LABRADOR RETRIEVER
PUPPIES
REPUTABLE BREEDER
TEXAS

Updated March 2009

Things You Should Look For In A Breeder:
What is a reputable dog breeder?
A reputable breeder should have a vast knowledge of the breed(s) they produce and should work hard to improve the breed itself by way of temperament and genetic matching. A reputable breeder spends a lot of time and money on important matters such as health clearances and genetic history so that they will produce only genetically sound puppies.

Xtreme Outdoor Gundogs works closely with a genetics advisor to ensure proper genetic cross matching and genetic health. We also feed ProPlan Performance Dog Food to ensure your puppy's growth is right on track and doesn't grow too quickly or slowly which could cause Hip, bone and joint problems later in life.

Some Helpful Guidelines for a prospective buyer to recognize a reputable breeder or a person wanting to sell puppies from a female they own.

• A reputable breeder never sells puppies to a pet shop or broker, but only through direct contact with the final owner, in order to properly match the dog and ensure that the owner is ready for the responsibility of dog ownership and can provide a safe and happy home.
• A reputable breeder has documented health clearances on both sire and dam and breeds accordingly to ensure healthy puppies. (such as Hips, Elbows, Eyes CERF'd Clear, CNM & EIC results)
• A breeder allows and encourages you as the prospective puppy owner to tour their facilities and see the adult dogs and litters they may have on hand.
• A reputable breeder sells only AKC, CKC or UKC registered puppies with registration papers.
• A reputable breeder provides information on the champion bloodlines of both parents.
• A reputable breeder provides a health guarantee for the puppy with clearances on Hips, Elbows, Eyes, CNM and EIC.
• A reputable breeder keeps a clean, well-ventilated and spacious kennels with happy and healthy adult dogs.
• A reputable breeder does not release a puppy to a new home until it is at least 7 weeks of age. 
• A reputable breeder only sells puppies that are properly vaccinated (with dewclaws removed when necessary) and also advises you of any screening that should be done as the puppy grows older, such as hips, etc.
• At some point, a breeder should also allow you to view the mother and all of the puppies to watch their interaction, rather than bringing out one puppy at a time for you to view.
• A reputable breeder interacts well with all the dogs in the kennel and knows the dogs by name. Watch how the dogs interact with the breeder. Are they happy to see him or her or do they appear nervous or timid? This could be a bad sign.....
• A reputable breeder should feed only a reputable puppy food such as Purina Pro Plan or equivalent.
• A reputable breeder should keep a documented health or shot record - listing dates and types of vaccines that are normally required by a vet, worming treatments along with documented proof that these procedures were actually done by way of vial stickers or vet records
  
• A reputable breeder participates in events sponsored by national clubs, such as the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club. These events include obedience, hunting and field trials. This should be the reason he or she breeds dogs, not to produce a cash crop.
• A reputable breeder only breeds very specific types of dogs and is knowledgeable on the various breeds he or she raises.  Xtreme Outdoor Gundogs only breed Labrador Retrievers from Field Trial and Hunt Test lines.
• A reputable breeder should always put female dogs health first, not the dollar value of the puppies.
• A reputable breeder should always ask you what your intentions are for the puppy?  Is it a pet only?  Will you compete in Hunt Tests, Field Trials, or use the dog for hunting? Where will the puppy live? If you have adequate space for the dog? If they don't ask questions like these, you are probably dealing with someone who could care less about the puppy's well being and are just in it for the money which also tells you that they are probably not feeding good food, not starting the puppy correctly and not giving the vaccine's that they claim they are..... and furthermore, they probably don't know much about breeding.

.The following documents should be provided upon purchase of your new puppy

• A health or shot record - listing dates and types of vaccines that are normally required by a vet, worming treatments along with documented proof that these procedures were actually done by way of vial stickers or vet records.
• A copy of the puppy's pedigree.
• A health guarantee or contract with guaranteed clearances on Hips, Elbows, Eyes, CNM and EIC.

Ask the following Questions:
* What health certifications do the dogs have? Can they be verified? (Hips, Elbows, Eyes, CNM, EIC)
* Ask them to explain the details of the pedigree and why they feel strongly about this particular pedigree?
* What health guarantee is offered? Is it in writing?
* Are any affected puppies produced at your kennel?.... "EVER"? (and Steer away from individuals that don't know or breed affected dogs)
* Ask if they test the litters for CNM & EIC when applicable?

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