I am enquiring about the purchasing of a labrador pup, I am wanting a white (the whiter the better)labrador bitch for purchase in the new year.
I would prefer it to be in the West Yorkshire area, and both parents to be used to children, with a good nature, if you have any advise on the purchase of a puppy it would be greatfully received, as this would be our first purchase, my husband had a labrador as a child at home, we have a 14year old cat at home, plus 2 children aged 10 and 6 would this be a problem to a pup?
Also what vaccinations would the puppy need etc?
What would be the approximate purchase price?
This puppy would be going to a loving home, and for use as a family pet and member of our family, not for breeding or showing.
Thank you for your help.
I would appreciate any advice.

Welcome guest - and could I suggest that you register - it's free - we doon't bite (often :D ) and you can post any other questions that come to mind!!!

Someone will be along soon, no doubt, with the relevant breed society address for you to check out availability/locality of breeders - as I'm in the South-east, I'm not able to help you much there, I'm afraid.

One word of warning, you say that you would be "first time buyers" although you husband had a labrador as a child ...... check out with his parents on the destruction that can be wrecked by a juvenile labrador - they ARE wonderful dog - but they can be destructive too :D :D :D

Children of 10 and 6 are the ideal age to learn about the responsibility of owning a pup and can be instrumental in the training of a puppy.   The cat might not be too happy at first - so the puppy would need to be taught to respect it!

Join us, and let us know how you get on in your search for the perfect puppy - oh yes - and buy the book of that name by Gwen Bailey.

Margot

There are lots of people on here with Labradors but as far as I know there is no such thing as a white one they do range from pale yellow to almost red gold

Any breeder advertising white Labs is to be avoided - they only come in black, yellow and chocolate although some yellows are very pale cream but never white.

Lots of good breeders in the North West - your main things when choosing a breeder are that the parents must BOTH be hip scored - ask to SEE the documentation and eye tested.
Be prepared to wait - most good breeders will have a waiting list.

Its not normal for the breeder to own both parents - so don't assume they will - its often a red flag if the breeder DOES own both parents!

I assume you are aware that young Labs will delight in eating your house?

Our first stripped 3 rooms of wallpaer (only as far up as she could reach so the ceiling stayed pristine!), removed all the buttons from the cooker, ate a hole in the fridge, ate the tyres on our caravan, munched through all the flowers and trees in the garden and nibbled thru the phone wires twice .... pretty typical :)

My second Lab (crate trained) only managed to eat a hosepipe, multiple dog bowls, a hoover and countless shoes :)

They are also very "bitey" puppies - so your younger child would need briefing on how to manage that - they are also often very jumpy which isn't nice when the dog weighs more than you!!!
They are fabulous dogs but many people don't realise that en route to their fabulousness you do have monsters LOL

would just like to agree in what has been said i have a 7 month old male chocolate lab and he is very destructive and i would reccomend you crate train your pup if you get one. it was invaluable and was fantastic with toilet training he only ever had a handful of accidents in the house. dont leave anything you value lower than 6ft high as it will destroy it never leave shoes remote controls or anything where he/she can get it!! max has had shoes, phone wires, entire birthday cakes, kids lunch drinks (10 packs) , clothes, toys, remote controls the lot! saying that though he is adoreable and we wouldnt swop him for the world. good luck!!!

You have seen the warnings on here and believe me, they are all true! I have twice (With different puppies) lost my kitchen floor! Most of mine have been compulsive diggers and several would clear a four foot fence "Just because it's there!" Anna can clear it with a cock Pheasant in her mouth! Training is essential because they turn into big strong dogs and just don't notice the human on the other end of the lead! (Anna weighs 36kg of solid muscle)

Finding a light yellow Labrador is very hit or miss. The colour changes markedly as they get towards adulthood so you will never really know what you have until the puppy is full grown.

Look for a puppy from hip scored parents who have scores of around 15 or less total and that have been eye tested within the last year. (The hip score is for life but the eyes should be tested every year.) Make sure you see the mother and that she has a good temperament. Don't worry if she is not looking at her best, nursing puppies takes a lot out of them.

Regards, John