Labrador retrievers are a popular dog breed that can make a great addition to your household.There are a number of ways you can check if a puppy is legit.If you want to check the dog's genetics, you can do a professional DNA test.If you want to know more about a puppy's background, you can use its parents' genetic material.
Step 1: If the dog has a water-resistant coat, you can pet it.
If you want to stroke the animal, run a hand over the puppy's fur.Does the fur have a thick texture?There is a good chance that the puppy is not a Labrador.The coats of Labradors are resistant to water.
Step 2: The puppy should have a strong tail.
The puppy has a tail.Is it similar to an otter's tail?If it is thick at the base and growing thinner toward the tip, look closely.The puppy has a narrow and spindly tail.As it grows older, the pup's tail will become larger and thicker.
Step 3: A moderately-sized muzzle is what you should look for.
The puppy has a skull shape that slopes into the muzzle.Does the dog have a triangular head or a short muzzle?There is a chance that your dog is not a pure breed.An adult Labrador has more pronounced features than a puppy.Pull up a stock picture of a Labrador puppy and compare it to the one you are observing.
Step 4: If the puppy has a black, brown, or gold coat, you should look at it.
If relevant, check that the puppy and any other pups in the litter don't have any colorful patterns on the fur, such as part 1 color and part another or with white flashes in their fur.The puppy's coat should be black, chocolate brown, or golden-yellow.There is a patch of white on the chest.A good chance is that the puppy is a mixed breed.
Step 5: The dog's eye color may be brown or hazel.
To see the color, look into the pup's eyes.The puppy with brown eyes should be checked if the dog is a yellow or black lab.Check for brown or hazel eyes in chocolate labs.Some dogs have yellow-green eyes.
Step 6: There is a dog with average-sized legs.
Look toward the dog's rear to see if the puppy has muscles.If you want to know how long a dog's legs are, check to see how short it is.If you look at a puppy's legs, compare it to a different breed.An adult Labrador has longer legs than a young dog.
Step 7: If you want to get a sample of the puppy's saliva, you have to suck it.
A dog genetics test will give you a specialized testing kit.Depending on the instructions that came with your kit, use the provided swab to wipe up a sample of the puppy's saliva or cells inside their cheek.If there is anything else you need to collect or fill out before you get the sample ready to mail, check the instructions on your kit.Dog DNA kits can be ordered online.Depending on how detailed your test is, they range in price from $70 to $200.Some tests look for genetic markers, while others focus on the different breeds.
Step 8: The sample needs to be analyzed by a professional company.
The company gave instructions on how to package the saliva sample.While the sample is in the lab, it's best to seal the envelope or package.If you are confused about any part of the packaging process, you can call or email the analysis company.
Step 9: Wait for the results to come back in 6 weeks.
After a day of waiting, don't expect your results in the mail.It will take about 112 months for the analysis company to reply.If you haven't heard from the company in months, contact the lab to see if you have a sample.
Step 10: The percentages listed in the report can be used to find out the breed of the dog.
Depending on the company, you can find the test results listed by breed, followed by percentage.If your results contain high Labrador percentages, you most likely have a puppy with them.The majority of DNA tests are accurate.If you don't like your results, you're not going to get a different score with an additional DNA test.There will be multiple breeds listed with smaller percentages (e.g., 25% Border Collie, 37.5% Basenji, 12.5% German Shepherd, etc.).).
Step 11: The puppy's parents need to give a sample of their saliva.
If you can see the mother and father of the puppy, ask the shelter officials.If this is possible, use a cotton swab to collect saliva samples from 1 or both parents.You can send these samples to a professional company if you store them well.You can collect the saliva sample from most DNA kits.Only 1 can give a lot of insight into a puppy's background.
Step 12: The samples should be sent to a company.
The lab has instructions on how to package the samples.To keep the sample safe in transit, seal the envelope or package carefully.You can contact the lab processing the DNA samples if you have any questions.It will take several weeks for you to receive a chart.
Step 13: You should check the chart for abbreviations.
When you receive the results in the mail, look for shorthand that indicates the puppy's hereditary talents, like CH, FC, or MACH.Check the chart for any information on the puppy's health history, as some dogs can be prone to certain conditions and illnesses.A confirmation champion title on the pedigree certificate means that the dog is close to the ideals in the breed standard and is related to a dog that was able to win over other dogs at a show with at least 15 points.A dog can be a great candidate for showing.Ask the vet if you have any questions about the puppy.
Step 14: A certificate from the American Kennel Club is required.
If your dog has documented parentage, you can purchase a certificate from the American Kennel Club.Once you have proof of your dog's heritage, you can register them through the American Kennel Club.Fees vary depending on the type.If you want to enter your dog into shows in other countries, you'll have to pay a fee of $69 for a 3-generation export pedigree.When buying a puppy, make sure to ask to see the dog's family tree as well as the parents'.