The Retriever Expert Expert Care Tips For Your Retriever
Are you planning to adopt another furry friend and wondering how much does it cost to adopt a Labrador Retriever? Since it is among the most popular dog breeds worldwide, it has become a sought-after breed for adoption. And for a positive reason, Labradors are known for their loyalty and intelligence, making them an ideal pet choice.
You can generally expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,000 to adopt a Labrador retriever. However, there are several factors that can affect the cost to adopt a Labrador which we will discuss in this article. So read on and find out how much it will cost to welcome your new four-legged friend into your home.
Bringing a Labrador Retriever Home – Free of Cost
If you’re set on bringing home a Labrador Retriever, you should know a few things. Labs are notorious for being Some people may try to take advantage of this by offering free Labradors, but be warned – these dogs may come with a host of problems. While this may seem like a great deal at first, it’s important to remember that free dogs may come with many problems.
- For one, they may not have been properly socialized, which can lead to behavioral issues down the road.
- Additionally, free dogs may not have been given the necessary vaccinations or care, which could put your family at risk.
- Free dogs may not be spayed or neutered, which means you could end up with an unwanted litter of puppies.
All of these factors should be considered before taking in a free Labrador Retriever. While some people view this as an advantage, it has the potential to have some undesirable impacts if you don’t know exactly what you are getting yourself into.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Labrador Retriever?
Adopting an adult Labrador Retriever from a shelter or rescue organization is often less expensive than purchasing a puppy from a breeder. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting in terms of temperament and health history.
A labrador puppy would cost approximately $500 and $1,000 on average. The puppy’s price may increase if you want a certain pedigree or lineage. Particularly if you anticipate using them in any AKC competitions. In certain circumstances, the overall price can be near $2,000.
The mentioned prices are for puppies; however, if you prefer a more mature Labrador Retriever, you may find a deal between $2500-$5000. These have already been trained, house-broken, and have a pleasant temperament.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Adopting a Labrador Retriever
The cost to adopt a Labrador is impacted by several factors, including:
🐾Age
As with any breed, puppies are often more expensive than adults or seniors. This can be attributed to the fact that puppies require additional care, training, and vaccinations.
🐾Location
Believe it or not, where you live can also affect your spending on your new furry friend. If you live in a rural area, you may be able to find a cheaper Lab than if you live in an urban area. This is because Labs bred in rural areas are typically less expensive than those bred in cities-rural breeders don’t have the same overhead costs as city breeders, so they can charge less for their puppies.
However, keep in mind that shipping costs can sometimes offset any savings you might get from an adopted rural-bred Lab. So if you’re looking to save some money on your new dog, it’s always best to adopt locally.
🐾Desirable Lineage
As mentioned above, the lineage or pedigree of the Lab you adopt can also affect the price. Show-quality Labradors are typically more expensive than pet-quality dogs, as they’ve been bred specifically for their conformation and temperament. Conversely, pet-quality Labs may not have the same physical characteristics or temperament as show-quality dogs, but they can make great family pets.
Backyard Breeders and Puppy Mills
Before you go out and buy puppy labs, there are a few things you need to know. Namely, what NOT to do. Specifically, you need to ensure you don’t buy a puppy from a puppy mill or backyard breeder. Here’s why:
Puppy Mills Are Inhumane
These are commercial breeding facilities producing mass numbers of puppies for sale. The dogs in these mills are treated like commodities and are kept in cramped, filthy conditions with no veterinary care. The mothers of these puppies are often kept in small cages and given just enough food to keep them alive; they’re never allowed to exercise or socialize with other dogs. As a result of these inhumane conditions, puppy mill dogs often have physical and behavioral problems that can be expensive to treat.
Backyard Breeders Are Not Much Better
While backyard breeders are not as large-scale or commercial as puppy mills, they often operate under similar conditions. Backyard breeders typically have one or two female dogs to produce litters of puppies. These female dogs are also usually kept in small cages and rarely receive proper veterinary care or socialization. As with puppy mill dogs, backyard-bred dogs often have physical and behavioral issues that can be costly to treat.
Avoiding these two types of breeders will help ensure you get a healthy, well-socialized Labrador.
Why Adopt a Labrador Retriever from a Shelter?
Contrary to popular belief, the best place to find your new best friend is not from a breeder or pet store, but from a shelter. If you’re considering adopting a Labrador Retriever, here are reasons why you should adopt from a shelter instead.
✔️Adopting Saves Lives
When you adopt a dog from a shelter, you’re not just getting a new furry friend-you’re saving a life. Every year, approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized, and over half of those are dogs. Adopting one of these pups gives them a second chance at life and makes room for another animal who needs help.
✔️You’ll Know What You’re Getting
When you adopt an animal from a shelter, the staff will be able to tell you everything there is to know about them. This includes their personality, whether they’re good with kids and other animals, medical concerns, and more. This way, you can rest assured that you’re adopting the perfect pup for your family.
✔️They Come Spayed or Neutered
All animals adopted from shelters are spayed or neutered before going to their forever homes. This helps control pet populations and makes for healthier and happier animals overall.
✔️They Often Come Housebroken
Many of the animals up for adoption at shelters are already housebroken or close to it. This is because most shelters require potential adopters to fill out an application beforehand, which asks questions about their living situation and whether they have any experience caring for animals. This way, the shelter staff can match each animal with the right family based on factors like energy level, size, age, and more. So if you’re looking for a low-maintenance pup, adoption may be the way to go.
✔️Adoption Fees Are Cheaper Than Buying From a Breeder
Not only does adoption save lives-but it also saves you money. The average cost of adopting an animal from a shelter is $200-$300 while buying a puppy from a breeder can cost upwards of $1,000+.
And since Labrador Retrievers are such a popular breed, chances are there is already a rescue group dedicated to them in your area.
Other Costs Associated To Adopt a Labrador Retriever
❕Food Cost
Labrador retriever is a medium to large-sized dog, which means he’ll need more food than, say, a Chihuahua. And not just any food – Labs are notoriously picky eaters, so you’ll need to find a high-quality food that he enjoys and meets his nutritional needs. Prices for high-quality dog food can range from $40 to $100 per month, depending on your dog’s size and appetite.
❕The Cost of Toys and Chews
Labs are notorious chewers – they love to sink their teeth into a good toy or bone. To keep your Lab happy (and your furniture intact), you’ll need to invest in some sturdy chew toys and bones – which can cost anywhere from $10 to $30 per month.
❕Grooming Cost
Labradors have thick, water-resistant coats that need to be groomed on a regular basis. This includes weekly brushing and occasional bathing and trimming. Depending on whether you choose to do the grooming yourself or take your pup to a professional groomer, you can expect to spend around $30 – $80 per month.
❕Medical Costs
No matter where you get your Labrador, medical costs will be associated with owning a pet. This includes things like yearly checkups, emergency visits, vaccines, and more. The average cost of caring for Labs can range from $50 to $100 per year, depending on age and health of dogs.
❕The Cost of Obedience Classes
Labs are intelligent dogs, but they can also be stubborn – which is why many new Lab owners choose to sign up for obedience classes. Expect to pay around $100-$200 for 6-8 weeks of classes, depending on your location and the trainer you choose.
❕Unexpected Veterinary Bills
No matter how well you care for your Lab, there’s always a chance he could get sick or injured – and veterinary bills can quickly add up (trust us, we know from experience).To help offset the costs of unexpected veterinary bills, we recommend getting pet insurance – which can start at around $20 per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard to own a labrador retriever?
No, but it isn’t always easy. Labradors are high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercises. A bored Labrador is a destructive Labrador. They’re also known for being food-motivated, which means they’re experts at begging and getting into the trash. Be prepared to invest in a good dog food puzzle toy and have a game plan for dealing with beg behavior if you bring home one of these pups.
What is the right space for your labrador retriever?
This breed does best in a suburban or rural setting where they have plenty of space to run and play. If you live in an apartment or condo, a Labrador probably isn’t the right fit for you (unless you’re willing to take them on long runs or hikes several times a week).
Is it costly to maintain a labrador?
Labradors are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they’re susceptible to certain health conditions. Be prepared to budget for routine vet care and possible costs associated with health problems down the road. Overall, Labradors aren’t more expensive to maintain than other breeds of similar size.
What are things to consider before bringing home a labrador puppy?
In addition to what we’ve already discussed, you should also be prepared to deal with shed hair if you bring home a Lab. These dogs have thick double coats that shed year-round (though they shed the most in spring and fall). If you can’t handle daily vacuuming and lint rolling, a Labrador probably isn’t the right fit for you.
Are labrador dogs hard to train?
No, they’re actually one of the most intelligent and trainable breeds. They love to learn new things and can be trained with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. That said, Labradors are also very stubborn dogs – so don’t expect them to listen to you right away. Once you establish a clear set of rules and stick to them, training Labrador puppies should become much easier.
What is the best age to adopt a labrador puppy?
Puppies under six months old require a lot of care and attention, including frequent feedings, potty breaks, and socialization. They also tend to be more destructive, chewing on anything they can get their teeth on. For people who are not prepared to handle a young puppy, it may be better to wait until the puppy is at least six months old.
At this age, the puppy will have more self-control and will be less likely to chew your belongings. The puppy will also be more independent and will be able to hold its bladder for longer periods of time. Of course, every dog is different, so it’s important to research before adopting any puppy. But if you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, adopting an older Labrador may be the best option for you.
Final Words
Overall, adopting a Labrador Retriever can be an incredibly rewarding experience – both for you and your new pup. If you’re ready to add a furry friend to your family, consider visiting your local animal shelter or rescue group – you just might find yourself with a lifelong companion.
