price of a black lab

[ridgefire]

i am possibly looking for a black lab for the boy for christmas but curious what i should expect to be paying for a halfway decent dog. i would want something that is a pet first and then possibly used for hunting if we ever got around to training it. that being said, do you think i would be better off looking for a dog that has papers or just buying something from the paper or from the pound. thanks.

[lokidog]

Carpsniper's got some pups available X-mas time.  His listing is under Sponsors. 

[carpsniperg2]

the avg price of akc labs is around 500.00 depending on the breeders and the lines. i would make sure you get a akc dog. you want proven lines, that do not carry hip and elbow defects. a lot of dogs that come from the pound, can already come with problems. i would suggest a new pup to introduce into your family. that way you have a fresh pup to grow and learn with him.

thanks lokidog.

[ladyelkslayer]

I've seen labs anwhere from $200-500.  I would try to get a papered lab, just to avoid any problems. Would definatley recommend getting a pup, nothing beats the puppy breath, and the whole puppy stages, especially for a kid. Also its easier to train a pup to follow rules, then to try and retrain an dog.

[Stilly bay]

shop around. $1000 has been what I paid for the last two. but I was very concerned about hips, eyes, elbows and good breeding practices since the first lab I bought was for $ 400 out of a back yard breeder and it was a total train wreck.  were talking hip dispayia and it went blind after it was a year old.

all dogs are a gamble you just have to stack the odds in your favor.  to me its worth it to get healthy dog from a good breeder who cares and stands by his dogs.

[whitey]

My Cooke Canyon Labs have been great and I think I paid 650.00 for My last one.Well worth it.

[Ellensburg]

my friend is having a litter soon. I think they only charge 150

[bigdave]

I love labs....however, in my opinion, they are WAY over-priced for a guy who wants mainly a companion/house dog. I was in your same situation a couple of years ago. Good luck.

By the way, I ended up with a lab mix and he is a great dog with a great nose on him.

[BIGINNER]

THERES A COUPLE ACK LABS FOR SALE ON GIANTNICKLE.COM FOR $175    CHEAP PRICE,  CHECK IT OUT,

[400out]

Hey beginner how did your hunt go yesterday?

[BIGINNER]

Hey beginner how did your hunt go yesterday?

I ENDED UP GOING TO MY MOMS HOUSE TO BLOW OUT THE SPRINKLERS, AND ENDED UP STAYING THERE FOR A WELCOME HOME PARTY FOR MY SISTERS NEW BABY,.....  SO HOPEFULLY I WILL GO TONIGHT 

[Happy Gilmore]

Base line COST for a puppy who has been to the vet a few times, had shots, had dew claws removed, had second series of shots and check-ups is not much less than $200 each in vet bills. If much less than that, I'd say people have not had pups to vet for multiple health checkups and have done shots themselves. Doing it yourself is fine but, I'd say if you're buying a pup you better buy it from someone who has been around a long time and had many healthy litters with lots of references. Not to mention AKC registration, not a requirement....doesn't really mean squat but, usually is a sign the person is serious about dogs' health and IMPROVING the breed.

Chit happens and people have litters by mistake that can be great, healthy dogs. I just don't agree with breeding if the dogs' health isn't proven and genetic disorders have been ruled out prior to breeding the dogs. Call me a snob, that's fine but, I've seen dysplastic dogs from backyard breedings, ones with cataracts at a couple years old, seizures and heard stories of pups with exercise induced collapse. These can largely be avoided by proper preparation PRIOR to breeding. Tests for eyes, hips, elbows, EIC etc. on each dog prior to breeding will cost over $1,000. Before a GOOD breeder breeds a litter, they'll have $2,000 into tests on the parents. When the pups hit the ground and before they go to a new home, they'll have well over $100 into vet bills per pup.

Shouldn't pay less than $500 for a pup with parents who have good health clearances and pups who have been cared for properly.

[6 Point]

Just got a pup from OakHaven Kennels in Dallas Oregon  for $1000 and at 12 weeks she is making 75 yd retrieves on pheasant dummies  with feathers.  Is adapting well to the house, cage and truck.  They had 3 left the other day.  Dad is Downtown Doadie Brown with 35 Titles and Mom has 19.

[Stilly bay]

Happy nailed it!


this made me think of a funny anecdote a trainer friend related to me back in the day.

"good dogs are like good weed. sure you could score some really good stuff cheap from some random dude, but its rarely gonna happen, at least a little more often than winning the lotto. for the really good chit you have to go to the guy with the best rep, pay the high price and then just enjoy the ride."

[bigdave]

Happy.....Thanks for a well laid out explanation why a good healthy hunting Lab costs so much.

Dave