Labradors Ain't Labradors
(in the context of "Oils Ain't Oils")
Okay, you have arrived at a breeders site looking for a puppy or a grown dog, to your dismay you see quoted prices of $700 to $1200 and you wonder why these breeders charge so much for their animals when there are so many places out there selling puppies for $200 to $400.
The bald fact is YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!
Registered breeders go to great efforts ensuring their animals are the best possible. They have high standards and attempt to maintain best of breed lines. Breeding animals are hip and elbow scored and if the total score is greater than the Australian average, currently 12.5, then the animals are not bred from. Most registered breeders will have breeding stock with hip and elbow scores well under the average and most will aim for the lowest scores possible. They realise the importance of the scores and the fact they equate to animals maturing with less health issues. Registered breeders will also ensure their breeding stock is annually eye checked for the same reason. Healthy animals with no signs of known breed problems result in puppies that are healthy and unlikely to develop any problems.
Breeders will usually have breeding stock that will show long lines of show champions, this indicates the dogs come from lines that are recognised as being true to the breed and of good quality. All breeders want their loved dogs to be known as the best, much like being proud of your children and boasting about their achievements, breeders feel similarly about their dogs. The recognition by others in the industry also makes it easier for potential new dog owners to find out what quality they are looking at when selecting a puppy.
Those breeders who care about the breed and the industry, including their clients, will be registered and belong to the appropriate canine councils and clubs. They will be working to improve the breed as a whole and are keen to see new dog owners are treated professionally and are well informed.
Unfortunately there are some breeders who aren't registered and/or are more interested in making money from their puppies. These people will breed any type of dog, irrespective of health issues and the potential for future problems. They are only concerned with turnover. Putting out the most puppies in the shortest possible time, often to the detriment of the bitch. Dogs are treated as commodities, just to be bought and sold, not as loving pets.
When you buy a cheap puppy from an unregistered breeder you have no guarantees, there is often no health details provided or other information given to assist you as a new puppy owner. You will often end up paying hefty Vet bills keeping your dog reasonably healthy and pain free. The money you may have saved on the initial purchase price will soon be used up. You may be lucky and get a good puppy, if you have purchased one recently, I certainly hope you will be, the odds are against it however.
Getting a puppy is adopting another family member, one you have choices about, isn't it best to try and make the right choices. Purchase from a registered breeder and increase the chance of enjoying many happy years with a pain free healthy animal.