12/01/2023
Please do not insult reputable/responsible breeders if you have not prepared or reasearched before purchasing a puppy. Know before asking a price that a dog is a financial investment and should be something you have saved and prepared for. Breeding properly and responsibly is not cheap and extremely time consuming. Our time is valuable and while we want to offer quality puppies and properly care for our breeding pets we may not be in your budget. Remember that cheaper doesn't always mean healthy or better in the long run.
POTENTIAL OWNER: How much is the puppy?
BREEDER: $1500 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 reputable 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 $1500-$3000+)and a male(average cost $1500-$3,000+) or semen (average $1500-$2500+). You will need to do genetic & health testing on them, averages about $500+ per dog. Lets not forget progesterone testings, inseminations(if you dont have your own stud), ultrasounds, x-rays, semen collections, semen analysis, potentially semen overnight shipping and so on ($1500+). Raise and provide daily care, feeding & grooming for 2 years. (minimal $200 per month) Oh, donβt forget monthly prevention, annual vet visits, dentals, bloodwork and any other additional vet visits.
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I don't have that much money...
BREEDER: You can raise a litter of mine 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 weeks to help with delivery,care and promotion/advertising of puppies while doing a million loads of laundry and of course all the cleaning, scrubbing and sanitizing from all the p*e and p**p once they start weaning from mom . Also dont forget the time in socializing and taking pictures of the litter there is always lots of people to respond to. Then Another 4 plus weeks to monitor and care for mom post delivery in her recovery.
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 a unforseen emergency.
BREEDER: You will also need the reproductive vet to do progesterone testing($110/ test ) & C-section($1000-$5000) and initial vet care on pups until old enough to be placed ($500+).
Have on hand a scale, thermometer, latex gloves, puppy pads, heating pads,heating lamp, a surgical whelping pack,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 $2000+ 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 breaks commitment.
THIS IS THE REALITY
When you choose a reputable person, you arenβt only purchasing the puppy but also: knowledge, support , experience, love, time, sacrifices, etc...
**Plus the cost of life time support to the puppy ownersβ¦
These numbers are just the tip of the iceberg (best case scenario!!!) as a reputable breeder who takes on this journey full time!