Do you want to join the thousands of families who have added a labrador puppy to their families? One of the most popular breeds in the United States, labs are affectionate, intelligent, playful, and excellent companions for children and adults alike. However, like many other purebred dogs, labs can have some genetic health problems. This is just one of the reasons why it’s important to get your white labrador from a reputable breeder.

Here’s how to choose the best breeder for your family’s new addition.

Ask Your Vet

If you have dogs now or have had them in the recent past, you’ve likely developed a good relationship with a local veterinarian. This is a good person to ask when you start your search for a white lab breeder. Gather several names from your vet and build out that list with recommendations from your friends and family members and anyone else you know who has recently gotten a puppy from a breeder they would recommend. Remember that most breeders, such as those at Snowy Pines White Labs, specialize in only one or two types of breeds, so seek out those who have used breeders of labradors.

Check Out the Breeder’s Website

Once you have a few suggestions for breeders, check out their websites. Find out if the breeder focuses on specific bloodlines to ensure health and temperament and look for pictures of the facility. Having puppies or full-grown dogs cooped up in small pens is always a bad sign—look for breeders that have large areas for the dogs to roam. You can also find out if the breeder will deliver the puppy to you—a perk if you’re not located nearby and are not able to make a trip. Snowy Pines White Labs, for example, has large 5-acre pens where their dogs can roam and will hand-deliver puppies anywhere in the U.S.

See if the Breeder Offers Other Resources

Once you get your puppy, the work does not end! Though you’ll have endless hours of fun and play with your new white lab, you’ll also have to care for it and train it. Some breeders offer in-person or online training tools as well as other resources to ensure your puppy gets the best upbringing.

Make Sure the Breeder is Knowledgeable

The breeder you choose should be extremely knowledgeable about white labs. Either visit the breeder in person or talk to the owner on the phone and ask them questions about the breed’s temperament, genetic health problems, special needs, and background. An excellent breeder will be able to answer all your questions and educate you on the type of puppy you’re about to bring into your family.

Consider Snowy Pines White Labs

When making your breeder selection, put Snowy Pines White Labs on your list of considerations. Working with a reputable breeder will ensure you get the best puppy for your family and the support you need to raise your new companion the right way.