where to start looking to buy a pet dog?

[damoose]

Originally Posted by chrisfpv

I'm in the same boat too, we had to put our dog down recently after having him about 14 - 15 years due to health problems and we're looking to get a new one asap to fill the empty backyard.

Looking at either a Labrador retriever or a Golden retriever. Anyone have any experience with either of these breeds and the pros and cons of each if any? We will def be going through a breeder as we know a local vet who can put us on to a couple of people.

Pros
Affectionate
Good with Children
Good with other dogs
very Intelligent(easily trained)
Quiet (dont bark unless they really have to)

Cons
Careful Diet (A lab treats every meal likes it last)
Shed hair constantly and do need grooming every few days
Not very Brave( Dont buy a lab for a guard dog they would rather lick an intruder to death then bite them.
Behave like a pup until at least 2 years of age.

A Lab is a peoples dog they love nothing more than being with people
so you have to have time for them. A Lab that doesn,t get attention
becomes very destructive and withdrawn.
Their not one of Australia,s most popular breeds for nothing and
as Dr Harry says" Every Labrador deserves a child"