Labradoodle Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!

Without a doubt, Labradoodles are one of the most popular dog breeds out there. This loveable cross between a poodle and a Labrador is outgoing, playful, eager to please, and affectionate with both humans and dogs. As an added bonus, they’re hypoallergenic. But as with any dog, there are significant costs associated with buying a Labradoodle. These include the initial purchase cost, vet bills, insurance, dog food, and much more. Read on to find out more about Labradoodle prices.

How Much Does a Labradoodle Puppy Cost?

The average cost of a Labradoodle puppy is $1,500 to $2,500. However, prices can go as low as $100 or as high as $4,000. The cost of any given puppy depends in large part on where you buy them. Adult dogs will typically cost less than a comparable puppy. Below is a discussion of the costs of puppies and dogs acquired from various sources as well as a summary table of available options.

Reputable/Professional Breeders

A Labradoodle puppy from a reputable/professional dog breeder will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,000. This is usually the most expensive source of a new puppy, but it’s also the source likeliest to ensure good genetics, suitable living conditions, early socialization, and healthy dogs. Reputable breeders have the training and experience to ethically breed and raise dogs to a certain standard and are held accountable for their practices. Not only that, but ensuring that your puppy comes from a good home makes it less likely that you’ll have to shell out huge amounts of money down the road in vet bills.

Keep in mind that breeders will likely require a deposit before they reserve you a puppy. This can run you between $200 and $600.

Pet Shelters/Adoption Agencies

One of the best ways to acquire a new dog is to search your local pet shelters and adoption agencies. Depending on the shelter, you could get a Labradoodle for as little as $100 to $500. Adults are likely to cost less than puppies since they have a prior history. In addition to getting a new best friend, you’ll be saving a deserving dog from a life without a forever home and possibly from euthanasia.

Backyard Breeders

Backyard breeders are amateurs who breed and raise puppies privately – in their “backyards,” so to speak. These breeders often mean well but don’t have the credentials, experience, or supervision necessary to consistently and ethically produce healthy litters. Anyone buying a puppy from a source like this risks substandard genetics and underlying health issues, which will cost more down the road and lower the dog’s quality of life. The price of a Labradoodle puppy from this type of breeder averages $1,000 to $1,500, though some go for significantly less. Be wary of buying puppies online without checking the reliability of the source or the credentials of the breeder.

Puppy Mills

Puppy mills may offer dogs for less-than-average prices – as low as $500 for a Labradoodle puppy – but animal protection agencies like the ASPCA do not recommend purchasing dogs bred in these facilities. Usually, the goal of a puppy mill is to turn out and sell as many puppies as possible to make a profit without adequate consideration for breeding standards, the health of the puppies, or the suitability of the breeding environment. Not only is this likely to cost future owners more in vet bills, but it’s also cruel to the animals. When searching for a suitable Labradoodle, do your best to find one from either a reputable groomer or a pet shelter.

Summary Table of Labradoodle Purchase Prices

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Labradoodle

A number of factors besides the source of the puppy or dog will impact the price of a Labradoodle. Some of these factors include lineage, gender, age, size, coat type and eye color, location, and demand.

Lineage

Puppies from a good lineage are likelier to have solid genetics and come from a reputable breeder. This increases their market value. If you want a puppy from a specific lineage, be prepared to pay significantly more than you would for an ordinary puppy.

Gender

Gender may or may not influence the price of a Labradoodle puppy. Many people insist that males are more affectionate but more aggressive while females are moodier but run away less often. Though there may be something to this, the personality of a dog depends more on its genetics and breeding than its gender.

Age

Obviously, a Labradoodle further along in life has fewer years left and is therefore considered less desirable. As a general rule, puppies cost more than adults and adults cost more than seniors.

Size

Though most Labradoodles are large in size, some breeders produce toy or miniature Labradoodles. Toys and minis will usually cost more than their regular-sized counterparts, potentially upwards of $3,000. This is due to the increased difficulty in breeding them. Be aware that these tiny Labradoodles often suffer more health issues than larger dogs, meaning vet bills will be higher.

Coat Type and Eye Color

Labradoodles with solid coats (e.g., gold, cream, and tan) are generally lower in cost. Labradoodles with rare or multi-colored coats (e.g., parti, phantom, tuxedo, and chocolate) will cost more. Additionally, Labradoodles with curly or wavy coats cost more than their straight-coated cousins, partly because they are likelier to be hypoallergenic. As for eye color, blue-eyed Labradoodles are rare and therefore are likely to sit near the top of the breed’s price range.

Breeder Reputation

A breeder with a good reputation and more experience will breed puppies to a higher standard. This means fewer health problems or genetic issues. It also means higher prices.

Location

The cost of buying and owning a Labradoodle will typically match the cost of living in your town or state. Labradoodle puppies in major cities and densely populated states can cost up to $1,000 more than comparable puppies from smaller towns and rural areas.

Demand

Right now, Labradoodles are in high demand. That means their price is high. So be prepared to pay a higher price now than you might have before their popularity soared.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Labradoodles

Medical expenses for your dog make up a significant portion of what you’ll end up spending on them. These include vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and ongoing vet costs per year.

Initial Medical Expenses for Labradoodles

Here are a few initial and one-time costs associated with bringing home a Labradoodle.

Initial Checkups and Vaccinations

A vital part of bringing home a new puppy is taking them to the vet for their initial checkup. The vet will be able to tell you if there are any health concerns upfront and ensure all their vaccinations are up to date. This checkup usually runs between $100 and $300. If the breeder hasn’t already taken care of the puppy’s first vaccines, you’ll have to get those done to the tune of $75 to $300. Therefore, prepare to pay between $175 and $600 for your puppy’s initial checkup and vaccinations.

Spaying/Neutering

Most breeders and local laws require you to spay or neuter your puppy. This prevents them from producing substandard or unwanted dogs that have to be sheltered or euthanized. It also protects breeders from competition. You can expect to pay $50 to $600 to sterilize your puppy. This typically needs to be done within a few weeks of bringing them home if the breeder hasn’t already taken care of it.

Microchipping

Microchipping is a fantastic way to keep your dog safe and find them should they run away. Your breeder may also require it. This one-time expense typically costs between $40 and $75.

Ongoing Yearly Vet Costs

Overall, you should prepare to spend around $2,000 annually to keep an average Labradoodle in good health. Keep in mind, this number could be significantly more or less depending on the individual dog. It also doesn’t include the initial costs associated with bringing a puppy home.

Cost of Food and Supplies for Labradoodles

There are a number of supplies you need to keep on hand for your Labradoodle in addition to providing for their daily nutritional needs.

Food

Food is a routine purchase that your dog can’t do without. With this in mind, you don’t just want to buy any old dog food, you want to buy something that’s going to be both nutritious for your dog and gentle on your wallet. The monthly cost of food for a Labradoodle is around $35 to $70. This comes to an annual average of $420 to $840. Check out this article for a list of the best dog foods out there.

Dog Dishes

Your dog will need dog dishes to hold their food and water. The best material is stainless steel, which is resistant to bacteria and rust and is easy to clean. A good set of dog dishes will cost you between $10 and $20.

Dog Crate and Dog Bed

You’ll need a good dog crate or kennel for your Labradoodle. This will cost you $50 to $100, though some higher-quality crates may run you well over $300. You may also want to invest in a dog bed, which usually starts at around $50.

Leash and Collar

You absolutely cannot do without a good-quality leash and collar. You can expect to pay between $15 and $50 for this core requirement. Make sure to add an ID tag inscribed with your dog’s name and your phone number in case your pup gets lost. Many pet stores sell these and some will engrave them for a small fee.

Toys

Dogs get bored just like humans, and Labradoodles are no exception. Your playful pup will need a way of staving off boredom with a few durable toys. You’ll want to set aside $20 to $50 for an initial set of dog toys. If your dog is a power chewer, expect to replace their toys periodically.

Doggie Bags

Responsible pet owners always clean up after their dogs. This means keeping a good supply of doggie bags on hand, both in the house and when you go on walks. Expect to shell out $10 to $20 for an initial batch of doggie bags.

Puppy Training Pads

When you first bring your puppy home, they may or may not be house-trained. Chances are, you’ll need to take on this chore. You can start with a large pack of dog training pads for between $30 and $40.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Labradoodle?

Not every pet owner decides to insure their dog, but if you do decide to go that route, you’ll want to have some idea of the cost. Typically, pet insurance for a Labradoodle runs about $20 to $40 per month. More comprehensive plans will cost more.

How Much Does a Dog License Cost?

Most states, cities, and towns require you to license your pet. This is usually a yearly expense costing between $10 to $20.

How Much Does It Cost to Groom a Labradoodle?

Labradoodles require regular grooming whether by you or by a professional. Below are the associated costs.

Professional Grooming

You’ll probably want to have your Labradoodle professionally groomed a few times a year. Costs vary depending on the groomer, but you’ll likely end up paying around $300 to $400 a year. This is based on an estimate of three to four sessions a year at around $100 per session.

Grooming Supplies

You’ll need to have grooming supplies on hand to keep your Labradoodle groomed and comfortable. You can expect to spend between $30 and $160 on home grooming supplies depending on the quality and how much grooming you want to take on yourself.

How Much Does It Cost to Train a Labradoodle?

Training classes usually cost between $30 and $80 for group classes. Private classes will likely cost more. Training classes are a great long-term investment that will pay off in the years to come.

Conclusion

Before bringing home your new friend, make sure you’ve accounted for Labradoodle expenses, including all of the above costs. This will save you from unpleasant surprises and ensure you and your dog can enjoy many happy years together.