I would look at the Gun Dog Forum in the Refuge Forums (Google it). A lot of strong opinions concerning the breeds (no suprise there), but you can get a good idea of the prices and availablility of dogs, whether right from the litter, or at various stages of training. I was initially surprised at the cost of a "started" or "finished" dog, but when you consider the time put in to training and what you get, the cost is not that crazy.

I agree that $3k is crazy. You can get an awesome pure bred papered for $500 around here. I personally think the papers aren't that big of an issue. I've had labs both ways, they are always awesome dogs. My only concerns with the "breeders" is over breeding, which has become a huge issue in recent years - as I'm sure you know.

How about name him "Powder" (as in Black Powder)

Although, if it was a girl dog it might be more fitting...LOL

Hickory Ramrod, or even Breechplug.

The lab I have now I paid $35 for. A couple my wife and I know had a couple of their labs get together that weren't suppose to. I guess I got lucky because she is the smartest and most loyal dog I have ever owned. She is a smaller lab but she is super strong and would work herself to death before she would ever quit on you. I have seen a lot of those high priced dogs that just don't cut the mustard. With dogs I don't think you always get what you pay for, just my opinion.

My last one was named Number Seven. But that's because I won the money to purchase him at a Casino, on a Sizzlin Seven Slot machine on the seventh quarter, he was the seventh in a litter of seven to be born and the seventh one sold. So I called him Number Seven. Although he answered to a lot of names depending on my anger meter.

I always say... you get a pup and something or circumstances surrounding them, will tell you there name. I remember my friend got a Cairn Terrier. I went with him to get it. And he was holding the dog on his lap on the ride home while I drove. And he looked at the dog and said.. your name is Waldo. Just that simple. He said the first name that came in his head when he saw the dog was Waldo. And it really did seem to fit him. Although I like naming my dogs rather strange names. So I am no help to you.

Hey Breech,
I bought mine from a breeder on the Eastern shore Of MD. One thing shore guys know is duck and goose hunting dogs. Mine came with a blood line as long as you are tall. I paid $1k and he's worth every penny. Not only a great water dog but an even better family dog with our 4 year old son. So check out breeders to your south and maybe enjoy a weekend on the Chesapeke Bay.

You must have read my mind as my second thought was (Black Powder) or Powder or something along those names, also like Semi mentioned mabey even (BP) Breechplig
As for Papers, it's only because someday I may want to breed him, I could Kick Myself in the A$$ for not breeding Sabbath as he was a very special Lab with Outstanding Qualities.
$500-$600 is the going rate around here too, there's some good blood lines too....this is gonna be hard.
(BP)

Connie thought of Breechplug too.....I like Ramrod also.
(BP)

Sabbath had a Champion Hunting Bloodline in him, he was a Tracker and a Duck Chasin Machine, he lived to run after things. I teach all my digs myself, some of my friends even say I should do it for a living as they could noit believe how smart my Lad Sabbath was. If I told him to Stay he would stay put forever untill I said OK, even when I fed him I could fill his dish and go outside and he would'nt touch one drop untill I said OK. One time I Forgot to tell him OK and I went to the store, when I came back home he was still waiting for the (OK).
He even ignored other dogs when they came by, he was all about himself and very well trained.
When I find the right one I'll know, it's just finding the one with so many around to chose from, Im looking.
(BP)