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Message: <blockquote data-quote="siniang" data-source="post: 1729295" data-attributes="member: 48207">Hi,sorry your car situation got in the way of getting a puppy from the first breeder. Here are my honest thoughts and I hope you don't take them personal, it's just a topic I generally am very passionate about. (just quick and dirty, might write more, later. Head is very much not quite present, today)1) "Silver labradors" are NOT a breed. Regardless of what any "breeder" claims, they. are. not. labradors. The gene for silver color doesn't exist in labradors. They're mixes with Weimaranians, but those "breeders" would never tell you. There's also all kinds of health concerns with those. Even if the dog in question is a "yellow lab", I'd be more than suspicious if it comes from a "silver labrador" kennel or pedigree.2) I see the appeal of getting a puppy, but considering you want/need the dog for mobility work, I'd actually recommend looking for an older dog. You will not know the size just based on the parents or the puppy's size. Any puppy from a litter, even with relatively large parents, may remain small in size and stature. With an older dog you already know what you'll get.3) Vet documents alone won't be enough, again especially since you need mobility work. OFA is a minimum. Retrievers, which includes labs, are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, and your need for mobility tasks really puts a knot in my stomach with that. Reputable breeders have both dam and sire OFA tested, but also eyes, heart, and a couple other genetic diseases prevalent in the breed.4) $2,300 is a reasonable price for a well-bred labrador. A little on the higher side, but then again .... labradors are high-demand breeds.5) It's a good sign the first breeder thinks the litter later this year might have better temperament for service dog work. She seems to know what she's doing. I just quickly scanned her website and it's very good. She even addresses the "silver labrador" topic - awesome!. I'm confused why she's not AKC while everything she does seems to be at standard, but maybe I'm just missing that.6) Instead of Craigslist, check the AKC databases for older dogs still looking for homes. There's usually plenty and many breeders are open to working with you if they're of of state and you couldn't easily go pick doggo up. An older dog also has the advantage of already coming with minimum basic obedience, house-training, and you really avoid all the puppy hardships. Yes, puppies are cute, but they're also hella work. Considering you "need" the dog, I honestly think that's something to seriously think about. Dogs don't need to be puppies to bond with people.</blockquote>

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