Labrador Retrievers, the most popular breed in the US*, are loving, friendly, and gentle dogs that love to be near their human companions. They can also be destructive, mouthy, high energy, and fur-producing machines if left to their own devices. Before you bring that puppy home, please take some time to learn about this wonderful breed. There is a wealth of information available; from finding a breeder to health concerns to training resources. Here are a few of my favorites:

About the Labrador

Buying a Puppy

• AKC Meet the Breeds: Labrador Retriever
• Labrador Retriever, Did You Know?
• Labrador Retriever: Breed Standard
• Is a Lab right for you?

• How to Select a Breeder
• Selecting your new puppy
• How to choose a healthy puppy
• Crash Course for New Puppy Owners

Genetic Health Issues

Labrador Clubs

Labradors, like so many other breeds, are known to have some genetic issues.  Before you bring that cute  little puppy into your home, and into your heart, educate yourself about those issues and how best to avoid or prepare for them.

All-breed and specialty clubs are the best resources for information about Labradors, as well as providing referrals to respected and reputable breeders. Here is a list of a few of the specialty clubs (Labrador only) in the tri-state area (GA, NC, SC), the Labrador Retriever Club of America (AKC Parent Club for Labrador Retrievers), and the local all-breed club in Augusta, GA.
 

• Heath News
• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Canine Eye Diseases
• Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)
• Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (TVD)

• The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.
• Greater Atlanta Labrador Retriever Club
• LRC of the Piedmont
• Raleigh Durham LRC
• Coastal South Carolina LRC
• Augusta Kennel Club, Inc. (all-breed)

Information Resources

Local Resources

• American Kennel Club (AKC) - lots of information about dogs in general
• Woodhaven Labs - veritable online encyclopedia of information specifically about Labradors, as well as helpful generic information about health, nutrition, training, etc.

• Augusta Kennel Club, Inc. - excellent resource for local (SC, GA) for listings of local suppliers of doggy needs - boarding, training, food, vet, etc.

Miscellaneous

• Labradata, Inc. - International Open Labrador Retriever research database
• Pawsitively Simple Design - simple, affordable, and effective website design and maintenance for those involved in the sport of pure-bred dogs.

• The Labrador Quarterly - #1 Independent Labrador publication
• Bacon and Eggs - reprint of an article in LQ, Spring 2011 issue