Labrador Retrievers have been one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States for many years. They are a great choice for people looking for a friendly and intelligent dog that is also affordable.
The price of a Labrador Retriever can vary from $300 to $2,000. People like them because they are obedient and loyal. They are also one of the most popular types of dogs in the United States, so you might be able to find one from a rescue for free or for a very low price. Monthly maintenance costs for a Labrador Retriever usually range from $100 to $200.
In the sections below, we will look at all the expenses you may have to factor into owning a Labrador Retriever. But first, let’s see what it is about this dog breed that makes it worth investing in.
How Much Does A Lab Cost Per Year?
Buying a Labrador Retriever is relatively cheap considering just how popular these dogs are.
It could cost you $300 to $1,000 if you decide to go with a professional breeder.
Labradors Retrievers can be found for much less or even free through dog adoption. It is definitely a good option if you are looking for a dog. They are also easy and affordable to maintain, with an average yearly cost of $1,060.
Here are some of the reasons why it is so affordable to buy and maintain a Labrador Retriever.
Easy To Find
Labradors are the most popular type of dog because they are in high demand, and many of them are registered. They are easy to find, and the prices usually stay low.
Easy To Train
Labradors are also quite easy to train.
Their trainability contributes significantly to their popularity and how little you have to invest in the first year in terms of training costs for the dog.
Relatively Low-Maintenance
Finally, their general affordability can be traced back to the fact that it is a relatively low-maintenance dog, from health needs to entertainment and training. This makes Labrador Retrievers great first pets or even family pets for homes with children.
Do Labradors Smell?
Labradors actually do smell. They carry a natural musk known as the Labrador stink.
This has a lot to do with both natural processes and grooming mistakes. To better prepare you to deal with the situation, here are some of Labradors’ leading causes of nasty odors.
Natural Musk From Skin Oils
All dogs produce oils from their skin to keep the skin and fur healthy. Labs produce a lot of this oil, making them smell bad if you don’t clean them often and keep their bedding clean.
Flatulence
Labradors are known for their large appetites. They eat quickly and this can cause them to bloat and fart a lot. This might be why you find them smellier than you would like.
Dental Problems
Labradors are prone to dental problems. The most common is tartar formation, a buildup of plaque on their large teeth. Tartar formation can cause bad breath and lead to complications like gum infections and tooth decay.
Anal Gland Disease
While Labradors are not more likely to have anal gland inflammation than other breeds, it is still a common issue. If your Labrador starts to smell bad, it might be due to the anal glands.
Anal gland inflammation can often happen if trauma near the anus blocks and inflames the anal glands. It can also happen without any apparent reason. If this happens, you will need to express the glands yourself to relieve your dog’s discomfort and remove the smell.
How To Take Care Of Labrador Retrievers?
One of the most important things you can do if you are lucky enough to get a Labrador is to give it a happy home. You should do this by providing everything it needs, including food and love. This way, you will be able to make sure your dog is healthy and happy.
Invest In High-Quality Dog Food
Labradors need a high-quality diet and the proper nutrients to be healthy. We recommend you subscribe to the Pet Plate meal program, which offers a variety of customizable diet plans to ensure your Labrador gets the healthiest and tastiest meals based on their specific health needs.
Watch Their Food Portions
On top of the type of food to eat, Labradors need the right amount of food. An adult Labrador Retriever should eat about 2½ to 3½ cups of food every day. This amount will help them meet their high-energy needs without causing them to become too fat.
Include Multivitamin Supplements
Labradors are easy to take care of due to their relatively healthy nature. However, they are not entirely disease-free and may suffer several issues, including bone and joint diseases. Multivitamin supplements make life a lot easier, helping them with specific health issues and general well-being by topping up whatever may be missing from their primary diet.
Do Labs Bark A Lot? Temperament Of Labrador Retrievers
There is a good reason why Labrador Retrievers have held the top spot for most popular dog breeds for such a long time. A lot of it has to do with their awesome personalities. Here are some of the traits that make them so incredibly special.
Gentle And Even-Tempered
Labradors may be intimidating in their size, but they are the most gentle souls you will ever encounter. They are not dangerous and are not known to attack their owners or even strangers. However, early socialization is still essential to avoid any nasty incidents.
Social
Labradors are very social dogs. Unless they feel threatened, they will not hesitate to approach strangers. They are also very friendly with other pets, both larger and smaller than them.
Intelligent And Obedient
Labradors are some of the most intelligent dogs around. They’re easy to train, too. You might only need to spend $600 to fully train a young puppy if you go the professional route.
But if you’re looking to save some cash, you could do the training yourself. Labs are so intelligent and obedient that it’s not difficult to do this. We recommend trying the Brain Training for Dogs program for a comprehensive guide on DIY dog training.
Affectionate
Labradors are very affectionate dogs and love to cuddle and generally hang out with their favorite humans. They act just like giant lap dogs, and it is the most adorable thing for dog owners who want companionship.
Independent
While they are affectionate, Labradors are pretty independent and can be easily left alone. Don’t be gone too long because their love for you will tramp their independent nature with time.
Do Labrador Retrievers Shed? Grooming Tips For Labrador Retrievers
Labradors are double-coated, which is one of their best features when it comes to aesthetics. Unfortunately, it could require more effort or be tedious when grooming, as Labradors also tend to shed a lot.
Labrador Retrievers also tend to have seasonal peaks during fall and spring, where they shed a lot more. Fortunately, it is nothing that regular brushing will not fix.
Here is more on managing the shedding and other grooming needs that your doggy will have.
Brush Your Lab’s Coat 3 To 4 Times A Week
It would cost you about $55 to $130 to get your dog professionally groomed.
However, you can easily do most of the work yourself with the right tools and a good grooming schedule. Brushing, in particular, helps a lot to prevent excessive shedding and matting. 3 to 4 times a week should do the trick when managing their thick coats.
Wash The Pooch Once Every 6 To 8 Weeks
The Labrador Stink can be very problematic.
Regular baths are the best way to keep it under control. It would be best if you aimed to have it done once every 6 to 8 weeks. This frequency should be regular enough to prevent odor formation while still maintaining enough of a protective film to keep the dog’s coat nice and healthy.
Take Care Of Dental Hygiene
Labradors need a lot of help to clean their teeth and keep their mouths healthy. Hard chew toys help by cleaning the teeth and getting rid of plaque. You can also give your dogs fresh fruits as treats or add dental additives to their water to deal with bad breath.
Related Questions
What Is The Most Popular Labrador Color? Solid black is the most popular Labrador Retriever color. It also happens to be one of the most common coat types for the breed. Another trendy option is chocolate brown. However, these Labs are not very easy to come by. You could also go for the tan or blonde options, which are relatively common.
Are Boy Or Girl Labs Better? Male Labrador Retrievers are the best option for dog owners who want an affectionate and loyal companion. However, as they grow older, they tend to be more likely to become stubborn and unruly, especially if not neutered. Female Labradors, on the other hand, are more laid back. However, they tend to be more aggressive, especially towards suspicious strangers and other pets.
What Are The Best Qualities Of A Labrador Retriever? When it comes to personality, the best qualities of a Labrador Retriever are their intelligence and even temper. Their temperament makes them easy to train and live with. Physically, their solid build and manageable coats are their best qualities because they make the breed very easy to maintain.
