Van Dalen Labradors is an English Labrador Retriever breeder in Winder, Georgia.
Choosing the Right Puppy
By Dr. Laura van Dalen
Choosing the right puppy is about more than color or appearance. At Van Dalen Labradors, we help families in Winder, Georgia choose an English Labrador puppy whose temperament, personality, and activity level fit well with their home and lifestyle.
There is a breed for everyone, but not every breed is for everybody. Before choosing a puppy, it is important to be honest about your lifestyle, your home, your schedule, and the kind of dog that will truly fit your family.
Labradors are wonderful family dogs, but they are still sporting dogs. They need companionship,
training, exercise, structure, and a family that is ready to guide them through puppyhood.
Exercise & Daily Life
Labradors need regular exercise. Even a more laid-back puppy still needs time to play, explore, and be active every day.
Training is also a must, and it needs to be reinforced daily. Labradors love the outdoors, where they can walk, play, swim, sunbathe, and explore. But they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time or overnight. They love human companionship and want to be close to their people.
Regular walks are one of the best ways to bond with your dog. Walks are not only physical exercise; they are also very important for a Labrador’s mind.
Grooming
Labradors have a short coat with a dense undercoat. Brushing once or twice a week is usually enough, but during shedding season, daily brushing is very helpful.
Labradors do not need to be bathed all that often. For most dogs, an occasional bath is enough to keep the skin and coat healthy, unless they have gotten especially dirty.
House, Yard & Schedule
I have had puppies live successfully in smaller houses, condos, and apartments, but it takes time, energy, and commitment from their owners to keep them properly exercised and mentally stimulated.
A bored Labrador can become a problem. Ideally, Labradors do best in a home with at least a medium-sized yard and a family that spends time with them every day.
Children, Special Needs & Elderly Family Members
When small children, elderly people, or a person with special needs are part of the household, the best match is usually a gentler, lower-energy puppy.
This does not mean the puppy is less smart or less beautiful. It simply means that the puppy’s temperament should fit the people who will be living with him.
Budget & Responsibility
Labradors are generally a healthy breed, but accidents and unexpected problems can happen. A responsible family should be prepared for veterinary care, good food, training, supplies, grooming, prevention, and emergencies.
Labradors also love to eat, and they have a talent for swallowing things they should not. Puppy-proofing your house is very important. Many Labrador emergencies happen because a dog swallowed a toy, sock, towel, rock, or something else that was left within reach.
Ear infections are also common, especially in dogs that swim often. I highly recommend health insurance for a Labrador, especially during the first years of life.
Temperament
The English-style Labrador is usually more laid back by nature, but every puppy is still an individual. Some puppies are more outgoing, more confident, and more likely to get into trouble. These puppies often enjoy having a job, being active, and spending more time outdoors.
Other puppies are more gentle, softer, and more mellow. These are often the best match for families with small children, elderly family members, or people who need a calmer companion.
The goal is not to choose the boldest puppy or the quietest puppy. The goal is to choose the puppy whose temperament fits your real life.
Male or Female?
Males are often more playful, silly, affectionate, and slower to mature. They are usually larger than females and may need a little more patience during adolescence.
Females often mature faster and may be a little more focused and attached to their family. For many first-time Labrador owners, a female can be a very nice choice.
Still, temperament matters more than gender. A sweet, easygoing male may be a better match for a family than a very busy female, and the opposite can also be true.
Color
Everyone has a color preference, and that is completely understandable. But color does not determine the puppy’s personality, intelligence, structure, or suitability for your family.
If a puppy is the right match for your home, do not let color be the only reason you walk away from him or her.
Are You Ready for a Puppy?
Let’s be realistic. If you work away from home for very long hours, have a very unpredictable schedule, live in a situation where a dog is not truly welcome, or are on a very tight budget, this may not be the right time to bring home a puppy.
Waiting until your life is ready for a dog is part of being a responsible owner. When a person is not ready, the experience can become stressful for both the family and the puppy.
A Word of Caution
- Beware of breeders who claim to sell “AKC Champion puppies.” Puppies younger than six months cannot be shown, much less be champions.
- Beware of breeders selling “rare” Labrador colors such as silver, champagne, charcoal, or brindle.
- Beware of breeders who do not allow you to see where the puppies are raised or who want to meet you somewhere away from their home or kennel.
- Beware of breeders who act as brokers and sell puppies produced by someone else.
The right puppy is not always the flashiest puppy or the first puppy that catches your eye.
The right puppy is the one whose temperament, needs, and personality truly fit your family.