How much do dogs cost?

rising_from_the_ashes

Jesswithwings wrote: »

We would like to get a labrador, preferably KC reg (probably a male so we can stud him out in the future with our friend's !!!!!).

Jesswithwings wrote: »

If I ever decided to stud (and its certainly something I wouldnt do lightly) it would be under her guidance and purely to improve the breed, rather than a money making venture. That hadn't even entered my mind.

That's certainly not the way it came out the first time ...... It may well have been all the exclaimation marks!!!!!!!:)

Pretty much agree with what everyone else has said but would add that having an unneutered male brings it's own set of problems once they reach adolescence - and frankly, with 2 young children, I certainly wouldn't recommend it (for several reasons).

Even once you're over the 1st year (which is obviously more expensive with puppy training, initial jabs & hopefully neutering etc), you'd be looking at a minimum of £50+ / month.

As for studding the dog ..... totally agree with all the comments above and tbh many stud owners are offered the pick of the litter rather than a fee ..... and the cost of the health checks .... and the risks of testicular cancer etc ..... and the hassle of owning an entire dog ..... sorry, but just don't see a single benefit of not having him neutered.

Sally_A

Padstow wrote: »

I don't see at all where you're going with this.

You fail to feed your brood and the state, us, will pay for them. Who will pay for your dog? no one. Off to the gas chamber he goes.
I can just visualise you.

Umm, Padstow, I think you and me are coming from the same direction, so why don't you see the point of "where i'm going with this"?

Padstow

Sally_A wrote: »

Umm, Padstow, I think you and me are coming from the same direction, so why don't you see the point of "where i'm going with this"?

I'll go away and think Sal otherwise I may implode.

Caroline_a

OP we were all fine with your post until you mentioned the stud aspect. You may have experience in breeding other animals, but unfortunately you will get little sympathy here if you post implying that you are a novice dog owner, and then in the same breath say that you are intending to keep your dog entire and breed from him with your friend.

A reputable breeder will have earmarked any future studs for her dogs for the next few litters, and as people have said, labradors are a common breed so there are plenty out there without adding to the issues of dogs needing homes.

I would also bear in mind though, as you have small children, that it isn't easy housetraining a new pup with toddlers in the house - I've done it and I know! Luckily I had a pup who learnt really quickly, but I had a friend who's dog never 'got' the whole housetraining thing (owner issue rather than pup), and she was a SAHM too. Eventually she had to rehome the pup as she couldn't keep up with the constant cleaning and disinfecting.

bramble1

Oh yeah, our lab is not done as he is from great working lines and our intention was to field trial him, and maybe one day stud him out....he's not great at field trialling so the idea of studding has gone out the window. He won't add anything to the breed that's not already there. We're lucky, for an entire male he's not bad, he doesn't chase females or anything but there are added health risks to owning an entire dog.

Also other dogs HATE my dog because he's entire, hate him. Another thing to think about, it makes walks quite challenge.

rising_from_the_ashes

Bramble why don't you get him done?

bramble1

We will get him done, I need to arrange to either be able to take him into my office while he recuperates or take time off, so will need to be in the new year. He's on the go all the time, so will probably need alot of supervision!!

Person_one

bramble1 wrote: »

We will get him done, I need to arrange to either be able to take him into my office while he recuperates or take time off, so will need to be in the new year. He's on the go all the time, so will probably need alot of supervision!!

You'd be amazed by how quickly they bounce back. The last dog we had neutered was more complicated than usual as he had an undescended testicle and an umbilical hernia but he was still up and about in about 4-5 days. You wouldn't need to take much time off for an uncomplicated castration, maybe a friday and a monday so you could have a long weekend with him?

Padz_2

Haven't read whole thread so someone else might've suggested it but google labrador forums. Sound bunch of people. Loads of good advice from experts and people who've "been there done that". Five free posts then a tenner of you want to subscribe. Best tenner I've ever spent!

WE have a 7 month black lab boy who will not be studded out as it can change their personality. He's a pet.

Just a tip - a lot of reputable lab breeders won't sell to folk with children under 5.

HTH

kjmtidea

My dog was really quite poorly after having his danglies chopped off. He just slept loads for a week and moped around, I thought he would be a nightmare to keep still because he is a crazy springer spaniel but he was just not happy afterwards at all.
He did forgive us though lol.