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| PUPPIES |
We rarely have purebred Labrador retriever puppies in our program. Why?
Unless we know the complete history of the dog, we cannot guarantee that a puppy
is purebred. When a puppy is small, it may look like a purebred lab, but by the
time it reaches 7 or 8 months of age, you may see it is mixed with another breed.
Also, a puppy rescued from a shelter can be exposed to numerous diseases (kennel
cough, distemper, and parvo). If the mother dog did not regularly receive the necessary
vaccinations, the puppy’s immune system is very weak. At this tender age it is very
difficult to save a puppy from one or more of these diseases.
If you are convinced
that you want a puppy, then we ask that you purchase your puppy from a responsible
breeder. But how do you know a responsible breeder from a so called “backyard breeder”
or puppy mill?
Responsible breeders do not breed dogs to make money, but to improve
the breed. They don’t have to advertise in the newspaper because their puppies are
pre-sold before they are born. They will take the dog back if there are any problems,
and these breeders are often very active in a breed club and rescue.
Backyard breeders
have various reasons for allowing their dog to breed. Some want to get back the
money they spent buying the purebred dog in the first place, or think it is an easy
way to make money. Some think their lab is so beautiful that it would be a shame
not to breed it, or they want one litter because “it would be a wonderful experience
for their children.” And some backyard breeders have bought into the old wife’s
tale that every female dog should have one litter before she is spayed. This is
absolute nonsense!
Making money is the puppy mill’s only reason for operation. They
care little for the breed. Even though many of their dogs are registered with the
American Kennel Club (AKC), being an AKC dog doesn’t mean that it is a good dog.
Little, if any, attention is given to hip dysphasia, allergies or poor temperament.
These breeders sell to pet shops, advertise in the newspaper, or sell out of the
back of pick-up trucks, at flea markets or at shopping centers.
We ask you NOT to
patronize backyard breeders and puppy mills. Please remember that backyard breeders
and puppy mills are major contributors to pet over-population in this country. If
we stop buying, they will stop breeding. Please help us put them out of business!
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