Joint problems like hip or elbow dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (a disorder that causes blindness). Cancer Even if you’re not aware of your dog having any medical problems, it’s still a good idea to have it screened.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals which will test for dysplasia Companion Animal Eye Registry which tests for hereditary eye problems OptiGen which tests for a variety of genetic disorders

If you don’t have registration papers but believe your Labrador is a purebred, you can run a DNA test on your dog to confirm it. Dog DNA tests usually cost between $50 and $100. Ask your vet if they can recommend a company to test your dog’s DNA.

Labradors should not be aggressive to either humans or other animals.

Labradors come in black, chocolate, or yellow. They sometimes have white markings. Labradors often have mixed litters with black puppies, chocolate puppies, and yellow puppies. The coat of Labradors should be short, dense, and seem to feel hard to the touch. Female adult Labradors should be between 21. 5 inches (55 cm) and 23. 5 inches (60 cm) high at the withers (the area between your dog’s shoulder blades). Male Labradors should be between 22. 5 inches (57 cm) and 24. 5 inches (62 cm) high at the withers. Labradors shouldn’t appear to have short legs or have legs that appear “leggy. ” Female adult Labradors should be between 55 pounds (25 kg) and 70 pounds (32 kg). Male adult Labradors should be between 65 pounds (29. 5 kg) and 80 pounds (36 kg).

In some cities or states, any breeder with more than 5 or 10 intact female dogs and who sells puppies will need a license. In many places, breeders of hunting dogs are exempt from licensing.

The dogs should be able to easily stand up, turn around, and lay stretched out in their cages. If they can’t, the cages are too small.

You can breed your female dog with a male lab that’s older than 12 months. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Pregnancy after the age of 8 will put extra stress on your dog, so do not breed it after that age. Never breed a bitch during her first heat, as this could increase the chance of pregnancy-related complications. [14] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source

After the 10th day, allow your dogs to mate every other day for four to six days. [15] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source You’ll know your female Labrador is beginning the heat cycle when its vulva is swollen and it has bloody vaginal discharge. [16] X Research source

While you’re waiting for the dogs to mate, talk to them softly so they feel comfortable. Avoid yelling or speaking loudly or you could upset the dogs and prolong the process. After the dogs mate, bring the female inside for at least 15 minutes so she doesn’t urinate immediately after mating.

If your dog doesn’t remove the placental membranes from its puppies, you’ll need to remove the membranes using your hands so the puppies can breathe. If your dog doesn’t cut the umbilical cords while its cleaning its puppies, use clean scissors to snip the cords 1–2 inches (2. 5–5. 1 cm) away from the puppies. Then, tie the ends of the cords off with unwaxed dental floss. When you’re finished, wipe down the puppies stomachs with iodine so their umbilical cords don’t get infected.

Trembling or collapsing. Extreme discomfort. It’s been over 2 hours since a puppy was delivered.