We’re currently searching for a breeder to welcome a lab puppy into our family next year and I’ve obviously read up a lot about what to look for in a breeder and in the puppy. A lot of guidance says to not pay over the odds for a puppy as some breeders price too high. My question is, how high is too high for a responsible breeder who has carefully selected dam and sire and done all the requisite health tests? The breeders I’ve contacted so far sell their puppies for £2400 or £2500. Does this sound about right? The price of the puppy isn’t overly important and I know that the the long term costs of owning a dog will be much greater, which we’re prepared for!
Today, I'd expect a lab pup from FULLY health tested parents (with ideal results!), thoughts gone into appropriate pairing, FTCH sired, and importantly raised in a way I would be happy with, to be around £1500 in the north of England.
Thanks for your response. That's quite a lot less than the breeders I've contacted are selling for. We're in the West Midlands (Worcestershire); is there much variation depending on location?
If you have a look on the Champdogs website they seem to vary from £1500-£2500. Prices really rocketed over lockdown and some seem to have stayed high. I would be guided by 5labs.
The price of puppies is strongly affected by supply and demand and has been more volatile since lockdown when the prices went very high indeed. You may well pay more in winter when there are fewer litters around. I would focus firmly on the breeder and the effort that they have put into breeding healthy pups from two parents with outstanding temperaments. And also on the effort they have put into ensuring that their puppies have been exposed to a great environment and lots of social experiences. Sorry I can't give you a definitive answer on price, but good luck with your search
