How Much Does a Labrador Retriever Cost in 2023?

Labrador Retriever Characteristics

Labrador retriever or commonly called ‘Lab,’ is a British dog breed named after the very land in which it was developed – Labrador. One of the most popular dog breeds in the entire world, these are friendly, active, intelligent, and affectionate dogs. Initially used for sporting and hunting, Labs are now commonly kept as companions.

This breed is about 2 centuries old now. While all Labradors descended from British lines, people usually think the field-type ones are American and the show-type ones are English. Irrespective of the type, Labs are highly intelligent. They have been used for guiding purposes, pointing, flushing, and hunting. They also make excellent swimmers due to their ability to tolerate colder water temperatures. Fun Facts: These dogs helped the army during the Vietnam war. A Lab called ‘Zanjeer’ helped detect the arms and ammunition used in the 1993 Mumbai explosions. In the unfortunate event of 9/11, Jack, an American black Labrador, helped with search and rescue operations. No doubt, these have been among the most popular dogs in the world for the past 3 decades.

You will usually find the double-coated water-resistant coat of Labs in 3 solid colors – black, yellow (creamy white), and chocolate (liver). Temperament-wise, these dogs are friendly, outgoing, and affectionate. They are naturally large and muscular with a sturdy build.

What is the price of a Labrador Retriever? 

The price of a Labrador Retriever will include its adoption, initial costs, and other expenses that could happen during this breed's lifetime. We will break down the price by categorizing it by initial buying/adoption costs, vaccinations, diets, healthcare, grooming, and miscellaneous expenses.

Buying: $1000 – $2000  

There are several avenues to get a Lab home. You can opt to buy one from a private breeder or a puppy farm or adopt one from a rescue shelter. Private breeders will usually cost more for a purebred Labrador dog due to factors like its purpose (show or field), coat color, and age, to name a few. On average, a Labrador retriever’s price is around $1000-$2000 when purchased from a breeder. Show Labrador puppy prices can be in the range of $1800-$2000. A field pup could cost less, at around $1500. A Chocolate Labrador could cost more than a black or yellow Lab due to its comparative rarity. A black Labrador puppy’s price could be around $1000. Adult Labrador may cost less than puppies.

Puppy farms may be cheaper at around $700-$800, but make sure you research the organization and check the health of the pup before you decide to take it home. If your search looks like ‘chocolate lab puppies for under $500’, then rescue shelters could be a great option for you. You could find a Lab to adopt for around $100-$300. This option is a good cost-efficient way to get a Lab, and you can also feel good about giving a dog a new home!

Monthly costs for a Lab dog

Diets: $70-$80

Labradors are a large dog breed and need large amounts of food due to their high energy levels. High-quality vet-recommended kibble is recommended. The average cost could be around $50-$60, depending on the type of product you pick. To help with training (and also because you love them), treats are recommended. This could cost another $20 per month.

Grooming: $50-$60

If you are into the dog-showing business, you might spend around $50 per month for your dog’s grooming and haircuts. Otherwise, their general grooming maintenance can usually be taken care of at home. Weekly brushing, regular teeth and ear cleaning, and nail clipping equipment could cost $50-$60.

Medical Costs: $700-$1200

During the first years, it is recommended you take your pet to the vet about 3-4 times annually. Vet fees can range from $100 to $300 and could include things like annual wellness exams and blood tests, among other recommended preventive care treatments. Other examinations and tests could cost you another $300-$400.

Like all breeds, Labrador Retrievers are at risk of developing health conditions over their lifetime. Some common conditions for this breed may include osteochondritis dissecans, eye diseases, epilepsy, and bloating. Treatment costs may be around:

Osteochondritis Dissecans - $2000-$3000 per joint

Eye diseases – $1300-$1500

Epilepsy - $500-$1000 per year

One-time costs for a Labrador Retriever

Initial Costs: $400-$500

A comfortable bed for your bulldog, toys, crate, carrier, food and water bowls, leashes, collars, and a harness would be some initial items necessary for any dog breed. Getting these items could cost you about $400-$500.

Microchipping: $50-$70

The average cost of microchipping is around $50 but may vary from state to state. Along with a dog license, it could cost an additional 10-20 bucks. Spot Pet Insurance highly recommends every pet parent get their pets microchipped, as it can help increase the chances of finding a lost pet.

Vaccinations: $280-$300

There are certain core vaccinations that a Labrador Retriever would need. These include distemper, parvovirus, Adenovirus, type 1, Adenovirus, type 2, and rabies. All of these could cost you around $150-$200.

There are certain non-core vaccinations as well that are recommended by most vets for a Labrador Retriever. These include parainfluenza, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis. The cost of these vaccines can be around $130-$150.

Miscellaneous: $300-$350

Owning a dog can be like having a child. Keeping them entertained may require additional expenses like dog walking, training, dog sitting, traveling, and park visits, among other things. You should plan to keep around $300-$350 aside for these expenses every year.

Lifetime Australian Labrador Retriever Cost

Adding the initial costs of buying/adopting, food, grooming, medical costs, and other recurring and one-time expenses, you can expect the total lifetime cost of owning a Lab to be around $20,000-$22,000. This estimated cost does not include the costs of medical emergencies should they happen to your pet.

How can Spot Pet Insurance help?

Spot accident & illness pet insurance plans offer a wide variety of coverages, from microchip implantation to surgeries and prescription food and supplements prescribed to treat your pet’s unexpected accidents and illnesses. (Prescription food and supplements used for general health or weight maintenance are not covered). For an extra cost, Spot Dog Insurance plans offer preventive care coverage add-ons to help cover the costs of certain routine vaccinations, annual wellness exams, and other preventive care treatments. You can view the add-on preventive care coverage options. Get in touch with us to know more!

Conclusion

One of the most popular dogs in the world, Labrador Retrievers, has a right to cost a premium price. But, this breed will ensure you feel the worth of every penny spent with their love, loyalty, and memories it will give you in its lifetime. Anyway, you can worry less about the medical expenses for unexpected accidents and illnesses because Spot accident & illness plans can help cover your eligible vet bills. So go ahead and get your Lab home!

Happy Parenting to you, and Lots of Love to your Pup!

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