The Good, The Bad, And The Black Labrador Breeder
When it comes to getting a pet dog for you and your family, you probably already spent time weighing the options between a dog from a local shelter or going for a pure bred (also called pedigree) dog from a reputable breeder. Your next question will certainly be what kind of dog you should get for your family. There are so many different breeds to choose from, it may almost seem like a full-time job in itself.
Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular and beloved dog breeds in the country, and also around the world. They are easy to get along with and are very good with children. If you have decided to on purchasing your new pet puppy from a yellow or black Labrador breeder, it is good to know that not all breeders are alike. Think of it as purchasing a vehicle; you would check out the dealership and the salesman just as much as you would check out the car he is trying to sell you.
The Bad Apple Black Labrador Breeders
No one wants to buy a lemon car, and no one wants to end up with a bad-tempered “lemon” puppy either. You tend to avoid the bad reputation of the used car salesman, and you should look to avoid the Labrador retriever breeders who only want to make money and do not care for the animals they are selling at all. Some places are known as puppy mills, where a lot of interbreeding happens and the moms are kept caged and not cared for while they are turning out the puppies.
Many of these breeding businesses also tend sell to anyone and everyone. This includes pet stores who might stuff three or four Lab pups into one cage, puppy brokers, and even those who participate in dog fighting. This kind of black Labrador breeder really is the bad apple that could spoil customers on the idea of buying from anyone. It may sound like a little scary, but the sad part is how true that scary side is.
Despite a darker side to the force, decent and dog loving black Labrador breeders are out there, and they have the affiliations and customer testimonials to prove it. You may have begun your search online, but it might not be a bad idea to do a little leg work as well. You will need to choose a veterinarian anyway for your new pup, so check with their staff about any black Labrador breeder recommendations they might have.