English vs. American Labrador

[Lyra]

Thank you all again for your responses! And Charliebbarkin, thanks for the pics...they are beautiful! I still have a lot of researching to do, because I want to make the right decision.

[windycanyon]

That is where I plan to start, I am going to go to the Potomac show in April and hopefully meet some breeders there. I am less selective on the puppy at this point, because honestly I know I will love whatever puppy I get. I do like the "stockier" look of the show bred (or English, I guess it doesn't matter what you call them), and proven temperaments are high on my list next to health. I have just recently begun asking around about some of the breeders close to my area, with mixed results. I was hoping to find a breeder that pairs you with a puppy best suited for what you're looking for, but so far I've found a lot of "first come, first serve." Maybe I am a odd for wanting that, but I figure that the breeder has been around the puppy and knows its quirks and personality. I want a puppy for its personality that fits my lifestyle, not trying to change mine to accommodate a puppy that was way more/less active than I was hoping for.

I will be honest and say that I am trying not to get a puppy in the winter, but I am open to changing my mind, just as I am not committing myself to a color. Although I do prefer males, but I would still accept a female if the breeder thought she was the best fit. I may be one of the easiest buyers/adopters.

Are you kidding me? The first come, first serve deal doesn't benefit ANYONE. I'd scratch those breeders right off, immediately.

[Shelley]

I would have to agree. I select puppies for my families, and everyone has been thrilled so far.

Lyra, when you start narrowing down breeders, feel free to private message me, I know quite a few breeders in your area. Enjoy Potomac, it's a lot of fun!

[Lyra]

windycanyon: That's exactly what I am doing. I literally spoke to a breeder that lets you pay an extra "fee" to get the first pick! Just, no. I will say, I am doing a broad search, and narrowing down; breeders that I am looking for (the ones that pair) are hard to find. And that is why I am NOT in a hurry, I want to find the right breeder, the right dam and sire.

[Lyra]

Shelley: I will definitely do that! I am amazed at how helpful everyone has been so far, it really is an amazing forum here.

[WhoopsaDaisy]

Somebody might have already said this because its been a few days since I read the thread (a good one, by the way) but when I was looking some breeders were asking for a lot more money that seemed reasonable --just remember more money does not always equal better quality!

[windycanyon]

The door definitely swings both ways there, WhoopsaDaisy! The buyer needs to research everything anymore. I have seen so many deceiving ads, such as those stating "OFA Clearances" (and then ending up being only Prelims), Clear by Parentage (w/ no paper trail to show such when asked), Eye clearances that should be done annually but only done years ago, things like that. Some of these people are selling their pups for $2000+.

[Wicked's Labradory]

the biggest diff between the 2 types is looks
individual dogs differ more in temperament than the 2 types
i disregard everything everyone tells me about choosing a dog
my best dogs came from the pound in garden grove
and a 'rescue' site in san bernardino
california
the dog i choose is always my soul buddy
i've known before

you can't guarantee a perfect dog no matter the breeding...
so buy a grain free dog food
dogtorj.com
chewy.com
knowthecause.com

[JenC]

you can't guarantee a perfect dog no matter the breeding...
so buy a grain free dog food
dogtorj.com
chewy.com
knowthecause.com

Not every dog needs a grain free diet nor does well on it. Loading up on potatoes and peas does nothing for a dog, so grain free isn't always the option. Feeding HEALTHY is.

[JenC]

And let's save inserting food advice for food threads. (I cannot edit since we restarted the board...need to talk to Woody)