I don't think it's allowed either DD.


I would seriously consider not breeding, as there are so many pups already out in rescue centres. A fair few of labs as well.

The website Argent posted is excellent, definately take a read and take on board the fab advice given to you on this forum by experienced breeders/researchers(SL)

There are a fair few Labs in rescue, you are right, but the large majority are from BYB and PF - which is more than likely the route the OP would end up going, because the dog is unlikely to be in a position to attract good quality bitches.

This is why my advice was to enjoy the boy they have, and if they are intent on breeding, to find a good breeder of the type of Lab they like and take it from there.

Contrary to popular belief - one of the reasons so many Labs do end up in rescue, is because there simply isn't enough good quality, responsible breeders out there to feed demand - hence people end up going to BYB and PF - who give them no advice on raising their pup or training them - and once they hit adolescence a lot simply give up (and having one myself going through a prolonged adolesence and unusually being a bitch - I can understand why some would give up).

You also have to remember - that Labs bred year on year are 1.5 times the 2nd most popular breed - with estimations that half that number again are unregistered - taking that into consideration - if you weigh up the number of Labs in rescue compared to the numbers bred and then look at other breeds - the view can become slightly skewed.

With good support and back-up from the breeder, plus advice on breeding responsibly, there is no reason why anyone who starts out properly can't have the makings of a good ethical responsible breeder with a good mentor behind them.

The amount of Labs - or any other breed in rescue for that matter is immaterial - you can stop new BYB adding to the problem, but reducing the number of responsibly bred puppies by good breeders would make the situation worse not better

If someone wants a puppy, they want a puppy, it doesn't matter how hard you try to convince them otherwise (Believe me, I've tried) - they will find a puppy

The amount of people who've come to me who I really don't feel they have the lifestyle to suit a pup, but I feel could offer a dog a loving forever home is high - I've tried desperately to get these people to explore the rescue route, pretty much without success.

Better these people find a good breeder who is prepared to work with them than they go to a PF or BYB who couldn't give a damn what happens to their pups, they just want rid - these are the occasions, when pups are most likely to end up in rescue

Most breeders have different guidelines as to what meets a suitable criteria for their pups, that might be full-time workers, others won't sell to families with children under a certain age, for others it might be living in anything above a ground floor flat with no lift (me), and many other reasons - and when exploring their private lives discovering factors which you simply don't feel right to bring in a puppy.

Each breeder has the right to make those decisions - after all, they are the ones that have put in the money, time, energy, love and back-breaking hours of no sleep to whelp and raise that litter.

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So to return to my orginal point - it's not about discouraging people from breeding period - it's about encouraging people to do it properly if they are intent on it (with exceptions for a few breeds)

The OP hasn't been back - for all we know - they may have a top bred quality dog from a top kennel - in which case, most of what has been said is immaterial, they should be talking to their dogs breeder for advice and guidance - and go from there.

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What you need to know before buying a Labrador puppy

I've been having internet connectivity problems for the last couple of days (see my post in general with the letter telling the service provider to bog off) but just wanted to say, cracking post Swarthy!

To the op, if you are hanging about, please don't be put off asking any questions, we do tend to say it as it is and promote ethical breeding as much as possible, but everyone has to start somewhere, so please do join in and ask