Hi Good folks, This is Inder saying Hi from INDIA. We are looking to get a Chocolate Lab puppy home as a companion for me and my 3 year old son. I would like to train the new puppy in obedience and take part in obedience competitions. I have experience with GSDs but next to nothing with Labs and this is making me a bit wary. We had hip issues with one of our boys so that is the last thing I would want to face again. We have very few good breeders here who understand breeds which they are breeding. Most people pick up puppies from what you would call puppy mills owners who have no clue about hip score and other heath issues. After search of almost 3 months I have somewhat finalized on a litter. Please see the pics below and let me know what you think. Dam looks to be from working lines with long muzzle and Sire from English show lines. As per the Dam's KCI certificate which breeder shared with me she is from a champion bloodline but that is making me uncomfortable as she does not look like a typical bench dog but then as above I don't know much about Labs. What you folks think? Sire (I am sorry, this image is from a video grab, I am trying to get a better pic of the sire) 2 Days old Pups Looking to share and learn from all you folks. -Inder
Welcome. I'm no expert on breeding so I have no advice on that subject but just from the pictures I think they beautiful dogs. They look like healthy Labs and those pups are adorable.
Hi Inder, As you know, the most important thing is that both parents are fully health checked. With good hip scores, elbow scores, clear eye tests and a certificate showing they are PRA clear. You can't tell from looking whether their puppies will have good hips (or elbows, or eyes for that matter) so this is the only way to give yourself good odds of not having health issues again. Even within show or working lines dogs' looks vary. Each parent's pedigree will show you whether they are from championship show lines if that is important to you. You can find more information on finding a puppy here. Let us know how you get along with your search!
Hi Lucy, Thanks for the message. Almost all medical tests you mentioned above are non-existent in INDIA among so called breeders. I am sure we have medical facilities to do these but whenever i ask about these to any breeder, I get a blank stare or they never come back. Right now it just feels like a coin toss. I am not worried about champion show lines as long as puppy and parents are healthy but it just kind of gives little assurance that pup I am buying is pure lab and not mixed up with something else. I am currently reading a book (The Labrador handbook) by Pippa Mattinson and it has opened my eyes when it comes to bringing puppy at home. I think every perspective Lab parent should read this book. Recently I got to know about a litter on a coffee estate. Both parents are raised in family environment and being taken care of very well. Though medical tests are not available but they do seem to be very healthy. If I manage to take a plunge then I believe it will be from this litter. At least I will have some satisfaction in my mind that I am not supporting puppy mills. Will keep you all updated as i go further.. Thanks once again. -Inder
