Choosing a breeder ...
So you're going to buy a puppy? Or your spouse or children have asked for a new dog and you don't know where to start?
Let me start by saying, I will not always be the right breeder for you, a breeder may not be for you(rescue dogs, I will always send you the number to some great local labrador rescues! I do suggest this over shelters, because theyve been vetted and generally evaluated for temperament issues) or you may not be the right family for the puppy, or breed of dog you're looking at. These are all OK! Picking a puppy isn't like picking out a new sweater. While Labradors seem like the dog breed for everyone they may not always be the best fit for your lifestyle. No breed and no dog is one size fits all.
So where do I start? Start on the AKC website. Read a little bit about the breed you are interested in.
Then visit that pages breed club and read about what the require! For Labradors, that link is here, but for other breeds a quick google search for "X national breed club" should help.
https://thelabradorclub.com/health-training/health-issues/recommended-health-clearances/
or visit OFA and view their recommended health clearances
https://www.ofa.org/recommended-tests?breed=LR (Labradors)
https://www.ofa.org/browse-by-breed#J (all breed search)
To be continued..