Was thinking I might like a field Golden

I am starting to kick around the idea of adding a retriever to my kennel to run hunt tests and retrieve ducks when the weather gets too cold for my versatile dog. I had a Labrador in the past and with the exception of the health problems ( knee's ) she was a wonderful dog, I am a bit gunshy about Labs for this reason. I have looked at a couple of kennel websites and couldn't believe the price people want for Golden's. $1500-$1800 REALLY? Is this the norm? I plan to make it too a few hunt tests in 2013 and hopefully I can watch some Golden's work.

It seems the prices of puppies are getting higher and higher. Alot of the pricing involves numerous health clearances being done on the Sire and Dam which aren't cheap to have done.

Mine was $2,500. Get the best breeding you can afford.

Evan

If $1500 is the norm, wouldnt you be afraid to get one for $500??
Im a Golden guy, good luck with your search!

It's the going rate. If well bred field labs are cheaper, which I question, I wonder if it's due to the fact that there are many more litters of field labs on the market.

You're going to spend all kinds of money on that dog throughout its lifetime; don't sweat the initial cost to get a well-bred puppy with health clearances, etc. My current field golden cost something north of the range you're quoting above.

it's on the lower end of the norm for a well bred golden.
Here's an interesting article written by John and Amy Dahl which discusses the 3 "big" retrieving breeds. While there certainly are exceptions to everything, they have a lot of experience and it's worth a read.
http://www.oakhillkennel.com/library/breeds.html

As with anything get the best you can reasonably afford.
With a dog, the actual price for the pup is small in comparison to what you will spend on it during it's expected 10-14 years lifespan.

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Originally Posted by hotel4dogs

it's on the lower end of the norm for a well bred golden.
Here's an interesting article written by John and Amy Dahl which discusses the 3 "big" retrieving breeds. While there certainly are exceptions to everything, they have a lot of experience and it's worth a read.
http://www.oakhillkennel.com/library/breeds.html

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Great article Barb. Thanks for posting.

Check out:

http://www.frontiernet.net/~choctaw/choctawlitters.htm

Well priced puppies AND well-bred.
Goldens since 1985.
Sue