Originally Posted by
Labradorks
In Oregon & Washington, conformation Labs go for $1,000 - $2,500. Usually in a litter of say, 10 puppies, you'll get one or two keepers and the rest are pets, so when I say conformation Labs, what I mean are well-bred pet Labs. It's interesting because most of the dogs have very similar pedigrees and they all do the same tests. I don't see a huge difference in the type of socialization they receive and no Lab breeder around here (that I am aware of -- and I have purposefully searched) is on a socialization program. They do bits and pieces of Avidog or Puppy Culture, but they don't follow the program. I find that the breeders who live more rural areas are less expensive.
I'd spend $2,000+ on a puppy, but only if he were a performance puppy. I spent that on my newest pup and the value was incredible. Long-time breeder that has placed some of the most successful Labradors in today's competitive environment (which tells me she knows what to breed for and how to place pups). Proven parents and grandparents in conformation AND very high level performance venues with proven offspring as well, Avidog program followed to the T (he was co-raised with a litter of Goldens and their breeder is the owner of Avidog), tons of socialization (cars, new farms, swimming, kids, older people, men, cats, chickens, new pens, puppy playtime with other puppies and adults of different breeds), crate training, potty training, raised exclusively in a home (many Lab breeders kick puppies out into barns, garages, outside type pens when they are around four weeks old). The parents had all tests, even those that are not required, and annual tests. The puppies were all DNA tested and visited the ophthalmologist. Probably more that I am missing. Also, I got this pup in New York.
So, what I'm getting at is that I, personally, would look for what you're getting for your money. More $$$ does not always mean more socialization or tests or anything. I know plenty of puppies that cost more than my puppy but received less from the breeder and have good pedigrees, but nothing better than the next conformation breeder that sells their puppies for $1,000 less.