Good breeder of show labradors

[ajandjjmum]

We lost our beautiful black lab around 18 months ago, and are hoping to replace him (impossible really!) with another black show lab next Spring.,

The breeder who we bought from has retired, and we are looking around to find someone with the same high standards.

Just wondered if anyone has any recommendations for breeders? I know this is 'just the internet' and totally get that I'd have to do my research, but any personal experience would be helpful.

TIA

I think finding the ‘right’ breeder is a really individual choice. Someone can be an excellent breeder, and be recommended to you and their dogs might be amazing but their dogs might not be right for you/your circumstance. Sorry, I know that’s probably not what you want to hear!

I’d really recommend going to your local breed club, and asking for a list of breeders and speaking to them (ask about health tests, the sort of dogs they produce, how often they have a litter) then getting on a wait list. 😊You could also ask the old breeder if they have any recommendations - people who breed and are involved in their ‘breed’ tend to know each other!

I’m sorry for your loss though. It’s horrible to lose a dog.

What lines were behind your dog OP?

You could use the MyKc part of the website, the health results bit to see siblings/decedents and see if you can find a breeder still promoting those lines?

I found our first lab (also show bred) through champ dogs and then when we wanted a second I got a recommendation from her/she vouched for me with new breeder. Our third lab was from the same breeder, our second one’s niece. When we get a fourth I’d very much like to have another who’s part of the family (we’re hoping to have a puppy from our third dogs great niece next year).

Good luck.

@LandSharksAnonymous Thank you - I will look into the local breed club and hope I can find one! Great idea.

@Exhaustedonallfronts We bought our dog from Daleabbey Labradors in 2011. He was an absolute star and I am under no illusion as to how lucky we were to find this breeder as complete novices. In his pedigree certificate there are many lines, including Boothgates, Mallorns, Sandylands, Bradstones and Stormley. I will look and see if I can find any current breeders from these. I love the idea of a dog which incorporates the same ancestry (if that't the correct wording!); how wonderful for your dogs to be related!

Looking forward to getting stuck into this. Thank you both for your thoughts and advice.

Your breeder may have retired but would they be able to guide you in the right direction?

Unfortunately we have been able to contact them, although we did try a few months ago.

That’s a shame. I would agree with contacting the breed club.