A good healthy puppy will have clear, shiny eyes
that are free from discharge. Its coat will be glossy with a minimum of
flaking skin. It should be alert and playful. How about its litter mates
and the dam? Look around at others in the litter, all should appear healthy
and well fed. It is also wise to consider the cleanliness of the puppy’s
surroundings. Look around for any fecal matter that may not have been removed
yet. Is the stool well formed or sloppy? A clean environment and robust
family of dogs are very good signs.
How is the mother’s temperament?
If the sire and the dam are present, how do they
behave? A surprising amount of behavior is inherited. Also, the puppies’
environments have a great deal to do with their personalities. The parents
may be one of the best indications of the future temperament of your new
puppy.
Have the parents’ hips been radiographed (x-rayed)?
Hip displasia is a potentially crippling abnormality
of the hip joint formation that, unfortunately, does occur in the Labrador
Retriever. While there are several factors involved in hip dysplasia, it
is well known that it is at least partly inherited. It may take several
years for the painful arthritis associated with hip dysplasia to become
apparent, but the hips can be checked by x-ray examination before breeding.
Making sure that both parents, and as many of their relatives as possible,
are radiographed free of hip dysplasia will help you to avoid this sad
condition.
Have the parents had their eyes examined?
Unfortunately again, some Labradors may have inherited
eye defects that could lead to vision loss. Progressive Retinal Atrophy
(PRA) is a disease in which blindness will gradually develop. Subtle changes
in the appearance of the retina (part of the inside of the eye) can indicate
that tendency. Retinal Dysplasia is generally a non-progressive eye disease
that causes varying degrees of poor eyesight, but rarely total blindness.
Juvenile Cataracts are spots of abnormal coloration deep within the lens.
They generally do not effect vision and are non-progressive. Only veterinarians
with
special training (ophthalmologists) and special interest in eye diseases
can give an authoritative opinion on the health of the eyes of you puppy’s
parents.
Does this puppy have show, field hunting or obedience
potential?
Even with outstanding pedigrees, not every puppy
will have the qualities sought after in the show ring, field, or obedience
ring. If you’re not sure, ask other breeders for opinions and advice. Check
the pedigrees for the blending of lines that will produce the best possible
animal. Members of your local Labrador Retriever Club will be happy to
assist you in these areas. .
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