We have been to see some choc lab pups today we have had no dealings with pedigrees before a friends family have the pups the mum and dad are registered with the kc and the litter registerd we are not purchasing a puppy for any other reason than as our familly pet I would like advice on any thing paticular we should be looking for all pups appeared well mum was gorgeous friendly and we stayed an hour and a half with them all paper work was seen and the owners told me they are not breeders she is a familly pet and they do not show her she has had one previous litter they were keen to here about our home and life etc and i think just like us genuine pet lovers any advice would be appreciated

From what you say about the breeder wanting to know about you home life, and the mother of pups having good nature they seem to be doing the right things but one thing you must find out about is if both the sire and dam of the litter have had the relevant health checks appropriate for that breed eg. hip scored.  I know very little about labs so not sure what should have been done, hopefully someone involved with labs will read this and be able to help you more.  If no-one else replies at least phone up a local vet and ask them what tests should have been done on that breeds.  Good luck

Labradors should have current eye certificates(ie one done within a year of you being shown the certificate), they should both be hip scored under the breed average which I think is 16 & also elbow scored as well(I think)

The breeders(yes they are breeders because their bitch has had a litter)should have the original certificates for their bitch & photocopies of the stud dogs if they do not own him)

Just for the record anyone whose bitch has a litter is ipso facto a breeder, and as this is their second litter even more so.  they ahgve as much responsibility to have theri dogs health screened (hop, Elbow and eye tested) as someone who breeds more often and shows their dogs.

They should also expect to help if nay of the pups needs rehoming and be on hand to help and advise the new puppy owners, therefore it would be wise for them to know a lot about their breed lines and health issues.

Most breeders bitches are pets first and foremost even if they also show or work them.

(hop, Elbow and eye tested)

I just love the idea of measuring labradors "hops" over fences :D :D :D - sorry Barbara!!!   Hip scores should be less than 16!

Margot

Nah Beer was on my mind I suppose :D