What is the average cost of a Labrador?

In 2010, a well-bred purebred Labrador retriever bred by a reputable, AKC-registered breeder whose dogs have earned "champion" awards at multiple events would charge between $700 and $1500 for well-bred puppies. Such puppies should be kitchen-whelped and kitchen-raised, handled and played with by humans of all ages from birth, and the dam and sire should both be clear of hip displasia and any eye problems; in that price range a puppy should also come with a guarantee about hip and eye issues and the breeder should also offer to take the dog back at any time in the future should the adoptive owner not be able to care for the dog. The puppies should also look like show Labradors and have stocky builds and flat skulls and a thick otter tail, and be solid in color (yellow, chocolate or black).

Beware the many Labrador puppy scams out there: puppy mills where dogs are raised in abysmal conditions without regard for the breed, quality of life, etc. "Silver" Labs also do not actually exist (they actually a Weimeraner/Lab mix).

Adopting dogs that do not meet these criteria is akin to adopting a dog from the shelter or pound, which is low cost or free most places, so don't pay exorbitant prices for puppies that you could as easily adopt from a shelter or pound for free.

Do your homework about the breed in general and about reputable Lab breeders before adopting a purebred dog--and if you don't care about purebred dogs, then adopt from your local shelter or pound instead.