They should feel chunky, as this is a medium to large size dog, so you wouldn’t expect to get weedy puppies, as this does not bode well. The mother must be there. Never, ever buy a puppy if you cannot see the mother as this really is a bad omen. They are not old enough to be away from their mother until 8 weeks, so if you are visiting them before this then you would expect her to be there. It is less important that you see dad, although the breeder should have a good knowledge of the dad and be able to show you his papers. A good breeder will be friendly and patient and be able to answer all your questions about the puppies and the mother or the father, so be suspicious if she doesn’t know, and do not be surprised if they ask you questions too.

A healthy puppy shouldn’t have any sore spots, so gently feel his legs and body and make sure he doesn’t yelp or moan. See him walk and make sure his legs all seem to work and he isn’t lame in any way. His eyes and nose should be clear, with no discharge or sign of infection and he should really be a little feisty. Hopefully he will have been handled by children, but do ask and if possible have your children hold the puppy. Sit smaller children down and put the puppy on their lap as you don’t want the puppy to be dropped accidentally. This is very unfair and could badly hurt the pup.

Chocolate Labs for sale are a popular thing so do not be too disappointed if you call a breeder having seen an advert and be told they are all reserved. If you like a puppy be sure to reserve the one you want as they are very saleable, especially from a good breeder. Don’t buy a dog from the side of the road or a car park. Some well meaning breeders will offer to meet you if they are a long way from you, but this really isn’t the best way as you cannot see the puppies in the breeders home and cannot really be sure that this is a good breeder. You will feel more pressured for time and are likely to end up feeling obliged to take a puppy as they have driven to meet you.

It is a huge shame that not all dog breeders are in the business for the right reasons. This is to produce a sensible sized litter of puppies that are hand reared; healthy dogs that will grow into excellent companions that will love you for years to come. Sadly, some places that offer Labrador puppies for sale are just in the business to make money. Their bitches have not seen the light of day, have never been in a house, and are not walked and exercised but instead spend their days in pens as breeding machines. No sooner has one lot of pups left the breeder, and the poor dog will be expected to be pregnant again as soon as her body will allow it. This does not lead to healthy puppies, as the mother’s body will be tired and beaten and will not have the required amount of nutrients to support the healthy growth of puppies. Sadly puppy farmers are clever, and will have a very normal home set up for you to see the puppies in and any problems or potential problems can be well hidden. However, many are not so clever, and if you are taken to a small pen where the bitch remains hidden at the back of the pen, you must immediately be suspicious.

You may well be saving a couple hundred dollars this way, but in the long run this is really not worth the pain and problems a badly bred dog can cause you. The vet’s bill you may need to pay to have some of these problems sorted can soon out weigh this saving. The mum should be a well loved dog who clearly has a relationship with her handler and is not fearful of the handler, and who is seen moving and seems healthy whilst you are there looking at the puppies. Be equally suspicious of a breeder who will not let you see the mother, especially if you are choosing a puppy that is up to about 10 weeks old as there really is no reason to have separated them before you purchase the puppy. If you cannot see the mother then you really do not want to buy your Labrador puppy from them as this is just not right and potentially means that this is not a reputable breeder. This really is important.

Officially, silver Labradors are a a lighter shade of chocolate lab.  They can be registered with the AKC as pure chocolate labs, but some believe that this color couldn’t have been developed without genes from some other breed, such as the Weimeraner.  There is no kennel club that recognizes silver Labradors as a legitimate color all its own.

Some breeders might claim otherwise, but they’re either mistaken or trying to get more money for this unusual color.  It’s true that these are animals with beautiful coats, but they’re not registerable as silver, and are not worth large amounts of money.  If you encounter a breeder selling silver Labradors at a high price, move on to the next one.

Just what makes these dogs silver in color?  There are many complex combinations of genes that make up an animal’s coat color.  All dogs have every one of these genes, but some are switched on and others are switched off.  A silver Labrador is recessive for black, resulting in a chocolate coat.  It also has a gene that can dilute the coloration, called the D gene.  This appears in the homozygous recessive form, and is written as dd.

Dilute chocolate Labradors are silvery brown, while dilute black labs are slate grey, which is also called blue.  Weimeraners are typically dilute, and have a mousey grey coat.  Because of this, some people believe that Wiemeraner genes may have been introduced to encourage the presence of the dilute gene in Labradors.

Silver Labradors can be traced back to just two US kennels, originally, and from there back to a kennel that produced pointing and retrieving dogs in the 1920s and 1930s.  As far as we can tell, these breeders stumbled on this interesting looking color, and breeders since then have kept it going.

While there’s nothing wrong with breeding a nonstandard dog for its color, there is something wrong with what many breeders are doing.  They’re deviating from the breed standard and claiming that their animals are still show quality.  They’re also frequently skipping the health clearances on their breeding animals, and rarely participate in competitions to prove the quality of their dogs.  This can signify a breeder that’s simply out to make money, rather than improving Labrador retrievers as a whole.

Some silver breeders have also cited DNA testing for silver Labradors supposedly done by the AKC – something that this organization hasn’t done and doesn’t plan to do.  After all, the AKC doesn’t write the breed standard.  Plus, DNA testing can only really tell us about the parents of a dog.  There’s no “purebreed” DNA test around yet.

So, what does that mean about buying a silver Labrador?  Most of the time, these dogs aren’t the best bet.  You can’t enter blue or silver labs in conformation events, they’re often from poor or unknown breeding stock, and while their genetic background is interesting, it isn’t incredibly special.  While a silver lab is attractive and an interesting novelty, it’s not worth paying a lot for.

However, if you have a decent size house and someone is around for most of the day, the puppy will get regular exercise, be well loved and cared for, then a good Labrador breeder will be more than happy to sell you a puppy. You also have the right to ask questions of them, and again you shouldn’t be afraid to do so. It is important to know that this puppy has been bred in excellent conditions and that the mother has been looked after. Puppy mills abuse their bitches and a dog should never, ever be purchased from such a place. There is a difference between a well cared for breeding bitch who has one litter a year, lives as part of a family and gets proper care and attention, to a puppy mill bitch who lives in a cage, isn’t allowed a human contact and relationship and is badly neglected in terms of love and care.

True Labrador breeders will have a love of dogs and really enjoy what they do. The puppies will be well handled and socialized almost from the moment they are born, and nothing is too much trouble for their puppies. They may own both parents, or they may buy in a stud service, but the mother will be their dog that they take great care of and respect her place as their breeding bitch. Ask them if the puppies are ready to stop feeding from the mother, and what food they have been introducing them to. Most breeders will have a puppy pack for you that includes some food so that you can keep the food consistent, or if it suits you to change it do so gradually to avoid upsetting the pup’s tummy.

You are quite within your rights to see the pedigree papers, and you can see the blood lines. In many cases you will not see the dad as he may well be owned by someone else; however, in some cases they will have both the parents, but without doubt you really need to see the bitch, as in most cases you are going to be making your first visit to the pup while it is still dependant on her, so it would be suspect if she wasn’t around to be seen. Sadly these sorts of things have to be looked at, as a few non-reputable breeders and the people in puppy mills have ruined the experience for some people and now more checks need to be carried out to make sure you are buying a healthy puppy.

There is a worldwide campaign to stamp out puppy farms or mills, where breeding bitches are kept in cramped conditions, starved of human contact. These are not animals to be envied. Their sole purpose in life is to provide the puppy mill with as many puppies as possible, and should they fail to do so they are shot. Simple as that. However, puppy mills offer their dogs cheaper than a reputable breeder and the first time dog owner is easily hooked. What you won’t see if you got to a Labrador puppy mill is the mother. You will be asked whether you want a male or female pup, and a selection will be brought out to you. If this happens, walk away. A breeder who gets upset or defensive if you ask questions should also raise alarm bells for you, and again think twice before you buy a puppy as a good Labrador retriever breeder will know the answer to any common question about his pups and his parent dogs and will be more than happy to answer you.

Puppies that come from farms or mills are in real danger of having serious illnesses and diseases and are very unlikely to be given the required vitamins and vaccinations needed by a new puppy, so you are storing up future trouble from buying a puppy from this condition, and any financial saving you made buying the pup will soon be gone in vet bills when it all goes wrong. A pet shop is most definitely not a Labrador Retriever breeder either, so never ever buy a puppy in a pet shop as again these are unlikely to have been born in proper circumstances and are more than likely to have come from a puppy mill. The only way that the campaign can work to stamp out these awful places is for all of us to stop using them.

You may also consider adopting a dog from a welfare shelter before you go out and get a puppy. There are hundreds of needy dogs in welfare care that would love the chance to find a family and have a home for life, and some of the labs they get are very young. You can adopt with confidence as they will have been checked by a vet for any conditions you need to worry about.

Labrador puppies sales are always going to remain high, as this versatile breed is still used in sports in the United Kingdom, with this highly intelligent dog being able to go and pick up birds that have been shot by guns. In both countries the Labrador makes an excellent choice for a seeing eye dog to work for a blind person as they are so quick to learn, and pick up the skills needed well. More importantly they are reliable, which is obviously vital if they are going to be trusted to safely lead their owner and avoid any potential dangers.

They are also a good size dog, not being too big, yet a nice size to enjoy as part of the family. If well trained they are safe for a younger person to walk without fear of being pulled over by the dog, or that it will try and jump at another dog or small child. Older children can easily be involved in the care of the Labrador.

If you decide that you want to get any puppy for your family you should be doing a lot of research and learning about the breed. There will be lots of information on this website that will tell you about the Labrador Retrievers so you can see if this really is the dog for you. Do take this seriously as fundamentally breeds have traits that cannot be changed, and if you do not choose wisely you are going to end up with a dog that is not right for you.

Do try and do a lot of research about places that offer Labrador puppies for sale as there are sadly still puppy farms out there that do not consider their dogs’ welfare. The only way we can put a permanent stop to them is to stop buying from them, so that they are not making any money. They may well offer a cheaper puppy, which will entice you, as a pedigree puppy is not cheap, but sadly if it is not well bred then it could suffer from many health problems. Puppy farms are best avoided in favor of reputable breeders.

You must situate a particular spot for feeding your Lab. While it might seem like a good idea to just feed your dog by setting down his bowl of food in the kitchen somewhere it is best to reconsider that thought. It is understandable that you would like to make your dog feel like he is part of the family but remember that it is best for any dog to be fed where there is no feeling of threat to him. Keep this in mind, dogs have dog instincts, not human instincts and some dogs will devour their food not because they were famished but because they may feel a threat of someone taking it away from them. Your Lab will have a much better meal and enjoy it a lot more if it is away from all of the action.

How often your Lab should be fed is another subject entirely. It is first dependent on the Lab’s age but later is really a matter of when you choose to feed him. When your Lab is a baby he might need to eat as many as five meals per day but around the age of 8 months that should get reduced to about three meals and from there it will be reduced to two meals and eventually down to one by the time he is one year old.

The amount of food that you feed your Lab at each meal is also important. No one can determine the amount that each Lab will eat per setting as it will vary. What will basically be the underlying factor in making this determination is how active your Lab is, his size, and his age. Take a good look at your Lab and make sure that he isn’t thick or overweight. Keep in mind that most dogs will eat whatever you give them whether they are hungry or not. But, if your Lab looks scrawny then maybe you should beef up his meals a bit.

Scheduled feedings for Labrador Retrievers along with fresh cold water that is always available is a must for the Lab. It is a suggestion that you do not feed your Lab after 7pm. This way he will have an opportunity to digest his food and go outside and take care of his business before it is bed time. Start off feeding your Lab about a cup of food. If your Labrador retriever constantly finishes all of his food then begin increasing the amount a little at a time. Just be careful not to overfeed.

There is some belief that the Lab was introduced and discovered first in Portugal long before its introduction in Newfoundland. These people further believe that it was Portuguese sailors that took a liking to them first. This is hard to verify though since there really is no true record of the Lab until around the 19th century when the importation of dogs began.

Small villages in the northern end of Portugal made use of work dogs to protect their livestock. These were St. John’s dogs but resembled the Labrador retriever which is why many believe that Labs originated in Portugal.

What we do know prior to that time is that the Labs went by a different name, “St Johns” dogs. These dogs were very well liked and useful for the fishermen and also the children who loved to play with them. Ironically, this is the very same reputation that the Labs carry with them to this day. They are still known for being wonderful and hard-working dogs. Their hard work was a sought after commodity by the wealthy Englishmen that used to rely on them for hunting purposes. At that time the dogs has to be imported from Canada and it was only the rich that could afford that luxury. St Johns Dogs had dropped that name and became known as Labs by the mid 1800’s.

The laws regarding St Johns Dogs became so strict that the breed eventually faded away. The laws were enforcing only one St Johns Dog per household and strict and expensive licensing fees became compulsory that were even more inflated for the female dogs making it so no one could afford the expense of owning one.

Prior to 1892, all Labs were black in color but after ample breeding they began to show up in a unique liver color. In 1899 the first yellow Lab surfaced and not until 1930 did the world see the first Chocolate Lab.

In both the US and the UK there is no dog loved more than the Lab since the beginning of the 20th century. The very same characteristics that the Lab was loved for back in the 1800’s are still the reason they are so loved today. The Lab loves to hunt but will settle for a good game of fetching.

In general, yellow Labradors are very cheerful and well-adjusted animals. They are very fond of those that care for them. These dogs grow to be quite large but they are very powerful but friendly, not only with other people but also with other animals. Unlike some other breeds of dogs that are very territorial, yellow Labradors would not pick a fight if some other dogs would get into their territory.

This is important to remember when considering whether to get a Yellow Labrador puppy or not. They also need families or people that have the time and the resources to provide them with these things. Many people get a dog because they want the companionship that it brings, but they fail to realize the work and dedication that is also involved in owning a dog.

If you are thinking of getting a Yellow Labrador puppy for your child, make sure that you only get a puppy from a reliable breeder. Truthfully, it is never a good idea to buy a puppy from a pet shop because you have no idea where the dog came from. By nature, yellow Labradors would love to be with people all the time. This type of dog is happy to tag along with their owners and make very faithful companions.  If your child has been asking you for a pet, you should get him a Yellow Labrador puppy.

Once you already have the name of some reliable dog breeders in your area, you should go out there and take a look at some dog breeders. It is always a good idea to visit the dog breeder and see the kind of dogs that they have. When looking for a reliable breeder where you can get a puppy, you should ask for referrals from friends, relatives or the local dog club in your neighborhood. Most dog lovers would be very happy to help you find the right Yellow Lab for you child.

Most dogs have a generally long lifespan and can live up to 12-13 years but the Yellow Labrador breed often lives for a good 18-19 years. Most commonly you will find that Yellow Labradors are a very intelligent breed. Yellow Labs are also very trainable with a mild temperament so they are very good companion choices for handicapped people as well.
Your yellow Lab puppy loves to play and enjoys plenty of exercise. Make sure that you can give him plenty of attention since they are known to be attention hogs.

The Black Labrador retriever pup is one of the more placid breeds of dogs. For a dog owner that really isn’t up to dealing with too many puppy issues, this is a good choice. Black Labs are great with kids and are the perfect match for a loving family. All dogs have their strong points and their weaknesses and with the Black Lab pup his weakness is that he will eat whatever is put in front of him so if he is not monitored carefully he will get fat. Overeating can result in a variety of health problems.

Black Lab pups are super high energy dogs and require a lot of outdoor play time so if you are not able to provide hours of Frisbee and ball playing then you may want to reconsider dog breeds. The exercise that this dog gets outside is what keeps it in shape and helps it to remain healthy. A black Labrador puppy will have an additional level of energy and the owner must be prepared for that. A black Labrador puppy is the perfect dog for people with a family. It is also a desirable dog for those who spend lots of time outdoors and for hunters.

Before you decide to buy a black lab puppy, it is very important that you know a little about the breeder and the puppy’s parents. The following is a checklist of what you should ask your breeder before you decide to buy a black lab puppy. Probably one of the most important things that you must consider before choosing a puppy is to checkout his health. When you’re looking for a puppy, there are a few things that can help determine a puppy’s good or poor health. Feel free to bring this checklist with you when you’re choosing a puppy.

1.    The puppy’s eyes. Look at the puppy’s eyes. Are they bright, clear, and clean or are they tearful looking, caked with slime, and runny?
2.    The puppy’s ears. Are they clean (both inside and outside) free of ticks and free of hairless patches?
3.    The puppy’s mouth. Are the puppy’s gums and teeth clean, the proper color, and free of sores, plaque and food? Is the tongue clean? Does the puppy’s breath have that sour milk puppy smell or does it smell decayed?
4.    The puppy’s coat. Is it free from mats, dirt, and feces, especially around the rectum? Is the coat clean and very soft? Or is it patchy with bald spots? Is there evidence of ticks or fleas (small black spots or raised red bumps are evidence of fleas.) Does the puppy stink?
5.    The puppy’s paws. Are they clean with clipped nails and nothing lodged between the pads? Does the puppy walk easily or does it limp?
6.    How does the puppy act? Is he energetic, curious, and interested in you? Or does he seem to be tired and not interested in you, even when you try to get its attention?