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Where to get a labrador pup?

  • 05-04-2020 7:09pm
    #1
    Heres Johnny
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭


    Hi guys, looking to get a labrador to replace the one I had (not dead, just moved away with a family member that lived with me for a while and is now gone to another part of the country).
    100% set on either a lab or a golden retriever but probably lab as I love getting them swimming and easier to dry off. Know the breed well, very fond of them and want another. Prefer to raise from pup like the last one. There's a very good reason they're so popular.
    Without going on done deal where its anything goes, how do I find a good lab pup?
    Not worried about working lines, just want a good pup from a healthy bloodline.
    I'd like to get one when the current restrictions end as its into the good weather for socialising in dog parks, which worked wonders with the last lab, she turned into a super super dog and if I can do that again I'd be delighted.
    I have loads and loads of time now as I'm working from home full time but don't want dog just to get attached to me. I'd prefer him/her to be out and about and learn about the world.

    I have come across the details of the labrador breeders club, is that where I should start?


«1

Comments

  • #2
    Plumbthedepths
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,653 ✭✭✭✭Plumbthedepths


    Definitely start with registered breeders. Wonderful breed of dog.


  • #3
    Heres Johnny
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭Heres Johnny


    Plumbthedepths wrote: »
    Definitely start with registered breeders. Wonderful breed of dog.

    The one I raised was part of an unwanted litter 6 years ago, a friend of a friend had the bitch and father was unknown so he was giving them away for free. 100% lab as far as I'm concerned because she looks and acts exactly as a lab should. Had a litter of solid golden and solid black with no other colours so lab gene certainly strong. Retrieves all day, trusting of strangers, loves kids, loves swimming...

    Just want to make sure of health with this one which I will admit I probably took a chance on last time, but worked out well anyway.

    Where would I find list of registered breeders?


  • #4
    Tilikum17
    Registered Users Posts: 1,316 ✭✭✭Tilikum17


    Heres Johnny wrote: »
    Hi guys, looking to get a labrador to replace the one I had (not dead, just moved away with a family member that lived with me for a while and is now gone to another part of the country).
    100% set on either a lab or a golden retriever but probably lab as I love getting them swimming and easier to dry off. Know the breed well, very fond of them and want another. Prefer to raise from pup like the last one. There's a very good reason they're so popular.
    Without going on done deal where its anything goes, how do I find a good lab pup?
    Not worried about working lines, just want a good pup from a healthy bloodline.
    I'd like to get one when the current restrictions end as its into the good weather for socialising in dog parks, which worked wonders with the last lab, she turned into a super super dog and if I can do that again I'd be delighted.
    I have loads and loads of time now as I'm working from home full time but don't want dog just to get attached to me. I'd prefer him/her to be out and about and learn about the world.

    I have come across the details of the labrador breeders club, is that where I should start?

    Would you not try a local rescue.


  • #5
    Heres Johnny
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭Heres Johnny


    Tilikum17 wrote: »
    Would you not try a local rescue.

    If I see a lab in a rescue I'll certainly look at it no problem, although my preference is to raise from a pup. They are few and far between in rescues though and are normally gone as soon as they are available.


  • #6
    cocker5
    Registered Users Posts: 3,274 ✭✭✭cocker5


    Heres Johnny wrote: »
    If I see a lab in a rescue I'll certainly look at it no problem, although my preference is to raise from a pup. They are few and far between in rescues though and are normally gone as soon as they are available.

    There are loads of labs in rescues and puppies too you need to do proper research


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  • #7
    Plumbthedepths
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,653 ✭✭✭✭Plumbthedepths


    Heres Johnny wrote: »
    The one I raised was part of an unwanted litter 6 years ago, a friend of a friend had the bitch and father was unknown so he was giving them away for free. 100% lab as far as I'm concerned because she looks and acts exactly as a lab should. Had a litter of solid golden and solid black with no other colours so lab gene certainly strong. Retrieves all day, trusting of strangers, loves kids, loves swimming...

    Just want to make sure of health with this one which I will admit I probably took a chance on last time, but worked out well anyway.

    Where would I find list of registered breeders?

    Try the Kennel club of Ireland's website or the UK Kennel club. You should find info on breeders there.


  • #8
    Heres Johnny
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭Heres Johnny


    cocker5 wrote: »
    There are loads of labs in rescues and puppies too you need to do proper research

    Could you link me some?


  • #9
    Be right back
    Registered Users Posts: 6,025 ✭✭✭Be right back


    Just saw a 10 month old and a 2 year old up for adoption on a rescue website.


  • #10
    Heres Johnny
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭Heres Johnny


    Be right back wrote: »
    Just saw a 10 month old and a 2 year old up for adoption on a rescue website.

    Can you send me a link by pm as I think its frowned upon to link to rescues on public forum


  • #11
    Tilikum17
    Registered Users Posts: 1,316 ✭✭✭Tilikum17


    Heres Johnny wrote: »
    If I see a lab in a rescue I'll certainly look at it no problem, although my preference is to raise from a pup. They are few and far between in rescues though and are normally gone as soon as they are available.

    One of my mates just rescued a lab pup from a rescue near us. They had a litter of them there. Not sure if they have a left though. Whereabouts in the country are you?


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  • #12
    Be right back
    Registered Users Posts: 6,025 ✭✭✭Be right back


    Heres Johnny wrote: »
    Can you send me a link by pm as I think its frowned upon to link to rescues on public forum

    Sent you a PM. The 10 month old has been there for a while.


  • #13
    Cherry Blossom
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Regional North West Moderators Posts: 6,928 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cherry Blossom


    Have a look here to see what is needed as regards health testing in parents of any pup you may be considering. There is a lot more information available from UK kennel club dogs than ikc ones.

    http://www.dogbreedhealth.com/labrador-retriever/

    I don't hold the ikc in great regard personally and if it were me I'd go for a NI pup or one from mainland UK. Things like inbreeding coefficient for example are readily available on the UK kc site. For Irish dogs you'll need to google how to calculate it yourself from the dogs pedigree.

    The breed clubs (north and south) is definitely the right place to start if you are buying a pup. Be aware that many breeders have waiting lists for their pups and it is not unusual to be waiting over a year.
    https://www.ikc.ie/dog-ownership/types-of-dog/breeds/breed-details/47
    http://www.labclubni.co.uk/

    Champdogs is also a good site for breeders both here and in the UK. If you google you'll find it easily. I can't link to it as we aren't allowed to link to advert sites.


  • #14
    Heres Johnny
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭Heres Johnny


    Dublin, got the previous lab in cavan though so it's not a problem to travel (as soon as restrictions are lifted). I'm not going to get one while restrictions are in place though because can't socialise them with other dogs and people at the moment. Not to mention going to vet just in case. But certainly interested if you know of a litter in a rescue.


  • #15
    irish_goat
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 5,760 Mod ✭✭✭✭irish_goat


    Guide dog charities sometimes rehome pups which didn't quite make it through training and apparently there will be a big amount of pups available soon because they won't have been able to do the proper socialisation that's required (because everyone is in lockdown). Added bonus is that the pups are normally of a good genetic makeup and will already have a certain amount of training done.


  • #16
    average_runner
    Registered Users Posts: 12,844 ✭✭✭✭average_runner


    Heres Johnny wrote: »
    Hi guys, looking to get a labrador to replace the one I had (not dead, just moved away with a family member that lived with me for a while and is now gone to another part of the country).
    100% set on either a lab or a golden retriever but probably lab as I love getting them swimming and easier to dry off. Know the breed well, very fond of them and want another. Prefer to raise from pup like the last one. There's a very good reason they're so popular.
    Without going on done deal where its anything goes, how do I find a good lab pup?
    Not worried about working lines, just want a good pup from a healthy bloodline.
    I'd like to get one when the current restrictions end as its into the good weather for socialising in dog parks, which worked wonders with the last lab, she turned into a super super dog and if I can do that again I'd be delighted.
    I have loads and loads of time now as I'm working from home full time but don't want dog just to get attached to me. I'd prefer him/her to be out and about and learn about the world.

    I have come across the details of the labrador breeders club, is that where I should start?

    We got our Labrador pup last November. Asleep beside me here as I work.
    Only thing I would look out for are the hip scores. Took us over 5 months to get a breeder where the mother and father had good hip scores, eventually got him just outside Newry. We keep in contact with the owner with pictures.


  • #17
    average_runner
    Registered Users Posts: 12,844 ✭✭✭✭average_runner


    cocker5 wrote: »
    There are loads of labs in rescues and puppies too you need to do proper research

    This route is a lot risker with Labs, as you know nothing about their history and could cost you a small fortune further down the line or you could get lucky


  • #18
    tk123
    Registered Users Posts: 14,016 ✭✭✭✭tk123


    I'm hoping to get a retriever pup when all of this is over and will be going via the breed club. I want one parent to be from the same lines as Lucy's dad so willing to wait a while longer.


  • #19
    cocker5
    Registered Users Posts: 3,274 ✭✭✭cocker5


    average_runner wrote: »
    This route is a lot risker with Labs, as you know nothing about their history and could cost you a small fortune further down the line or you could get lucky

    Do you think buying a registered dog makes the risk any lower?

    No it doesn’t unless the breeder performs all sorts of health tests (hip / elbow scores) and whatever else type of genetic diseases are linked with the breed.. and if they do (some breeders will perform all the necessary tests before breeding) they’ll charge €1,000’s for the pups (as the testing is expensive)

    At the end of the day it’s a dog .. a living breathing creature .. not a car .. your not guaranteed anything in all honesty!

    As long as a dog u adopt had no pre existing conditions and u can get a vet letter to say this get pet insurance - simple!

    I’m not saying people shouldn’t buy dogs from a breeder .. but it’s still a 50/50 lottery in terms of health issues!


  • #20
    Heres Johnny
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭Heres Johnny


    irish_goat wrote: »
    Guide dog charities sometimes rehome pups which didn't quite make it through training and apparently there will be a big amount of pups available soon because they won't have been able to do the proper socialisation that's required (because everyone is in lockdown). Added bonus is that the pups are normally of a good genetic makeup and will already have a certain amount of training done.

    I'd gladly take a guide/assistant dog no problem, even one that failed as they'd still be excellent dogs. If I found one in a rescue that was just as a lab should be I would also be happy to do so. Far too many I see say nervous/shy around people and that's not what I want in a lab. I know the reasons they are shy and wary of people and would love to give a second chance and earn a dogs trust but there are loads of kids around me all the time so not a chance I am willing to take.
    But a well adjusted one, I'd take in a heartbeat


  • #21
    auspicious
    Registered Users Posts: 4,497 ✭✭✭auspicious


    Start with local rescues. With the current economic situation they are probably receiving fewer charitable contributions which obviously put a strain on their resources.
    Rescues will have been vet checked and vaxxed and you'll only be asked to contribute a small sum compared to buying a pup.
    You have your heart set on a lab. and there'll be pups there waiting to see a good owner come along.


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  • #22
    average_runner
    Registered Users Posts: 12,844 ✭✭✭✭average_runner


    cocker5 wrote: »
    Do you think buying a registered dog makes the risk any lower?

    No it doesn’t unless the breeder performs all sorts of health tests (hip / elbow scores) and whatever else type of genetic diseases are linked with the breed.. and if they do (some breeders will perform all the necessary tests before breeding) they’ll charge €1,000’s for the pups (as the testing is expensive)

    At the end of the day it’s a dog .. a living breathing creature .. not a car .. your not guaranteed anything in all honesty!

    As long as a dog u adopt had no pre existing conditions and u can get a vet letter to say this get pet insurance - simple!

    I’m not saying people shouldn’t buy dogs from a breeder .. but it’s still a 50/50 lottery in terms of health issues!


    Its not a 50/50 lottery. Labs are known for hip issues. A good breeder will do all those tests. So before they even breed, the father and mother hip scores are known. It increases the chances of less hip issues. Our pup cost 600 sterling. That was not much more expensive than from any breeder down south that didn't have all the tests done.


  • #23
    fits
    Registered Users Posts: 13,234 ✭✭✭✭fits


    irish_goat wrote: »
    Guide dog charities sometimes rehome pups which didn't quite make it through training and apparently there will be a big amount of pups available soon because they won't have been able to do the proper socialisation that's required (because everyone is in lockdown). Added bonus is that the pups are normally of a good genetic makeup and will already have a certain amount of training done.

    If anyone knows of a pup like this, please let us know. WE have a 5 star dog-experienced home in the country waiting. I have a little boy with special needs who wouldnt qualify for an assistance dog and this could be perfect. (doesnt need to be trained.)


  • #24
    tk123
    Registered Users Posts: 14,016 ✭✭✭✭tk123


    average_runner wrote: »
    Its not a 50/50 lottery. Labs are known for hip issues. A good breeder will do all those tests. So before they even breed, the father and mother hip scores are known. It increases the chances of less hip issues. Our pup cost 600 sterling. That was not much more expensive than from any breeder down south that didn't have all the tests done.

    Yep was going to say the same thing! I don't know of any breeder charging 1000's for puppies because they health test?? They test before they breed and absorb the cost.

    I will only buy from a breeder who health checks because it means I can be fairly certain that the pup won't have dysplasia, PRA etc. I'm not going to be running the legs off a pup or any dog I have, they will not be obese, they won't running up stairs as puppies so environmental factors don't come into it for me. I can also be fairly confident in temperament seeing where the pup is being raised, the family dynamic - young kids/teenagers/boys/girls, if there's other pets there, what the parents are like etc etc ....So in that respect it kind of is like buying a car or anything else - you do your homework on breeder/rescue/car yourself, go and see it and make your own decision based on your own needs and requirements.


  • #25
    Heres Johnny
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭Heres Johnny


    fits wrote: »
    If anyone knows of a pup like this, please let us know. WE have a 5 star dog-experienced home in the country waiting. I have a little boy with special needs who wouldnt qualify for an assistance dog and this could be perfect. (doesnt need to be trained.)

    Ah I'll let you in before me so! Best of luck. If you have Netflix watch a documentary called pick of the litter, it's brilliant. About guide/assistant dogs in training from birth to about 18 months or 2 years old


  • #26
    JustAThought
    Registered Users Posts: 5,323 ✭✭✭JustAThought


    fits wrote: »
    If anyone knows of a pup like this, please let us know. WE have a 5 star dog-experienced home in the country waiting. I have a little boy with special needs who wouldnt qualify for an assistance dog and this could be perfect. (doesnt need to be trained.)

    this is urban legend - ‘failed’ pups are sent for more training often to different trainers or homes and ones that do not pass are often used as breeding bitches and stud dogs and given to experienced IGD handlers associated with their fundraising drives - or screened for proper training as autism support or disability assistance support dogs. I hear there are two new (entirely seperate) autism and assistance dogs charities set up - one in Cork. Might be worth trying there. As for untrained assistance dogs - a lot of people were scammed with this a few years back - there was a huge expose on either Pat Kenny or Joe Duffy - I remember sitting in the car outside IKEA just horrified at how gullible and trusting people were and the devestating amounts of money they had spent on ‘untrained’ ‘assistance’ dogs - ir a puppy - sums of up to ten thousand in installments were mentioned. Don’t be taken in. The shows might turn up on a google search or if you contact RTE archive.


  • #27
    fits
    Registered Users Posts: 13,234 ✭✭✭✭fits


    If it’s an urban legend why do one of the guide dog charities have a section about companion dogs who haven’t made the grade?
    https://guidedogs.ie/give-support/rehomed-dogs/

    Also he wouldn’t qualify for assistance dog as he doesn’t have an autism diagnosis. Many children with same condition have a co diagnosis of autism and benefit hugely from the assistance dogs. I’ve met a few of the children and dogs.


  • #28
    tk123
    Registered Users Posts: 14,016 ✭✭✭✭tk123


    Failed means failed - they didn’t make the grade for guide dogs, assistance dogs or companion. I know somebody locally who had a guide dog pup who they basically ruined and shock horror he failed and came back to them - what a waste. Guide dogs have a lot of energy because that’s their job - would not be the type of dog I’d want here(!)


  • #29
    fits
    Registered Users Posts: 13,234 ✭✭✭✭fits


    Long shot anyway. I think we might try fostering for a rescue to see if one of the dogs fit in here.


  • #30
    Ave Sodalis
    Registered Users Posts: 7,547 ✭✭✭Ave Sodalis


    cocker5 wrote:
    Do you think buying a registered dog makes the risk any lower?


    Merely registered, no. From a breeder who knows their stuff, who health tests, who works solely to better the breed and takes care in what they're breeding? Absolutely it makes the risks lower. Unfortunately, popular breeds such as labradors are over run by backyard breeder types and with that comes issues. Purebred doesn't mean well bred. Good, reputable breeders are working to resolve those issues.


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  • #31
    cocker5
    Registered Users Posts: 3,274 ✭✭✭cocker5


    average_runner wrote: »
    Its not a 50/50 lottery. Labs are known for hip issues. A good breeder will do all those tests. So before they even breed, the father and mother hip scores are known. It increases the chances of less hip issues. Our pup cost 600 sterling. That was not much more expensive than from any breeder down south that didn't have all the tests done.

    The reality is most people don’t check health scores ..


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