Labs like a number of other breeds are extremely prone to hip dysplasia - which is a VERY expensive condition to correct and there are no 100% guarantees even from reputable breeders.
The saluki/desert dogs one can find often at QAWS are loyal, smart, trainable, and can cope with conditions here in Qatar much more easily than the Lab. Labs were bred for Canadian climates (think cold!) not desert conditions. They remain "babies" mentally for about 3 years if not longer. They are "mouthy" meaning that anything they come in contact with ends up in their mouth at some point - they're bred to pick up things so that's what they do - a lot of people don't understand it's a natural thing for the dog and don't like the behavior.
Do a LOT of research and talk to lab owners BEFORE you take this breed on. Are they worth the huge amount of work and effort? Yes. Are you willing to put that work and effort into the dog? Only you can answer that question.
BTW Labs average about 10 - 12 years in life span - are you in a position to look after the dog for that long (vet bills, vaccinations, kenneling when you go on vacation, 2x 45 minute walks minimum per day, training, etc.)
We have two labs and it is essential that the parents hips are scored, if I remember correctly they are scored from 1 to 5 with 1 being the best. This reduces the chance of hip Displacer as Labs are prone to this even in the early years. All the best in finding a Lab, but always see both parents and buy from a reputable place not a pet importer.
Also, labs and retrievers are currently trendy here in Doha, replacing last seasons GSD. I hope we aren't going to see lab x salukis as QAWS next problem. I agree with Mandi, I have no problem with importing dogs from reputable breeders if the person is going to keep the dog for life but I have seen a few overbred pups coming in, especially the GSDs.
There are people who have brougt their labrador pets with them from places like the US and UK. Much of the feedback has been that they felt that the dog suffered during the summer months and didn't cope with the heat. The second problem is that labs need a lot of exercise and some owners feel that they are not able to provide that here. (Popular belief in Doha is that if you have a large apartment or a back yard you don't need to walk the dog. It's wrong and downright cruel)
It's up to you but I imagine you would have to import a puppy. Remember that labs are already renound for being prone to genetic illness and conditions and even the most reputable breeder would hip and eye score before selling. Most experienced lab owners would not dream of purchasing a labrador, even as a pet, without seeing both parents. If you buy a puppy farmed puppy from Egypt or Hungary, you will most likely be sorry. Salukis are far better at coping in this climate, why not call QAWS?
You have to be very careful with choosing a labrador retriever breeder or you will end up with a dog like Marley! I don't know of any in the Gulf but I have an excellent breeder in the US. Believe me, it would be worth it. You have a dog for a long time.
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Labs like a number of other breeds are extremely prone to hip dysplasia - which is a VERY expensive condition to correct and there are no 100% guarantees even from reputable breeders.
The saluki/desert dogs one can find often at QAWS are loyal, smart, trainable, and can cope with conditions here in Qatar much more easily than the Lab. Labs were bred for Canadian climates (think cold!) not desert conditions. They remain "babies" mentally for about 3 years if not longer. They are "mouthy" meaning that anything they come in contact with ends up in their mouth at some point - they're bred to pick up things so that's what they do - a lot of people don't understand it's a natural thing for the dog and don't like the behavior.
Do a LOT of research and talk to lab owners BEFORE you take this breed on. Are they worth the huge amount of work and effort? Yes. Are you willing to put that work and effort into the dog? Only you can answer that question.
BTW Labs average about 10 - 12 years in life span - are you in a position to look after the dog for that long (vet bills, vaccinations, kenneling when you go on vacation, 2x 45 minute walks minimum per day, training, etc.)
We have two labs and it is essential that the parents hips are scored, if I remember correctly they are scored from 1 to 5 with 1 being the best. This reduces the chance of hip Displacer as Labs are prone to this even in the early years. All the best in finding a Lab, but always see both parents and buy from a reputable place not a pet importer.
Also, labs and retrievers are currently trendy here in Doha, replacing last seasons GSD. I hope we aren't going to see lab x salukis as QAWS next problem. I agree with Mandi, I have no problem with importing dogs from reputable breeders if the person is going to keep the dog for life but I have seen a few overbred pups coming in, especially the GSDs.
There are people who have brougt their labrador pets with them from places like the US and UK. Much of the feedback has been that they felt that the dog suffered during the summer months and didn't cope with the heat. The second problem is that labs need a lot of exercise and some owners feel that they are not able to provide that here. (Popular belief in Doha is that if you have a large apartment or a back yard you don't need to walk the dog. It's wrong and downright cruel)
It's up to you but I imagine you would have to import a puppy. Remember that labs are already renound for being prone to genetic illness and conditions and even the most reputable breeder would hip and eye score before selling. Most experienced lab owners would not dream of purchasing a labrador, even as a pet, without seeing both parents. If you buy a puppy farmed puppy from Egypt or Hungary, you will most likely be sorry. Salukis are far better at coping in this climate, why not call QAWS?
You have to be very careful with choosing a labrador retriever breeder or you will end up with a dog like Marley! I don't know of any in the Gulf but I have an excellent breeder in the US. Believe me, it would be worth it. You have a dog for a long time.