Have the patience to accept (and enjoy) the trials of Labrador puppyhood, which can last for three years, and each stage afterward?

Continue to accept responsibility for the dog despite inevitable life changes such as new babies, kids going off to school, moving or returning to work? Resist impulse buying, and instead have the patience to make a responsible choice? If you answered yes to ALL of the above you are ready to start contacting breeders. Start early because most responsible breeders have a waiting list ranging from a few of months to a couple of years. Remember, the right puppy or adult dog IS worth waiting for!! A word about rescue dogs...Rescue dogs may or may not be responsibly bred. However, since they are adults, we are able to evaluate them for any signs of a problem before you fall in love, something that can't be done with a puppy. We consider this only one of the many advantages to adopting an older dog!  more