Hi all, I'm new to this form (and breed) so I hope I'm posting in the right place! I'm an experienced dog owner and currently have a 3-year old Clumber Spaniel. In the past, we've had BMDs and many Goldens. However, while familiar with the breed, I've never had a Labrador and am in the beginning stages of researching breeders. While I have many contacts in the Clumber and Berner communities and I'm familiar with most of the midwest breeders, I'm sort of flying blind with respect to Labradors. How would one go about finding a reputable breeder in the midwest (WI, IA, MI, and IL)? Seems like there are dozens and dozens from what I've found doing a simple Google search. Also, while we love all dogs, we're particularly interested in a larger dog with more 'masculine' features which seems to be referred to as an "English" Labrador. Do breeders typically note the difference or do you draw conclusions based on photos? Anyway, above all else, I'm trying to avoid backyard breeder/puppy mills. I know the 'red flags' but they've gotten more and more clever so just reviewing a website and even talking to the breeder doesn't necessarily help weed them out. If anyone has any recommendations, please let me know. Best regards, Max
I would highly recommend either an Avidog breeder or a Puppy Culture breeder. Both have lists of approved breeders: Avidog: https://www.avidog.com/avidog-associate-breeder-list/ Puppy Culture: https://shoppuppyculture.com/pages/breeder-world-map Good luck with your search.
In the US, look for breeders that have show titles, not just field trial or hunting titles. Show Line dogs are often referred to as English in the US. Also look at the parents. The pups are probably going to grow up looking a lot like their mom and dad, especially if both of them are similar. I would not be too worried about back yard (small) breeders if the parents have the appropriate health checks, and a good pedigree. The Labrador Retriever Club of America, emphasizes the hunting capability of the breed. A member of the Club cannot use the Bench title (CH etc.)with their dogs, unless they also have a Hunting or Field title, however most breeders are not members of the Club, and the restriction applies only to Club members. It is easy to avoid puppy mills if you go and see the pups, and you certainly want to avoid them. I believe they have been outlawed in Oregon.
