Lab Breeder Suggestions - Agility/Competition lines

I am starting to draft a short list of breeders (labs).

While I want a breeder that breeds for a good overall lab, I'd like lines with performance titles (not necessarily field titles/lines but open to that) as I like dabbling in agility, maybe hunt, rally, dock diving and other performance sports. I prefer a lab "to standard" (meaning on the smaller side). I'm in Ontario Canada but obviously willing to travel or have a dog flown for the right breeder.

Structure and health is obviously key for a dog to be able to work. And while I know labs are not border collies, a good amount of drive would be nice (within the lab standard).

Note that I am not interested in being a chamipion in aglity, i just like to train and have fun. I haven't actually competed and don't plan to spend lots of money on competition - i like training nad local trials.

Curious if maybe agility shouldn't be done with a lab? I assume dock diving is fairly innocent.

As per board standards - PM's for names and lines :D

Edited, sorry JenC

I PMed them to you Tanya

are those known for doing all clearances and producing healthy dogs? (as well as stellar temperment - no matter what temperment is key)

Yeah if you look at the hunting lab pedigree link there's 3 generation pedigree and you can expand it to 5. It shows if the eyes, hips, and elbows were checked, at what age they were checked and what the status was. Also they check for EIC (exercise induced collapse) and CNM (Centronuclear Myopathy which to be honest I'm not sure what exactly it is) but you want the dam and the sire to be clear clear in both is what I was told.

PM'd you. I think the second one I sent you is especially worth looking into - probably more along the lines of size & temperament that you're looking for.

Looking for a pup is fun :)

I PM'd you.

New folks, We DO NOT name breeders on the site, you need to PM Tanya. Teej89, EDIT your post please.

I would appreciate it if those of you with ideas could PM me their lists as well.

I am in the US, and it seems to be harder to find the moderate build all-around Lab that I like, versus the field lines or show lines. I am already on a waiting list for a pup from a breeder who has dogs related to mine - and I have been very happy with my dogs! But it would be nice to have such a list for the future.

Thank you all in advance!

Edit: Because this can be a sensitive topic, I just want to make it clear that I'm NOT going to back out of the agreement I have with the breeder for my next pup. I'd just like to see the kennel names you all are recommending, for future use only.

Well built/bred labradors CAN do it all, when kept in proper weight and condition... there are a number of breeders I could recommend. What is your timeframe?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by piccadilly

Well built/bred labradors CAN do it all, when kept in proper weight and condition... there are a number of breeders I could recommend. What is your timeframe?

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I generally prefer a "smaller" labs (but within the breed standard of course). For personal reasons, I love Rocky but at 80 pounds I can't lift him in an emergency.

My timeframe is years out at this point, not until Rocky passes away so hopefully 2-3-4 years. It's early but for now I"d just like ideas on lines and breeders so I can try and maybe see some of their dogs (I don't travel much so this would take time) and research and at least have a "short list" when the time comes.

Preference is for a yellow pup (but for the right litter would likely be open to best fit obviously). Open as far as gender. But it's too far early for these kinds of details :)

I would like to receive the PM's as well - I too am searching for my next Lab and plan to compete in Agility. I'm in no particular hurry - finding the right litter is most important. Thank you! Jeri