It’s always good to buy a silver lab from a breeder that is very experienced; because silver is a diluted recessive gene even more so. When buying a silver lab always make sure the breeder has been breeding silver labs for over 10 years. This will give the breeder time to breed out any problems they may have seen and only breed the strongest genes possible. Also read any reviews on the breeder good or bad. Another tidbit is how good is their communication? You always want a breeder that you can talk to on the phone. They should have a lot of knowledge and be able to answer any questions you may have. For a first time puppy owner that can be very helpful. God bless