Are yearly checkup's for the puppies parents ok, or OFA clearence needed?

[BigBrownDog]

Going to a Labrador Club site is better than just the AKC. If a breeder is an active member of a breed club you are more than likely to find they test for genetic issues and prove the dog in some venue.

[Tanya]

I agree with all that was said - vet checks mean nothing when deciding if a dog should be bred. If the breeder doesn't have money for clearances (and OFA hips and elbows are just TWO of the numerous clearances a dog should have) then they should no breed. Don't support someone cutting corners no matter what their reasons are.

I also repeat another recommendation - there are tons of beautiful beautiful labs in rescues and shelters (most are there only because their family "didn't have time" or didn't take the time to train them) in need of a home. With a rescue you can get lots of info on the dog and temperament before deciding. I didn't have $1000 to buy a puppy when I got my first dog so I got a young Rocky from a rescue and he's been perfect.

[get_zwole]

I will look into the labrador club site thanks for the tip.

Thanks for the info Tanya, yeah i will take all the advise said so far and definitely get with a breeder that does not cut corners for sure. thanks for all the tips thus far guys, and gals I will continue to research and find some quality breeders to buy from.

[tammyhuffman]

Good luck with your search, I definitely hope you take the time to find a breeder that does ALL of the necessary health clearences as well as proving their dog(s) they are breeding. I din't actually "see" Maxx until the day we picked him up, 6 hours from where I live. I had lots of pictures and phone calls with the breeder but no actual physical contact with the puppies. It was worth the wait, the money and all the anxiety!