Im thinking about buying a puppy (labroador) from some people that claim they have the parents on?

Question

the premises but dont have the puppy's papers. Anybody got any tips on how to tell if it is a true lab and not just a mut picked up off the streets?

Answer 1

..If the parents are AKC registered, it would be easy for the breeder to get papers on the puppies. Only the breeder can apply for the papers.
Labradors are prone to Hip Displasia. the best chance of getting a lab without this problem is to go to a reputable breeder who has OFA documentation that the parents and grandparents at least have been found to have either 'good' or excellent' hips (OFA - Orthopedic foundation for Animals).
For the best info on Labs,(how to pick a puppy & a list of reputable breeders), go to www.thelabradorclub.com and/or www.AKC.org - click on breeds - then click on breeder referral. It is better to pay a little more for a well bred dog than to buy a dog that may cost you in vet bills and heartbreak.

Answer 2

Did you ask WHY they don't have the papers? There is not a test to prove it is a true Lab without papers. I don't know how they expect top dollar for a pup without papers?
Just because they say they have the parents on site does not mean they are the "real" parents of that pup.

I think I would look around. This doesn't seem right and if they are lying about papers, they could be lying about something else too. I don't think I would trust them.

Answer 3

Well, at least get one with AKC papers. Otherwise, there is no way to tell. That is the only way to at least have an idea who the parents are.
But, as mentioned, if you are not showing or breeding, does it matter.
I would not pay a lot for it though, if it has no papers and the parents have no health clearances. Then you have a greater chance of getting an unhealthy dog. Labs are prone to many health issues, like hip and elbow dysplasia, and eye anomolies.

Answer 4

Well if you are just a pet owner "not into breeding or showing" what difference do papers really make anyway?

However to spend a large amount of money on a "unknown breed for sure" dog without registration papers from a reputable registry is just plain dumb.

Go to their home, and see these Parents who they claim they have on the premises. May we ask... How much are they trying to charge you for these unproven purebred dogs?
Most likely WAY TOO MUCH. Anything more than a mere adoption fee is probably too much.

Answer 5

The rule of thumb here is: when in doubt don't do it. If you are going to need the papers, then make it clear that you will not buy a puppy until you see some legitimate papers. If you haven't already seen the parents, make sure that you do. If they refuse to oblige, or avoid showing them to you, then don't buy the puppy. It's better to be safe and find another breeder who is a little more respectable.

Answer 6

Check out the parents! It all depends on how much you are paying. Don't pay a registered dog price for a questionable pup. And, if you are buying a lab, be prepared to lose stuff to their chewing habit. Check out the local pound, you might find the perfect match for you there.

Answer 7

ask for the parent's papers. and get a puppy from a breeder...not from somebody down the street, you never know(actually a vetenarian and a breeder may be able to answer this question)

Answer 8

Major red flag there. You've got good instincts. I would not buy a puppy from these people. They definitely sound like bad news.

Answer 9

id try to do some research on them first. I know with some you can check the hips and so on to see if there a good breed but not sure of the answer you seek.

Answer 10

if you can see the mom she will have suckled teets and his litter mates?. also be prepared for 2 years of puppy hood. labs are hard headed and energetic. they settle in their 3rd year into good dogs though, if you last that long. :)