Black Lab Breeders in Southern Ontario

[kittykate]

Hello,

We may be looking to buy a black lab puppy in the near future and since this is the first time we have bought a purebread (we both grew up with purebreads, but purchased by our parents) and we have no idea what type of price to expect. We have been told that a reasonable price for a lab is $700-$800 but the few enquiries I have made have told me prices of $1250-$1400! This is more expensive than the Golden Retriever someone I know just bought!!! Can anyone recommend a particular breeder in or around Toronto that doesn't charge $1200??

Thanks!!!

[luckypenny]

Ok, I'll follow you here

I can't help you with breeders in Ontario as I don't know any. I just wanted to say that I adopted our Black Lab, Penny, from a local shelter when she was about 5 months old. She's a wonderful smart girl .

And I payed 240$ which included having her spayed. You'd be very surprised how many "pure breeds" you will find in a local shelter and/or Rescue organization.

[kittykate]

She is a stunning girl! You were very lucky! I have been combing the rescues daily but I am only finding older dogs. We were hoping to get a puppy because we fear our kitty will freak out if he is suddenly thrown into a house with a big scary dog

[mummummum]

Can't say I know of any ( I LOVE rescues and older doggies myself )

But, if you haven't had a chance to read these stickies about buying from breeders, these are quite informative.

http://www.pets.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=18613
http://www.pets.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=33403

Good luck with your search !

[luckypenny]

I found this http://www.lrro.on.ca/index_netscape.htm , just in case you haven't already. Might be worthwhile to get in touch with someone there. Good luck.

[satchelp]

The Labrador Retriever Club of Canada would be a good place to contact. Their website is http://www.labrador-canada.com/. Their breeders have to uphold their code of ethics in breeding. They recommend that you contact the club regional director for referrals to breeders, but all that info is on their website. There are a lot of people breeding labs, and given the health issues in the breed (specifically hip dysplasia), you want to be sure that the breeder you choose has done generations of hip screening and will stand behind health guarantees in their contract.

[erykah1310]

Honestly the money you will pay upfront by going with a good reputable breeder who does health testing and so on, will save you in the end.
Its so refreshing to see someone on here actually taking potential pet ( dog) ownership seriously.
I know of a decent breeder in my area, but she has no intentions for a litter for the next 2 years, and her waiting list is already LONG.
Have you given much thought into "feild" lab vs "bench" lab???
There is a slight difference in appearance but a major difference in energy levels.
Labs bred for feild are much more active than a show bred lab. Which are you looking into?

[coppperbelle]

Okay, Southern Ontario would be where?? I know a breeder in the Ottawa area that breeds labs. I am not sure what she has now but if you are interested I could put her in touch with you. She charges $800 for a puppy by the way.

[lilmegshepherds]

Not sure about black labs but I know they have had blacks in the past that came from health tested parents and titled parents.

Very reasonable prices and responsible breeder

Shrewd Forest Kennels

They do have a website but not sure what the rules are here for posting it so PM!

They are located a couple hours from Toronto!

[Frenchy]

You might want to check out this rescue, they may have puppies ?

http://www.lrro.on.ca/

Shelters and rescues are full capacity with labs. :sad:

[lilmegshepherds]

Originally Posted by Frenchy

You might want to check out this rescue, they may have puppies ?

http://www.lrro.on.ca/

Shelters and rescues are full capacity with labs. :sad:

So true they are everywhere.

That is from the unreputable; irresponsible breeders!:sad:

[kittykate]

Thankyou everyone for your help! Its totally not that I mind paying the money, but it's just that i don't want to get taken for a ride with the cost! I really thought $1250 was a lot, considering the Golden my friend got was $900 and they tend to be more expensive. I will look into your links, thanks again!!

[Longblades]

Would just like to echo Erykah1310's post about field or bench Labs. Field are sometimes called "Risers" and you really should investigate the difference. Risers are very high energy dogs, comparable to border collies. A breeder near me specializes in risers as most of her clients are intending to pursue field trial competition. Of course not every dog in a riser kennel is of that temperment and a good breeder will be able to steer you to the dog with a more laid back personality but you have to know what your needs and ability to handle are first. And a good breeder should help you to discover that.

[meg4050]

Are you willing to come to London? I was at the Humane Society here on the weekend and they had an 8-month old purebred black lab male named Levi - quite the sweetheart too!
http://www.londonhumanesociety.ca/ , if you look under "We Need Homes" he's with the dogs! I attached the picture they have on the site.