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Labradors are very popular dogs in the US and around the world! And for a good reason. These dogs are known for being intelligent, friendly, and loving. Who wouldn’t want a dog like that?
Are you thinking about adopting a Labrador? If so, you need to know how much it costs to adopt one of these amazing dogs. We’ve put together information about Labs and their adoption. Let’s get started!
What is a Labrador?
Did you know that Labrador Retrievers originally come from an island off Newfoundland, in Canada? What’s more, the dogs were originally called St. John’s dogs. However, over time their name changed to Labrador Retrievers. They were first developed by fishermen who lived in this area in the 1700s.
These friendly, loving dogs are now number one on the AKC’s breed list. That’s because they’re loving, warm, intelligent, and very athletic. These dogs even have webbed feet, which were needed to help their fishermen pet parents. The dogs would swim to retrieve fish that escaped the nets!
Most pet parents today treasure their Labs as family members, though some do use the dogs for hunting, too. However, the dogs are able to perform other work, too. They make excellent therapy and assistance dogs. They’re also often used in search and rescue because of their strong noses. Even so, the dogs also love to compete in dog sports such as agility and obedience competitions.
Labs have a ton of energy and need to have plenty of exercise. If you adopt a Lab, expect to spend at least 30 to 60 minutes a day exercise your fur baby. If they don’t receive enough exercise, Labs can become destructive and develop other negative habits.
Labs are one of the sweetest breeds around when it comes to their personality and temperament. They’re outgoing, love to please, and friendly with almost all people and other animals. They’re also extremely intelligent dogs that are easy to train.
Labradors come in a wide range of colors, including chocolate, black, and yellow. They have a sleek coat that’s short, straight, and thick, with an undercoat that provides some insulation from the weather and water. These dogs are pretty easy to groom, too.
Some people wonder if Labs are good with kids and other pets. Thankfully, the answer is a resounding yes! Labs love kids and usually play with them. However, it’s always best the dog is trained and socialized from a young age. This way, Labs know how to act and react when they’re around kids.
Training and socializing are also important when it comes to Labradors interacting with other pets and animals. They usually do well with other dogs, cats, and small animals if the dogs have been trained to be friendly with them.
Now that you have some background about Labradors let’s move on to how much it costs to adopt these amazing dogs!
How much Does it Cost to Adopt a Labrador?
The adoption cost for a Labrador depends on various factors. However, a Lab may cost between $400 to $1,500 if you adopt from a reputable breeder. On the other hand, if you choose a Lab from a rescue, the price may be between $100 to $300.
That’s a huge difference in adoption costs! Why are the prices so different between a breeder and a rescue? Let’s take a look at breeders first.
A reputable breeder has many expenses to cover when breeding and raising their dogs. For one thing, breeding dogs is not cheap, especially if the parents have excellent bloodlines. Then the breeder must pay for all the medical care, food, and housing the dogs need. And in some cases, a breeder may cover the cost of initial training and socialization. The result is that you end up with a healthy, well-rounded dog! The adoption fee for a reputable breeder covers all the care the dog has received until you adopt him.
Rescue dogs are a bit cheaper, even though the pet rescue must cover some of the same costs as a breeder. For instance, the pet rescue must cover the costs of feeding, housing, and medical for the dogs. Their adoption fees go to pay for all of this care. What’s more, these organizations are non-profits and need to charge for the care pets receive at the rescue. The adoption fee then helps to supply money for additional care for other pets that are rescued.
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Ask a Vet Live NowAdopting from a Reputable Breeder
There are also other considerations when adopting from a reputable breeder. If Labradors are in high demand in your area, then expect to pay a higher adoption fee. However, the opposite is also true. If there are many dogs available to adopt, then the adoption costs will be lower.
In addition, reputable breeders may also offer “pet-quality” and “show-quality” dogs. Show-quality dogs are those that meet all the standards for the breed. This means the dog visually fits each of these standards, and they’re able to participate in dog competitions and shows. Show dogs may have high adoption fees up to $2,500 or more, depending on the dog’s bloodlines.
Pet-quality dogs have all the same traits as show-quality dogs; however, they visually don’t meet the standards for the breed. That means they may have some visual “flaws.” Even if this is the case, the dogs are otherwise beautiful and healthy. It’s also easier on your wallet to adopt a pet-quality dog.
Other Costs to Consider When Adopting a Labrador
In addition to the adoption costs, you’ll also need to consider the cost of items and supplies your fur baby will need when he first comes home! Here are some of the usual items a dog needs, along with the cost range of each item:
- Food & water bowls: $10 to $40
- Dog collar: $10 to $40
- Leash: $10 to $30
- Harness: $20 to $50
- Dog bed: $20 to $85
- Dog crate: $30 to $120
- Toys: $15 to $155
- Brush: $5 to $45
- Shampoo: $5 to $20
- Dog food: $30/month
In addition, you’ll need to add in medical care, which can run about $125 to $500 a year, depending on your dog’s age and health (this includes regular vet checkups, heartworm, flea & tick prevention, and more).
Summing It Up
As you can see, there are more expenses to adopting a dog. You have to consider the other costs involved with getting your Labrador!
One thing we’re sure of, no matter how much your Lab costs, you’ll have a loving companion for years to come!
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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