Do These Labs Look Fit to You?

Question

I am talking to a woman here who has a pair of labs and a litter of puppies (they’re about 5 weeks now).

I have been to visit a couple of times, and just asked her today about the parents’ elbows and hips, and whether or not they are registered with AKC.

My sister-in-law breeds Norwich Terriers and saw pictures of the parents last night. She was that the parents don’t look healthy enough to her.

She said the mother has a narrow chest, and that the father looks like he has elbow problems, as well as problems with his back.

Could someone look at the pictures of them and comment to see if they agree with her?

Thanks!

http://www.webdevgirl.net/album/slides/100_1651.html
http://www.webdevgirl.net/album/slides/100_1665.html
http://www.webdevgirl.net/album/slides/100_1666.html

Answer 1

These are not quality labs. They are both narrow in body and narrow in head. They don't have proper lab build, expression or coat. The most obvious difference is in the tail, which should be thick, straight and well-coated, resembling that of an otter.

Answer 2

These are very typical backyard bred puppies. They are not very good quality Labs to begin with. The puppies will not be great looking Labs either. See the way the puppies tails curl up and sometimes they even look like they are curling over the back like a Husky?? That is not right. They should have an otter tail. Fat and stright.
The mom looks like she may have had many litters.
If the parents are not at least OFA cleared for hips and elbows, I would NOT get a puppy.
If the puppies were not wormed at least three times by the time you take one, I would not get it. It should also have a vaccine and proof of a vet check. These are just the MINIMUM things that should be done. If all those things are not, do not bother. I have seen better looking backyard bred Labs many times. I am sure you can find one.
I bet these are going to be the HYPER kind too!!!!!

Answer 3

Take your sister's advice and get a really good dog from a good breeder referral by going to www.akc.org or talking to people at dog shows. This is a breed that can have hip problems - you should get the best one you can!
http://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/index.cfm
http://www.akc.org/breederinfo/breeder_search.cfm

You can also find info about the breed clubs on the akc site - they probably have a rescue group where you can get an older dog for less money.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm

The best breeders will be members of their breed club, promoting healthy dogs with great temperaments. They should ask you a bunch of questions to make sure their puppy will be getting a good home. If all a "breeder" seems to care about is whether your check will clear, you can be sure he won't care a week later when the pup is dying from distemper or parvo and you want your money back.

Whatever you do, DON'T go to a pet shop, a flea market or buy one sight-unseen off the Internet!!!! You'll pay top dollar for what is usually a poor quality puppy mill dog that is often sick and may have falsified registration papers. And you'll be supporting one of the cruelest industries in the country. http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_puppymills

Answer 4

like the previous comment stated - any fool can allow their dogs to copulate.

It is very difficult to tell anything from a picture - what looks like a giant growth on a dog's head may, in fact, be a photograph of a poorly placed twig.

Why support a backyard breeder - especially if you are unsure of their parentage?

Actually, why buy from a breeder at all? Many people want to say that their dog came from blah blah blah...the truth is that although your dog may have stellar bloodlines, if he's got bad eyes/hips/stomach/knees/disposition, its not going to matter one whit.

Sure, these puppies are "cute", but surely you are an adult able to resist temptation and immediate gratification. Keep in mind that this is not a "compulsive" purchase - by taking on a dog (puppy no less!) you agree to provide for that animal's well being for the rest of its life. This means that you make a commitment to make it through potty training, teething, humping, dragging the leash, jumping friends/family/toddlers, food aggression, biting...whatever this dog throws at you - it is a marriage of sorts, and this animal depends solely upon you for its food, shelter and attention.

Do your research - you will be better informed, more well rounded and able to meet the needs of your new friend armed with zeal and knowledge. These are the keys to supporting a happy and healthy animal that many people forget.

"Marley" is not a sterling example to be emulated.

Think about the qualities you would like in a dog - then be patient and keep your mind open - the perfect dog may not be what you had imagined all along.

I would highly recommend you check out PetFinder.com and support a worthy organization for several reasons:

1. you can find whatever you are looking for there
2. you are saving a homeless animal
3. usually the adoption fee is less expensive than a breeder fee
4. most (if not all) animals come with a vet check, sterilization, and tattoo/microchip.

Many rescues are listed there and if you are looking for a Yellow Labrador, I'm certain you'll find the love of your life.

Millions of animals are euthanized all over North America every year simply because they are no longer wanted. So please, practice birth control, not death control;
Spay/Neuter your pet.

Check it out and good luck.
(p.s. that looks like it was quite a storm, huh?)

Answer 5

Any fool can breed dogs in their backyard. Beware of backyard breeders.

That said, these dogs look fit as far as condition of the coat and they don't look over or underfed. That's about all you can tell by a picture.

Most purebred dogs have some sort of propensity toward genetic flaws. I'm not sure what those genetic problems might be with labs, but usually you would need to have testing done by medical professionals. You need to quiz the breeder thoroughly. A professional, caring breeder should be aware of what issues labs are known for and what tests should be done on the parents before they are bred. They'll be aware of what should be done and have generations of testing done to be sure they are not passing on these flaws. Its not just as simple as "well I took these two AKC dogs..." Also check out what kind of health guarantee they will offer with the pups.

If these people can't tell you about the genetic history of their dogs, then they are not quality breeders. Are the puppies good for pets? Maybe, maybe not. But by buying from backyard breeders you are encouraging these people to continue to breed their animals. There are already millions of dogs killed nationwide because there aren't enough homes for them. I can guarantee you that your local shelter has wonderful purebred labs or lab mixes available for adoption RIGHT NOW. Many will have puppies available this time of year.

Lots of people want to get a puppy. Personally, I'll never get a tiny puppy again. It's so much easier to housebreak and train an older dog. They are better with young children than fragile puppies, too. And they are so much harder to place from a shelter because eveyone THINKS they want puppies. Please consider a rescue!

Answer 6

The labs in these pictures are typical AMERICAN Labs--even though they may be AKC registered-they are very poor quality dogs-they are too tall, too thin, poor heads, curled tails, etc. If you are interested in showing in conformation, these dogs would get laughed out of the ring. Also, even if you are not interested in showing, please still demand to SEE the hip report, and the eye report on both parents--if they don't have these, or haven't had them done--run!Most backyard breeders breed for the money, and certainly not for the betterment of the breed. If you would like to see what a Lab is supposed to look like, type English Labrador Retriever into your search bar, and check out the breeders who have pics of their winning Labs. These breeders have done the homework, including not breeding until they have championship stock, and making sure all hips and eyes are cleared. Also, check out the akc.org website, and watch the video. And lastly, a dog should never be priced be male/female--only by show or pet quality ! Do your homework before you buy, and your chances of serious medical problems will be diminished greatly.

Answer 7

Questions you need to ask the breeder.
Are they registered with AKC?
Do you have CERF certificates on parents? (eye certification)
Do you have OFA or Penn Hip rating certificates?
(get copies of the certificates)
I am not sure what other things for labs but look at ww.akc.org and find out.
The dog are ok loking but nothing special the male is sort of small and his head in not real blocky. The female is small body size wise not just thin from pups.
It would be hard to tell much from the pictures as far as do they fit the height and weight requiremtnes and how are they conformation wise.
The AKC web site will have a list of the things you should look for.
Good luck in your puppy search.

Answer 8

Your sis-in-law is right - these dogs look unhealthy, the female looks like she has been bred every time she comes in heat (read here: BAD BREEDER - ONLY INTERESTED IN MONEY)! The male looks too young to have even been breeding - is he over 2 years old? The parents have to be 2 to have their hips certified free of dysplasia. And that is something you definately want to make sure has been done - Labs are notorious for hip dysplasia. Ask if the 'breeder' has & will provide a copy of the OFA or Penn Hip certificate. Follow up to make sure it is not forged. Oh, let's just make it easier: don't buy pups from these parents! Go to www.akc.org, find the closest Labrador Retriever club branch near you, and get in touch with some members. Ask: are you showing your dogs to championship titles (proves they are good representatives of their breed, i.e. will LOOK like a Labrador should, have good structure & be healthy)? Do you certify your dogs health (parents screened for hip, elbow, & eye defects, and have the proper certificates)? Visit them (if possible) and observe the kennel sanitation & mother's personality. The investment of time will repay itself: you will have a healthy, well-adjusted pet for many years . If you buy from what you showed here, you will probably spend 3 times as much time & money in vet's offices over the life of the dog - I worked for a vet, please heed my & your sis-in-laws advice.

Answer 9

I think they look beautiful. More important than that, they appear to have a wonderful calm temperment and are alert and attentive. Has the dog owner/breeder had litters before. Does she have anyone who has received a puppy from her whom you could call to verify the health and temperment of the animal?
PS. The mother's body has been under stress and how many litters has she had? Lets keep in mind that most of her energy is going to nursing.

Answer 10

They certainly are NOT top quality. Don't look any better than the mutts I rescue. Certainly wouldn't purchase a pup for much and be sure to get it altered so you don't continue a shitty line.

I have a better looking lab mix at the house Im fostering.