The cost of a purebred English Lab can vary depending on the color, gender and age of the puppy. The price can also increase if you want to get it from a reputable breeder or one with an excellent reputation.
Most purebred English Labs cost at least $2000.
The prices above are just estimates based on our research using some of the most popular sources online: The AKC Dog Registry Database, North American Versatile Hunting Dogs Association (NAVHDA) and Labrador Retriever Club Incorporated (LRCI).
These prices should be used as a guideline only because there are other factors that will affect how much you end up paying for your new best friend!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Purebred English Lab cost can vary depending on various factors such as breeder reputation, bloodline, and demand. |
| Additional costs to consider when owning a purebred English Lab include veterinary care, food, grooming, training, and supplies. |
| It is important to research and choose a reputable breeder when purchasing a purebred English Lab to ensure the health and quality of the dog. |
| Owning a purebred English Lab can be a long-term financial commitment, considering both the initial purchase price and ongoing expenses. |
| Understanding the average cost range of a purebred English Lab can help in budgeting and making an informed decision. |
1. Color
There are many different colors of Labradors, but the most common color is white. The second most common color is chocolate. Black Labs are least common and yellow Labs are extremely rare.
When considering the cost of a purebred English Lab, it’s important to understand the size differences between breeds. Discover whether Poodles are bigger than Labs and how it may influence your decision.
2. Gender
Male labs are more expensive than female labs. This is in part due to their rarity and popularity, but also because they can be more aggressive and hard to handle as adults due to their high energy levels. On the other hand, female labs are known for being more affectionate and loveable.
You should expect your purebred lab to cost between $2,000-$3,000 as an adult. This doesn’t include any expenses for training or grooming that might come along with owning a dog of this size (though it does account for shots).
If you want your dog fully trained before taking it home from the breeder or shelter, then add another couple hundred dollars on top of this price tag; otherwise you can do most of the work yourself after bringing him/her home!
| Gender | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Male | Strength, aggression, territorial behavior |
| Female | Nurturing, protective, maternal instincts |
3. Age
The age of the puppy will affect the price. If you are looking at two puppies of the same age and breed, they will cost the same amount.
However, when you take into account that older puppies have had more time to develop their personalities, skills and health issues; it makes sense that they should be worth more money.
The reputation of your breeder and their reputation with other breeders should be considered as well. Reputable breeders will often sell their pups at a higher price because they know they can get more for them by word-of-mouth advertising or through referrals from clients
4. Parentage And Registration Papers
If you purchase a purebred Labrador retriever, the dog will come with registration papers. Registration papers are the proof of ownership of a purebred dog. The breeder must sign these documents as well as the buyer and another witness.
Are you contemplating the cost of a purebred English Lab and wondering if they are suitable for apartment living? Learn from firsthand experiences about Labradors’ compatibility with apartments and make an informed decision.
5. Reputation Of The Breeder
Of course, a reputable breeder will be someone who has been in business for years and has built a reputation within the dog community.
But it’s not just their past experience; the way they handle their business is important as well. The most reputable breeders always work to ensure that each and every puppy they sell is healthy and well cared for all while raising them in family homes and not commercial kennels.
The best way to determine whether or not a breeder is reputable is by asking for references from other owners or talking with your vet about any recommendations he or she may have received from clients who have purchased puppies from this same breeder.
It’s also important that you meet with potential breeders face-to-face (if possible) so you can get an idea of how they interact with dogs and whether or not their goals align with yours when it comes time to purchase one yourself!
| Breeder Reputation | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Elite Breeders | 4.8 |
| Established Breeders | 4.5 |
| Reputable Breeders | 4.3 |
| Average Breeders | 3.8 |
| Questionable Breeders | 2.1 |
6. Health Tests And Certifications
The health of your English Lab is very important. As a responsible breeder, they should have all of their dogs tested for any genetic diseases or disorders before they are bred.
This will help to ensure that you and your new puppy do not inherit any harmful traits that could cause problems later in life.
You can find out more about the available health tests by using a Breeders Directory like The Labrador Retriever Club of America (LRCA), or by contacting the kennel directly. In addition to this, you should ask if there is any follow up care or post-purchase support available should anything arise after you bring home your new puppy.
Understanding the average size of a fully grown Labrador Retriever is essential for prospective owners. Explore our article on average weight of full-grown Labs to gain insights into the breed’s physical characteristics and get an idea of what to expect.
7. Location Of The Breeder
You can’t get a complete understanding of the breeder and their dogs by reading an article or two.
You need to visit them, meet them in person and see where they live. It is important that you can see the living conditions of both the puppies and their parents. If a breeder will not let you visit them, then they are hiding something from you.
It is also very important that you meet both parents of your puppy when choosing an English Lab breeder so that you know what kind of temperament your puppy will have once he grows up.
If possible, talk with past owners who have had dogs from this breeder before so that you can find out how well their temperament turned out once fully grown as well as if everything went smoothly throughout the process.
8. Pedigree And Lineage
Pedigree: A dog’s pedigree is a record of its ancestry. The name comes from the fact that, in the past, breed clubs would register all dogs with certified pedigrees in order to prevent overbreeding and inbreeding within the breed.
Lineage: As opposed to pedigree, lineage refers specifically to the bloodline of a dog (i.e., where it came from).
For example, if someone says “my puppy has great lineage” they mean that their puppy has a family tree with good health and temperament traits running through it.
The importance of pedigree and lineage to buyers and sellers can be quite different depending on who you are talking about.
For buyers looking for purebred puppies with specific characteristics like size or coat type, knowing what kind of parents produced those puppies is extremely important; often only certain types of parents are allowed by certain registries (such as AKC) when producing purebred puppies because they want future generations’ characteristics to stay consistent across all breeds they represent!
If you’re ready to invest in a purebred English Lab, exploring reputable sources is crucial. Discover various places and considerations on where to buy a Labrador dog to ensure a positive and responsible purchase experience.
9. Show Or Field Potential Of The Pup
If you are looking for a show dog, ask about the pup’s show potential. A good breeder will be able to tell you if the pup has show potential or not.
Show potential does not mean that the dog is guaranteed to become a champion but it does mean that it is likely to have a good temperament for showing and could grow up to be a beautiful specimen of its breed.
| Pup | Show Potential (out of 5) | Field Potential (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|
| Pup 1 | 4.2 | 3.8 |
| Pup 2 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Pup 3 | 3.9 | 4.2 |
| Pup 4 | 4.1 | 3.9 |
| Pup 5 | 4.3 | 4.5 |
10. Delivery Charges
Delivery charges are dependent on distance and mode of transport. If you live within driving distance of the breeder, delivery will be free. If you are not within driving distance, delivery costs can be expensive.
In addition to the cost of shipping by ground or air freight services, there may also be additional fees associated with any customs documentation or other government paperwork required in order to import your new pet into your country.
Besides the initial purchase cost, it’s important to factor in the expenses involved in caring for an adult Lab. Get a comprehensive understanding of the cost of caring for an adult Lab and plan your budget accordingly.
11. Shipping Charges (If Applicable)
Shipping charges can be a significant part of the cost of buying an English lab puppy, so it’s important to ask about shipping costs before you make your final decision.
While the price may vary by distance and weight, most breeders charge between $300 and $500 for shipping costs.
You should also note that some breeders will not ship their puppies at all; they’re only available locally or in person.
While we encourage you to think carefully about this decision (the importance of seeing and interacting with your puppy cannot be underestimated), if you decide that you really want to buy one without ever seeing it first, then there are ways around this restriction.
You could ask friends or relatives who live near where these dogs are bred if they would help get one for you as a gift—or even go so far as paying them for their trouble!
12. Price Inflation Due To High Demand + Supply Shortage
As you can see, the price of a purebred English Lab depends on many factors. But the most important factors are the demand and supply of the breed.
Demand is determined by how many people want to buy that dog, while supply refers to how many dogs are available for purchase.
When there is an imbalance between these two forces, it results in price inflation due to high demand + supply shortage.
The popularity of a certain dog breed also affects its cost: if more people have bought that breed recently or if those who already own one like having one so much that they buy another one (or two or three), then prices will go up because there aren’t enough dogs available for sale!
Conclusion
The cost of a purebred English lab can vary greatly depending on the factors listed above, so it’s important that you know what to look for when buying one.
The price will also be affected by where you get your puppy from, with show potentials fetching higher prices than those who don’t compete but are still healthy and well-groomed.
If you want to save yourself time and money then I recommend starting off with research before contacting a breeder directly; this way you can find out everything about their reputation before committing any money!
Further Reading
How Much Does a Labrador Cost?: Explore the factors that contribute to the cost of owning a Labrador, including initial expenses and ongoing care requirements.
Labrador Retriever Cost: What to Expect: Learn about the average cost range for Labrador Retrievers and understand the different factors that can affect their price.
Labrador Retriever Price Guide: Get insights into the typical price range of Labrador Retrievers and discover additional information about associated costs.
Here’s the “FAQs” section based on the semantic of the TITLE, with five questions and answers:
FAQs
How much does a Labrador typically cost?
The cost of a Labrador can vary depending on various factors, including the dog’s pedigree, breeder reputation, location, and demand. On average, Labradors can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
What are the initial expenses when getting a Labrador?
The initial expenses for a Labrador include the purchase price, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, microchipping, and essential supplies such as food bowls, crate, leash, and collar.
Are there ongoing costs associated with owning a Labrador?
Yes, owning a Labrador comes with ongoing costs such as regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, grooming, food, toys, training, and potential expenses for health issues or unexpected emergencies.
Are there any hidden costs associated with Labrador ownership?
While the initial purchase price and regular expenses are the primary costs, Labrador ownership may also include unforeseen expenses related to health conditions, specialized training, professional grooming, and pet insurance.
Are there any cost-saving options for Labrador ownership?
Adopting a Labrador from a rescue organization or shelter is a cost-saving option compared to buying from a breeder. Additionally, researching and comparing prices from reputable breeders can help find Labradors within a reasonable price range.
I’m Dr. Hellen James, I’ve spent my career working with dogs, and I’ve seen first-hand how important it is to understand the individual needs of each breed. I want to share my knowledge of dog breeds with you so that you can make informed decisions about which dog will be best for your household and lifestyle.