01/30/2026
I saw this on a fellow breeders page, there is a lot of truth in this post. We constantly get asked if we can discount the price of a puppy, or we get told that we charge to much for one of our puppies. Let’s just call it like it is, we arent too expensive. You just cant afford us, there is no shame in that. We didnt just have thousands of dollars laying around when we purchased our first Min Pin. We had to save up to be able to put enough of a deposit so that we would be able to have the remainder of the purchase price by the time our puppy was ready to come home. So we definitely understand that a family is making a sizable investment into getting a puppy. We are more than willing to try to work with a family however we can, just be straight with us and we can figure something out.
This is a MUST READ for any breed you are thinking about purchasing. You buy the less expensive puppy you will pay more in the long run with vet visits because of potential serious health issues.
POTENTIAL OWNER: How much is the puppy?
BREEDER: $3,000+ dollars.
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 overpriced.
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 you will also have the knowledge of how to do it again.
POTENTIAL OWNER: Perfect, thank you!
BREEDER: To start, you will need a female(average cost $3500 and up)and a male(average cost $3500 and up) or semen (average $2000-$2500 and up). You will need to do & pass OFA Breed specific OFA health testing on them, which averages about $800+ per dog.
Let's not forget progesterone testings, inseminations, ultrasounds, x-rays, semen collections, semen analysis, potentially semen overnight shipping, and so on ($1500+).
Raise and provide daily care, feeding & grooming for two years. (minimal $250 per month) Oh, don’t forget monthly prevention, annual vet visits, and any other additional vet visits.
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I don't have that much money...
BREEDER: For $1200, 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 9-12 weeks to help with delivery and care. ( a million loads of laundry) Another 4-plus weeks to monitor mom and puppies.
POTENTIAL OWNER: twelve weeks?? It's way too much time for me! I have to work.
BREEDER: Plus, You will need to be available for puppy families to call you 24/7 with a worry or concern, no matter the age. You MUST also be ready to take back the puppy/dog at any age if the family has an unforeseen emergency.
BREEDER: You will also need the reproductive vet to do progesterone testing($110/ test ), X-ray to get headcount ($100) & C-section($1000-$5000 if needed), and initial vet care on pups until old enough to be placed ($800+).
Have on hand a scale, thermometer, latex gloves, puppy pads, incubator, oxygen concentrator, nebulizer, heating lamp, whelping box, puppy pen, blankets, toys, bowls, cleaning supplies, appropriate food with supplements for mothers, formula, medications & hand feeding supplies in case of emergency...
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I don't have all these things!
BREEDER: For $5000+, 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 us, there are no vacations or holidays; while you go to visit with family & friends, we are home at our dogs' side caring for them. It is a no-break commitment.
THIS IS THE REALITY
When you choose a reputable person, you aren’t only purchasing the puppy but also knowledge, support, experience, love, time, sacrifices, etc...
**Plus the cost of lifetime support to the puppy owners…
These numbers are just the tip of the iceberg, (best-case scenario!!!) As a reputable breeder who takes on this journey full-time!
Very well said…
*Copied and edited from another breeder*
