Health-Tested Parents for Healthier Puppies

Puppies will not only inherit genetic traits, but behavior attributes as well. 
 

In my opinion, one of the best questions to ask a breeder is, “are both parents available for me to meet?” Although it is not necessary, meeting both parents gives the new puppy owner first hand to the parent’s temperament, athletic abilities, intelligence and drive as well as style of the breed.

Visiting with both the breeder and the puppies parents will help evaluate how friendly the dogs are as well as notice the relationship between that dog and his or her owner.

I like to look for a friendly greeting with tails a wagging. It’s ok if the dog barks at you for the first time, however if the dog needs to be contained due to his or her aggressiveness, you may not want to consider this dog for your family.

Allow the breeder to show you what the parents love to do like retrieve or anything that would give you information about the dog’s personality as well as intelligence level. After all, apples do not fall far from the tree! 

What should you look for when buying a puppy?

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, referred to as “OFA” is one of the major health screening tools breeders can use to improve the genetic health of dogs. 

This test is for the evaluation of Dysplasia in the Labrador breed. This is one of many screen tests a new pet owner should ask for when considering buying a new lab puppy that will someday become a family member and a life-long friend. The OFA testing is performed on dogs 2 years of age or older. However the test can be performed after one year of age as a preliminary testing if breeding is planned after one year of age.

Our Dams and Sire are tested for OFA as well as other genetic tests.