (so I know not to look at ones that clearly are 'black market). Any hints or tips greatly appreciated.

Would you consider rescue? there are plenty labs/retrievers in rescue/ breed rescue.
KC is not guarantee of a perfect/healthy dog.

KC registration on its own is only a very basic measure - it means that the puppy's parents are (probably) as listed on the certificate and there are some basic checks and balances such as a limit on how old the bitch can be and how many registerable litters she can have.

The Kennel Club Assured Breeder scheme is the next rung up; in some breeds it falls short of the gold standard it could have been in terms of what health tests are required vs. recommended but actually in labradors it seems reasonable - stock must be hip, elbow and eye tested. At a guess (not my breed!) there should be a clear eye test within the last year, PRA test, 0 elbows and hip score at or below the breed average - for as many ancestors as possible.

You will also need to consider whether you are wanting a working or show type labrador in terms of temperament, appearance and likely energy level and exercise requirements.

Champdogs and the Kennel Club Assured Breeder litter list are probably not bad places to start. Prices seem to have gone mad recently - what used to be £850 is probably closer to £1000 now.

If you speak to breeders, say yellow instead of golden.

Thank you for that, I knew it wasn't right when I wrote golden but just couldn't remember. All really useful tips so thank you.

We have considered a rescue, where would we start? We do need to consider a lively three year old though. My Nan always had rescues and the stories were terrible

www.lrrss.co.uk/
www.labrador-rescue.org.uk/paddy.html
This is a few I know of, I work in rescue and things have changed. Many rescues are foster based hence they get to know the dogs much better and they tend to assess homes individually, whereas the RSPCA/ Dogs Trust tend to have set rules.