Breeding Black Labs

According to American Kennel Club registration statistics, the Labrador retriever---black, yellow or golden---is the most popular dog in the U.S. If you want to breed these gentle and intelligent dogs, you need to keep some points in mind.

  1. Before You Breed

    • When breeding your black lab, you should keep aware of the official breed standards established by the AKC, the potential medical conditions that black labs can develop, and the health clearances that you should get before breeding. In general, your dog should be healthy, not overweight and have a good temperament in order to successfully breed puppies.

    Common Health Conditions

    • Several health conditions are common among black labs, and you should rule them out before you breed. You should have your dog's hips and elbows X-rayed to rule out any possible joint problems. A certified veterinary ophthalmologist should test your dog for progressive retinal atrophy, a genetic disorder that can lead to blindness in dogs.

    Other Considerations

    • If you plan to register your black lab puppies with the AKC, both the sire (father) and the bitch (mother) must be AKC-registered. Mate your dog with one that complements her and will strengthen her weaknesses. Never consider breeding a dog with an ill-temperament, as that temperament can be passed down to the litter.