Calling all labrador experts

gratefulforhelp_2

I'm planning on getting a choccy lab in Feb, I have found one litter due to be ready then (probably, pregnancy not confirmed yet).

Questions, Is a hip score of 3:3 for each parent ok?

Also, breeder says each parent's eyes are checked and clear, should she have a certificate for this?

Anything else I should look out for?

The breeder is KC reg, FWIW, and to forestall your questions

1. Yes I have experience of puppies
2. Yes I will be at home with the puppy
3. No I will not get a rescue this time, but my last dog was a rescue and died after a long and happy 15 years
4. Yes I realise how much work and training is involved...

eta and
5. I also realise she will trash my house if given half a chance!!

Thanks guys.

hethmar

http://www.labradorforums.co.uk/

cinderellacomplex

http://www.bva.co.uk/public/documents/chs_hip_scheme_breed_mean_scores.pdf

Lab average for hips is 15 so yes, total scores of 6 for both parents is well under the average and so responsible breeding in that sense.

If you know the KC names then you can check their hip scores and other relevant tests at:
http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/services/public/health/search/Default.aspx

If the tests were recent then the database may not be updated yet but the breeder will have a certificate for all tests which you could ask to see.

The Kennel Club currently advises lab breeders to hip and elbow test, to eye test and to DNA test for PRA (may not need done if the dogs are genetically clear by parentage - as in they were bred from two clears). There is also a DNA test for another condition but it is only marked as available, not recommended yet so it might not be in use by many breeders yet. http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/download/9672/Retriever_Labrador.pdf

gratefulforhelp_2

Thanks loads, guys, that's really helpful.

gratefulforhelp_2

Little update, all the tests appear to be in order and we are going to choose a puppy next weekend.

1_step_closer

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO how exciting! My friend has just had whippet pups and we had snuggles today..........there is nothing like a puppy!

Have a fantastic time choosing one!

(I'm not jealous at all. Nope. Ok maybe I am!)

twinklie

Be warned....someone stole my tiny puppy and replaced it with a big massive thing!!! Sorry, I just can't get over how fast my baby is growing. It's too traumatic. :rotfl:

I too am jealous. Whilst I don't envy the crying, toilet trainning and other random puppy stuff....we are just out the other side of it at about 8 and a half months (although toilet training was actually quite quick). I still kinda miss it...and the fluffy puppy madness.

At nearly 6 stone, my little baby is just scary when the madness decends. I just get out of the way! :rotfl:

gratefulforhelp_2

Thanks, 1-step and twinklie. I have never seen a full litter of pups before, its quite a thing. I expected mummy to be more possessive of them, she wasn't really at all.

sarabe

gratefulforhelp wrote: »

Thanks, 1-step and twinklie. I have never seen a full litter of pups before, its quite a thing. I expected mummy to be more possessive of them, she wasn't really at all.

A mum should protect her puppies from predators. If she sees humans as predators then probably not wise to buy her pup.

gratefulforhelp_2

Good point. While you're here...I wonder if you have any suggestions for healthy treats for puppy training, please?

1_step_closer

There is a lot of choice! The only thing I would really say is find something puppy really finds the best treat in the world and only feed that when training, not at other times. (Does that make sense?)

Treats can be a minefield as well as feeding in general - I feed raw and lots of veg and fruit. I also feed natural yoghurt, rice,carrots, cucumber. Choose something smelly like cheese or hot dogs........they'll soon get the hang of it!

AND WE NEED PICTURES!!!!!!!!!!!

Best of luck