Dreaming About Owning a Labrador Puppy?

Owning a dog - even one 'free' from a rescue home comes with a price tag. Feeding, immunization, kennel fees just to name a few does not come cheap. Add into the mix a pure breed like a Labrador then the cost of owning a dog can rocket. Of all the breeds of dogs, the Labrador is the most popular dog in the UK, taking the number one spot with 45,700 registrations in 2006 according to the Kennel Club Top 20 Breeds list.

Known for its fine temperament, easy-going nature, the Labrador makes an excellent family pet, as well as being ideally suited to a working life. Synonymous with its role as a Guide Dog, they can also be trained to be an Assistance Dogs for the disabled and Therapy Dogs, being used in homes and hospices as a comfort for residents and patients alike.

There are three recognized colors of Labrador - yellow, black and chocolate. Apart from the Black Labrador, the yellow and chocolate varieties can see a wide range of variation in pigmentation. The yellow Labrador can be anything from a cream color through gold and to what is a called 'Fox-Red'. The chocolate Labrador can vary between a medium-brown to a dark-brown color.

So, what is the typical price tag for owning a Lab and how do you go about getting one? The first port of call could be the Kennel Club website. Here you can find out details about breeders in your area with Pups for sale, along with lots of other information about the world of dogs.

Okay, so you've sourced a potential puppy. What about the cost? Well, there are two types to consider -physical as well as financial. The Labrador needs a lot of exercise to prevent it becoming hyperactive and boisterous. Its good nature is derived from being kept active and adored by you, the owner.

In the UK, the typical cost of a pup can range between ?00 and ?00 (US$420 - US$700). Your pup will need to be inoculated. The primary course of treatment involves two injections at around ?5 each (US$35). Thereafter, on an annual basis, it is recommended that you get your dog a booster jab, at around ?0 (US$42). In the UK, if you want to put your dog in the kennel while you go on holiday then you will need to have your dog inoculated against Kennel Cough. This might cost another ?5 (US$35). To keep your dog free of fleas then expect a cost you about ?0 (US$42) every 3 months and worming about ?.70 (US$5.20) a month. (All prices are shown are approximate and for illustration purposes only). It's suggested you telephone a few local vets to get an idea for yourself of what they charge.

Pet Care insurance is a must if you don't want to be landed with unexpected vet bills. If your dog gets a chronic illness - where treatment goes on longer than a year - then it is recommended that you take life-time cover and not the cheaper '1-year only' version. Cover does vary, so shop around and make sure you read the small print. Finally, with any breed, it might be a worthwhile exercise to get you dog micro-chipped. This can be done by a vet and costs between ?5 and ?0 (US$49 - US$70).

http://www.puppylabradors.com/