RE: what to look for in a pup?
 

I've had 8 Labs in my lifetime. My first was a Male, then all females per the previous posts. When I chose one at 9 wks, I would stand in the pen and see the ones that would nibble and play with my shoe strings. Then I would get out and then toss a small sock in the middly of the litter. The female that grabbed and ran with the sock was my pick. Of course I checked all the other desireables per the previous posts also. All my Labs were excellent retrievers and flushers. They all did soft points. They worked on pheasants as well as waterfowl. All my females took hand signals by 9 months, some by 6 months. Ned S

RE: what to look for in a pup?
 

I like to look at their eyes, ears, feet, etc..
But one thing to do, find the pups that pay attention to you when you are looking for one.
Maybe take a duck call or just whistle with your mouth, but I will make some noises and see which dog looks up... A dog who pays attention and is focused on you and the noise would be the dog I would chose..
my $.02

RE: what to look for in a pup?
 

You know, everyone that has posted came up with useful info! Props!