Which AKC Black Lab Puppy to get?

Well the few white hairs could turn into a full patch as he gets older probably giving an issue as a stud, could go away all together, or stay as they are.

Have you taken into consideration getting neither puppy, and seeing about getting your deposit transfered over to the next litter?

Personally I would look into which dog would be better for your needs. Which one seems like he would do better in field, which one you believe would fit standards better (you don't want the dog larger or smaller than the standards), and which just seems to have the better temperament.

Regardless of your choice, I wish you luck.

Add:

Tiki are you trying to sound uneducated, or just don't know?

AKC takes steps so as puppy mills can not register their dogs with them. All these "registered" puppy mill dogs generally have "papers" from BS registrations (such as the Continental Kennel Club) that will register a frog as a poodle if they are paid. This also means ANYTHING in their background can be 100% made up.

True show quality pups come from reputable breeders. Reputable breeds check for health problems. A dog that has some sort of genetic problem is more than likely not going to do well in show, and even if it does by some magical chance then any person with decent morals will know better than to breed it.

The guy wants to do Field trials, you can not do that with an adopted dog. If he's going to a reputable breeder it shouldn't matter.

First of all, read the description of a labrador on the AKC website. Then visit the Labrador Retriever club website. You'll notice the exact same description.

A patch of white on the chest of a dog is permissible.

If you are thinking of showing this dog and using him for a stud, then you have to have a very serious discussion with the breeder in question. Any reputable lab breeded will sell all of their pups on a limited registration. This means your boy must be neutered.

If you want a show quality pup, your breeder must know this and he or she will help select the pup from the litter that has the best prospects. He or she may co-own the dog with you until he is finished. Your breeder would act as a mentor and help you with this process.

I'd go back to the breeder and discuss this with them. Otherwise, you may end up buying a pup with a limited registration that can't be shown or used as a stud.

Good luck.

AKC standard says that a small white spot on the chest is permitted but not desired. Sounds like it would be fine either way. As every one has been saying here, his temperament, and structure are the most important aspects to look at. The hairs aren't going to make any kind of difference for the field trials or stud service. If you are going to be a responsible breeder, then you will have him checked when he is 2 yrs old for healthy hips (OFA registered) and any other testing for genetic diseases common in Labrador Retrievers.

Really, this is only going to affect the breeding aspect of your intentions for him, he could be excellent as far as performance in field trials but have horrible genetic traits that you really would not want to pass on to future generations.

It is too bad we can't all know these outcomes before we purchase the puppies, would make life much easier for breeding and performance dogs alike.

Best of luck with your new puppy, hope he turns out to be everything you want!!!

You should always get a second and perhaps thrid opinion on a dog your are hoping to show and breed - we always have had a puppy picnic out in friend's pasture, with a couple of breeders trading opinions on who looks best for what.

You of course will believe that one is going to be perfect, but in truth no dog ever is - the best you can do is pick the one who does not have the most common fault,.and the best conformation overall - and before that, the absolute best temperament.

At this age, you only have high hopes, and someone else will always come along and win everything out from under you... Just make sure this is a great dog to live with, so someone will always want him, no matter what.

White hairs if you are talking about 6 hairs - by the time the dog is an adult they will not be visible.

His use as a stud will totally depend on his success in the field and the results of hip x-rays etc.

Ugh. I absolutely hate the AKC. No offense to them, but I mean they act like mutts are useless and stupid. Anyways I would go with the smaller all black one. If your gonna use him for stud this could be a problem. It's not bad, but people may not want a puppy to show with white hairs on his chest.

You can't tell what he will look like when he is full grown so it is a matter of temperment to me....the 6 hairs could turn out to be a whole thatch of hair....the smaller one might not be up to the standard size....If you can get your money back wait till another litter comes along...there's no hurry....if you can't then I'd take the smaller all black one.....

If you are wanting to stud the dog, then the white hairs are not what you need to worry about. It will not disqualify the dog from competing- however, I would check more on the structure/temperment of the dog- which one will be the best working dog- To me, that would be more important than the color.

The AKC permits a few white hairs on labs.

Please remember to have his hips and eyes checked BEFORE breeding him. Labs are very prone to hip dyplasia and retinal dysplasia. Any dog with these disorders should NOT be bred.

Good luck at the trials.

AKC is meaningless. AKC registers puppy mill puppies now!

"Champions" is meaningless. Every messed up puppy in a puppy mill has "champions" in their background., It's just sales talk to get your money.

And even "show dogs" can have terrible genetic problems. Like HIP DYSPLASIA which is a problem for labs.

There are millions of great lab and lab mixes for adoption. There are too many being born, too many breeders. Labs are getting killed every day.

Why not get involved in lab rescue instead?

Why not get involved in a sport you enjoy, and have a dog that is a great companion?