This is most necessary and important process in purchasing your new dog. Before you select your puppy you must think of the "what and the whys" for your new addition. Do you want...
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To add your family
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To show the dog
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To breed
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To use for hunting or competitive activities
The answers will give you a basic idea of the attributes and temperament you will want in your puppy.
Below is a quick reference table of attributes you would look for in your puppy:
| Attributes | General Description |
| Heads |
Adult male sire - moderate block head. Females - smaller, more feminine looking head |
| Tails | Otter like – wide at the base, and narrowing to a point. |
| Hair | Thick dense coat to protect the dog in the field and water. |
| Colors | Three standard colors - black, yellow, and chocolate. [There is no advantage to one color over the other] |
| Temperament |
- Easy learn
- Gentle and wanting to please. - A love for activity but a ability to quite when gently asked. - A heaping helping of wanting to retrieve! - Ask your breeder about a temperament test (personality & dominance rating). |
One of the biggest aids to the potential owners is the breeder. A professional breeder keeps a keen eye on every pup. Through the continuous time they spend with each litter, they can give you a deeper insight into the puppies personality and skills. Make sure you communicate clearly your wants are in a dog and how this dog is to be used.
For a more in depth look at the Labrador breed standards, please click on the provided ACK link: Labrador Retriever Breed Standard
When you visit
Remember, environmental issues will influence the attitude of your dog. For example, long periods of confinement tends to produce a hyper dog with little self-control. That is why we here at WFH hand raise our puppies. We gentle guide them early to have good behavior towards their litter-mates and the humans that care for them. We will be glad to work with you regarding the best methods for producing a mentally healthy Labrador.
Really look at the animals and all their circumstances!
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Do the parents look like Labs?
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Do they have good features?
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Do they have AKC / UKC papers?
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Why is the breeder breeding? Is it because they are "interested in producing well bred "Labrador" or is it "just to make a quick dollar"?
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Is the breeder conscientious? Do they take care of their dogs and provide a good clean kennel area?
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Are the parents over breed or not selectively breed?
A Rule of Thumb for Cost
A good Lab pup will cost between $1000 and $1500 dollars. If the litter has one or more parents that are actively involved in field trials or shows, the price could run even more. If you find a "Lab" priced less than this without a good explanation be skeptical. While there can be some good reasons for a breeder to charge less for his Labs, remember... you get what you pay for holds true.
But it is up to you...
Be persistant with your pets training and schedules in order to get the best result for good behavior and learned skills. There are plenty of books and classes that will help you with the latest techniques and ways of appropriately approaching and training your Labrador!