The following comments have been circulating the World Wibe Web in some form or another for years. Author is unknown.

"If you are looking for a Labrador puppy under $1000, consider this.

It means shortcuts were likely taken and the litter is probably not from a professional kennel. It’s more than likely a quick buck or hobby home.

Maybe you don’t care about genetic health, performance or behaviors. You might get lucky, who knows?
However-if you wish to have genetic testing and lifelong guarantees - it is best to start clean out of the gate with a well- bred dog with lifelong genetic health guarantees and breeder support. Most pups in this caliber range today from $2000-$4000 and up.

To a long-standing, reputable breeder, the mission is not about making a profit. It is about running a high caliber breeding program to better the breed. That takes time and money. It takes a lot of money just to turn on the lights, obtain veterinary care, training, food, supplements, grooming, help, etc…

These dogs are tested in multiple venues and judged against standards of the breed by disinterested 3rd party judges. Each and every pup produced will carry the kennel name and reputation- for LIFE.

Professional breeders do not get a life like regular folks. There are no vacation or holidays. The puppies and the adult dogs need to be taken care of! It’s 24/ 7/365 care of these animals AND our clients- for LIFE.

The cost of breeding is astounding. There is brucellosis testing, several progesterone level tests, side-by-side or surgical artificial insemination, semen storage expenses, travel, hotel expenses and meals. There are supply costs, additional labor, and of course the stud fee.

Now, let’s talk about risk factors. The Dam may or may conceive. There are no guarantees and no refunds for any veterinary tests or artificial insemination fees. The Dam could tragically die or need a $9,000-10,000 C-section. They could get pyometra or a prolapse which can kill them. Most of the titled females have had extensive training and titling and could be worth $10,000 to $50,000. These females are also members of the family. You simply can’t put a worth on that.

Professional trainers will often comment that "the price of the pup is actually the lowest overall expense of getting a dog. Why is this? Likely it is because a high-quality pup has parents that have been health tested and certified. The parents have shown the ability to be highly trained so therefore the puppies should be genetically disposed to be trainable and likely in a quicker and more efficient manner."