Lab puppy shortage

I lost my sweet English Lab girl on Sunday Jan 31st to cancer. She was only 7 and it's been devastating to me
and the entire family. The grieving process is far from over and she will never be forgotten as long as I live.

Now I am looking for a new companion. Not to replace her but I will want another one to fill the empty feeling in my heart.

Been searching the local Ontario breeders and I am getting the feeling there is a lab puppy shortage.

If any one has any info for a good quality breeder that may have a litter this year I would appreciate the help.

I am willing to wait for a good dog but was hoping we can find one to bring in to our home this year.

https://images2.imgbox.com/7f/cb/8MdDm0jO_o.jpg

I lost my Oakley, our 13 year old Golden Retriever in August. Wanted to wait awhile before getting another. Now the wait list for Goldens at reputable breeders, is summer 22. I paid 500 $ 13 years ago. Now the price is 3000.

We bought our last girl in Michigan. Now the border is closed so thats no longer an option. Had no idea it would be this hard to find another puppy..

Try Ruth at Jerryru kennels.
A few people here have labs from her. I have a 7 year old fox red from her and know plenty off friends that got dogs from her.


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Originally Posted by bellerivercrossbowhunter

I lost my sweet English Lab girl on Sunday Jan 31st to cancer. She was only 7 and it's been devastating to me
and the entire family. The grieving process is far from over and she will never be forgotten as long as I live.

Now I am looking for a new companion. Not to replace her but I will want another one to fill the empty feeling in my heart.

Been searching the local Ontario breeders and I am getting the feeling there is a lab puppy shortage.

If any one has any info for a good quality breeder that may have a litter this year I would appreciate the help.

I am willing to wait for a good dog but was hoping we can find one to bring in to our home this year.

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Pretty sure Burly Girl on the forum might have some advice.

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Originally Posted by bellerivercrossbowhunter

We bought our last girl in Michigan. Now the border is closed so thats no longer an option. Had no idea it would be this hard to find another puppy..

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My chocolate came from Cooperslane Kennels. I waited close to 18 months on the list. You might check them out.
Edit: I checked their site. It says it won’t be until fall 2021, before pups are available....if you get on the list now.

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Originally Posted by bellerivercrossbowhunter

I lost my sweet English Lab girl on Sunday Jan 31st to cancer. She was only 7 and it's been devastating to me
and the entire family. The grieving process is far from over and she will never be forgotten as long as I live.

Now I am looking for a new companion. Not to replace her but I will want another one to fill the empty feeling in my heart.

Been searching the local Ontario breeders and I am getting the feeling there is a lab puppy shortage.

If any one has any info for a good quality breeder that may have a litter this year I would appreciate the help.

I am willing to wait for a good dog but was hoping we can find one to bring in to our home this year.

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I know how you feel . My 7 year old JRT has cancer and it's day to day.
Have a look at this thread in this Sporting Dogs section.

"Looking for good lab breeder"

Thankyou.

I am on the waiting list with as many local breeders that are taking names. Earliest would be this summer.
Good things come to those that wait.

I'm still taking the death of my best friend really hard. I know with time it will get easier... :)

I can't help you with a breeder but want to give you my condolences on the loss...sorry :(

Yes sorry for your loss, always tough. Good luck finding a new pup, exciting times ahead.

It’s not just labs and it’s not just Canada. There’s huge demand for any breed. Wait lists are much longer and prices have skyrocketed

PM me. Let's chat!

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Originally Posted by C.A. in TO

It’s not just labs and it’s not just Canada. There’s huge demand for any breed. Wait lists are much longer and prices have skyrocketed

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Yes - prices have jumped about 4x in the last year. Beagles pups are now running 2000-2500.
Best price you will get now is from the long-established kennels - the ones that used to be most expensive, strangely enough.

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

Yes - prices have jumped about 4x in the last year. Beagles pups are now running 2000-2500.
Best price you will get now is from the long-established kennels - the ones that used to be most expensive, strangely enough.

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Another lab person and I were talking about this. We have noticed a few people who may not have a long standing track record post plans for an upcoming litter with exorbitant pricing attached. It's a bit of a question mark, to put it politely. If you're a good breeder, breeding for all the right reasons (because you have a good example of the breed with a proven track record of performance, either formally or simply a bang up huntin' dawg) paired with a potential mate that brings similar characteristics to the table, once you get all your clearances to ensure you're doing your best to ensure you are putting healthy, structurally sound puppies on the ground, you aren't MAKING money. You're lucky if you cover your out of pocket costs on the vet bills, clearances, and care. You'll never recoup the funds spent on entry fees or hunting funds spent, never mind mileage. A good breeder wants to ensure the breed they love carries on for generations to come exhibiting those traits that make that breed great. While we ABSOLUTELY all start somewhere, it's usually pretty obvious who arrives on the scene simply to pump out puppies and make a buck. While I can't ever imagine my life without a dog, I know I want my next puppy to have been planned thoughtfully and carefully so I know she will hopefully lead a long and healthy life. Our stud dog lived to be into his 17th year. His lineage is in my living room as I type. Cross your fingers those amazing genes keep surfacing to the top as long as possible <3

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Originally Posted by BurlyGirl

Another lab person and I were talking about this. We have noticed a few people who may not have a long standing track record post plans for an upcoming litter with exorbitant pricing attached. It's a bit of a question mark, to put it politely. If you're a good breeder, breeding for all the right reasons (because you have a good example of the breed with a proven track record of performance, either formally or simply a bang up huntin' dawg) paired with a potential mate that brings similar characteristics to the table, once you get all your clearances to ensure you're doing your best to ensure you are putting healthy, structurally sound puppies on the ground, you aren't MAKING money. You're lucky if you cover your out of pocket costs on the vet bills, clearances, and care. You'll never recoup the funds spent on entry fees or hunting funds spent, never mind mileage. A good breeder wants to ensure the breed they love carries on for generations to come exhibiting those traits that make that breed great. While we ABSOLUTELY all start somewhere, it's usually pretty obvious who arrives on the scene simply to pump out puppies and make a buck. While I can't ever imagine my life without a dog, I know I want my next puppy to have been planned thoughtfully and carefully so I know she will hopefully lead a long and healthy life. Our stud dog lived to be into his 17th year. His lineage is in my living room as I type. Cross your fingers those amazing genes keep surfacing to the top as long as possible <3

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Great points:) My Ma has bred Shelties my whole life. She has Can/Amer champions over and over. Nothing fires her up more, than hearing so and so just bought a doodlesnickers for 4k....... I can't believe when I'm bored and surfing kijiji, mixed mutts for 3-5k.....but....I guess uneducated people are buying them? I think my Mom's price for a puppy every other year is still the same as 25 yrs ago.....she's definitely never "made" money:)

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Originally Posted by LiveBates

Great points:) My Ma has bred Shelties my whole life. She has Can/Amer champions over and over. Nothing fires her up more, than hearing so and so just bought a doodlesnickers for 4k....... I can't believe when I'm bored and surfing kijiji, mixed mutts for 3-5k.....but....I guess uneducated people are buying them? I think my Mom's price for a puppy every other year is still the same as 25 yrs ago.....she's definitely never "made" money:)

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I understand exactly how your Ma feels! I love all dogs -- mutts, well bred ones, doesn't matter. Dogs are awesome. It's the people attached to them that can frustrate me. People who are just out to make a buck and are preying on people who have soft hearts and maybe aren't terribly informed? Unethical. Especially with covid finding many people at home and wanting dogs, so many people are taking advantage of this predicament and want to tap into the inflated market demand to make a buck. But will those "breeders" provide support to their puppy people when they have questions, encounter issues, and in general need a knowledgeable dog person who understands their breed and this pedigree? Most won't. And that's shameful. My puppies go home crate trained, close to house trained, exposed to feathers, live birds, gun shots, car rides, a variety of sounds and experiences. While most people may not do everything I do, I know the good breeders try to socialize their puppies and safely expose them to what they can to try and prepare them for the world and what it can throw at them. Give me a breeder who does their research and makes effort over someone just trying to make a quick buck any day.

They just had an expose on the telly a few weeks ago of all these dogs that are advertised in KIJIJI and so forth and they are actually being flown in from the Ukraine, one of a few overseas suppliers. Dogs fully misrepresented for blood line's, vaccinations ,and general health ,basically dog's from puppy mills and even some of the vet papers were phoney. Very few to no government regulations for flying these dogs into the country.

Don't necessarily just look at the cost , the work involved in a quality breeding is underestimated. Buyer beware, do your homework. . Adding to the cost significantly is the veterinarian costs, they have climbed steadily over the last few years.

I know a couple of breeders and most of their litters are sold before they are born. I know one of Lola's dogs just had a litter , not sure if they're spoken for or not. She has a top notch line. TC

http://maktawaelabradors.weebly.com/

belleriver, my condolences it takes a long time for the pain to go away if ever. I lost my boy of 11 years 17 months ago and still shed a tear now and then and think of him everyday. I now have a lovely girl who just turned 13 months that I have had since she was 8 weeks. She helps, but you still think of the one you lost, especially when the new one does things the old one did.

Again sorry for your loss.

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Originally Posted by sabmgb

belleriver, my condolences it takes a long time for the pain to go away if ever. I lost my boy of 11 years 17 months ago and still shed a tear now and then and think of him everyday. I now have a lovely girl who just turned 13 months that I have had since she was 8 weeks. She helps, but you still think of the one you lost, especially when the new one does things the old one did.

Again sorry for your loss.

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Thank-you for that.

The pain of losing her will never go away. :(

I picked up her ashes yesterday and broke down again. :(

I hope to have a new friend this year. I need to be patient to find the right pup. :)

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Originally Posted by BurlyGirl

Another lab person and I were talking about this. We have noticed a few people who may not have a long standing track record post plans for an upcoming litter with exorbitant pricing attached. It's a bit of a question mark, to put it politely....... While we ABSOLUTELY all start somewhere, it's usually pretty obvious who arrives on the scene simply to pump out puppies and make a buck.

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Originally Posted by BurlyGirl

People who are just out to make a buck and are preying on people who have soft hearts and maybe aren't terribly informed? Unethical. Especially with covid finding many people at home and wanting dogs, so many people are taking advantage of this predicament and want to tap into the inflated market demand to make a buck. But will those "breeders" provide support to their puppy people when they have questions, encounter issues, and in general need a knowledgeable dog person who understands their breed and this pedigree? Most won't. And that's shameful. While most people may not do everything I do, I know the good breeders try to socialize their puppies and safely expose them to what they can to try and prepare them for the world and what it can throw at them. Give me a breeder who does their research and makes effort over someone just trying to make a quick buck any day.

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Exactly why puppy buyers should do their homework!

Why would anyone buy a pup without health clearances on both sire and dam with the $$$$ and limited availability of puppies these days ..... a "vet check" or CKC registration does NOT represent health clearances. Besides hips (which can not be certified until the dog is 24 months old), elbows and eye certification, every breed has additional health clearances that can and should be done (like CNM & EIC testing in labs) that good breeders do. You are making a 10 + year commitment (hopefully longer) and why would you not try to start with the healthiest breeding and pup available. The argument that they didn't have time to get all the testing done before the female came into season and they bred the dog anyway is definitely a "red flag" as a good breeder will wait until after that cycle, get the testing complete and then breed on the next cycle.

A breeder who not only hunts their dogs, but also takes the time to train, trial and title their dogs allows you as the buyer to see the trainability and teamwork that their dogs can achieve. Just saying he / she is a great dog to hunt with, gives you no idea what level of training is possible with a pup out of that breeding. An FTCH, AFTCH, HRCH or MH in front or behind the dog's name proves that the dog has the ability and genetics to be trained to be a complete hunting partner. Without the titles, unless you have seen the dog work, you are going on the breeder's word and these in these days of pandemic puppy demand can be questionable.

And as mentioned, a good breeder is always willing to answer questions no matter how old their "puppy" is. Our interest and commitment to our pups does not end when the puppy buyer walks out the door but continues for the remainder of the dogs life.

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Originally Posted by Dakota Creek

Exactly why puppy buyers should do their homework!

Why would anyone buy a pup without health clearances on both sire and dam with the $$$$ and limited availability of puppies these days ..... a "vet check" or CKC registration does NOT represent health clearances. Besides hips (which can not be certified until the dog is 24 months old), elbows and eye certification, every breed has additional health clearances that can and should be done (like CNM & EIC testing in labs) that good breeders do. You are making a 10 + year commitment (hopefully longer) and why would you not try to start with the healthiest breeding and pup available. The argument that they didn't have time to get all the testing done before the female came into season and they bred the dog anyway is definitely a "red flag" as a good breeder will wait until after that cycle, get the testing complete and then breed on the next cycle.

..........

And as mentioned, a good breeder is always willing to answer questions no matter how old their "puppy" is. Our interest and commitment to our pups does not end when the puppy buyer walks out the door but continues for the remainder of the dogs life.

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These two points right here ^

Health clearances are a non-negotiable these days.

As for the support, my youngest puppy is now four years old. I still go help with training/behaviour questions the odd time one pops up. Gotta say, I'm really pleased to see how they've turned out so it's a nice excuse to check 'em out :thumbup:

Good comments from the last two posters. Well done!
On face book the last while there have been numerous litters for sale. We see on a regular basis NO health clearances posted. They often say Vet checked and believe that is sufficient. What they have told you is their ignorance about breeding.
When I question whether they are registered, have a 5 generation pedigree,have a health warranty, have health clearances(minimum of hips,elbows,EIC,CNM), I often get challenged by the non registered crew who don't believe in what I just posted. Often the comments from the purebred but not registered crew......sorry but without papers ...well you know the answer.
Often these discussions evolve when someone is wanting/selling a silver lab???

There are some good litters out there, most are sold before you see a listing and most are headed to competetive/working homes.

What shocks me is the price people put on some of this stuff. Recently I bred my AFTCH to a very nice female, this is a repeat breeding, likely half yellow, half black pups that are priced below what we are seeing on some of these litters. Check around ,there are some excellent litters to choose from.

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Originally Posted by krakadawn

Good comments from the last two posters. Well done!

.......

What shocks me is the price people put on some of this stuff. Recently I bred my AFTCH to a very nice female, this is a repeat breeding, likely half yellow, half black pups that are priced below what we are seeing on some of these litters. Check around ,there are some excellent litters to choose from.

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Big thanks to the OP for starting this thread and giving the members the opportunity to discuss what we are seeing out there, as well as the chance to discuss the finer points of what to look for to determine a good breeder from the rest.

I saw an ad for a litter of Sheppard pups last week, and I was bored, so I asked what the lines were, health history etc.....she got back to me and said both are pure bred, no history.....I wanted to reply and tell her she was disgusting, as all I picture is seeing a sheppard walking down the street, dragging its hind quarters and wobbling. I let it be...as unfortunately....people will buy these.....thus making a market for them.....

and what are the most common dogs in rescue centres?- Jack Russell Terriers. Pups are SO.........cute - lots of advertising for them- but NOT a dog for a first time pet owner. I've rescued 4 and it has taken all my skills/experience to make them good house pets after they have learned for a +-year to run the show.


edited for spelling

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Originally Posted by Sharon

and what are the most common dog in rescue centres?- Jack Russell Terriers. Pups are SO.........cute - lots of advertising for them- but NOT a dog for a first time pet owner. I've rescued 4 and it has taken all my skills/experience to make them good house pets after they have learned for a +-year to run the show.

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That's the problem. All puppies are cute so people don't want to say no to them. Then puppies grow up, they weren't taught basic obedience and manners, their breed characteristics may be far too different than what the owner wanted but "the puppy was so cute". Or the puppy was so cute and it was *right there * and available, so who cares about health clearances? Uh, you SHOULD. Who wants a sick dog with lifelong gong show vet bills? With careful planning, most of it can be avoided. Because we're talking biology and genetics, it isn't a concrete solution, but good breeders at least try their hardest to ensure their puppies are healthy and have appropriate temperament for their breed.

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Originally Posted by Sharon

and what are the most common dog in rescue centres?- Jack Russell Terriers. Pups are SO.........cute - lots of advertising for them- but NOT a dog for a first time pet owner. I've rescued 4 and it has taken all my skills/experience to make them good house pets after they have learned for a +-year to run the show.

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Sharon,

A little off topic but I actually think there is a business to teach a class called Dog ownership 101 at your local Pet Mart etc. some topics

What breed of dog are you thinking of buying and why. So the instructor would go into the history of the breed and what it was breed for and inherited traits, ie jack Russel's like to dig holes in the ground, collies like to round people into groups.

How much time can you spend exercising a dog, the perspective owners can then eliminate 90 % of their choice.

How much cash have you got to spend on medical...

What shocks me is the price people put on some of this stuff. Recently I bred my AFTCH to a very nice female, this is a repeat breeding, likely half yellow, half black pups that are priced below what we are seeing on some of these litters. Check around ,there are some excellent litters to choose from.[/QUOTE]

I'm sort of looking for a Springer right now and I get Kijiji alerts. I can't believe what people pay for mutts, The"Springadors" and so on. I've seen some ads with 1 or 2 of these left and they're asking $2500 for them! TC

This is why I suggest puppy buyers do their homework particularly when it comes to health clearances! Along with my earlier comment above concerning "they didn't have time to get all the testing done before the female came into season and they bred the dog anyway is definitely a "red flag" as a good breeder will wait until after that cycle, get the testing complete and then breed on the next cycle." No time usually = did not want to spend the money to do the clearances.

This is an e-mail was sent to me this afternoon ......

"Hi I have a 7 year old female I am wanting to breed tomorrow lol do you have stud service? She is from 7 generations of hips elbows and eyes. Her mom pedigree has 27 field trail championships from England. Please let me know ASAP"

My response - "What health clearances does your female have? Hips, elbows, eyes, CNM, EIC? Is she dilute gene clear? Has she had a brucellosis test prior to being bred?"

Their response back - "Hi she has no reg but purebred. We had the mom whom just passed away at Christmas at 13 years. The mom was tested hips elbows and eyes and six generations before that. Our dog has had one litter of Australian Shepard Aussadors which were beautiful pups. I would like her to have a litter of Labrador pups. If you have a stud service let me know. With a price thank you. She will not be tested as it’s none essential by my vet, they are only doing emergency calls."

Needless to say, we politely declined ......

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Originally Posted by Dakota Creek

This is why I suggest puppy buyers do their homework particularly when it comes to health clearances! Along with my earlier comment above concerning "they didn't have time to get all the testing done before the female came into season and they bred the dog anyway is definitely a "red flag" as a good breeder will wait until after that cycle, get the testing complete and then breed on the next cycle." No time usually = did not want to spend the money to do the clearances.

This is an e-mail was sent to me this afternoon ......

"Hi I have a 7 year old female I am wanting to breed tomorrow lol do you have stud service? She is from 7 generations of hips elbows and eyes. Her mom pedigree has 27 field trail championships from England. Please let me know ASAP"

My response - "What health clearances does your female have? Hips, elbows, eyes, CNM, EIC? Is she dilute gene clear? Has she had a brucellosis test prior to being bred?"

Their response back - "Hi she has no reg but purebred. We had the mom whom just passed away at Christmas at 13 years. The mom was tested hips elbows and eyes and six generations before that. Our dog has had one litter of Australian Shepard Aussadors which were beautiful pups. I would like her to have a litter of Labrador pups. If you have a stud service let me know. With a price thank you. She will not be tested as it’s none essential by my vet, they are only doing emergency calls."

Needless to say, we politely declined ......

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Makes me sick to my stomach, as there's so many....just like that. And unfortunately.....a market for it.

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Originally Posted by LiveBates

Makes me sick to my stomach, as there's so many....just like that. And unfortunately.....a market for it.

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Agreed!

Back to my earlier comment -- I like all dogs, it's the people I have trouble with. That person is clearly just out to make a buck on "I promise they're purebred labs". What a lousy thing to do to unsuspecting people who just want a dog to love.

wait a couple of years from now. All these people buying puppies because they are sitting at home with the stay at home orders and working from home. Puppies are great fun to keep you and family entertained. i give it a year after covid has run it's course and we will see all kinds of dogs in recue centre's, as people are going to release the amount of work that goes into having a dog and they don't have the time.

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Originally Posted by sabmgb

wait a couple of years from now. All these people buying puppies because they are sitting at home with the stay at home orders and working from home. Puppies are great fun to keep you and family entertained. i give it a year after covid has run it's course and we will see all kinds of dogs in recue centre's, as people are going to release the amount of work that goes into having a dog and they don't have the time.

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Sad but I believe that to be true. TC

Contact Dana Schultz at [email protected]. She just had a litter of well bred labs, but I don't know if she has any not sold.
There may be another litter planned later in the year.