05/01/2023
Copied from another breeder:
POTENTIAL OWNER: How much is the puppy?
BREEDER: $2500 - $3500
POTENTIAL OWNER: What?? It's way too expensive!!
BREEDER: What do you think would be a good price?
POTENTIAL OWNER: No more than $500. You breeders are so over priced.
BREEDER: I am sorry you see it this way, why don't you try it yourself?
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I've never done it!
BREEDER: For FREE I can teach you how to do it, and in addition you will have the knowledge to do it again.
POTENTIAL OWNER: Perfect, thank you!
BREEDER: To start you will need a female (average cost $3000 and up). Also a male (average cost $3000 and up) or semen (average $1500 and up plus cost for insemination). You will need to show them to their championship to show they meet the breed standard (MINIMALLY $2000 with travel & fees if you do it yourself). You will need to do genetic & health testing on them, averages about $750 - $1000 per dog. Raise and provide daily care, feeding & grooming for 2+ years. (So minimal $150 per month.)
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I don't have that much money...
BREEDER: For $500 you can raise a litter and then keep one of the puppies. Obviously, you will pay the cost of whelping & care.
POTENTIAL OWNER: I can do that.
BREEDER: OK so I have a female due to whelp in 2 weeks. You will need to be available 24/7 around the clock for at least 8 - 10 weeks to help with delivery and care, vet check appts, etc.
POTENTIAL OWNER: Eight weeks?? It's way too much time for me! I have to work.
BREEDER: You will also need the reproductive vet to do x-rays($200-$500), ultrasound (around $200), progesterone testing($75-$250), & possibly C-section($1000-$5000) as well as initial vet care, raising and socialization of pups until old enough to be placed.
Have on hand a scale, thermometer, latex gloves, sanitizer, absorbent tissues, scissors, hemostats, heating pad, whelping box, blankets, cleaning supplies, appropriate food with supplements for mothers, formula, medications & hand feeding supplies and your repro vet's phone number in case of emergency.
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I don't have all these things!
BREEDER: For $1000 you can buy them.
POTENTIAL OWNER: Ummm .... You know, I think it might be better if I just buy a puppy.
BREEDER: Wise decision.
For breeders there are no vacations or holidays, while you go to visit with family & friends we are home at our dog's side caring for them. It is a 'no breaks' commitment.
THIS IS THE REALITY
When you choose a professional you don't only pay for the puppy but also tools, knowledge, experience, love, time, sacrifices, etc. ๐ค๐ค๐ค๐ค