How much does owning a labrador pup cost a month for the first year?

[dylanalexander55]

I was planning to buy a labrador pup from one of these online breeders. I was wondering how much it costs in the UK for owning and maintain one? I have always loved dogs and this is the first time I have actually decided to buy/get one. Is there anything I need to look out for when I buy one?
Thank you

[lulusmom]

We are a canine cushing's support group so you are soliciting information from a very small number of individuals with extensive knowledge of Labrador Retrievers, plus I'm not sure any of our Lab experts live in the UK. You would probably get much more information from a Labrador breed specific group. I have included url's to two possibilities below:

http://www.lab-retriever.net/board/
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/labrador_retriever/forum.html

One doesn't have to be knowledgable of a particular breed to know that buying a puppy from an online breeder is a really, really bad idea. Reputable breeders do not sell puppies on the internet. Scammers and puppy mills do. Since this is your first dog, I would highly recommend that you do a lot of due diligence on the Lab or any other breed you may be interested in. Contact reputable breeders in your area. A reputable breeder is passionate about improving the lines of their chosen breed and they do not breed for profit. They can answer any questions you may have and they will most certainly tell you if a Labrador is a good choice for your lifestyle, living arrangements, personality, budget, etc.

Just remember that adopting a dog is a huge responsibility and a life long committment to that dog. Most of us members know that like people, dogs also get sick unexpectedly and veterinary care is not cheap here in the states and it's probably more so in the UK. It's an emotional, physical and financial committment so make absolutely sure you open up your heart and home to a dog with your eyes wide open. If you are not sure you are ready for that type of committment, don't get a dog. Maybe a goldfish? :D

We do have a lot of members who are Lab lovers and perhaps they will drop by to help educate you on the breed.

Good luck to you.

Glynda

[labblab]

As you can tell from my avatar, I am one of those U.S. Lab-Lovers who Glynda is referencing ;). She has already given you some very helpful info and tips, and I just want to add a few more thoughts.

First, I do want to clarify what you mean when you speak of "online breeders." Here in the U.S., most all reputable breeders do maintain internet websites. And they typically do list information about planned litters and available puppies. However, prior to transferring ownership of one of their pups, reputable breeders make extensive inquiry into the situation and intent of the potential parent. In other words, they will question you just as thoroughly as you will question them! As Glynda says, they are intent on preserving and improving their specific breed and they want to make sure that all their puppies are placed appropriately, whether it be as a pet or as a potential champion. If what you are instead talking about are just internet listings of puppies for sale: money upfront and no questions asked, then indeed STEER CLEAR of these unscrupulous people who are abusing animals through uncontrolled mass breeding.

Is there a specific reason why you are seeking a pure-bred Lab? I can tell you that here in the U.S., pure-bred Labs from reputable breeders are VERY expensive, costing hundreds of dollars. My two Lab girls are both pure-bred, and the reason for this is because I had originally hoped (intended) that I would work with them both to become certified Therapy Dogs. So I looked for a breeder whose bloodlines have produced temperaments consistent with successful service dog placement. I am ashamed to say that I have not yet pursued that certification with either of my girls, but they both are so sweet and trainable (and incredibly gentle with my 92-year-old mother!). So their lineage has proven solid. As another example, a hunter may be searching for the specific talents that are instinctive to a retriever bred from lines that are particularly adept in the field.

However, unless you are seeking a specific pure-bred attribute, there are indeed a multitude of wonderful puppies and dogs who are just awaiting their chance for adoption. As popular as Labs are, there are undoubtedly a ton of adoptable dogs available to you who are largely Lab or who are Lab-mixes. So again, if you are looking at internet listings for cheaply priced "pure-bred" puppies, please look elsewhere!

Marianne