Labrador pups all look incredibly cute and adorable but “a Lab is for life” and the puppy phase doesn’t last for long. However, if after a lot of thought you have decided that the Labrador is the breed for you then you have come to the right place.
By now you will have realised there is a great variation in initial purchase price for Labrador puppies (typically between £800 – £2,000). Why the variation in what may look like very similar dogs? The simple (and if you think about it, obvious) answer is that not all dogs are the same!
When choosing any Labrador puppy, it is important that you undertake your research and find out exactly what you are buying. As with all breeds of dogs, Labradors may be affected by diseases which are genetic or partly genetic in origin, and problems may occur from time to time. All responsible breeders take steps to minimise the risk of defects occurring in their puppies by making use of the relevant controlling systems set up by the British Veterinary Association (B.V.A.) and the Kennel Club (K.C.). It is VITAL you ensure that both sire and dame have undergone hip, elbow and eye examinations BEFORE you go to see the puppies. This is important not just if you’re interested in working or showing your dog – even a ‘family pet’ deserves to be healthy and happy. If the breeder can’t provide you with satisfactory certificates of these tests then stop that line of enquiry. NEVER be tempted to take any puppy because you feel sorry for it, always insist on seeing the paperwork (a good breeder will be please to provide it).
All health screening is important for Labradors but the ‘hip score’ which assesses the risk of hip dysplasia should be of particular interest. Hip dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that, in its more severe form, can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints.
The hip score for a dog ranges between 0 and 53 (for each hip) scores are often displayed as two numbers (right hip/left hip) or as a single combined number. As of 2021 the current breed average (5 year mean) for Labradors is a combined score of 10.2, and both parents should preferably have total scores below that number. Many people look to the median figure, which is slanted to take the latest figures more into account, and for Labradors this figure shows a combined score of 9. If you’re looking for a really healthy dog a score of 9 or less is what you’re looking for.
Look no further! We’ve done all we can to ensure our pups will be as healthy as possible and free from hereditary problems. Daisy has a PERFECT bill of health with a hip score of 0/0! Of course a dog is more than a score-number, just as importantly both dogs have great looks, wonderful temperaments and are fantastic family pets!
It is important to point out that buying from health tested parents significantly reduces the risk of future problems and could SAVE YOU GREAT DISTRESS AND MANY £100’s in the future, it does not however provide a health guarantee. Early joint management of your new puppy is vital to further reduce any risks – please don’t picture long ‘off-lead’ walks over rolling hills in the first year of you owning a Labrador … that will come later, be patient. We’ll talk to you about what you can do to ensure your dog’s health once you’ve decided to purchase a ‘Derwent Spire pup’.
When you come to visit us you will be welcome to ask as many questions as you want, see the puppy with its mother and have some time to socialise with all the puppies to help you choose the dog for you. We’ll even arrange a visit for you to meet ‘dad’ if you’d like!
We’re keen to build up a relationship with any potential owners as we have to be sure that our puppies will be going to a fantastic loving home. If we think that a Labrador may not be the right dog for you then we’ll have that conversation with you to ensure that your heart doesn’t rule your head!
We let our puppies go to their new homes when they reach 8 weeks old, they will be fully Kennel Club registered, wormed and all ready for the next exciting stage of their little lives.
So if you are still interested and want to talk more then do contact us for more information.