Notice: Undefined variable: ID in /home/nba6b75/trupridelabradors.com/wp-content/themes/trupridelabradors/single.php on line 29
Puppy Evaluations (2-11-12)

The Puppy Evaluation Process

By the seventh week of age, we are now ready for the all-important puppy evaluations. The evaluations for temperament and conformation are performed when each litter is approximately 7.5 – 8 weeks old; so the final puppy placements are not known until after the evaluations.  After the evaluations have been conducted, we will decide where each puppy will be placed.  You have a choice of either accepting the puppy being made available to you, waiting for the next litter, or canceling the deposit.

To me the evaluation is the most crucial part of the puppy process because “the shape of a puppy at 8 weeks is the shape it will grow back into as an adult”. The goal is to only produce puppies that are genetically, temperamentally, and structurally sound. We use a method very similar to what you find in Pat Hastings’ books, videos and seminars. The evaluation serves three purposes:

1.to determine whether there are structural problems in the litter so they can be avoided in future breedings;
2.to decide which puppy to keep as a potential addition to the breeding program; and
3.to determine the best type of home for each puppy in the litter.

First, the whole litter is observed in a natural setting. We are looking to see which puppy stands out and which is most structurally balanced. Then we move on to the “table work”! Each puppy will now be scrutinized by touch, and photos will be taken of every section of the puppy.  Using all the photos taken of this litter, I then sit in front of my computer and analyze every single photo of each puppy. I compare each and every aspect as to how it compares to the written breed standard for Labradors.

The puppies are evaluated in the following areas :

• Temperament– this is key in placing the puppy with in the right home
• Overall Type– this is a look at the dog from the side view, looking at the whole dog and how all the parts fit together according to the breed standard.
• Head– the head structure is a hallmark of the breed, correct bite, eyes, etc.
• Fronts– both as seen from a front view and also the front assembly as seen from the side
• Rears– once again, rear view and side view of the rear assembly, and also includes the tail set.
• Movement– movement is a function of front and rear assemblies