Just because a breeder has nice looking dogs, shows and is successful in the ring does not mean they do the proper clearances or breed properly (considering the age of this bitch - if in fact you are correct on that)

Follow your gut and move on. The right pups is out there and may not be in your neck of the woods. The right pup is worth waiting for and traveling for.

Good luck in your search.

Since no one has answered your question. I would say that specialty style is a subdivision within English style, specialty is usually contrasted with all-breed style, all-breed style is still English though. The designations refer to the kind of show the dog might do best in, Lab specialties are that breed only, usually with judges that are lab breeders. My opinion is that specialty type dogs are often heavier boned, smaller, thicker coated, and bred with more emphasis on head, coat and tail (type in other words) than all-breed style dogs. All-breed style dogs are also sometimes called "moderate", good movement and show presence usually helps a dog in all breed shows.

Hopefully I haven't gotten anything wrong in my assessment. Just trying to answer a question no one else has so far. Good luck with your puppy search.

This is a pretty far fetched questioned, is it someone real ? Seems to be such an extreme case. But know plenty who will use those boys early. Don't have to pay a stud fee and can crank those puppys out.

The breeder of my first boy made a referral for me to this other breeder. I checked her out on OFA and with the clubs she belongs to.

If I hadn't noticed the age of the mother on the OFA website, I probably wouldn't have known, she never mentioned it herself.

Did you click the right place ? To see her age and not just when she was x-rayed and appeared on the OFA site. Maybe that is part of it.

Really wish we could have a hint of who this is?
If we don't police ourselves in this breed, who will????
It's for the betterment and protection of our beloved Labradors.
The practices you describe here are TOTALLY unethical and NOT the norm for reputable breeders!!!!!
DO NOT buy a puppy!!!!!!

I would continue to look for a breeder whose breeding practices are in line with your comfort level. There are many breeders out there; be patient and you will find the right one for you. The relationship with your breeder is important and relationships usually work better when there is mutual respect.

I would not worry about "English" vs. "specialty" vs. any other description someone has on their web site. What is important is that the breeder is breeding sound dogs and breeding to the Labrador Standard.

Hopefully, this was an oops litter and the dam is now spayed to spare her any more litters at her age.

Good Luck in your search.

And look for the right pup. Not just someone near by. Drive hours if you need to. This is a family memeber for the next 13/14 years. If you want chocolate again there are good breeders and bad in every color. So look hard and ask questions. Checking around is good.