Is a Labrador for you?

Getting a dog is a serious thing, not to be taken lightly. A dog is not something that can be thrown out or disregarded when the novelty has worn off. He/she is a living animal which will need your care and attention for all of its life which hopefully can be as long as 15 years.

Deciding which breed to choose requires research and then objective consideration as to which fits your lifestyle.

If you can digest all the information about the Labrador which is available to you and then still be of the opinion that one will fit your lifestyle then you will be taking on one of arguably the best breed of dog in the world.

All we ask is that you look after them in a right and proper way and you won't have to wait till you get to heaven for your reward.

 

Did you know?

The Labrador loves to be with people and hates being left for long periods. Puppies have sharp needle like teeth which can easily hurt very young children when playing. They can also be very destructive when left alone any lengh of time (dont forget a shoe chewed up in the morning will have been forgotten by the time you come home ). Your lab is so pleased to see you, in fact its all he has thought of all the time your out, and instead of a warm welcome he gets scolded for the chewed shoes!

• The Labrador is a strong active dog and needs basic obedience training.
• Puppies and dogs under twelve months must not be over exercised as this can lead to problems with the joints
• An adult lab needs daily excercise equivalent to one hours free running or lead walking a day
• Labradors are greedy dogs and can easily become overweight if not fed a balanced diet.
• The Labrador loves water and has a waterproof undercoat which should not be brushed out with excessive grooming.
• Labradors can suffer from hereditary diseases which affect the eyes (PRA, Hereditary Cateracts etc..) and the hips (Hip Dysplasia).

Only buy a puppy whose parents have both got a current eye examination certificate and have had their hips X-rayed and scored (average score for Labradors is 16). The lower the score the better.

Only buy puppies from a reputable Labrador breeder. The Labrador breed club in your area can put you in touch with members who have puppies available - you can also find contact information on our Useful Links & Contacts pages.

 

Reasons why I should have a labrador:

• I'm on my own all day when the family are at school/work or I have time on my hands for a dog
• My children are old enough to know and respect what a puppy/dog will need as a family member
• I have a well fenced-garden
• I live in the country (or place where I can exercise my dog)
• I need and enjoy the exercise
• I have a full set of wet weather gear
• I dont own anything breakable
• I've just lost my old dog
• I own a Dyson

Why I Should Not have a Labrador:

• There is no one at home all day
• I couldn't cope with a baby/young child and a dog as well
• I don't have a garden or enclosed yard
• I live in a high rise flat
• I don't like excercise
• I don't like going out in bad weather
• I have lots of valuable ornaments/furniture
• I don't like a dog that's smarter than me
• I can't make long term commitments
• I can't stand dog hairs around the place.
• I don't own a Dyson