{"id":269,"date":"2017-11-07T15:33:22","date_gmt":"2017-11-07T15:33:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/?page_id=269"},"modified":"2018-10-16T21:45:33","modified_gmt":"2018-10-16T21:45:33","slug":"puppy-buyers-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/find-a-labrador\/puppy-buyers-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Puppy Buyers Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Puget Sound Labrador Retriever Association recognizes our responsibility to the Labrador Retriever breed, and the Labrador Retriever breed enthusiast. As such, we set forth this Code of Ethics to reflect the desire of the membership to: [Read More]<\/a><\/p>\n

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The Labrador Retriever is currently the most popular dog in the United States.\u00a0 One reason for that popularity is the amazing versatility of the breed.\u00a0 Labradors excel as guide dogs, in the show, obedience, rally, and agility rings, as therapy animals, as hunting companions, in search and rescue work, and, of course, as family pets.\u00a0[Read More]<\/a><\/p>\n

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General Appearance<\/span><\/b>
\nThe Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, medium-sized, short-coupled, dog possessing a sound, athletic, well-balanced conformation that enables it to function as a retrieving gun dog; the substance and soundness to hunt waterfowl or upland game for long hours under difficult conditions; the character and quality to win in the show ring; and the temperament to be a family companion.<\/span> [Read More]<\/a><\/p>\n

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Breeding quality Labrador Retrievers is a costly and time-consuming undertaking if done properly.\u00a0\u00a0Responsible breeders plan litters carefully, maintain standards and strive to achieve improvement with each generation.\u00a0 <\/i>Anyone interested in owning or breeding a Labrador Retriever\u00a0should become familiar with the various medical conditions and appropriate health clearances before deciding to obtain a Labrador.\u00a0 [Read More]<\/a><\/p>\n

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English versus American:\u00a0 There is only one breed of dog known as the Labrador Retriever, described by the\u00a0Standard of the Breed.<\/a> Within Labrador Retriever breed type there are variations in body style which have evolved to suit the use of the dog, as well as the preferences of individual breeders and owners. In the United States the general public has begun to label these variations mistakenly as “English or “American” style. Perhaps a better description for variations in style is “show\/conformation” or “working\/field” styles. [Read More]<\/a><\/p>\n

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The Labrador Retriever Club, Incorporated is dedicated to the health and welfare of the Labrador Retriever breed while conserving the original breed function – that of a “working retriever.”\u00a0 A purebred dog offers its owner the likelihood that he will be a specific size, shape, color and temperament. [Read More]<\/a><\/p>\n

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Want to become a PSLRA Member?\u00a0 Visit our Membership page to learn more about PSLRA, and to submit an on-line Membership application.\u00a0\u00a0[Read More]<\/a><\/p>\n

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A Guide for Breeders & Buyers<\/strong><\/h1>\n

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A potential puppy buyer should understand they are purchasing a companion ideally for the next 15 years.\u00a0 \u00a0A careful selection will dramatically increase the chances that this will be a healthy, delightful companion, rather than an expensive, stressful drain on your family’s finances and emotions.\u00a0 In essence, the breeder of your next pet literally holds your future in their hands.<\/p>\n

The primary determining factor of a litter’s quality, (meaning health, structure, and temperament), will be the puppy’s parents.\u00a0 A responsible breeder puts a great deal of thought into each litter, matching parents based on health issues, temperament, structure, and performance records.\u00a0 However, don’t expect to be able to see both parents in the breeder’s own kennel.\u00a0 Most breeders looking to improve their stock and produce a quality litter will use an outside stud dog.\u00a0 As a matter of fact, that may be one of the easiest ways to determine whether a breeder is striving for quality or just breeding for profit.\u00a0 There are exceptions, of course, but typically only the most established breeders will own a stud dog of such quality as to be the very best match for their bitch.\u00a0 Proximity is usually not a valid reason for a breeding.<\/p>\n

The second critical factor in a puppy’s future is how it is raised.\u00a0 Much research has been done on critical periods of puppy development, and the consensus is overwhelming that puppies need lots of human contact.\u00a0 While there is no magic age for separating a pup from its litter mates and dam, there is conclusive evidence that no puppy should leave the breeder before seven weeks of age.\u00a0 In addition, a puppy that remains kenneled with its litter for beyond 12 weeks, without receiving a great deal of human contact or varied environments, is likely to develop training or temperament challenges.\u00a0 Certainly older puppies and dogs are placed successfully all the time, but a breeder must put a great deal of effort into the care and training of a puppy to ensure it develops into a secure, well-behaved companion.\u00a0 If you are considering a dog over 12 weeks of age, check to be sure the dog has received proper socialization during its critical developmental periods.<\/p>\n

Responsible breeders put a great deal of time and effort into socializing their litters.\u00a0 Research has shown that mild stress in the form of specific daily handling and testing increases a puppy’s brain capacity.\u00a0 While these tests are not mandatory for a satisfactory companion, they are the ideal.\u00a0 Breeders with multiple litters at the same time may not be able to give each puppy individual attention, and should be considered with caution.\u00a0 There is a wide spectrum in care and socialization; ask questions and visit many kennels and you’ll begin to see a marked difference in the personalities of the dogs you meet.<\/p>\n

While breeders utilize a wide variety of facilities for puppy raising, from elaborate kennel buildings to garages to living rooms, cleanliness and human contact is what’s important, not the fanciest setup.\u00a0 As pack animals, puppies learn from their mother that their “den” should remain clean, and eventually they begin to go further and further from their sleeping area to soil.\u00a0 This is what makes the domesticated dog such a wonderful companion, they are generally very easy to house train.\u00a0 However, a litter that is kept in a dirty pen learns to disregard where they potty, making them very difficult to house train.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Breeder’s Responsibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Most Puppy Placement contracts include health guarantees and requirements for basic care on the owner’s part.\u00a0 Breeders carry an enormous burden to produce healthy, beautiful dogs that conform to the breed’s standard for structure, temperament, and working ability while being free of genetic disease.\u00a0 Making color, sex and other superficial characteristics your priority increases your risk of not getting a healthy companion for a lifetime.<\/p>\n

Responsible breeders love contact from puppy buyers only interested in obtaining a quality dog, and will be patient with your desire for a particular color or sex if you are willing to wait for the right puppy to be available.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Each breeding with the resulting puppies should meet the PSLRA Code of Ethics<\/a>,\u00a0or the breeder should have a good reason why the breeding took place on preliminary clearances.\u00a0 In either case, the breeder should be able to explain why this particular match of stud dog and brood bitch took place.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Buyers should be able to meet both parents or at least see pictures of the one(s) not on the premises, with all pedigrees and clearances documented.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Puppies should be born in the house, (or similar environment), where there is an abundance of human interaction and other stimuli. Puppies should appear to be well socialized.<\/p>\n

\u2022 All areas where the puppies and other dogs are kept should be clean with obvious marked attention to their safety and well being. Temperature should be kept at comfortable levels.\u00a0 As the puppies out-grow their whelping box, their puppy pen should be the same: clean, comfortable and safe.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Puppies should appear to be content and not under any stress, in terms of either health or environment.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Puppies should be on a worming schedule from 2-3 weeks and every 2 weeks following.<\/p>\n

\u2022 First vaccinations should have been given by 7 weeks.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Puppies should not be available to go to their new homes prior to 7 weeks, preferably no sooner than 8 weeks of age.<\/p>\n

\u2022 It is highly recommended that all puppies should have had their eyes checked by a licensed ophthalmologist, and be micro-chipped prior to going to their new homes.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Buyers should be given instructions regarding care and feeding of the puppy.\u00a0 This should take place in plenty of time for buyer to prepare for the day they take their puppy home.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Potential buyers should receive a copy of the purchase contract\/guarantee prior to any deposit being made, in order for them to completely understand both their and the breeder’s obligations.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Buyers should be treated with complete honesty and openness. They have a right to expect respect and consideration.\u00a0 All agreements between Buyer and Breeder should be spelled out in writing.\u00a0 Deposits and payments for any puppy should be written out, with any reservations clearly documented.<\/p>\n

\u2022 All paperwork should be available at time of pick-up. This includes, but is not limited to: the puppy’s AKC registration application, seller\/buyer contract with a guarantee, puppy instructions, puppy’s individual health record showing worming, vaccinations, etc., copies of pedigrees and parent clearances, any other information the breeder deems important.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Buyers should expect eager and friendly follow up care after their puppy is taken home.\u00a0 In fact, breeders should be available for consultation and take an interest in each dog’s welfare for its entire life.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Buyer’s Responsibilities<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Contracts and guarantees can be an important consideration when purchasing a puppy.\u00a0 However, remember that a contract is only as good as the person offering it, and that there are no ironclad guarantees when breeding animals.\u00a0 A breeder can do everything considered normal and appropriate to breed healthy animals, and still produce the occasional genetic health issue.\u00a0 Knowing this, most responsible breeders sell their puppies as pets only, with AKC Limited Registration papers to ensure the animals are not breed indiscriminately.\u00a0 Consider this a sign of a responsible breeder rather than an unneeded restriction.\u00a0 If you are interested in breeding your dog, speak with the breeder and make your wishes known.\u00a0 Most breeders will want to discourage a novice pet owner from breeding their dog, for a variety of valid reasons.\u00a0 Please be honest with your intentions.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Buyers should know that every breeder may have different rules regarding visits to their litters.\u00a0 Please understand and abide by them. They are established to keep the puppies and their mother healthy.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Buyers should be completely honest and forthright as to their home situation, how this puppy will be raised and kept throughout its lifetime, and all of their expectations in acquiring this new family member.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Buyers should understand that breeders are aiming to produce puppies that will fulfill a particular goal such as conformation shows, field events, agility trials, service etc.\u00a0 Those puppies in a particular litter that appear to have those qualities will be earmarked for homes that will take that puppy to its full potential.\u00a0 Few lay persons would be able to make these distinctions.\u00a0 In no way are the other puppies in a litter inferior.\u00a0 A well-thought out breeding with the proper raising to 8 weeks, (see breeder responsibilities), and continuing on in its new home with good care and training will produce wonderful, sound and attractive pets.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Buyers should further understand that a breeder who takes such pains with a litter as described above, and gets to know the prospective buyers and their home situations, will be able to best match each puppy to a particular home and family.\u00a0 This will result in greater chances of life long success, than if the buyer makes his\/her own choice.\u00a0 Many breeders, in fact, insist on making that final decision.\u00a0 Buyers also need to understand that most breeders will not release puppies until they are 8 weeks old, and never before 7 weeks.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Buyers should not put a deposit down unless they are sure they want a puppy from a particular litter.\u00a0 Both the buyer and the breeder need to understand each other regarding choice of puppy.\u00a0 All such understandings and any exceptions or conditions should be in writing.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Buyers may have to realize that they may have to be on a breeder waiting list in order to purchase a puppy from that breeder, and\/or to purchase the color and sex that they want.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Buyers should familiarize themselves completely with the paperwork and information that a breeder provides.\u00a0 Breeders welcome the opportunity to answer any questions and concerns.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Buyers should fully understand and agree with all the terms of any contract\/guarantee they will have with the breeder upon the final purchase of their puppy<\/p>\n

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The Puget Sound Labrador Retriever Association recognizes our responsibility to the Labrador Retriever breed, and the Labrador Retriever breed enthusiast. As such, we set forth this Code of Ethics to reflect the desire of the membership to: [Read More] The Labrador Retriever is currently the most popular dog in the United States.\u00a0 One reason for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":272,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-269","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/269","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=269"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/269\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55987,"href":"https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/269\/revisions\/55987"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/272"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pslra.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=269"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}