New Lab retriever? [black or brown]?

Question

I want a puppy so I can train it, I could get one from a pound [how much is that avg?] but I'm afraid that it will have behavioral problems because dogs I've got from pounds have proven to be aggressive in the past, I just love everything about retrievers and I don't even mind buying a grown dog, as long as it doesnt plan on dying anytime soon.. I'm thinking I should buy one when I'm like 20 because I'm 17 and going to college and I don't wanna neglect him her, what gender should i buy and any tips on training if I get a puppy or tips on training for a full grown dog, or what age should I get him, Ive wanted one for a while, also how do i keep him/her from getting fat, i keep seeing these obese labs and they look so miserable, I don't want him/her to be constricted by weight and what should i name it? if its a boy im thinking sebby, i love that name haha. Also how much avg do they cost? if you've bought one from a pet store or a breeder..

Answer 1

Too many questions here so I'll leave most to others - just to say if you go for a chocolate Lab, research the lines well.  My nephew bought one, before I was able to point him in the right direction (aaah puppies, buy it) and by 5 months the poor dog ended up having both hips operated on, plus one elbow.  Luckily he was insured because the bill was well out of his reach otherwise.  He had two small children who were devastated at their puppy having to have this surgery (actually I thought it was well early to be operated on, but I don't know about hip/elbow ops)  Certainly he was a cripple.  Unfortunately, like many of the designer breeds, Choc.Labs have become way too popular (or had at the time, this was a few years back now) in the UK and breeders who had no business breeding jumped on the bandwagon.  Haven't seen the dog for some time now because my nephew was divorced and dog went with ex. and children, so I don't know how he is now.  But imagine trying to get a puppy of that age, and size, through recovery!

Not to say all Choc.Labs are a problem, but check the parents have been scored etc.

Answer 2

from a shelter you have to make a donation about $200 from a breeder around $1000

Answer 3

Most humane societies will ask for an adoption fee of around 70 dollars. Dogs coming from the pound being more agressive is a stereotype. I have had a purebred huskie from the humane society for 5 years now and she's wonderful. If you don't want to spend alot of money the local humane society would be a great thing to investigate.

Answer 4

If you get a black lab, how about naming it Licorice (if it's a girl or boy).  If it's brown, call it Mocha if it's a girl or Hershey if it's a boy.

If you get it as a puppy, you make be paying more than $400, if you're lucky.  If you get a lab puppy or grown lab, you can get one from the pound for $85-125.

Answer 5

I'm going to break this down...

First of all, shelters are not bad places. I have a Lab mix from a shelter, and she's the sweetest dog I've ever had. So dont rule out shelters, or even rescues.

Boy/Girl shouldnt matter. Whatever you prefer. Neuter/Spay accordingly. And to keep them from getting fat, make sure you provide plenty of exercise! Too many people get this breed thinking they are the perfect suburban dog--but they are retrievers! They are bred (well-bred ones, anyway) to be out in the field hunting all day--getting plenty of exercise. Also, be sure you feed a good quality food.

Do NOT get one form a pet store. These are puppy mill pups, and buy purcahsing them, you support these mills. From a reputable breeder (make sure you can pick one out--or you'll regret it later) a Lab could cost from $1000-$2500, maybe more, depending. And from a shelter/rescue, whatever the adoption fee will be.

Answer 6

I completely agree w/Poppy. Shelters can give you information on every dog's temperament. In fact, that should be the first place you look bc there are so many wonderful animals out there in need of a loving home! You prob should stay away from pet stores. Most of the dog are from puppy mills unfortunately and you'd just be supporting them if you were to buy from them. Not to mention they are very expensive. I actually got one of my Puggles from a pet store. I'm sorry to say bc I def am not a supporter of puppy mills. I just couldn't resist her. But she was 1500 (including additional things I purchased with her). Usually puggles can range from 300-750ish depending on the breeder. If you go to an animal shelter the price can also range significantly. You can find dogs as low as 75 up to 300 or so. And all of the dogs are spayed/neutered unless they are too young. I'd really think about adoption. That is the best. You'd be doing such a good thing. Also, waiting until your out of school is great too bc you def don't want your dog to be neglected unless you know your parents would love it just as much as you will. Good luck!