High Quality Labrador Breeders? *Update!

[saje]

Why did I buy a puppy?

Currently I have 18 animals. Of those, 16 are someone else’s cast-offs. (7 horses, 9 cats, 2 dogs) The two that were deliberate were one horse, (who is out of my own mare that I bought for $200 as a starving 2 yo), the other is that Lab puppy for the breeder I linked to at the top of this post.

I love all my animals, but the unplanned ones do come with some challenges and baggage. I wanted a very specific temperament, I wanted proven trainability, I wanted a certain look, I wanted the best shot possible at a sound, healthy, athletic dog. If that’s shallow, well then so be it, I certainly have not turned my back on shelter pets*.

Since I moved out on my own after college, I’ve had over 30 animals (cats, dogs, horses, parrot) Of those, 3 dogs and two horses were deliberate purchases (including the ones I named above). I sold one horse to a friend for $1, everyone else lived out their lives with me, or are still with me.

I may buy a dog once every 12-15 years, but I think I’ve done my bit as far as other people’s unwanted animals goes.

*I call them shelter pets, but they never actually got to the shelter. All were foundlings or taken off someone’s hands before they ever had to go to the shelter.

[S1969]

[QUOTE=Lone;6009565]
In my dog, I don’t need one that has been bred specifically to do anything, just one that seems smart and affectionate. If you’re looking for a dog to do hunting trials or agility competitions, then it probably makes sense to go to breeder who is known for producing those kinds of dogs, but there are lots of dogs that are very well qualified for the family dog/buddy role hanging out at the pound.[/QUOTE]

I understand, I just feel differently.

My dogs live in my house, not in the barn. They sleep in my bed. They interact with me and my kids all day long. They are considered part of the family. I want to know that what we expect is what we get…temperment, soundness, breed type & overall health.

I do show my dog (in conformation, for now, but hopefully in the field this spring). But I feel strongly about getting dogs from reputable breeders because they live in the house with us. I am not interested (today) in taking a chance on a dog with my kids, my other dogs, and our life. So, I like getting them as puppies so we can make sure they are trained properly from the start, and from a breeder who we know and respect.

I don’t have anything against dogs from shelters or rescues…I just don’t want one for my family right now. Just as I don’t want an OTTB, or a horse from Camelot. I know there are good ones out there, but I don’t have the time, resources, or facilities to properly quarantine, train and house them. It’s a lot easier to say “no” when they are 1100 lbs v. 40 lbs, but it’s sort of the same thing.

[Lone]

[QUOTE=S1969;6009701]
I understand, I just feel differently.

My dogs live in my house, not in the barn. They sleep in my bed. They interact with me and my kids all day long. They are considered part of the family. I want to know that what we expect is what we get…temperment, soundness, breed type & overall health. [/QUOTE]

My dog is sleeping on the couch on top of my feet right now, so I definitely understand your desire to have a good dog in the house!

I didn’t mean to imply at all that I think it’s bad to get a dog from a breeder- for whatever reason people to choose to- I was just trying to give my perspective on why it’s not crazy (at least to me) to get a dog from a shelter vs. wanting a purpose breed horse. I grew up with almost exclusively dogs that were from the pound and they, and my current pound dog, have been exceptional family dogs and all-around wonderful additions to the family. While the additional risk of not knowing about potential health problems does make me nervous, I can’t turn down a dog in need of a good home- particularly a dog who is otherwise perfectly capable of filling all the roles I need him to.

But, I totally understand that people like getting puppies from breeders too. My uncle got a lab puppy a few months ago from a good line of hunting dogs and I can’t wait to play with it over the holidays

Anyway, happy puppy-shopping to the OP!

[newenglandnative]

One of the posters on here recommended a breeder in northern New York and luckily they have a litter that are actually ready to go to homes as soon as this weekend. I’m going to check the pups out with my dad next weekend and most likely bring one home. I’ll be sure to post pictures if we do!

[ponymom64]

[QUOTE=newenglandnative;6010052]
One of the posters on here recommended a breeder in northern New York and luckily they have a litter that are actually ready to go to homes as soon as this weekend. I’m going to check the pups out with my dad next weekend and most likely bring one home. I’ll be sure to post pictures if we do![/QUOTE]

If it is the breeder I recommended, you will be thrilled with the pups and his program

In any case, you know we will be expecting photos of the puppies! Have fun and as I always tell my kids - you can’t just “go look at a puppy” :lol:

[S1969]

[QUOTE=Lone;6009978]
I didn’t mean to imply at all that I think it’s bad to get a dog from a breeder- for whatever reason people to choose to- I was just trying to give my perspective on why it’s not crazy (at least to me) to get a dog from a shelter vs. wanting a purpose breed horse.[/QUOTE]

I totally understand, and I’m sure a rescue dog will be in our future someday as well. And I am glad that there are dog owners who specifically want a rescue/shelter dog.

I am just always surprised at the negative views on this board toward people who specifically desire a well-bred, intentionally planned puppy. Why would that be considered a bad thing? I can honestly say that I have never tried to convince anyone to get a purebred puppy if they wanted a rescue dog. Why do other people feel the need to try to convince people to get a shelter/rescue dog if they are interested in a purebred puppy?

To the OP: I can’t wait to hear about the puppies!!! Pictures please!!! :yes::yes:

[wendy]

For anyone who loves black labs, the Danville SPCA has a desperate situation for 19 black lab puppies that desperately need homes ASAP. See the following forwarded to me by a friend: “I have a special request this season. I just received word earlier today that the Danville SPCA had a drop off of four week old black lab puppies still weaning from their mothers milk. There are 19… puppies. …The SPCA contacted a no-kill shelter that is filled right now. so we are spreading the word if you or you know of someone wanting a puppy - a black lab puppy- please contact the Danville SPCA asap and give a puppy a loving caring home this season…before the unimaginable happens. Thank you and please forward this message - you never know who might be seeking to fill their lives with one of these adorable puppies.”

Danville SPCA

2801 Bloom Road

danville, Pennsylvania 17821

Phone: 570-275-0340

[timoftelaur]

Interested

[IdahoRider]

Or wrap up a “puppy pack” that includes cute food and water bowls, collar and leash, toys and the aforementioned “Puppy IOU”.
Sheilah

[Mao]

[QUOTE=leahandpie;6009181]
I didn’t read all the posts- but this is where we got our pup!
http://www.ashlandkennel.com/

Here are some pics of him. He is growing up to be THE BEST DOG. He house trained in 5 days, has never chewed anything but his toys… and the sweetest, most playful, wonderful boy. And doing quite well as a retriever! He loves to swim and get his duck dummies.

getting bigger…

now…almost 8 months!
[/QUOTE]

Great pictures! I’m not a big fan of Labs - but that sure is a beautiful pup! I definitely prefer his looks over the show dog type. Have fun!

[Bumper]

Lots of good comments so far, that’s nice to see.

I breed Springer Spaniels. Every litter has a waiting list. Every litter is from OFA/CERF tested parents (also tested for specific genetic Springer issues). Every litter comes from parents proven in the field as hunting dogs. Every litter comes from parents with wonderful dispositions.

If someone contacts me for a pet, i send them to the local shelter. If someone contacts me for a breed specific pet, i send them to Springer Rescue. If, however, they contact me for a hunting dog that can cuddle on the couch in the evenings, we talk business.

RE: fat labs. I absolutely HATE HATE HATE the “new” breed standard that is winning in Westminster. It was a few years ago that a black lab won there and that dog was obese. It’s ugly and unhealthy. WTH are people thinking??

RE: the problem with shelter/rescue pets. There are some wonderful legitimate rescues and shelters. I applaud them, i support them whenever i can. There are also some shady outfits out there “rescuing” pets and selling them for profit. There are outfits stealing dogs and selling them in the name of rescue. There are misguided, well meaning and ignorant people who think a dog in a yard is abused because it’s not inside…they like to steal dogs in the name of “rescuing” them and find them new homes.

And yes, there ARE shelter/rescue dogs with huge behavioral and health issues. Dogs in this situation are a huge unknown when it comes to health and disposition. And these reasons are why so many people are leery of shelters/rescues. I can understand that, i can respect it.

Good luck in your search for a lab breeder!

[leahandpie]

Mao- thanks
I wasn’t a lab person, either, until we got Jet. I grew up with Dobermans and German Shorthaired Pointers. I still think GSPs are by far the best dogs in the universe, but don’t tell Jet!

[ponymom64]

[QUOTE=Mao;6011268]
Great pictures! I’m not a big fan of Labs - but that sure is a beautiful pup! I definitely prefer his looks over the show dog type. Have fun![/QUOTE]

Well, to each their own I much prefer the British type with their gorgeous blocky heads, short bodies and thick tail :yes:

[Mao]

Ponymom - I hope I didn’t offend regarding breed/type preferences. Diversity is what keeps it interesting, right? I have Scottish Deerhounds - so obviously my preference is for very large, highly-decorative couch potatoes. But I am really surprised at that difference between show and field labs.

[Ben_and_Me]

[QUOTE=ponymom64;6011512]
Well, to each their own I much prefer the British type with their gorgeous blocky heads, short bodies and thick tail :yes:[/QUOTE]

There is a big difference between your description and the dog at Westminster. Breed standard or not, that dog was a 7-8/9 on the body condition scale, making him predisposed to everything from osteoarthritis to cancer-and not just because of his breed, simply due to his weight.

The worst part is that uneducated folks see that winning, look at their own obese lab, and think he looks ok.

I’ve seen healthy-weight English labs, but that is certainly not what was shown on either the website I referenced or the Westminster lab last year. It is a struggle to keep a companion lab thin, and those “ideal” dogs aren’t doing any of their breed-mates any favors!

[sporthorsefilly]

I got a Lab pup from a colleague, this past September after losing a 12 yr old Lab. The pup is fabulous, very laid back, couch potato type, incredibly intelligent, very fast learner. They just have one female, however both of my pups parents came from:

Cresthill Kennels http://www.CresthillKennels.com
email: Labradors@cresthillkennels.com
Woodford, Va 22580

These are hunting/field lines, and fabulous temperments!

[hiddenlake]

"Try Birdstone Labradors Don’t know if they have any but the puppys are gorgeous!!"
(Quote from 2ndyrgal but I couldn’t include the title using the “quote” button)

As the owner of 2 Birdstone dogs, I couldn’t agree with you more! Lisa is a small but very high quality and conscientious breeder. Prospective buyers need to talk to her at length first, and then she will check with their vet as well to make sure they are responsible pet owners.

While she sometimes has pups that have not been spoken for in advance, she only produces two litters a year so buyers might have to wait anyway.

[saje]

There doesn’t have to be a difference, but people do seem to like extremes (in anything, not just dogs of course).

The people I’ve bought my Labs from breed a more “English” style dog that fits the AKC standard - double coated, otter tail, stocky, wide head with a good stop and a square muzzle. I love their looks

But these are working dogs too. Their dogs have both conformation titles and working titles, and they show in the field and in obedience. scroll down to the bottom of the page and take a look at all the dogs they’ve had over the years (almost 30 years) and take a look at the titles. THIS is what a good Lab ought to be! (Not that I’m biased or anything )

This is my girl’s sire
This is her dam

[ponymom64]

[QUOTE=saje;6012266]
There doesn’t have to be a difference, but people do seem to like extremes (in anything, not just dogs of course).

The people I’ve bought my Labs from breed a more “English” style dog that fits the AKC standard - double coated, otter tail, stocky, wide head with a good stop and a square muzzle. I love their looks

But these are working dogs too. Their dogs have both conformation titles and working titles, and they show in the field and in obedience. scroll down to the bottom of the page and take a look at all the dogs they’ve had over the years (almost 30 years) and take a look at the titles. THIS is what a good Lab ought to be! (Not that I’m biased or anything )

This is my girl’s sire
This is her dam[/QUOTE]

You and I like the same type. The dogs my breeder uses also have their field championships as well and I actually thought that was a requirement before you could show a working dog breed for a conformation championship but perhaps that requirement has gone the way of the Dodo - :lol:

Which is not to say that people are not showing fat dogs or that labs have a tendancy to fat. I know is it a struggle to keep my black dog’s weight at a good level and he is a pretty active dog, even at 9! My yellow we have to keep on the much thinner side as he is quite arthritic at 11 and any extra weight is a strain on him.

Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder - I wasn’t offended at all, BTW!! I just find the lower, broader dog with the wide head and the otter tail more appealing than the taller, narrower dog with the narrower head is all, I also like shorter broader men but more refined horses, go figure LOL

Here is a link to my black dog’s dad (who is also my yellow dog’s nephew) - if you read the results comments by the judge, you will see comments regarding not using good dogs because they are overweight - however, this show was 10 years ago - so as with hunter horses, judging criteria has changed

http://www.jslrc.com/results2001JSLRCphotosnewton.htm

[Ben_and_Me]

ponymom – Thanks for sharing the judge’s comments. That was incredibly helpful!

I also personally prefer the English lab body type instead of the lanky, lean American lab – just hate to see them so fat!