Turkeyfan,
The price you pay for your pup is the least amount of money you will spend on the dog throughout its lifetime. With labs, pointers, setters, etc. Your best bet is to spend the most amont of money you can afford toward a good blood line and proven parents in the HUNTING FIELD. When you go to purchase a true Drat (VDD Registered pup) you will not have to look at all the pups and evaluate. The breeder will give you the sex you want and that is it. Every dog in the litter will be a hunter. Some will be stronger at pointing, others maybe little better at rabbit tracking or water work. My point is if I am going to purchase a hunting dog/companion that will be living with me for the next 10-15 years spending the money up front for the pup is the first step into a good investment. Besides the price of your average drat is usually less than the your big time lab kennels.