How to Choose a Labrador Retriever to Breed

Choose a Labrador retriever to breed with its primary use in mind. Before you choose a breeding dog, observe it to spot behavior patterns. Going out with hunters to watch the dog in action is ideal. See if it responds well to commands. Labs are active dogs, full of energy and sometimes challenging to train. For a show dog or a family pet, you must make sure a breed dog has the kind of controllable behavior that exhibits good genes. If a dog resists commands, or seems slow in learning new commands, pass it by.

Run a want ad in the newspaper, asking for a full-blooded Labrador retriever to breed. State that you want to breed Labs and require registered papers. To preserve a pure blood line, you must be particular about asking to see papers on the dog.

Ask local veterinarians to recommend a potential mate, perhaps from some client. When you find a dog to breed, review the dog's vet records. You must make sure the dog has been well taken care of, has had all necessary vaccinations and blood tests for a clean bill of health.

Visit dog shows and dog training schools. Ask to observe Labrador retrievers and let it be known that you want to find a dog to breed. Be specific. Color is important when you choose a Labrador retriever to breed. If you want to breed Chocolate Labs, for example, mention that preference.