Hi everyone
I have a 9 month golden lab and am thinking of getting a choc or black lab puppy.  The breeder we used last time hasnt got any available so have been looking on the net.  Thay all seem loads more than we paid last time. Found some for £500 but cant stretch that far.  Found some for £250 but they not KC reg. Should i be concerned with this? The pup would just be a pet we have no intention of showing or working or breeding from it. Our dog at the mo is KC reg and just not sure what to do! Please help!
Thanks

JC

The correct term is 'yellow' lab, not Golden, and yes, I would be concerned if the pups were not KC registered, do you know if the parents have had all the relevant health checks etc?? I would also be highly suspicious of any so called 'breeder' selling pups for such a low price.

You get what you pay for, and could end up with massive vets bills and heart-ache after making an initial 'saving' in the purchase price.

liberty

Guest

Whereabouts are you based?  Labs go for around £300 for KC reg dogs off working parents where I live (North East of Scotland).  Obviously you would still have to check they've had all their health checks but it's worth looking in to.

Another option for you is to check out your local Labrador rescue and rehome an adult dog.

In my experience £500 is quite reasonable for a good lab pup. There are several genetic conditions that breeders are trying to eliminate and the dam and sire should have good hip and elbow scores together with clear eye certificates, all this information is usually shown on the KC registration. I would never buy a lab puppy without seeing the health checks for both parents. The £250 spent on a puppy that is not KC registered may well (thought not in all cases), be a false economy over the course of the dog's life. This is a concern whether you want the dog for show, working or a family pet.

Also why do you want to buy a second dog when cost seems to be an issue.

I have just looked at the champdogs lab pages and show type labs are selling for between £450 and £500 and working for £375 to £400.
Just beware that the pups parents are health tested..not just vet checked...otherwise your pup could end up paying out thousands and having a very unhappy young dog!!This is the main problem with non KC reg...they will not be health tested.
Archer