We’re looking to buy a puppy and a breeder I spoke to earlier has got hip and eye scores for the sire, but nothing for the mum who is their family dog. Should I steer clear and not even go and visit the pups?
I would steer clear. I would want both parents to have clear elbow scores eye tests very low hip scores also things like low COI. If you go onto the main site there are list of other test which I would want like EIC etc. I am very suspicious of tests not done. If I was breeding I would want the best test scores for the parents to get the best outcome for the pups. I wonder why no health tests? I wouldn't even go to look because I know I would want one. i know it's not what you probably want to hear but I have done this myself. it's a risky business getting a pup and you need to be sure the parents are healthy.
Well done for asking, Lisa, it sounds like you have good instincts. I, too, would steer clear. Here's an article about finding a good breeder: https://www.thelabradorsite.com/labrador-breeders-how-to-find-a-good-one/ I hope you stick around and tell us more about your new puppy once you've found him or her. Are you looking for a certain colour/sex/type? Good luck!
Thanks for your reply, I’ve had a look at that page and also bought Pippa’s book as it’s been a while since I’ve had a Labrador - I need to remind myself of what life is like with a puppy! I’ve also registered on Champdogs as I can see some forum members have recommended it. Ideally we’d like a boy, either chocolate or black but my main concern is health and breeding to be honest. I’ll let you know how we get on - excited to have a dog in our life again
I got my last pup from champdogs, I had to wait a while but he's s nice dog and exactly what I was looking for. The kennel club also has a list of breeders by area I don't know if you've seen that? I also go to dog shows and chat to owners of dog I like the look of. I've got some good tips that way.
Update on our Labrador search: After a lot of research and thanks to advice on here, we’ve now got a new addition to our family: Bailey, our gorgeous chocolate lab. She’s amazing, so well socialised and comes from a fantastic breeder (Polly Cudby at Pinethwaite Labradors). We adore her!
How lovely, welcome Bailey! If you've got any photos we'd love to see them I'm so glad that your search worked out so well!
