Updated October 2026 | Reading time: about 8 minutes
Short answer: This Labrador puppy buying checklist covers six steps: decide if a Lab suits your household, compare sellers, ask about health testing and records, read the contract and deposit terms, meet or video call the puppy, and prepare your home. Tick each box before you pay anything, and walk away if a seller can’t answer.
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Is a Labrador Right for Your Family?
Start with an honest look at your own life. Labs are friendly and trainable, but they are big, energetic, and sociable, and a bored one will find ways to entertain itself. The American Kennel Club’s Labrador page gives a good overview of the breed.
- Someone can be home for most of the day, or you have a plan for regular breaks.
- You can give an adult Lab an hour or more of exercise every day, in all seasons.
- Everyone in the household wants the dog, and agrees who does the training, feeding, and walks.
- Your home and yard can handle a strong, chewing, shedding dog.
- You’ve thought about the 10 to 12 years or so that a Lab commonly lives.
- You can afford food, veterinary care, training, supplies, and unexpected bills.
How Do You Choose a Seller You Can Trust?
The seller matters more than the puppy’s colour, size, or photo. Compare at least two or three sources before you decide, and read our guide on how to find a responsible Labrador breeder in Canada for a deeper look at what to expect.
- The seller has clear listings, a working contact method, and a policy page you can read.
- They answer questions directly and patiently, in writing if you ask.
- They don’t pressure you to pay or decide quickly.
- They’re willing to do a video call or show you the puppy.
- You’ve compared the price with similar puppies and asked what it includes.
You’re welcome to look at what we currently have on our available puppies page, and to read more about us on the About Us page.
What Questions Should You Ask Before Buying a Labrador Puppy?
Ask every seller the same questions and compare the answers. These are fair questions for anyone, including us.
- How old is the puppy, and what is its date of birth?
- Is the puppy male or female, and what colour is it?
- Can I see health test results for the parents?
- What vaccinations has the puppy had, and when?
- What deworming has the puppy had, and when?
- Has a veterinarian examined the puppy?
- What can you tell me about the parents’ temperament?
- How and where have the puppies been raised and socialized?
- What does the written contract and health guarantee cover?
- Is the puppy registered, and if so, with which registry?
- Is the puppy microchipped?
- What food is the puppy eating now?
- What happens if I can no longer keep the dog?
- Will you be available to answer questions after the puppy comes home?
- What is the full price, and what is included in it?
What Health Information and Records Should You Ask For?
No seller can promise that a puppy will never have a health problem, but you can ask for records and testing information. Labradors are commonly screened for hip and elbow problems, inherited eye conditions, and genetic conditions such as exercise-induced collapse. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals explains how these screenings work, and your own vet can tell you which ones matter.
- Results of the parents’ health tests, or a clear explanation of what was tested.
- Vaccination and deworming records for the puppy, with dates.
- Any veterinary examination records.
- A written health guarantee, and you understand what it does and doesn’t cover. You can read ours on the health guarantee page.
- Registration or pedigree papers, if the puppy is sold as registered. These show parentage, not health. The Canadian Kennel Club explains registration in Canada.
What Should You Check Before Paying a Deposit?
A deposit is a sign of commitment, so make sure the terms are clear before you send anything. The checklist below applies to any seller.
- You know exactly how much the deposit is and what it’s for.
- The refund terms are in writing, including what happens if the puppy isn’t available or you change your mind.
- You’re paying by a method that leaves a record, and the name on the account matches the seller.
- You’ve saved a copy of the listing, the agreement, and your messages.
- No one is pressuring you to pay immediately.
On our site, a $400 CAD refundable reservation fee may be required to reserve an available puppy. Your reservation fee is refundable according to our reservation terms. Please review the reservation policy before making your payment.
Scam warning: Be careful of anyone who won’t video call, asks for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a wire transfer, or uses a price far below the usual. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has information on how to spot and report puppy scams.
How Do You Choose the Right Puppy?
Choose the seller first, then the puppy. Within a litter, ask the seller which puppies are calmer, more outgoing, or more independent, and match that to your family. Colour should come last. If you’re curious about shades, you can look at our black, yellow, and chocolate Lab pages, but a colour tells you nothing about the quality of the breeder or the health of the dog.
What If the Puppy Lives Far Away?
Many Canadian families buy from a seller in another province, so plan for it. Ask how travel works, who is responsible for what, and what happens if there’s a delay. A video call and recent photos can help you confirm the puppy before you commit. Our shipping and delivery page explains how transportation works for puppies purchased from us.
- You know how the puppy will travel and who handles it.
- You know the full cost of transport and what it covers.
- You know what documents travel with the puppy.
- You have a plan for being ready when the puppy arrives.
How Do You Prepare Your Home Before Puppy Day?
- A crate, bed, and a safe, quiet place to rest.
- Food and water bowls, and the same food the puppy has been eating.
- A collar, ID tag, and leash.
- Safe chew toys.
- Puppy-proofing: cords, shoes, plants, and small objects out of reach.
- A veterinarian booked for a first checkup. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association offers pet owner information.
- A plan for who is home in the first few days and a routine for feeding, breaks, and sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to buy a dog?
Take your time, compare several sellers, and ask for records, testing information, and a written contract before you pay. A good seller answers openly, lets you see the puppy, and doesn’t pressure you.
How long can an 8-week-old puppy be left alone?
Not long. A rough guide is about one hour per month of age, so an eight-week-old puppy usually needs a break every couple of hours during the day. Three hours is too long for most young puppies, and many need a bathroom break overnight too.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for dogs?
It’s a rough guide to settling in: about three days to feel overwhelmed, three weeks to learn the routine, and three months to feel at home. Every dog is different, but it’s a helpful reminder to be patient.
How fast do Labrador puppies grow?
Quickly. Most Labs reach close to adult height by around a year, and keep filling out until about 18 to 24 months. Feed for steady growth, not fast growth, and ask your vet about the right food and portions.
What is the hardest age for a Lab puppy?
Many owners find the teenage stage, roughly six to eighteen months, the toughest. Puppies are big and strong, but not yet mature, and may test limits. Consistent training and enough exercise help a lot.
Are Labs clingy?
Labs are very people-focused and many like to stay close to their families. That’s usually affectionate, but without practice at being alone, some can become anxious. Teach independence early with short, calm separations.
What are the biggest mistakes new dog owners make?
Common ones include buying in a rush, skipping the records, not budgeting for vet care, under-exercising, and starting training too late. A checklist like this one helps you avoid most of them.
Have Questions Before You Decide?
We’re happy to answer any question on this checklist. Contact us to ask about a puppy, or browse our available Labrador puppies.
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