Lab people - help!

With labs, you need to look for:

Hips - displaysia is a big issue, so look for low scores

Elbows - elbow displaysia was not an issue when we got Barney but it seems that it is now, so I would ideally want to see elbow scores too

Eyes - look for clear eye tests

As with all working dogs, there are differences between the show and working varieties. Working labs these days are generally more athletically built, and will need more exercise and stimulation - although all labs should be getting plenty of exercise once they are old enough to take it. Temperament is key as with all dogs, meet the parents etc etc I would be asking that guy how much exercise and stimulation his dogs get as that will give you an idea of what a pup from there would need to be a well balanced dog. Are all those litters advertised his? Cos that seems like a lot of litters to me, also are they being raised indoors and therefore getting used to household sights, sounds and smells?

If you can find a dog with Lawnwoods lines I would recommend it, Barney was a Lawnwoods dog and he was fab:) He had mixed breeding - both show and field trial champions in his pedigree and came from a kennels where they bred for both - sadly his breeder passed away some years ago so you can't go to her!:(
 
Thanks Spud :)

This chap is really fit, he trained up for the forces last year and has kept it up so can see dog getting lots of long jogs etc once its old enough!

He's only 19 I think, but a really grounded guy and is asking me loads of questions so its really nice to have some helpful input for him!
 
He sounds like an ideal lab owner! The working - gun - type ones, like the man whos link you put up would have, are much more intelligent and needy than a pet or show strain. They are also infinately more trainable and rewarding (IMO). We have a working lab who is almost spaniel like in her energy levels, but much more trainable.
 
Can't help with breeders etc as both Max and my sisters came from The Labrador Rescue - both are full pedigrees but you don't get their pedigree when they are rescued. My sisters is 'show' strain - quite chunky in build and very 'square' looking. The Moo as you all know is a pain in the bum:eek:;)...........his sire and grandsire where both Field Trials champions so he is very much 'working' strain and has longer legs and is a rangey, slim build.:)

They will both walk forever but Max is definitely more active and is just a lot more althletic when out and about than sisters lab - both will of course launch into water at every opportunity and chase bunnies and eat dead things.:rolleyes::rolleyes::D:D:D

Has he considered talking to the local Labrador Rescue?:confused: they have so many looking for a good home and have all ages.:)
 
Okay not a lab person, just nosey! Agree with Spudlet on points to look for. That chap does seem to have quite a few litters, also although the sire of the pups has a hip score showing on the kc site the 2 dams don't. If your friend does enquire further I would definitely ask to see score sheets.
Other than that, just follow all the good advice given.
 
Here you go:) - find the local area co-ordinator and give them a call. they will come and do a home check etc and then will match you up with a suitable dog. They rehome home from home so it doesn't take very long - I was home checked on the Tuesday and Max arrived on the Friday morning after spending a night with the co-ordinator:D. How quickly they match you up depends on any specific requests - I didn't mind what age, colour or sex they just had to get on with Sweep.:)

Anyway here is the main website......

http://www.labrador-rescue.com/labradors-seeking-new-homes/

:D
 
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