Thinking of adopting a lab or lab mix...... - Labrador Retriever Dogs Chat Forum Board - Dogs, Puppies, Photos, Training, Pictures, Rescue Forums

MSDOGS1976 · 10-02-2009, 08:13 PM

Just last week I had to put down my golden retriever. It's been a difficult week but the healing process is underway. I'm probably not going to adopt a new pup right away but maybe in a couple of months if the opportunity presents itself.

But just wondered what you guys think with respect to owning a purebred lab vs a lab mix? This pup will strictly be a companion, no show dog or hunting dog needed. In my area there always seem to be lab mix puppies available at the local animal shelter. So my thinking is why not help out a dog in need by adopting a lab mix as opposed to buying a purebred lab.

I guess I answered my own question but just trying to think it through. Any advantages or disadvantages to owning one over the other?

Rocky911 · 10-02-2009, 08:22 PM

The choice is a personal one we all make. I adopted a lab from a rescue. He is ubber laid back and mellow (not normal for a lab really!). I foster as well, and haven't seen much of a difference between the labs and the lab mixes, it really is more about the individual dog. This is my first dog, I plan to have a mix of rescues and pure bred dogs from ethical breeders.

The fact is, unless you get a puppy from an ethical breeder who does the research and the work to be a GOOD breeder, your odds as far as health and temperment as the same as going with a lab mix (especially if you adopt from a rescue so they can provide detailson the dog). THe shelter usually has someone help get a feel for the dogs personality as well.

Mixes are fun as they can hava quirk or different look to them.

Random Gemini · 10-03-2009, 12:18 AM

I disagree on the health point... The advantage with a reputable breeder is that you will know what you're paying for in terms of how healthy your pup will be for the rest of its life. The best you will get from a shelter is a maybe. If long term health and known quantities are important, then you should go to a reputable breeder.

If those things aren't so big a deal, then head to the shelter. There's no better place to get a dog (other than from a reputable breeder). I will never discourage anyone from adopting a shelter dog. Shelter dogs come with their own quality of quirks and strangeness that can make owning a used dog store dog fun.

Reilly was a shelter dog. He was the best dog I have ever had. We're sure he was a purebred Lab, but if he hadn't been, it wouldn't have mattered.

Mugen came from a breeder and the peace of mind that I received knowing that he came from a long line of healthy dogs was worth every penny that I paid for him.

As far as lab or mix... whichever. Both are equally awesome dogs and if you're used to goldens I think you will find Labs and lab/x to be a refreshing change of pace.

Welcome to the board.

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. It is so hard to lose your best friend. No one loves us or knows us like our dogs. Every moment we have with them is a gift. My heart goes out to you and your family tonight.

doreen davis · 10-03-2009, 08:51 AM

One other option is to go through a reputable rescue and get a dog who has been fostered in a home for a bit. It helps to iron out any issues (but not all) and while you won't have a full health record (unless an owner turn in) you would know the dog had been out of a shelter and tested for some degree of socialization. By adopting a rescue, they can then go and 'rescue' one more.

Amethyst · 10-03-2009, 08:53 AM

I am so sorry for your loss of your golden. Personally , I will never adopt from a breeder again. There are too many shelter dogs losing their lives every day. Besides you can get a pup and many purebreds at the shelters too. Visit the rescue section of the board and see the labs there. People will help you get a dog even if it is out of state. Good luck when you are ready to bring a new dog into your home.

I have 3 rescues here and all have been wonderful companions.

Rocky911 · 10-03-2009, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Random Gemini

I disagree on the health point... The advantage with a reputable breeder is that you will know what you're paying for in terms of how healthy your pup will be for the rest of its life. The best you will get from a shelter is a maybe. If long term health and known quantities are important, then you should go to a reputable breeder.
.

Not sure if you are refering to my post - if so, then I didn't word it correctly.

What I ment to say: if you go with an ethical breeder that does all the research/work/testing then yes, your odds of a healthy, good temperment dog is much much higher. But if you go with any other breeder (doesn't work with their dogs in any venue, doesn't do ALL the testing, doesn't research what the best mate for the dog is, etc) then you are odds on health and temperment are the same as going with a rescue/shelter dog (who's history is unknown.

Sorry that wasn't clear in my first post.

Random Gemini · 10-03-2009, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky911

Not sure if you are refering to my post - if so, then I didn't word it correctly.

What I ment to say: if you go with an ethical breeder that does all the research/work/testing then yes, your odds of a healthy, good temperment dog is much much higher. But if you go with any other breeder (doesn't work with their dogs in any venue, doesn't do ALL the testing, doesn't research what the best mate for the dog is, etc) then you are odds on health and temperment are the same as going with a rescue/shelter dog (who's history is unknown.

Sorry that wasn't clear in my first post.

Ah ha! You must have mistyped then. What I saw was that the odds of getting a healthy dog were the same at both places... and that's what I disagreed with. Thanks for clearing that up!

MSDOGS1976 · 10-04-2009, 05:06 PM

Well just applied for a rescue lab at an animal rescue organization within my state. I emailed them today and they said the yellow lab is still available. About the perfect age too, 1-2 years old. Out of the early puppy stages. I know they have references to check out but I hope I get lucky.

Here are a couple of pics.

Random Gemini · 10-04-2009, 06:35 PM

Got my fingers crossed for ya!

Good luck!

MSDOGS1976 · 10-07-2009, 09:32 PM

Well lost out on the yellow lab. Another person had a similar application but applied before me so they got the dog. But the rescue unit said 2 young golden retrievers are being turned in because the owner has health problems so I will look into those as soon as they have pics. They said I could have one of those. I'm a big fan of goldens too.

But I have applied for a black lab that is in another rescue organization just a little further away, 2 hours from me. Going to see what happens there as he is a beauty. Only 13 months old. Could be a mix but doesn't matter to me. Here is his pic.

MSDOGS1976 · 10-08-2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSDOGS1976

But I have applied for a black lab that is in another rescue organization just a little further away, 2 hours from me. Going to see what happens there as he is a beauty. Only 13 months old. Could be a mix but doesn't matter to me. Here is his pic.

Looks like I have been approved. I'm heading to the gulf coast tomorrow for the one on one interview and bring the big boy back. I was actually approved over the phone today but if I'm not happy with the actual visit, I don't have to accept. But by the dogs pictures and description of his personality, I feel like it will be a good match. I'm pretty fired up!

Major · 10-08-2009, 04:25 PM

Congratulations! He looks handsome, love the big ears. I hope it all goes well for you!

KodahBear · 10-09-2009, 07:56 AM

Keep us posted! and we want to see pictures please!

MSDOGS1976 · 10-09-2009, 07:29 PM

Brought my big boy back from the coast today. Weighs in at 71lbs and pretty tall. Certified as a healthy pup with all updated shots and neutered. Pretty good deal for $80.

Great dog, hit it off with no problems. He slept the entire 2.5 hour trip home. Got a good bit of puppy in him, but he is only 13 months old.

I just changed my avatar to one of his pics from the rescue website. I'll make some pics soon. He's zonked out on the floor right now.

Secret · 10-09-2009, 10:38 PM

Congratulations on your new arrival! Good luck with the adjustment process and welcoming him to your home. Enjoy your boy.

10-02-2009, 08:13 PM	#1
MSDOGS1976 Retriever Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Mississippi Posts: 409 My Mood:	Thinking of adopting a lab or lab mix...... Just last week I had to put down my golden retriever. It's been a difficult week but the healing process is underway. I'm probably not going to adopt a new pup right away but maybe in a couple of months if the opportunity presents itself. But just wondered what you guys think with respect to owning a purebred lab vs a lab mix? This pup will strictly be a companion, no show dog or hunting dog needed. In my area there always seem to be lab mix puppies available at the local animal shelter. So my thinking is why not help out a dog in need by adopting a lab mix as opposed to buying a purebred lab. I guess I answered my own question but just trying to think it through. Any advantages or disadvantages to owning one over the other?

10-03-2009, 12:18 AM	#3
Random Gemini Missing my Wagador. Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Washington. Posts: 3,238 My Mood:	I disagree on the health point... The advantage with a reputable breeder is that you will know what you're paying for in terms of how healthy your pup will be for the rest of its life. The best you will get from a shelter is a maybe. If long term health and known quantities are important, then you should go to a reputable breeder. If those things aren't so big a deal, then head to the shelter. There's no better place to get a dog (other than from a reputable breeder). I will never discourage anyone from adopting a shelter dog. Shelter dogs come with their own quality of quirks and strangeness that can make owning a used dog store dog fun. Reilly was a shelter dog. He was the best dog I have ever had. We're sure he was a purebred Lab, but if he hadn't been, it wouldn't have mattered. Mugen came from a breeder and the peace of mind that I received knowing that he came from a long line of healthy dogs was worth every penny that I paid for him. As far as lab or mix... whichever. Both are equally awesome dogs and if you're used to goldens I think you will find Labs and lab/x to be a refreshing change of pace. Welcome to the board. I am very sorry to hear of your loss. It is so hard to lose your best friend. No one loves us or knows us like our dogs. Every moment we have with them is a gift. My heart goes out to you and your family tonight. __________________ Stacy and Mugen: Chocolate Mr. Puppy Man Born: 6-5-09 Lucy: Yellow Miss Lucy Girl. Gotcha: 11-02-09 2010 Book Count: 6/50 Random Gemini's Blog Twitter! Facebook

10-03-2009, 08:51 AM	#4
doreen davis Adult Retriever Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NY Posts: 544	One other option is to go through a reputable rescue and get a dog who has been fostered in a home for a bit. It helps to iron out any issues (but not all) and while you won't have a full health record (unless an owner turn in) you would know the dog had been out of a shelter and tested for some degree of socialization. By adopting a rescue, they can then go and 'rescue' one more. __________________ [/SIGPIC]amyzoeruthie

10-08-2009, 04:25 PM	#12
Major is a swamp donkey! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Central Texas Posts: 4,126 My Mood:	Congratulations! He looks handsome, love the big ears. I hope it all goes well for you! __________________ It just makes me smile. Major, CGC - DOB 07/15/07 Spoiled Rotten Dog of Adrienne

10-09-2009, 07:56 AM	#13
KodahBear Senior Dog Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Good Hope,Georgia Posts: 2,427 My Mood:	Keep us posted! and we want to see pictures please! __________________

10-02-2009, 08:22 PM	#2
Rocky911 Senior Dog Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: here Posts: 1,854	The choice is a personal one we all make. I adopted a lab from a rescue. He is ubber laid back and mellow (not normal for a lab really!). I foster as well, and haven't seen much of a difference between the labs and the lab mixes, it really is more about the individual dog. This is my first dog, I plan to have a mix of rescues and pure bred dogs from ethical breeders. The fact is, unless you get a puppy from an ethical breeder who does the research and the work to be a GOOD breeder, your odds as far as health and temperment as the same as going with a lab mix (especially if you adopt from a rescue so they can provide detailson the dog). THe shelter usually has someone help get a feel for the dogs personality as well. Mixes are fun as they can hava quirk or different look to them.

10-03-2009, 08:53 AM	#5
Amethyst House Broken Join Date: May 2009 Location: where the dogs are! Posts: 103 My Mood:	I am so sorry for your loss of your golden. Personally , I will never adopt from a breeder again. There are too many shelter dogs losing their lives every day. Besides you can get a pup and many purebreds at the shelters too. Visit the rescue section of the board and see the labs there. People will help you get a dog even if it is out of state. Good luck when you are ready to bring a new dog into your home. I have 3 rescues here and all have been wonderful companions.

10-04-2009, 06:35 PM	#9
Random Gemini Missing my Wagador. Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Washington. Posts: 3,238 My Mood:	Got my fingers crossed for ya! Good luck!

10-07-2009, 09:32 PM	#10
MSDOGS1976 Retriever Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Mississippi Posts: 409 My Mood:	Well lost out on the yellow lab. Another person had a similar application but applied before me so they got the dog. But the rescue unit said 2 young golden retrievers are being turned in because the owner has health problems so I will look into those as soon as they have pics. They said I could have one of those. I'm a big fan of goldens too. But I have applied for a black lab that is in another rescue organization just a little further away, 2 hours from me. Going to see what happens there as he is a beauty. Only 13 months old. Could be a mix but doesn't matter to me. Here is his pic.

10-09-2009, 07:29 PM	#14
MSDOGS1976 Retriever Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Mississippi Posts: 409 My Mood:	Brought my big boy back from the coast today. Weighs in at 71lbs and pretty tall. Certified as a healthy pup with all updated shots and neutered. Pretty good deal for $80. Great dog, hit it off with no problems. He slept the entire 2.5 hour trip home. Got a good bit of puppy in him, but he is only 13 months old. I just changed my avatar to one of his pics from the rescue website. I'll make some pics soon. He's zonked out on the floor right now.

10-09-2009, 10:38 PM	#15
Secret House Broken Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 169 My Mood:	Congratulations on your new arrival! Good luck with the adjustment process and welcoming him to your home. Enjoy your boy. __________________ Missing my Kerri dog, run free sweet girl - 8/6/09.......Love to Molly, my snow bunny, adopted 10/2/09! Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. - Roger Caras

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