Please help me choosing a puppy.?

Question

Hi, my family is welcoming out first pet for this Christmas. We want a yellow lab or a retriever. The prices range from $200-$1000. I understand that is due to pure-bred or not, age, and whether if it comes with vet-check, deworming, etc.

Now please someone help me:
1. How much does it cost to get "Vet-check/ Deworming/ 1st&2nd sets of shots/ Microchiped"

2. I hear alot about "Hip & Eye" problems. Is there any way to check if the puppy is ok when we go on site to choose one? (ie: move the legs certain way, feel the joints of the hip etc?!)

Thank you for your help !

Answer 1

First off, any good breeder will not sell a puppy for Christmas. So if you find a breeder that will, avoid them.

Vet check, deworming and appropriate shots for their age should be included, avoid any breeder that does not do this.

Ask to see the parent's OFA or PennHip certification for hips and their CERF certification for eyes. There is no way to know for sure about the puppies, but if the parents have good hips and eyes then the puppies are more likely to.

Here is what the Labrador Club has to say about selecting a puppy:
http://www.thelabradorclub.com/library/selectpuppy.html

and the Golden Retriever Club
http://www.grca.org/PEC/

EDIT: A good breeder does not necessarily have the sire, good breeders frequently use stud dogs belonging to other breeders to try to improve their line. However, they should have a picture of him, plus copies of his certifications (or should be able to get them for you). If he lives in the area his owner would likely let you meet him.

Answer 2

Hi there....first off...what do you mean by "or a retriever"? There are MANY kinds of retrievers...Labs (yellow, black,chocolate), Goldens, Chesapeake Bay, Flat Coat...only to name a few...
Purebred dogs often come with a "health guarantee" when purchased from a breeder. They have the parents checked for all kinds of genetic disorders and will do the initial shots and vet-check and deworming for you (included in purchase price). Many will have the puppy microchipped as well. In the case of a non-breeding contract, they will give you the papers for the dog once he or she is neutered/spayed and you show them the vet bill. While it is more expensive to purchase a purebred dog, there are advantages (as above). Should the dog end up having any genetic disorders (such as hip dysplasia) the breeders USUALLY (if they are reputable) will offer you another puppy for free or refund the price of purchase.
If you buy from a pet store (or puppy mill) you are on your own and there are no guarantees of any kind. If they offer you "papers"...beware...they are not usually AKC registration papers...just something that tells you what the dogs is (no lineage, etc). Buyer beware.
If you are not "set" on a purebred dog, consider rescuing one from a shelter. Out of my 4 dogs, 3 are rescues (1 Border Collie, 1 Black Lab and 1 Beagle). My 4th dog is a purebred Border Collie.
I cannot help you as far as prices go. I am in Canada and the prices would be different, I am sure. Usually up here a vet check and vaccinations is around $75 plus tax. Deworming can be done through products you can purchase (for less money) at the local pet store.
Hope this helps. Good luck in your search. Try the "breed clubs" and "AKC" (I assume you are in USA) to find reputable breeders if you are going that way.

Answer 3

The vaccines depends on the vet. Some vets willgive you a puppy special there is one near me and this includes the first 3 shots ( booster shots) stool samples, and vet visit, It also includes having the dog fixed at 6 mnths and cost $200 which you can do in payments. Microchipping in itself is cheap but check into the registring the chip this can get expensive.
As far as teh hips. You should look for a breeder who has all the genetic testing done on both the dog (male) and ***** (female). A lot of teh problems don't show up for 2 years and that is why the parents shouldn't be bred before 2 years and be tested before breeding. YOu should also look for a breeder that guarantees against genetic faults for at least 3 years.
Something else to consider. If you have a lot going on at Christmas it isn't advisable to get teh dog (pup) then but wait until you have the time for the pup. A Lot of people either have a lot of company and time not put into the pup or if you will be doing a lot of visiting wait until after to get teh pup.

Answer 4

You've just outlined all the reasons to buy from a Reputable Breeder...

1) Add Neutering or Spay - You're looking at between $300-$500 (total) depending on where you live. There are 3 rounds of shots total, not 2. If you buy from a reputable breeder, the first round of shots and worming will be taken care of. If you buy from a BYB, they don't take care of these.

2) Dogs can't be tested for hip problems until they've matured. Both Labs and Goldens have notorious problems with dysplacia. If you buy from a reputable breeder, they will perform CERF (Eye) and OFA (Hip) testing on their breeding dogs. If the parents are clear, the puppies have a better chance of not having eye and hip problems as both are genetic. A BYB doesn't perform testing because that would take away from the money they're making.

Find a reputable breeder - You might pay more, but it's worth it in the long run.

Answer 5

Going through a good, reputable breeder is going to be key in ruling out most hip/eye problems. Good breeders will have the parents' hips and eyes certified *before* breeding them. You can see the lineage paperwork and veiw one or both of the parents. NEVER buy from a breeder that you don't meet in person, and prefferable buyfrom one who has at least one of the parent in their home. Normally vets will have what's called a "puppy package". this includes all vaccinations for the first year and deworming. the packs usually run around $100-150.00. microchipping runs between $30-50.00 depending on the vet. A good breeder will have first set and first deworming done prior to puppy going home, along with the dewclaws being removed. Good luck and congrats!
Added: If you get your puppy altered around 6 months old, the procedure should only run you between $90-120.00. (more with the laser procedure) Neutering is always cheaper than spaying, but ultimately it goes by weight as to what they charge.

Answer 6

Alot of the things you mentioned will depend on how you train the dog and socialize your dog. I have a doberman and a pit bull and my dogs love kids and get along with every one. You need to research the breeds you want or go to your local animal rescue and find a cute puppy. Thousands of homeless pets are euthanized every day so I believe in rescuing. Be extra careful if you buy from a breeder. The ones you want to avoid are the backyard breeders. The is a series of tests each dog should have before they are breed for pups. Ask questions, does the mother or father had any kind of medical or behavior problems. These will most likely be some that you will have to take control of yourself. Remember that owning a pet is a big commitment and they need daily exercise at least 30 minutes of walking and love to be with the people. Don't get one if you are just going to stick it outside on a chain, I would much rather see it killed then live a miserable life. Just do alot of reading about the breed you decide on before getting one.

Answer 7

Vet checks/deworming/1st&2nd shots will vary depending on location.
Have you thought about rescuing a pup from a shelter? There are lots of young ones that would make a great family pet and the will already have all their shots and worming.

I would really think twice about micro-chipping though. Recent documentation has been released showing that animals with microchips are developing Cancer around the chip. I have included 3 articles about this cancer.

After reading and investigating on my own, I would not microchip my dogs. I understand people wanting to keep their dogs safe, but I'm not willing to increase their chances of getting Cancer to do it.

Answer 8

microchips cost a little over $50, and then about $12 to add the info. i would say on the first few vet checks and shots, you may spend anywhere ranging from $100 (including microchiping) to $150 but im not too sure. and before you go to pick out that lucky pup, i would ask the vet that you are planning on taking him to, to see if there is any way to determine if the dog will have future hip problems. i wouldnt know that, i have never owned a lab before, but do pet sit for neighbors all the time, and none have had hip or eye problems, so i wouldnt worry about it too much.

Answer 9

A reputable breeder will offer a health guarantee, have both parents on site and certifications on the parents hips, elbows and jaw in some cases. They will also have a detailed linage of the breed specific history. Your price range is right on but let me share with you something clearly. You could find a great pup for the $200. But again, no hip/health guarantee means you are setting up yourself to have a emotional pitfall years down the road after you have already bonded with your dog. Get a health guarantee covering this info. When you pay the much higher prices you are then on hte level of show dogs or dogs proven track records in sport, agility and so on.

Research the breed making sure your lifestyle fits that of that breed so you can offer the maximum life for yuor best friend and not be sending him/her back b/c of your failure to research that breed clearly.

Also, GREAT adoptions and non profits could also be a good choice and they have puppies too. No need for the paperwork unless you plan on being a breeder.

Answer 10

I have had many dogs in my life and the dog I have now is easily the most loving, wonderful dog I have ever had. He has a wonderful disposition and loves children and other dogs.

It is a HAVANESE. My dog is a Havenese mixed scotch terrier and weighs about 15 lbs.

When you get a puppy, either from a pet store or a family breeder, everything you mention is done before you buy them. At least it is where we live in Canada.

When I buy a puppy, is study it for a while, and take note of whether he is energetic, happy, playful etc. If he is, that is the one I buy. It is like having a child, you don't just take the baby when it is born, if it is perfectly healthy. You take the child and love him/her and whatever health problems it may get, you deal with it as you go along.