I'm New!

[teej89]

The $2k still blows my mind... if the pup has good and proven health clearances (that can be found on OFFA) I don't see why you'd shoot down a litter because it's only $600? I spent more than that because I wanted a hunting partner and a field trial dog but I was buying the genetic pool on top of the health clearances.

[Tanya]

The $2k still blows my mind... if the pup has good and proven health clearances (that can be found on OFFA) I don't see why you'd shoot down a litter because it's only $600? I spent more than that because I wanted a hunting partner and a field trial dog but I was buying the genetic pool on top of the health clearances.

I think the bigger point being made is that you won't find a litters in MANY areas at that price with clearances. they MAY do one or two (maybe say t hey do hips), IF that, but it would be hard to find a good breeder doing clearances at that price. Maybe there are areas or random breeders here and there that do but they would be rare. In many many regions $1500 is just what is paid for a litter from parents with clearances - not "big shot breeders charging fancy high priced". just like you can have a breeder charging $1500 an NOT doing clearances.

[JenC]

DANG $2000?! If you're looking for just a house pup I'd reconsider. That breeding is probably for either hunt tests or show dog. If you're just looking for a house dog/friend I'd say $600 is what I'd be looking at as long as they have the clearances for Hips/eyes/elbows and EIC and CNM.

NOPE....to breed a good litter, you have to figure in expenses...for semen, for food, for vet care. In the North East, even vaccinations will cost more at a vet than where I live in Colorado. And you are spitting out the typical stuff "not looking for a show dog" ....that doesn't matter. A breeder who shows KNOWS what they are doing, and they are looking to produce their ONE puppy to carry on the lines for the next generation of breeding and their next show dog. The remainder puppies are sold as pets. They are no less valuable that the "show" puppy because they were raised with the same care and attention that the "show" pup was. Expenses going in are the same. A breeder who sells a pup for $600 is cutting corners SOMEWHERE. They aren't testing everything, they aren't proving their lines, they used the most convenient stud down the road vs. the one who's pedigree made the most sense. Spend a little more up-front for a pup from a breeder who is hoping to pull their next dog from the litter, and you can be pretty sure that those pups will be healthy, not plagued with the usual list of ailments. For someone who already bought a "cheap" pup from a puppy mill, I would think the $$ would be worth it to buy the healthy pup that comes with the price tag but has the support of the breeder to back them up should something happen.

[POPTOP]

Hello and Welcome

So sorry for your loss. So young to cross the bridge.

In our area, $1500 is about average for a lab as a pet, not show. There are so many expenses you may not realize that a breeder has. Along with JenC's list, there is raising the bitch, showing her, clearances which are numerous, not to speak of the enormous time and money spend showing. There is also the time spent researching and finding the appropriate stud and making sure he is the appropriate compliment to their bitch. The cost of getting a bitch pregnant, her care during pregnancy and the cost of delivery (especially if a C section is required). The time invested in raising the litter appropriately. A good breeder is breeding to continues their lines, hoping that a pup in the litter will be what they want. The other pups are then sold as pets. A reputable breeder will always consider every pup as part of her family and will take a pup back if the situation arises.

Case in point, our Melody. She was kept as a show prospect, had a pyometria, an emergency spay and placed with a neighbor. When the neighbor passed, a family member took Melody. The breeder kept a close eye on the situation and was not pleased with the situation and pursued the family member until she got Melody back. At that time Melody was 10. We were fortunate enough to be chosen as Melody's new home and I could not have asked for a better furkid. I home older labs and a well bred lab is just as spectacular in their later years as they were are youngsters.

[MikeLynn]

Don't think I can give you any advice concerning the pricing and stuff. Just dropped by to say HI