Why Buying from an Ethical Breeder Who Shows, Titles, and Tests Matters

When choosing a Labrador puppy, selecting an ethical breeder is the

most critical step in ensuring your puppy’s health, temperament, and long-term well-being. But what sets the best breeders apart?

1. Comprehensive Health Testing

While the Labrador Retriever Club (LRC) and AKC require specific health clearances—like hips, elbows, and eyes—ethical breeders go well beyond the minimum. At WillOMoor Labradors, our breeding stock undergoes:

• OFA or PennHIP hip and elbow evaluations

• Annual eye exams

• Echocardiograms to screen for heart conditions

• Full DNA panel testing for hereditary diseases, including degenerative myelopathy, exercise-induced collapse, and other breed-specific conditions

This level of testing helps ensure that our puppies inherit sound bodies and strong health, reducing the risk of genetic disorders.

2. Proven Temperament and Trainability

Ethical breeders carefully select dogs not only for health but also for stable temperament and trainability. Breeding stock that competes in conformation, obedience, agility, or hunt tests demonstrates:

• Confidence and adaptability

• Willingness to learn and please

• Reliable social skills with humans and other dogs

Puppies from this lineage are more likely to grow into well-adjusted, easy-to-train companions.

3. Commitment to Ethical Breeding Practices

Breeders who go above and beyond health testing are typically deeply invested in the well-being of their dogs. This includes:

• Maintaining safe, clean, and social environments for puppies

• Implementing structured early socialization and neurological stimulation programs

• Offering lifetime guidance and support for puppy families

4. Peace of Mind for Families

Buying from a breeder who performs comprehensive testing means you can feel confident that your puppy:

• Comes from healthy, sound parents

• Was raised in a structured and socialized environment

• Has the best chance of thriving as a family companion or performance dog

  
  

Takeaway:

Ethical breeders don’t just meet minimum requirements—they exceed them, prioritizing health, temperament, and lifelong support. At WillOMoor Labradors, our focus on echocardiograms, full DNA panels, and careful selection of show- and performance-proven breeding stock ensures every puppy is prepared for a long, happy, and healthy life.