Labrador puppies are cute creatures that look like teddy bears; you definitely want to touch them and take them into your home. Soft, warm and affectionate, creating a feeling of warmth and comfort. - leaves for a new home with its owner at the age of 1.5 - 2 months, at this moment the most important and interesting period in the dog’s life begins.

• It is important not to miss the moment and start training, education, and socialization on time. The baby is growing rapidly and also developing quickly, he needs attention, affection and care.

Before bringing a “miracle” into his home, the owner is faced with an important task - to choose his best friend from the many kids, and this is not so easy to do. Let's consider all the main points: development, care, how and where to choose a puppy.

They are very similar to bear cubs. Outwardly, it seems that the dog is plush. At the age of 2 months they are quite well-fed, with a small belly. It seems that he is about to fall, a prerequisite: clean skin, wool. There should not be excessive thinness. The kids are active, good-natured, and happily learn everything new.

There is no aggression during this period, there is curiosity, the dog is not only interested in the world, but also actively tastes and smells it.

Before choosing a mini Labrador puppy, you will need to evaluate its appearance; if you are not a professional, this will be quite difficult. It is worth relying on:

1. Size (males are larger than females, girls are more petite);
2. Free movements (they should not be constrained, look at how he moves, whether he twists his paws);
3. First impression: many say that they met their pet at first sight, usually the puppy chooses who to go to, if they met you and first of all they climbed into their arms, take a closer look at this “sun”.
4. Decide who will live in your house: a male or a female (Girls are more often used in breeding, if the dog does not participate in exhibitions, then it is better to take a male);
5. Behavior: should not be too afraid, hide;
6. Activity: the baby is happy about everything, everything unknown is more attractive than frightening;
7. How it plays: just observe how the animal behaves with its fellow tribesmen, that it is more interested in a toy or a person;
8. How he eats: the puppy should eat with pleasure, finish almost all the food offered;
9. Ask what kind of chair the baby has and how he sleeps.

Table of average height and weight

Age (months)	Weight, kg)	Height (at withers, cm)
1	3.2 - 3.7	22 -23
2	6 -8	30 - 33
3	9 -13	38 -42
4	14 -18	43 - 46
5	19 - 23	47 - 48
6	23 - 26	48 - 50
7	25 - 28	50 - 51
8	27 - 31	51 - 52
9	31 - 33	52 - 53
10	33 - 35	53 - 55
11 - 12	35 - 37	53 - 58

The most important question to which you need to find an answer: male or female, participation in exhibitions and breeding, or a dog for the sofa.

Pros and cons of male and female

• Males

1. Larger ones;
2. More complex character;
3. Good physical activity will be required;
4. Mandatory training;
5. Better amenable to education;
6. No childbirth or estrus;
7. Ideal for families.

1. Estrus 2 times a year;
2. Difficulties with childbirth;
3. More often they show persistence and stubbornness;
4. More difficult to educate;
5. With timely training, they become calmer;
6. Gentle and not often aggressive;
7. Smaller size.

Boys more often choose men as hosts, but girls are more flexible. Character is still more individual, it can be different, no two identical dogs exist. Any animal can be brought to perfection if you start the process of education from an early age.

If your goal is exhibitions and offspring, then take a bitch, and if you want a quieter life, then take a dog. In any case, all representatives of the show class will be used for breeding (of course, only with your consent, no one will force you), with males it is easier in this regard - they receive payment for mating (with a puppy or money), but with a girl you will have to tinker - pregnancy, childbirth, children under 2 months in the house, regular heat.

• Representatives of the pet class, those for the sofa, are cheaper and are not used. Breeding, do not attend exhibitions. But in any case, the dog will need to be handled, trained and given quality care.

Character

Labradors are ideal dogs for families and singles. Given their tendency to gain excess weight, they are more suitable for people with an active lifestyle. They will be happy to keep you company while jogging or on a short trip.

They love to explore new places, funny animals. They love attention and are completely focused on a person. They love active games.

They are able to recognize a person’s facial expressions and capture his mood. They are great with children and other pets. They are not able to show aggression without reason. Respects the owner and tries to earn praise.

These are the breeds of funny dogs, they are always in a good mood, emotionally stable, “good-natured”.

They are willing to train, are able to remember a significantly large number of commands, and are interested in the process. As it develops and becomes established, it will not be easy, but this is the best option for the family. They are wary of strangers, but do not show it; they greet the owner’s friends with joy.

Baby development from 0 to 1 year

From 0 to 2 weeks

A Labrador puppy is up to two weeks old and is a completely defenseless creature. When they are born, they cannot be seen or heard; care for them lies entirely on the shoulders of the mother and the breeder. During this period they only sleep and eat.

They are especially vulnerable and are only close to their mother. Any drafts or strangers in the house can provoke infectious diseases. They are tiny, you will need to handle them carefully. Add 30-50 grams per day. They feed only on mother's milk, it is important not to miss the moment if the dog has stopped sucking milk, otherwise he may get stuck in development.

• The animal's immune system is actively developing and its eyes begin to open.

2 to 4 - transitional stage

During the transitional stage, a Labrador puppy will need to be actively fed and its weight monitored. At 2 weeks, babies' eyes open, they become more active, and begin to crawl. At 3 weeks they are already standing on their paws, but with difficulty. It is important to determine whether all puppies can see and whether there are any problems.

By 4 weeks, the dog will already weigh a decent 2-3 kg, its initial weight at birth increases by 4-5 times. The differences between males and females are already visually visible; they should be slightly smaller in size.

• At this time, complementary feeding begins, they become active, but still get tired quickly and mostly sleep, sometimes play.

3 to 4 weeks development - feelings

Baby Labrador puppies at 1 month are the most touching creatures. They begin to show character, demand their mother’s attention, and actively begin to explore the world. They are interested in sounds, objects and most importantly - people.

Everything tastes bad, and they begin to gain weight more rapidly. They are active, play longer and require freedom, study their enclosure, mother and brothers. The dog's weight doubles.

They observe their mother, adopting her behavior, learning to be a “dog.” They try to bite, remembering the degree of harm caused; if they are allowed to do so, they continue to check more actively.

• They begin to show themselves by exploring the meaning of sounds: they try to bark, growl and make funny sounds.
• They establish relationships with their brothers, mother and other animals.

4 to 8 weeks 1 - 2 stage of socialization

The most interesting thing begins, the animal is also actively exploring the world, but already knows how to contact society, other animals, and carefully studies humans. By this point, the babies can already eat change food, but continue to suck out the mother. They already have small and sharp teeth.

The Labrador puppy, a boy, begins to show itself more actively, the kids are already easy to distinguish by their behavior.

At this time, preparations for a new home begin; at 1.5 - 2 months, primary vaccinations and branding should be carried out. You can take the baby home; it is highly not recommended to take the dog earlier. The weight is already significantly large, from 4 to 6 kg.

• Many male dogs have testicles that descend; this is not a quick process; they can finally come out by 3-4 months.

A Labrador puppy at 2 months tests the strength of both people and animals. Now is the best time to get acquainted with cats, to develop as a person. He tries a lot in relationships with a person, tries to find common ground, studies people's behavior and is extremely passionate about communicating.

3 - second stage of socialization

A Labrador puppy at 3 months old is extremely active, he is moving to a new home. Meets the owner. Good kids should already know a lot by this time. Now begins the important process of becoming an owner and a pet. The weight already reaches 10 kg.

Everything unfamiliar, the person explains, shows new sounds and things. It is necessary to begin the training process right now. But first you will need to carry out socialization, accustoming:

• To the leash and collar;
• Crowded places;
• To strangers;
• Loud and unknown sounds;
• Machines;
• Other animals;
• For children.

The baby should go for a walk, communicate with other pets and people.

3 – 4 months or adolescence

Hooliganism begins. He may not obey and tries to occupy the sofa. Pushes shoes and everything else that is lying around the house. The owner will have to try. You will need to be patient and persistent. Remove all extraneous things that he can reach.

Walks 3 - 4 times a day, feeding 3 - 4 times. Learn basic commands. As a reward - tasty pieces and always verbal praise. Walk more often and go to new places, you can take him with you to the store, but do not overdo it, the child may get tired.

He is not gaining weight as actively; at this time he is gaining from 12 to 18 kg. A puppy may look quite funny, there is no muscle mass yet, it is just beginning to form.

3 to 6 - social dominance

A Labrador is usually up to 6 months old - it tests the strength of its owner; if it is a male, it tries to dominate. It’s important to pay attention to his behavior and it’s time to correct it; if you can’t do it yourself, then contact a specialist.

A Labrador puppy at 5 months old must know at least all the basic commands, obey (even if not always), and submit to the will of the person. It is highly not recommended to show force towards them, otherwise you can spoil the dog.

• The weight is already decent: from 20 kg.

The dog must know where his place is, where he can be in the presence of his owner, and where not. Know how to communicate with strangers, cats and dogs. All his fears (thunder or fireworks) are not so significant; it is especially important to show the animal that the owner will protect him and there is nothing unusual in this. Don't leave it on for long.

A young dog should get used to going outside to the toilet, sometimes perhaps for a diaper at home. Walking on a schedule makes it easier to get used to managing needs when not at home.

From 8 to 18 - young dog

Labrador retrievers - girls during this period are ready for their first heat; her behavior can change significantly. Many people’s mood changes, they ask to go outside more often - you need to allow them to be there at least 3 times a day. Bitches sometimes begin to mark when they are in heat.

The most important thing is not to let her go unattended, otherwise any nearby male will definitely show himself. Don't let them get close. If there is also a male living in the house, then isolate the female in another room.

• A Labrador at 9 months is almost an adult dog. Weight from 30 kg.

Education and training

Education begins at 2 - 3 months. First you need to learn simple commands:

1. "To me";
2. "Sit";
3. "Lie";
4. "It is forbidden";
5. "Place";
6. "Near";
7. "Can";
8. "Ugh".

Time for training is from 40 to 50 minutes a day, you should not give more, the puppy can get tired quickly. As an encouragement, give goodies and always verbal approval.

Be patient, don't shout, don't punish. Gradually increase the load and difficulty.

A Labrador at 4 months old can go to training with a specialist, they are perfectly receptive to learning and remember well. Classes can be group or individual. A specialist will be able to competently structure the training process and teach you it.

Alternate study with active games, allowing your pet to relieve stress and redirect attention. It's good if he can have fun with a toy or just run around freely.

• At 9 months old, a Labrador must know a sufficient number of commands, must be accustomed to the place, the rules of behavior with strangers, and at home.

Care and maintenance

The Labrador Retriever is still a puppy and must be accustomed to the following grooming procedures:

How much does a Labrador puppy cost in Russia?

In order to understand how much Labrador puppies cost, you need to find out:

• What titles do the parents have;
• Recognition of the nursery or club;
• Individual characteristics of the animal;
• His state of health;
• Future prospects.

The price for Labrador puppies for show - class (participation in exhibitions and breeding) is from 40 thousand rubles, pet - class (for the sofa) - from 25 thousand rubles.

• Prices for each Labrador from the same litter can vary significantly: females usually cost more. Much depends on the breeder himself; if he sees prospects in the future, then the child may cost 50 -60 tr.

In addition to this, you will also need to add all the funds for food, vaccination, training, toys, and the cost of exhibitions. It is not recommended to take an animal without documents.

• Look at all the children from the litter in advance, talk to the parents, and choose a nursery.

Labrador Retriever puppies are very popular among dog breeders. The appearance of a furry miracle in the house divides the lives of many owners into “before” and “after”. Before a Labrador appears in the family, you need to figure out how to choose the right puppy, how to care for and raise him.

How to care for a puppy?

A small Labrador requires quality care. To ensure that your pet is always well-groomed and clean, you must regularly perform the following hygiene procedures:

1. Brush the coat daily with a soft brush.
2. Examine your eyes daily and wipe them with damp cotton wool.
3. Monitor the condition of the claws and trim them on time.
4. Regularly examine the oral cavity, especially during the change of baby teeth.
5. Once a week, inspect and wipe the ears with a damp cloth.

In order to protect the retriever's paw pads from the reagents that are sprinkled on the streets, it is necessary to treat the pet's paws with a special wax-based ointment. After walking, paws should be washed and dried. You should not bathe your Labrador puppy often. One bath every 2-3 months in warm water using special shampoos is enough.

Features of education

From the first days, the pet is instilled with such qualities that the owner would like to see in an adult dog.

1. First of all, the Labrador must get used to the nickname. It doesn’t take much effort; call him by name more often and call him every time before feeding or playing.
2. It is also better to start training to a place from the first days of the pet’s appearance in the house. The baby should have his own place, away from drafts and radiators.
3. In order to discourage your pet from wanting to taste everything and chew on everything, you need to stock up on an arsenal of toys and not leave in sight anything that might interest him.
4. Most puppies have another unpleasant habit - biting the hands or grabbing the legs of the owner. You need to be careful when training your Labrador to stop biting. Under no circumstances should you raise your voice or hit the baby.
5. Labradors are always sincerely happy to see their owner or guests in the house. Often, pets begin to jump into the arms or try to climb onto the owner’s neck. The puppy needs to be weaned from jumping on people in time, otherwise it can develop into a bad habit.

Once your pet has received basic knowledge, you can begin to teach it simple commands.

How to toilet train?

While the puppy is in quarantine (3.5-4 months), it cannot be walked outside, and it is also necessary to limit contact with other animals. To toilet train a Labrador puppy at home, you need to stock up on special moisture-absorbing diapers and a small tray.

1. Select a small space in the room and lay out the diapers.
2. Carefully observe your dog's behavior throughout the day. As soon as the puppy begins to spin, squeak and sit down, he needs to be carefully moved to the diaper.
3. Gradually the number of diapers should be reduced. Don’t forget to reward your puppy with a treat after a “successful” toilet visit.
4. After the pet begins to wear the diaper on its own, it is gradually moved closer to the tray.

The process of toilet training a small retriever can take from 3 days to 2 weeks. At 3-4 months, a Labrador puppy can already be taken outside and gradually taught to relieve its natural needs outside the home (author of the video channel “Ingulisss”).

Before purchasing a Labrador, you should carefully study the breed standard, as well as the issues of keeping, feeding and raising the puppy. The future owner must understand for what purpose he wants to purchase a Labrador: as a pet, show dog, for work or breeding.

Female Labradors are more docile and calm, however, periods of estrus in a female dog are accompanied by high activity and undesirable behavior. The sexual instincts of male dogs sometimes interfere with the training process. Boys react to the smells of bitches in heat and become less controllable, and this must be taken into account during walks.

Labrador babies should be purchased from well-known nurseries specializing in this breed, registered in the RKF, or from breeders who are members of the RKF.

Before choosing a puppy, you need to pay attention to the behavior, character, appearance and movements of the mother. It would be useful to look at the photo of the male dog with whom the bitch was bred, and also inquire about his origin, character and frequency of participation in cynological exhibitions. Puppies must be kept clean; their health directly depends on this.

What to look for when examining a puppy:

• the physique is harmonious, proportional;
• the head is wide, the transition from the forehead to the nose is well defined;
• the eyes are clean, without signs of inflammation, not too close;
• the ears are clean and should not emit an unpleasant odor;
• The chest is deep, wide, ribs are rounded;
• the tail is straight, thick at the base, tapering towards the middle;
• coat: outer layer – hard, rough to the touch, undercoat soft and silky;
• the skin is clean, without signs of rashes;
• the stomach is soft, elastic, not bloated.

After a thorough examination, the future owner should look at the puppy's movements. Lameness and sluggish movements should alert you. Labrador puppies are quite active, friendly and “hospitable”. If your future pet is afraid of loud noises, becomes quiet, hides, or shows aggression, you should be wary.

What documents are transferred to the owner:

1. Puppy metric (card), established by the RKF sample.
2. Vet. passport with vaccination records (if any by age).
3. Instructions for raising a puppy.

Would you like to get yourself a Labrador?

Evgeniy Sedov

When your hands grow from the right place, life is more fun :)

Before you have a new active and cheerful friend in your family, you need to have a clear understanding of how to choose this friend. He will have to live with you for many years. Everyone carefully chooses their life partner. It’s exactly the same with a dog, especially with such a wonderful and popular breed as the Labrador.

Breed characteristics and external data

Labrador is one of the most popular pet breeds. They are distinguished from other animals by their wonderful character. “Labrick” will be a wonderful companion; he willingly adapts to his owner and loves children. Kids of the Labrador Retriever breed are not prone to aggression, they are caring and affectionate. In addition to the initial hunting role, your new friend can serve:

• companion;
• guide;
• lifeguard;
• bloodhound.

A purebred dog can boast of a good appearance. The dog is strongly built, with strong bones. Acceptable height at the withers is 54-57 cm. It has a wide skull, chest, and loin. The dog's front paws are clawed and straight, the toes are arched, with well-developed pads. The coat is short and thick, repels water. The muzzle is massive, wide, with well-developed nostrils. A distinctive feature of the breed is its not very long, thick tail, gradually tapering towards the base, without bending behind the back.

How to choose the right puppy

Choose a Labrador Retriever responsibly, because this is a creature that you will have to take care of for at least 10-15 years. Nuances:

• Do not make this decision yourself; if you do not live alone, be sure to discuss the issue with your family. Distribute caregiving responsibilities among family members, but remember that it will be difficult for a small child to cope with a hyperactive dog.
• Make a decision - you want to have a dog or a bitch. Males for the most part are larger and stronger than females, making them much more difficult to walk with. They strive to show other dogs “who’s boss” and are already interested in the opposite sex at a young age. Girls are more affectionate, calm and become more attached to their owner. Problems with them can arise during the estrus period, which lasts 21 days twice a year.
• Think about where to choose your puppy. You should attend several large dog shows and try to contact an experienced breeder there. In such places, only promising puppies with interesting pedigrees and all the necessary documents are almost always exhibited. There you can also find titled parents for your future retriever.
• The description and cost of puppies can be found on the Internet. Each large breeder has its own website, which describes breed standards and prices. Trusted nurseries can guarantee that puppies will be fully vaccinated. Avoid flea markets where no one can provide the puppy's measurements.

Purpose of acquisition

This is a universal dog with a wide variety of working qualities. The main purposes for purchasing retrievers are for show, breeding, hunting, or just as a pet. The requirements for dogs that will perform are very strict, which will make choosing a puppy difficult. When choosing a hunter, it is important that the dog is not cowardly or timid during puppyhood. For a pet, the main requirements are health, good mental health and an affordable price.

Criterias of choice

• Breeder qualifications - choose proven ones.
• Male or female - according to qualities.
• The price of a puppy varies between 30-60 thousand rubles.
• Working qualities of parents - depending on the purpose of acquisition.
• Temperament and type - according to your preferences.
• The structure of the hairline should be thick and water-repellent.
• The physical condition of the puppy is healthy, plays, vaccinated.
• The tail should be short and thick at the base. Should not curl over the back, as in some breeds.
• Muzzle – with narrow and thick ears; pupils are colorless.

Which coat color do you prefer?

Breed standards allow three types of retriever colors: black, beige (brown) and fawn (dudley). Often future owners think that there are differences other than visual ones. The temperament, character and health of a puppy do not depend in any way on color. The psychological factor is on the side of light-colored dogs - people subconsciously treat them more calmly. Fawn Labrador puppies are widely advertised, which is the description of the dog people imagine when they hear about Labradors.

Diet of a small Labrador

A dog, if it is fed correctly, always has the same weight, looks healthy, its coat is shiny and free of dandruff. A good appetite is an indicator that the dog is being fed properly. At a young age, it is better for the pet to be rather thin in appearance than fat, so as not to interfere with the development of tendons and joints. It is better to stick to the diet that the breeder practiced, and only introduce new products over time.

Approximate daily diet for a small Labrador: meat 15 g per 1 kg of dog weight, carbohydrates - 5 g per 1 kg of weight, fats - 2 g per 2 kg of weight. Don't forget to drink - clean water should always be available. Stick to the formula above and avoid:

1. fatty pork;
2. sausages;
3. peppery and spicy foods;
4. bones (can lead to constipation);
5. spoiled products;
6. any sweets.

How many times should you feed your puppy?

Until two months of age, Labrador puppies eat 6 times a day. Do not feed the puppy at night; distribute these 6 feedings throughout the day approximately every 3.5-4 hours, and then, as the number of feedings decreases, increase the interval between them. From 2 to 4 months the puppy is fed 5 times a day, from 4 to 5 months - 4 times, from 5 to 6 months - 3-4 times. From 6 months, gradually transfer your Labrador puppy to the diet of an adult Labrador. From the age of 6 months, feed your Labrador twice – in the morning and in the evening, at certain hours.

What to feed with a natural diet

If you feed your Labrador with regular food, it is important to properly balance the diet. Remember: Labrador puppies are not gourmets, there is no need to try to diversify their food - it is better for the food to be the same, but always complete. Any flavoring additives (spices, ketchups, mayonnaise, etc.) are harmful and dangerous for a dog. Include in your diet:

• Meat is a large part of natural nutrition. Any part of beef is included in the diet (goulash is suitable, take tendons, veins, trachea, cheeks), lamb is recommended. Give the meat raw, fresh or after freezing. You cannot cook it for a long time if it is intended for a dog.
• Vegetables and fruits, herbs (vegetable components are given lightly stewed in a frying pan, boiled in water).
• Porridge. Keep in mind that many people love buckwheat and are allergic to it.

Premium ready-made food

When feeding your Labrador with ready-made food, there will be no problems with choosing a diet. The question is one thing - the food needs to be selected successfully. Buying the most expensive one will not guarantee that it will suit your dog. Buy food in small packages at first. Study how your Labrador reacts to it, whether there are any allergic reactions: check for redness in the ears, belly, and interdigital spaces. See if your Labrador eats this food with pleasure. Pay attention to dry food from the Holistic line.

How to arrange a place of detention

When you have a small puppy, you need to create a “place” for him where the baby can sleep. Place the “place” in a dry, not very warm room - for example, a room or a hallway, not near a central heating radiator, not near a stove, and not on the move. Excessive heat has a bad effect on the animal; it will interfere with your pet’s sleep. It is advisable not to place the puppy in the hallway or kitchen if the size of the apartment allows a different arrangement.

The “place” for the first time can be a small, not deep box (or box), with a mattress pad, which must be washed occasionally. For “space,” avoid drafts. Labrador puppies eagerly go to their place with all the toys and bones. The little Labrador sleeps a lot, so give him that part of the apartment where it is as quiet as possible most of the time.

Features of education and training

As you train your dog, you will develop your own methodology. The main thing is that the classes are friendly and useful. Follow the generally accepted Labrador training tips to help train your puppy:

• Choose a site where there will be no one except you and the dog.
• Classes should be short - children are not able to concentrate for long.
• If you use a toy as a reward, use the item only for activities. Then it will be of great value to the Labrador.
• If you reward with treats, they should be in the form of small pieces that are easy to swallow.
• All “goodies” are excluded from the daily diet.
• End your classes on a happy and positive note.

Where to buy a Labrador in Moscow

It is worth paying attention to nurseries registered according to the rules of the RKF. As a rule, the older the nursery, the more guarantees it can provide. A simple search on the Internet reveals many similar companies in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The Amar Vasant kennel was registered and licensed in 1998, provides free consultations on the selection of puppies, and a detailed description of the dogs is available. Many of the nursery's Labradors have been successfully exhibited at various competitions, including the Russian Championship.

What does the price depend on?

There are several main points on which the price of a Labrador puppy is determined. This:

• Color: chocolate Labradors are the most expensive.
• Title: the price of puppies from titled parents will definitely be higher. The quality of the litter in which the puppy was born and its appearance play an important role.
• Age also determines how much a Labrador is worth; The optimal age for sale is 2-3 months.

How much do Labrador puppies cost?

According to the Avito website, a small Labrador in Russia from trusted breeders costs an average of 30-50 thousand rubles. You can buy a Labrador puppy in Moscow inexpensively, but to do this you need to know some breeders. It's not worth saving on cost. If a dog is sold noticeably cheap, it means it does not meet the breed standards. Kids sell well in all colors, but the most expensive (approximately 60 thousand) are chocolate retrievers.

Photos of Labrador puppies

Video

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How to choose a Labrador puppy – Choosing a Labrador puppy

Let's figure out how to choose a Labrador puppy. If you have chosen a Labrador Retriever, then you need to have at least some idea about this breed. In order to subsequently purchase not the dog that is offered to you, saying that this is a super-real true Labrador, but one that meets the basic requirements of the standard. To do this, it is not at all necessary to rush headlong to the first phone number that catches your eye with the address of the puppies. It is useful to visit two or three large canine exhibitions with a sufficient number of Labradors in order to have an idea of ​​the types and appearance of dogs of a given breed.

Considering in detail the question of how to choose a Labrador puppy, we note that to the right of the text there are other questions that interest the majority of our readers. There you can see the potential father of your puppy, since males who are in active civilized breeding are regularly exhibited and “hang out” (and not only in their city, region) regardless of the high-profile titles they have. This is important for prestige, image, to always be in shape and in sight.

It makes sense to purchase a decent printed publication on the breed and familiarize yourself with both the issues of content, education, and the standard (the latest version of the FCI). Every person has the right to buy a puppy from his own hands somewhere in a darkened passage, or at a clothing market, or for almost nothing from a compassionate granny, who has 20 different dogs and cats living in her room. But what will grow in you in the future is still a question. Also, as part of the answer to the question of how to choose a Labrador puppy, we note that other information of interest can be found using the search engine at the top of the page.

It makes sense to buy a Labrador Retriever puppy in Russia only from well-known clubs and kennels specializing in this breed. To do this, use the recommendations of competent dog handlers, information in specialized printed publications, the Internet, and advertisements at prestigious canine exhibitions.

We continue to answer inquiries about how to choose a Labrador puppy. All dogs are genetically programmed to protect their “den” and offspring. Therefore, if, when you come to a breeder to choose a puppy, you see a bitch with her tail between her legs, which, when you approach, silently and cowardly runs away, hides in another room, or bursts into tears, chokes on incessant barking, raging on a leash and barely restrained by the breeder, then you can safely turn around and go see other kids.

Keep in mind that deviations in behavior, psyche, inadequate perception of the situation, hereditary diseases are genetically transmitted to puppies. If you are greeted by a loud warning bark, you see in front of you a bitch in a natural stance: with her head held high, ears alert, tail raised above the line of the back (“tail set like a sword”), carefully watching all your actions, but clearly responsive to the breeder’s commands - feel free to state the purpose of your visit,

A genetically healthy dog ​​with a balanced psyche will calmly sniff you from all sides, and will cheerfully wag its “otter” tail as a sign of friendly disposition. Before examining the puppies, pay attention to the general behavior, character, appearance, and movements of the mother. During the postpartum period, her fur may shed, but don’t let this bother you - within three months from the moment the puppies are born, a new one will grow. Ask the breeder about everything: how old is she, whether there were previous litters (multiple or small), at what age she was bred for the first time, whether there were unplanned puppies, problems during childbirth (caesarean section, difficult birth, etc.) .

Breeding use of females is allowed up to 8 years. A maximum of 6 litters can be produced. If matings occur every six months, then they are more likely to produce small offspring. It is worth refraining from purchasing her puppy, since the mother gives away too much health and strength and does not have time to fully recover physiologically for the next birth. When you publish a topic about how to choose a Labrador puppy on the page, you can comment on the message.

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Ask the breeder to show photographs of the male sire and a copy of his pedigree. Ask about his origin, character, frequency of participation in cynological exhibitions (what rank and level), titles, whether he has had matings before, how often and for how long he has been used for breeding.

Next, what I would like to talk about when answering the question of how to choose a Labrador puppy. Puppies should be tightly built, well-fed, but not fat with light bones. There should be no diseases on their skin, especially fleas. When purchasing a dog, you must firmly understand that your family is being replenished with a living creature who will spend 10-15 years in your circle. A self-respecting breeder who values ​​his reputation will not give you black and white; he will be happy to show you diplomas, rosettes, awards for participation in canine shows, and boast about his successes and photographs of dogs from previous litters.

Pay attention to the general atmosphere and environment in which the puppies are kept; Do they have a spacious, clean enclosure (playpen), standing in a lighted, warm place, or do they wallow in their own feces in a cramped enclosure. Take a closer look at the persistence and appetite with which kids eat. Usually the most energetic one tries to occupy the nipple that is more filled with milk. Observe which of them is cocky, phlegmatic, calm.

Categorically refuse to purchase a puppy (even if offered as a gift) that has serious deviations from the norm: open fontanelle, umbilical or inguinal hernia, cleft palate, cleft lip, malocclusion, disease of the lymph glands on the head, conjunctivitis, deformation of the bones of the hind limbs (puppies are “swimmers”), etc.

A serious defect for a dog claiming the name “Labrador” are the ears - erect like those of a German Shepherd, semi-dropping or semi-erect like those of a collie; the tail is low-set, reminiscent of a car's crank, and also curved (twisted) over the back, covered with protruding fluffy hair. In a word, when choosing a Labrador Retriever puppy, follow the saying: “Measure twice, cut once.” Describing the topic about how to choose a Labrador puppy, let’s pay attention to other queries posted on the right.

Many dog ​​lovers choose the Labrador puppy breed for themselves. The popularity of these dogs is associated with their good-natured disposition, pleasant appearance and intelligent, penetrating gaze. To choose a good puppy that meets all the stated parameters, you need to know some subtleties that you should pay attention to when purchasing.

How to choose a reputable breeder?

First you need to decide on the choice of nursery. Of course, you can buy a puppy on the market, but it is in the nursery that the four-legged residents are provided with suitable conditions for living and development. At the same time, markets are not always ready to provide a pedigree, which is not an option for those people who want to participate with a dog at shows.

"Bird markets" should not be taken into account when choosing a dog of this breed. There is no opportunity to consider all issues; the entire range of necessary documents is not always available. In addition, there is no opportunity to look at the puppy’s parents and assess their condition. It is quite possible that you will be offered not a purebred breed, but a mixture, which can be very difficult to find out without the appropriate documentation.

Attention! The breeder must have all the necessary documents confirming the thoroughbred. Also, puppies must already be vaccinated according to age. In the future, you can always count on advice from a conscientious breeder.

When buying a four-legged friend, you should also pay attention to its parents. A conscientious breeder will always be happy to show the sire and dam of the puppy in question. The appearance and disposition of parents also play an important role when considering a purchase option.

What to look for when purchasing:

- external indicators

In order to choose a healthy and playful Labrador puppy, you need to pay attention to the following indicators of its external characteristics:

• Hairline. The most ideal option for a healthy puppy is a fairly coarse and hard top coat. In this case, the undercoat should be very thick and quite pleasant to the touch: silky and smooth.

Reference! A sparse undercoat or an overly long coat is considered unsuitable for Labrador dogs by standards.

• Tail. Labradors are naturally excellent swimmers in water, which affects their appearance from the tail from an early age. It should be thick at the base and fairly short overall, tapering slightly towards the bottom. The thickness is approximately the size of a human hand. When the puppy wags its tail, the base of the tail should not rise above the level of the back.
• Muzzle. Labradors have a very friendly face that will not leave anyone indifferent. If your dog's eyes are heavy or cloudy, you should be wary: it is quite possible that he is sick.
• Body structure. Puppies have a fairly wide chest, a long neck, and a large head. In general, the dog should look harmonious and coordinated.

It is important to take into account the appearance of the parents of the chosen dog. If the father or mother has external defects, then it is quite possible that these defects will also appear in the older puppy. Therefore, it is important to study the pedigree of the chosen four-legged friend inside and out.

- Labrador behavior

The behavior of dogs of this breed is quite active and friendly. They immediately begin to play and rejoice when a new person appears. If you take the baby in your arms, his behavior should not change. If your four-legged friend begins to be afraid or even behave aggressively, then you need to be wary. The character of such a dog is not entirely affectionate, and such a friend is not suitable for purchase by people with small children.

A physically and psychologically healthy puppy should not be afraid of extraneous sounds in the form of rustles and pops. To check the reaction, you need to clap your hands above the dog's head. If the Labrador flinches, becomes very frightened, becomes quiet, or even bares its teeth, then you should not choose such a four-legged friend.

All indicators of activity and openness of character should clearly indicate the health and good nature of the dog. If the buyer has even the slightest drop of doubt, then it is not worth taking such a dog.

- other subtleties

Before buying a puppy, you should pay attention to a number of minor details in its appearance, character and behavior. The body, tail, paws, head, chest and neck should be evenly folded and free of any flaws. For example, you should pay attention to the dog’s paws: they should not have fused bones or dislocations.

Important! Eyes and ears play an important role in the process of choosing a healthy friend. These parts of the dog’s body should be perfectly clean, without plaque or signs of accumulated mucus. Dirty ears or sour eyes always indicate that the puppy is poorly maintained and has an infection.

Its health and character depend on the conditions in which the dog grew up. Therefore, it is important to make sure that your future friend is kept clean and fed correctly by the breeder. The room in which the Labrador was raised must be clean, cozy and comfortable in terms of temperature. The slightest odors, air stuffiness and visible dirt on the floor and walls indicate unfavorable living conditions for pets.

It is important to note the quality and sufficiency of the food provided to the puppy. How well-fed and healthy the dog was fed will directly determine its current state of health and appearance.

You cannot buy newborn puppies; you must wait until the pet is 6–8 months old. It is at this age that you can see all the subtleties of character and external data, analyze the disposition and playfulness of the future family member.

There is no point in saving when buying a puppy with a good pedigree. Cheap offers often turn out to be deceiving. Breeders will never sell a top-notch dog with all the ideal characteristics at a reduced price. It is worth approaching this issue quite reasonably and deciding for what purpose the puppy is being purchased: first of all, for the family or for participation in exhibitions.

Girl or boy?

Many people have doubts about who they want to choose as a four-legged friend: a girl or a boy. The difference, of course, is not very significant, but, nevertheless, there are some nuances that are worth paying attention to.

The main and most important difference between a male and a female Labrador is that the female has periods of estrus, which not all owners like. During this period, the dog experiences increased activity, which leads to quite unpleasant consequences: damaged furniture, torn wallpaper, chewed slippers and other undesirable moments for the owner. In general, the Labrador breed is quite clean, so the owner will not find dirt in the apartment as such. But a dog may well have an unwanted pregnancy. During this period, it is worth keeping the yard dogs away from the Labrador girl.

Attention! The advantage of purchasing a female Labrador is that she has a softer and more flexible disposition, unlike a male. In addition, girls are much easier to train.

Boys are much more difficult to train, mainly due to their greater weight and obesity. Despite the docile nature of the male Labrador, he has periods of breakdown. This happens when dogs in heat appear in the yard. It becomes very difficult to control your pet during this period. But there are also advantages: a Labrador boy will never bring unexpected puppies into the house, which is a big advantage in purchasing male puppies of this breed.

Choosing a four-legged friend is a crucial moment. Labrador puppies are an excellent option for friendliness and loyalty. This breed is an excellent option for both family and commercial purposes. The main thing is to pay attention when choosing to the external characteristics of the dog and its behavior. It is advisable that the breeder has all the necessary documents for the pet.

Especially for– Ira Romaniy