07/18/2024
Want to know why good ethical breeders rarely make money off of puppies?
Let's start off by defining what an ethical breeder is. To be an ethical breeder the main goal should be to better a breed and preserve the qualities that make a breed what it is. While some breeders may focus on certain areas of interest (ex- diversity, sports, service prospects), in general all ethical breeders -should- be bettering a breed, health testing to CHIC or beyond, and proving their dogs in a ring and through titling. They should not be breeding off standard dogs (merle, dogs that lack type, dogs that do not meet the written breed standard, etc.) or breeding for color or money only.
I want to make it clear I am currently not a breeder but it is a huge goal of mine. While it is still unclear if I will breed Calypso I can give you a rough numerical breakdown of what I have spent in the past 12 months to try and see if she is a dog even worthy of being bred.
Dog Show Entry and Travel: $x,### (I honestly don't know this exact number but it is a LOT)
Dog Sports and Titling: $x,### (another scary number I don't really know)
Embark Genetic Panel (coat traits and genetics): $120
Orivet PRA-RCD4 Test: $70
UC Davis Genetic Testing (EDS, MDR1, Hereditary Cataracts): $70
Dayblindness Test CAGT: $80
UC Davis Diversity Testing: $85
AKC DNA Profile: $55
OFA Genetic Submission Fees: $100
Eye Cert: $100 so far (must be redone annually)
Dentition: $15 (done by vet and submitted)
Patellas: $15 (done by vet and submitted)
Thyroid: $125
Echocardiogram: $280
Hips/Elbows: $500 (have to wait until 24 months to do this)
The purpose of these health tests is to make sure that any puppy that is produced has the best chance possible to not have preventable health or temperament problems. The purpose of dog shows is to prove that a dogs structure and movement is correct and to standard. Titling and dog sports shows that a dog can and will work and is trainable. If any of these things goes wrong or if a dogs temperament is undesirable... a good breeder will lose all of that invested money and not breed a dog. This isn't even including potential stud fees, whelping costs, and pre-post natal care a dam may need during breeding. These numbers also don't even include supplements, monthly prevention, quality food, vet care, and tons of other qualities that are part of owning a dog.
This post also isn't just about poodles. Did you know that almost every breed has a set of required health tests to earn a canine health number through OFA? Check out this link to see the recommended testing for your dogs breed. An ethical breeder will have CHIC on their dogs before they are bred.
https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/
Long story short- look at the health testing your breeder has done before you buy a puppy. If they are charging $2000+ for a dog with absolutely no health testing that has not been proven in any way shape or form... they are a backyard breeder making money off of you rather than trying to preserve and better a breed. Other red flags? Breeding for color, breeding dogs before the age of 2, breeding dogs that are off standard, and breeding mixed breed dogs (doodles included, sorry friends).
I know many of you think well bred dogs are too much money but the truth is I have seen many well bred dogs sell for as much money or even less money than some of the fad mixes or backyard bred purebred dogs out there. I actually paid less money for Calypso than I did for 2 of my poorly bred dogs.
And before you adopt don't shop people come after me... ethical breeders are NOT the enemy. Without breed preservation individual dog breeds would fail to exist. Ethical breeders take back their puppies if anything occurs where an owner cannot keep their dog. The true enemy is BACKYARD BREEDERS who breed dogs for money and dump dogs they cannot sell into shelters. I love shelter dogs too. I actually offer hefty discounts in my training business for newly adopted dogs. But adopt don't shop is not the answer here either.
End soap box.
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"Calypso"
Calypso's OFA so far for those interested:
https://ofa.org/advanced-search/?appnum=2485898
