Hello all

P

PatrickCook

Member
I've not been around here in a long time. I quit hunting due to my little kids and an overall busy life. Now, finally my son is interested in hunting. My labs die 4 and 5 years ago. They were old but it was hard to lose them. we haven't had a dog. My daughter asks for one every year. This year she pulled out all the stops and said no electronics, just a puppy! I talked to my wife and she gave me the green light on a yellow lab. Apparently the hair is less visible on the floor than a black!

So, I set out to the internet to research breeders, hunting lines etc. The two breeders I bought from before are out of the business. I was shocked when I looked at prices people want for a puppy. $900 seems to get you a dog with no pedigree. An ok pedigree cost $1300 and a good one $2000. This is for puppies! I guess I was living in 1997 when I thought I was going to do something with $500. I am so glad I didn't tell her she was going to get a dog.

I could always finish the boat in my garage and sell it to buy a dog!

Give your dog couple of scratches on the top of his rump for me!

Patrick
 
TallGrass Kennels in South Dakota.
Speak with Kiply Clair.
Their dogs are amazing and the family who runs the kennel are also amazing.
I purchased a British Lab from them in 07 and she is wonderful.
I had the dog shipped out to NYC by plane.
I paid $1000 plus shipping. Check them out and good luck to you.
 
Retriever Training Forum has a fantastic classifieds page just for labs:

here

This is mostly for Field Trial/Hunt Test folks who are looking for top notch pedigrees. I have only looked in the central plains (MO, KS, IA), and haven't been specific on color, but there are some great pedigreed dogs (multiple Field Champions within the last 2 or 3 generations on both sides) which are available under the prices you mentioned. There should be local breeders with lower priced pups that aren't quite as "well bred." That site can at least give you an idea of what the top prices should be. You can sort that forum based on topic title and the listings will then be in order by state abbreviation.
 
Where are you located?

Send a PM to Al Hansen, see what he's got going on as far as litters.
 
http://www.entryexpress.net/Announcement.aspx

Just have to register (free) and then your able to get on the the classified section.
 
Patrick, WHERE ARE YOU? Fill out your registration so we can help you find a good pup. They are out there. I would guess more like $1,000 for a pretty good pup. Good call on a yellow but I am a bit prejuduced since I am on my 3rd one. Look hard for a British if you can
 
Thanks all for your suggestions. I am in the Seattle area. I will try the links provided and see what happens. This has always been an extremely helpful place.
 
Patrick, I'll take a different "tack" on this subject. As a previous owner of two large breed dogs, you already know two things: 1.) They live roughly 10-13 years, before passing, and enrich your life immensely during that interval. 2.)You get out of a dog, particularly a retriever breed, what you put into it.

Like Bill Abatte, we are big fans of English line labradors. As an individual, I have owned seven labs, the last four English labs. I am willing to pay a fair price for the peace of mind that the puppy I am purchasing will be sound and grow into a dog that will hold-up his end of the bargain when we are in the field or marsh. As the old saying goes, you ususally get what you pay for, particularly if you do your research thoroughly. Kane is Mellow Johnny while in the house or his sling in the truck, but Mr. Intensity when we are hunting. Dugan, and Quinn.

One other point, always train to the dog's weaknesses after you get through basic obedience commands mastered via voice, hand signal, and whistle. The vast majority of people who train their own retrievers spend a huge volume of their training time reinforcing skills the dog has already mastered.

Kane's great weakness? He is absolutely obsessed with new people. He would be the easiest dog to steal;probably be willing to drive the truck, too! We are spending our time walking at heal in Public areas...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top