Click here to find out. Thats $290 in food alone each year. After that, you are looking at around $158 a month or $1900 for every year of your pets life. With that in mind, let's take a look at some regional breeders that you can search online. Heres a rundown of the annual costs of owning a Labrador Retriever: The cost might seem staggering initially, but its not out of the ordinary, especially for large dog breeds. The cost of the puppy will be lower if the pedigree has a history of hip or elbow dysplasia. An additional $400 will often be paid for a puppy with health papers instead of one without. Dog obedience training schools cost $200 to $600 per week, while boot camp kennel training runs $500 to $1,250 per week. Ideally, you will want to have a certain amount of supplies on hand to welcome your Labrador Retriever into your home. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for duck hunting. Training labs for duck hunting is a very long process that includes much more than just training obedience, retrieving, and restraint. Prices average $120 per hour to train a service dog for support, therapy, or protection purposes. Consult your veterinarian. This could save you thousands of dollars. Labs will typically live up to 10 to 14 years, meaning you have to be committed to being your dogs family, friend, and provider for that time as well. Prices will probably decrease as they grow more widespread, but they might never get to the point where they are comparable to regular labs that adhere to AKC rules. Some dog owners will get pet insurance for their dog. So, there may be some hereditary influence after all these years of color segregation that makes black lineages have a bit more hunting and obedience instincts. Are male or female Labs better for hunting? Why Does My Dog Nibble on Me With His Front Teeth? It also makes locating your dog easier in any sort of emergency, making it even more important. Labrador Retrievers that arent given enough time can become bored and destructive. If you give your dog a treat every other day, you can divide these amounts by two. If your dog is boarded or kept in a kennel for extended amounts of time, Influenza vaccines may be necessary ($70-$90 including a booster shot). In essence, trainers teach hunting pups not to jump in and retrieve everything they see falling out of the sky. One of the most popular Labrador Retriever names is Markey, from the beloved film Marley and Me. I have listened to this audiobook and could not recommend it enough. Learn everything about costs, and find the best products available.If you are on a budget check our special selection and buy everything new for less than $200. These include regular vet checkups, vaccines, deworming, spaying or neutering, and attending to any health issues that may arise. A Labrador Retriever cost depends on several variables. If these questions are running in your mind right now, youre lucky to find this article! Vet expenses are one of the most significant cost considerations. Factors Affecting the Price of Lab Puppies and Why Prices Vary for the Same Breed. If you choose to neuter/spay your dog and get pet insurance, the cost rises to $4,105 on average for the first year. But, some can be found cheaper, and some can cost up to $3000. You might also decide to spay or neuter your dog. Some labs can live for a good number of years beyond 12 years while some don't even make it to 10. They are also much less energetic, making them a good choice for young families searching for their first dog. However, that is not a guaranteed lifespan for every Labrador. With a lot of good things going for them, you just cant go wrong with this woofer! That said, doing your research about the Labrador Retriever before buying or adopting a puppy is necessary to make sure that the Lab is the best dog for you. That way, a skilled breeder can make a great hunting companion out of almost every lab. Eventually, with experience, youll get a good grasp on what to adjust in your budget without compromising the care you give to your pet. Many states require dogs to be microchipped, so you will likely need to spend $25-$50 for your Labrador Retriever. This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food. Coat color can also impact how much they cost, with the yellow Labrador being the most expensive and the black Lab the least. Dont miss out: English Lab vs American Lab. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things. As your Labrador Retriever grows, the price of supplies does ease up. Finally, you might be able to take your dog with you, as many airlines and train companies offer special provisions to help move your pets. You can also read our New Dog Owner Guide to learn everything about welcoming a dog home. Pet insurance is another recurring expense that would cost you an average of $500 to $1,500. Other dogs have soft mouths intuitively and need less training in that regard. The double coat of the Labrador Retrievers comes in three main colors, namely chocolate (brown), black, and yellow Labrador which is a creamy color. These messy pups like to swim, and they shed a lot. Preventive medical care should amount to around $425 to $830 for a Labrador Retriever puppy during the first year and around $425 to $925 every adult year. If you cannot take your dog out during the day, she recommends hiring a dog walker for 1-hour sessions, as it is imperative that your Labrador Retriever gets ample exercise and spends enough time outside. As a veterinarian, I think Labrador Retriever breeding dogs should be evaluated for hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia prior to breeding. Training labs for duck hunting that way is faster and also makes them very effective but far less efficient. Besides, we all want the best for our four-legged friends, and that alone is reason enough for most of us! The Kennel Club says, "The only correct colours as listed in the Labrador Retriever Breed Standard are: wholly black, yellow or liver/chocolate. Its weight ranges from 65 to 80 pounds. Despite their growing numbers, they are still uncommon, particularly in the UK. Depending on the age of the dog and how much training it has received, you can expect a total cost of anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000. In most cases, you will have to spend the most in the first year of adoption. Of course, the proficiency and skill of the trainer also play a big part here. Labradors are usually friendly but will benefit from professional training and need plenty of exercise.. of dog food, bringing your average cost for each following year around $290. Though it is tempting to buy a dog from pet stores or backyard breeders because of their low puppy prices, getting Lab puppies from a reputable source is still a more responsible and ethical choice. RELATED: 10 Best Labrador Retriever Rescues for Adoption (2023): Our Top 10 Picks! 'GUNDOGS' or 'SERVICE DOGS' "TRAINING FEES": $600.00 per month, Formal training starting at 6 months old. A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. To help you achieve this, here are some money-saving tips for Labrador Retriever owners: Taking care of a dog is a huge financial responsibility, but it doesnt have to burn a hole in your pocket. There are so many great dog names that you can choose for your Labrador Retriever. Personality: Friendly, active, outgoing Energy Level: Needs Lots of Activity Good with Children: Good With Children Good with other Dogs: Good With Other Dogs Shedding: 4 Grooming: 2 Trainability: Eager to Please Height: 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female) Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 11-13 years Barking Level: Occasional As detailed in this post, these figures include most essentials. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). In other words, your female must not breed before 18 to 24 months. Since they are a popular and fairly common breed, you will surely find some which are up for adoption. The most common breeds trained as guide dogs are Labrador Retrievers, . Be sure to check out our article on the best dog foods for Labs to help make your selection. Many dogs have to go through force-fetch programs because they have hard mouths for example (they bite the prey too hard while retrieving it). They can also be categorized as English or American Labradors; the latter is the more reasonably priced canine. Others, usually English labs, are intuitively much more restrained and obedient. While dealing with a puppy and a baby can be a challenge, young children often dont know how to handle small growing puppies properly. Coat color trends can change quickly. In general, service dog-trained Labrador Retriever puppies cost much more than regular Lab puppies. A breeder who generally cares for their pet will undoubtedly charge more, but then you have peace of mind knowing that the parent dogs are happy and healthy and well looked after. If you cant get enough of these little bundles of fluff, then be sure to check out this Labrador puppy compilation video: A Labrador Retriever is a large dog and this is going to cost more in the long run, than say, buying a Chihuahua. Good hunting and/or competition training programs often last 3-6 months or longer. Although purebred dogs may have a higher incidence of some inherited disorders, mixed breed dogs are also likely to develop health conditions, such as cancer and heart disorders. how many other colors of Labrador Retrievers are there? A service dog undergoes extensive training, thus some hefty additional costs to its upbringing. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Then, once the dog knows to only act when told to, do trainers teach the dog to retrieve. This does not impact our opinions or the price you pay, but enables us to finance our operations and provide you with the best content. How long does it take to train a lab for duck hunting? They are also great for adults on the go who like to take their pets on adventures.. This is one of the best investments youll make for your pet that can save you a lot of money in the future. Expect to pay $1,500-$2,000 for a standard Labradoodle pup from a reputable breeder. Because unskilled owners misunderstand how much exercise these working dogs require and cannot exhaust them, American Labradors are more likely to wind up in shelters. Expect to pay anywhere between $25-$85 per day, depending on location and time of year. Teacup Pomeranians: Should You Really Get One? Pet quality pups are affordable and budget-friendly to most people who are looking for an intelligent and well-tempered canine companion. This will make a big difference in terms of your Labrador Retrievers health and well-being. Congratulations on adding a furry bundle of joy to your life! Additional equipment or items may be necessary in some cases, such as clothing, a play pen, fences, anti-chew sprays, muzzles, and harnesses, but are not included in our necessary expenses. Everything You Need to Know About the Border Collie-Lab Mix, Rat Terrier Mixes: 20 Different Rattie Crossbreeds. If the owner elects to avoid surgery, and just provide pain management, physical therapy, and rest instead, one can expect to pay $50 to $300 per month for 3 or 4 months. The Pomsky, A Triple-A Crossbreed: Adorable, Active, and Adaptable, Standard Dachshund Dog Breed: Pictures, Colors, Bark, Characteristics and Diet. Labrador Retrievers are some of the most loving, intelligent, and fun dogs out there. How much did you pay for your Labrador dog, and is there anything you wish you knew before bringing your new pet home? French Bulldog Colors: The Standard & Rare Frenchie Coat Colors, 16 Best Dog Foods for German Shepherds 2023 (Premium & Budget), Papillon Dog: An intelligent, friendly, and alert companion. What is the average life span of a Labrador? Labs have a lifespan of. (usually 55 to 80 lb. All told, dogs wind up being the most expensive at $1,400 per year. 3 Does a Labrador Retriever need training and how much will it cost? Some breeders take the time to train and socialize their Lab puppies. You can listen and learn so much about raising a dog while going to work, running errands, exercising, etc. Coat color can also impact how much they cost, with the yellow Labrador being the most expensive and the black Lab the least. However, the typical expense of owning a Labrador Retriever is between $15,000 and $20,000 throughout its lifespan. This can be life-threatening and expensive to treat (up to $1,000-$1,500) as it would involve x-rays, hospitalization, antibiotics, fluid therapy, and sometimes oxygen therapy. Though these things are not high on the priority list, consider them nice-to-haves once the budget allows. Click here to learn more. If the parents are purebred show quality dogs from a reputable breeder, the price will be substantially higher. When you purchase from a reputed breeder, you also increase your chances of receiving a healthy puppy. If you decide to adopt a dog instead of buying a puppy from a breeder, you may get your dog for free or only be looking at a couple of hundred dollars, which will offset the rescue costs. These parent dogs are often not health screened and sometimes live in very poor environments where their sole purpose is to have more and more puppies. Is this popular dog breed a good fit for your home and budget? According to Leslie Brooks, DVM, a Labrador Retriever puppy will require three vet visits through their first year ($65-$170 each time), with the first visit being at 8 weeks of age. These costs can set you back between $2,000 and $3,000 for the first year alone. While there isnt any genetic or scientific evidence to suggest that black labs are better, dog trainers have been segregating labs based on color for so long that some say this has played a role in their selection by this point. . The average per month expenses of a labrador is between $85 to $835. The necessary papers to confirm your puppys pedigree will be available from reputable breeders. Click here to learn more. In such cases, it takes longer for the dog to get back to his normal activity level and it could develop more severe arthritis in the knee later, with associated costs. 4 Factors Affecting the Price of Lab Puppies and Why Prices Vary for the Same Breed. Prices for Labrador Retrievers may be influenced by several things. At the very end, we have added our cost calculator that will generate an accurate estimate as to the overall cost of purchasing and raising a Labrador Retriever according to your situation. As mentioned, Labs are one of the most popular dog breeds, and being so in demand can push the price of puppies up, especially if you only have limited breeders where you live. Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle: Which One is Better? That's why microchipping your dog is important to save PetBudget is the ultimate resource for dog owners looking for reliable, accurate, and up-to-date information, including cost analysis and saving tips. However, the breeder, the dogs lineage, and the location can have an affect on the price. Shelter: $37 - We checked the Carson Animal Shelter website and the adoption fee is still the same $37. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a Labrador Retriever, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. For a dog of this size, you will be looking at a $450 initial investment on average for the first year. It will increase the puppys price but generate savings as you most probably wont have to invest in more training and also gives a better chance to get a well-behaved dog. That said, be sure not to overfeed your Labrador Retriever, as these food-obsessed dogs are prone to developing obesity. The quality of products and the store choice will have a notable influence on prices. To this end, a Labrador dog that is too cheap should be seen as a red flag. In fact, there are many expenses to consider when raising a dog: vet fees, training costs, food, supplies, medical costs, grooming and more. If you are actively looking for a dog, we strongly recommend doing some research and finding a reputable breeder or shelter. These names could include options like Max, Rover, Ace, or Buddy. Here is a breakdown of other potential expenses when owning a Labrador Retriever: You can put off spending on these things until the budget allows. READ NEXT: Chocolate Lab: An Ultimate Guide to Chocolate Labradors. The initial setup and cost for supplies of a Labrador retriever puppy can cost upwards of $1,000 or more. These include the American, or working Labrador and the English, or Snow Labrador. How much does a Labrador puppy cost? and an adult close to 310 lb. As a general rule, Labrador puppies cost somewhere between $800 and $2000. incredible with children. As we've been reporting, a reduction to the energy price cap has been announced today and will come into force from 1 July. A Labrador Retriever should be professionally groomed 2 to 8 times every year. Usually, mixed-breeds are sold at a lower price than purebred dogs. Formal training fees include my training time, travel expenses, birds for training, food. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality. Johann Chapuis has assembled a fantastic team of licensed veterinarians, animal behaviorists, dog trainers, groomers, and walkers to write every article and offer the most accurate content on petbudget.com. The average cost of a Lab puppy from a reputable breeder in the United States is between $800 and $1,500. 10 Best Labrador Retriever Rescues for Adoption (2023): Our Top 10 Picks! It might cost between $4,500 and $5,000 to buy an adult Labrador Retriever of a particular ability. Although yellow labs are not uncommon, because of their high level of popularity, adopting one of these puppies can be expensive. Mix breed dogs are generally less expensive than purebred Lab puppies and have fewer health issues, so they can also be cheaper in the long run. Click here to find out. Breed popularity in the buyers location. Though the labrador training cost can vary as per the . There are a lot of factors that go into this such as the instincts of the dog and whether or not you need to train some bad behaviors out. Or learn more about the cost of owning a dog. Vet care: $632-$839. Puppy mills are breeders just looking to make a quick buck and dont adequately care for their parent dogs. Theres also the somewhat intuitive myth that female dogs are calmer and easier to train but that also isnt true or all that significant. of food every year. Although labs are generally calm and easygoing, a rescue Labrador may not be the best choice for new parents. For example, it will cost between $1700 and $2500 if you want to get a black lab puppy from a well-known breeder. Why do Golden Retrievers noses turn pink and how to treat them? Each visit to a grooming salon should cost from $50 to $75 for this breed depending on the dog and the services offered. 4 What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Labrador Retriever? These 1-hour walks usually range from $20 and $50 each, ($15-$25 for a 30-minute walk). As most people want to get their puppy as young as possible, prices tend to be lower when the dog gets older. A DNA test for exercise-induced collapse is also sometimes performed. If you decide to adopt a dog instead of buying a puppy from a breeder, you may get your dog for free or only be looking at a couple of hundred dollars, which will offset the rescue costs. This is based on a per-session price that ranges between $50 and $75. WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A LAB PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Dont miss out: When Do Labs Stop Growing? If you want your puppy to have this certification, be prepared to pay more for a Labrador Retriever. First-year expenses are around $2,990 and will be about $1,890/year (or $158/month) after that. Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Generally, it works out cheaper as you get much better deals if you purchase dog food in bulk. Labradoodles tend to be expensive because they are such desirable dogs. 6 What are Things to Consider Before Bringing Home a Labrador Puppy? Generally, these can be found for anywhere (Walmart, PetSmart, and Amazon for example) between $25 and $290, with an average cost of $75, depending on the equipment you require. You need to ensure your pups parents are unrelated. Visit a breeder who specializes in producing dogs for show rings if youre searching for a show dog. Their price tag falls within most peoples budgets, thus making them an attractive option to those looking for a great family pet. Consistently ranked by the American Kennel Club as the most popular dog breed in the United States, their cost is another nod in the right direction. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip. We've assembled a guide to help you understand what costs you can expect to incur during your time with your dog. Additionally, if your dog goes camping, hiking or lives in a wooden area or on a farm, it will be more exposed to ticks, and Lyme shots are strongly recommended ($60-$80 including the booster shot). A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Labs are not couch potatoes, especially when they are puppies. That means that your Lab will cost you between $1,000 and $1,200 per year. Hence your search for how much do labrador retrievers cost, won't yield a specific answer.The cost will vary from dog to dog and from one household to another. If you look for a Labrador Retriever at a rescue center or shelter, youll be more likely to find an older dog than a puppy. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on several variables. Labradors live, on average, for 12 to 12.5 years. Retrieving practice and instinct development. Unfortunately, the Labrador gene pool is quite limited. For instance, a Labrador Puppy will consume around 220 pounds of dry puppy food a year, whereas an adult Lab will eat about 310 pounds of food each year. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. You will have to submit a formal request ahead of time though, so make sure to plan your trips early. This is based on the analysis of 250 products on famous marketplaces such as Walmart, PetSmart, and Amazon. Take that into consideration when planning costs. To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dogs well-being. You need to keep these in mind when asking yourself if you can afford a pet. So, if your budget is enough to shoulder the price and long-term costs of the Labrador Retriever, then it might just be the pooch for you! Thank you for reading us! But if you want to take a well-trained brown or yellow lab duck hunting, there should be no significant drawback to that either. Coat color and markings. For example, small dogs tend to be more popular in metropolitan areas where people live in smaller spaces. You should expect that a Lab puppy will cost at least $800 (and can go up to $1200), unless, of course, you are getting it from a friend who is willing to give them away for adoption. Hiring a professional retriever trainer can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000+ per month. This does not include spay or neuter and gastropexy procedures (usually $150 to $450 and $200 to $400 respectively). Labrador dogs that have been specifically trained for specific roles like service dogs, guide dogs, and search and rescue dogs will also be more expensive than those destined for a life of leisure as the family pet. Registration papers/pedigree. The least expensive choice is to adopt a Labrador, with adoption fees often falling between $50 and $500. However, the average cost of owning a Labrador Retriever (through its lifetime) is around $15,000-$20,000. Read our article here to learn more about Labrador Retriever colors. Allergies (food or seasonal/environmental): the cost depends if the pet has allergies throughout the year or just 1-2 flare ups per year. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $95 and $385. Serious breeders will have their breeding dogs and/or puppies evaluated/tested for different medical conditions.