I am also looking for a lab puppy over here in Ireland and finding the same thing. And very little chance of getting on a reputable breeders list - one so called 'reputable breeder has no plans for any more litters until sometime in 2021, but he would happily take €150 deposit from me to secure a place on the waiting list for those as yet unborn puppies! I don't think so.

More than happy to put a deposit on an existing pup or even a litter from a bitch that is already in pup but I really though he was pushing it frankly.
Prices have rocketed during the pandemic and suddenly everyone who was at home wanted a puppy - I have already seen two VERY worrying posts on FB pages from the new novice dog/pup owners struggling hugely and wanting help or any suggestions how they can rehome as they are going back to work
Fortunately I have made contact with someone who I was already friends with but had totally forgotten is an experienced and reputable dog breeder who hopes to have a litter ready this autumn and I will hopefully have one of those pups.
Thats if I am not tempted to get one of the dumped on rescue glut of unwanted pups that will be appearing very soon
