Thanks, all. The wife's a bit strange sometimes; she says she doesn't want another lab (mostly because they're big and energetic), but she's okay with a Golden Retriever, which in my experience is almost as large and more hyper still. I personally love just about everything that barks.

I realize that $300 is a low price point, but I think it's insane that people pay so much for a pedigree (translates fairly well to in-breeding, which leads to health problems and exceptional stupidity, in far too many cases). I'm not expecting a show quality (or, really, even pure bred) dog at that price. Besides, I will go up a little if it proves necessary.

It seems likely we will end up rescuing something. Most of the rescue shelters these days seem to charge a $300-$350 adoption fee for puppies, to cover the cost of shots and sterilization. Right in my wheelhouse, there.

Thanks again, and I'll post pics as requested.