What Do Puppy Prices Make You Think Of Breeders?

[Christina]

I don't know what people think in general when they buy a puppy, there seems to be no general which is why they buy from everywhere & pay varying amounts.

Most that buy my puppies have had a poodle before & if they haven't I expect them to have done some research & soon fill them in, especially re the grooming & allergy free debatable issue however

While the people regularly on this forum with a high interest in dogs may pay anything for particular lines without disrespect the average pet buyer has no idea of lines & what is behind them or any problems.

They see a pedigree, maybe some champions & its all fabulous & the breeder is great.

[noisymina]

It's been over 20 years since I bought a pup!

Since I don't believe that early de-sexing is a good thing - actually. a very bad thing - I never will be in the market for a pup that is desexed too early. Both from a practical and moral perspective.

My brother and his wife have recently bought two pups - both desexed and one is spey incontinent already - before it is even 12 months old!

Lots of other things wrong with that deal too, but OT here.

No I don't breed - have NEVER had a dog that has bred - ever. I always have had them de-sexed - but at a better time if I do it.

So I guess - IF we ever get another one, it will probably be an older dog that has not yet been de-sexed or has recently been done. Best bet would be an older dog a breeder no longer wants - hasn't made the grade in the show ring or something.

When it comes top the "Mr Average" puppy buyer - like my brother and his wife - there is no logic.

They will pay whatever it takes to get what they believe (rightly or wrongly) is the dog that suits their "needs".

[whippets]

I state the price of pets on my webpage and DoL when I am selling. It really does cut down on all the "price enquiry only" emails. I don't see the point in wasting anyones time.

If I want a quality bred dog and really really want a pup from that line then I am more than happy to pay higher than the "average" going price. Same goes for using studs. I don't see the point of travelling along the road of mediocrity just because something is not in the price range I want.

[Guest Kate_Summer]

I personally think it shouldn't depend on a breed in particular - it should depend on how the pregnancy went & the birth. If the bitch the breeder is using, is very healthy, then I assume there shouldn't be any complications. I would hope that the price I pay includes things that should be done as soon as the bitch becomes pregnant (vet checks, pups x-rays, extra vitamins/food), pups vet checked, vaccinated & wormed, micro-chipped, registered CCQ.

I do not know if a bitch needs to be hip/elbow/x-rays before each litter (I don't think a reputable breeder can breed from the same very many times?), but I wouldn't think that the fact that parents were 'x-rayed' should be added to the cost of each pups. I also sure hope that if a bitch has to have a c-section, that she isn't bred from again (but then I don't really know if this is an indication of bad breeding or not??) But I would expect a percentage of any necessary vet cost during pregnancy to be added to the cost of each pup.

At the price that each pups is usually sold I find it hard to believe that they aren't making a little extra, but that most be for the breeders time for throughout the pregnancy, during birth & to bring up the pups.

[Aziah]

I personally think it shouldn't depend on a breed in particular - it should depend on how the pregnancy went & the birth. If the bitch the breeder is using, is very healthy, then I assume there shouldn't be any complications. I would hope that the price I pay includes things that should be done as soon as the bitch becomes pregnant (vet checks, pups x-rays, extra vitamins/food), pups vet checked, vaccinated & wormed, micro-chipped, registered CCQ.

I do not know if a bitch needs to be hip/elbow/x-rays before each litter (I don't think a reputable breeder can breed from the same very many times?), but I wouldn't think that the fact that parents were 'x-rayed' should be added to the cost of each pups. I also sure hope that if a bitch has to have a c-section, that she isn't bred from again (but then I don't really know if this is an indication of bad breeding or not??) But I would expect a percentage of any necessary vet cost during pregnancy to be added to the cost of each pup.

At the price that each pups is usually sold I find it hard to believe that they aren't making a little extra, but that most be for the breeders time for throughout the pregnancy, during birth & to bring up the pups.

I don't believe puppy buyers should 'pay the price' for a bitch who may have required a c-section or who was bred to expensive frozen semen...

Even a very healthy bitch can require an emergency c-section for a myriad of reasons.

[TsarsMum]

I picked the last one. i am a newbie to my breed and the price difference was why i went east. I was not going to pay nearly double for the same breed of dog. I dont know enough about bloodlines etc for it to matter.

[Guest Kate_Summer]

I personally think it shouldn't depend on a breed in particular - it should depend on how the pregnancy went & the birth. If the bitch the breeder is using, is very healthy, then I assume there shouldn't be any complications. I would hope that the price I pay includes things that should be done as soon as the bitch becomes pregnant (vet checks, pups x-rays, extra vitamins/food), pups vet checked, vaccinated & wormed, micro-chipped, registered CCQ.

I do not know if a bitch needs to be hip/elbow/x-rays before each litter (I don't think a reputable breeder can breed from the same very many times?), but I wouldn't think that the fact that parents were 'x-rayed' should be added to the cost of each pups. I also sure hope that if a bitch has to have a c-section, that she isn't bred from again (but then I don't really know if this is an indication of bad breeding or not??) But I would expect a percentage of any necessary vet cost during pregnancy to be added to the cost of each pup.

At the price that each pups is usually sold I find it hard to believe that they aren't making a little extra, but that most be for the breeders time for throughout the pregnancy, during birth & to bring up the pups.

I don't believe puppy buyers should 'pay the price' for a bitch who may have required a c-section or who was bred to expensive frozen semen...

Even a very healthy bitch can require an emergency c-section for a myriad of reasons.

That's interesting as I read sometimes ago on this very website that some times pup could be more expensive if the bitch hd required a c-section - I guess when it comes to that, the breeders decide if they add it or not?

Shame you're not breeding GSD haha!

ETA - I'm not meaning that GSD breeders charged for all that.

Edited September 17, 2010 by Kate_Summer

[Fleuri]

I guess the thing I am learning here is the people who are mostly likely to be good homes and understand the breed are the people who are not going to ask about price till they have "proven' themselves and scooped me out in return.

I don't agree with this. I ask about price because I can't afford to spend $3000. There is no point wasting a breeder or my time when I can't afford what they're selling.

I love my dogs very much, and while I'm not a perfect owner they are fed a good balance of raw and premium, they are walked twice a day, they are obedience trained and do agility for fun. I am, compared to many owners I see, a good dog owner. My dogs are well behaved and content.

I think that when there are set "rules" and people get rejected for asking the "wrong" question to early on then good homes get passed up. I think you need to spend time talking to potential homes and getting to know them, rather than dismissing people early on.

Fair enough. I understand.

But I have gotten emails that JUST say "how much" and leave it at. That just strikes me as odd.

There was a big debate about this a while ago.

I got my head chewed off for saying people just asking "how much" got put at the bottom of my list.

Yes, this does seem like a very touchy subject doesnt? But I am also desexing pups at 8weeks which a lot of people dont approve of so I will tread water and gather input.

Yes, the people who have JUST asked me how much are put on the bottom of my list but I will give them a chance to redeem themselves. I think puppy buyers SHOULD shop around but they should also ask to see what they are paying for. If I added in the desexing price to my total price then my pups would be above average and people may write them off without every asking about them. If they dont want to put enough effort into scanning me then I dont feel I should make them a main priority.

I think that it's just the culture in Australia that people just pay for whatever the asking price is. If one loaf of bread costs $4.00, if they have the money then thats what they pay (sometimes even if they think it's too much) . Where in for one example Argentina no one would buy it even if they could afford it, because they see it as getting ripped off, It will just sit there for a few days and then the shop brings the price down and the bread sells out.

Maybe in the US if you did include the price of desexing + $800 people may get put off. I don't know if in the US they have that mind set.

Good luck you sound like you really love your dogs and Yes I have noticed the prices of "some" US well breed dogs compared to the once here, US seams less expensive.

Tempted to buy overseas only that bringing it over here would cost equal or more than a dog from here.

Edited September 17, 2010 by Fleuri

[Gayle.]

I personally don't care what breeders charge for their puppies, but if I ask, I'd like to be told so that I can decide whether I can afford it or not.

I do have a problem with bullshit excuses as to why some breeds cost so much. Rare breeds when they're not, small litters when they often don't, and high medical expenses when I truly think that if you're having to pay $6000-8000 in vet fees to whelp a litter, you really shouldn't be breeding from that bitch because she clearly has something seriously wrong with her.

Why not just say "That's the average price for this breed, so that's what I'm charging".

Rare doesn't always equate to desirable, some breeds are just not what people want to own.

[poodlemum]

A breeder can charge whatever they want to charge for THEIR property. If a potential purchaser doesn't like it, then they are more than welcome to walk away.

Totally agree Ellz!

[lovemesideways]

We paid more than $800 for both our labs.

I could have gone to quite a few different breeders and gotten a different dog for less money. Money wasn't what I was looking for though. I wanted these specific dogs from these specific lines.

Just because someone is selling their dog for more does not mean they're in it for the money.

And because someone wants to pay more than $800 for a dog doesn't mean they're ignorant.

[Jaxx'sBuddy]

I dont feel anyone should be charging 3000+ for a pet.

I don't think anyone should be charging $3000+ for a handbag. But if there are buyers happy to pay that for the very one they want, who am I to stand in their way.

That doesn't mean all the other handbag makers should lower their prices to make handbags affordable for everyone.

Edit: I dont want to fight about puppy prices.

The point of my thread was to find out how people view breeders and their prices. I am looking for the BEST homes for my pups and I know a lot of GREAT homes who just cant afford "average' pet prices.

but you have also been quite dismissive and arrogant about puppy buyers who are prepared to

pay $3000 for the breed of their choice.

[Jaxx'sBuddy]

I dont feel anyone should be charging 3000+ for a pet. If it is a guarantee working dog ect. then yes, I can agree. But come on. On a puppy? Theres a million dogs dying right now if you just want one to sit on the chair next to you IMO. IF people want to dish the money then its their money and their choice. I just happen to think it is insane.

i find that statement really insulting.