05/11/2024
Sharing from another breeder!
Ok, Im going to put something into perspective for many who simply, cannot/will not understand the way things are.
During a recent conversation with a dear breeder friend, she was telling me about a potential puppy buyer, complaining to her about another breeder, saying...."It's only about the money" and that breeders need to sell their puppies for next to nothing to be able to "get rid of them".
Well people....you won't like what I am about to say but....IT IS ABOUT THE MONEY.
There is not a single independantly wealthy breeder I know. So how do people expect us to pay vet bills, show entries, handlers, dog food/supplements, health testing, grooming, gas/travel, laundry, cleaning supplies, fencing/kennels, crates, and on and on?? Do we pull all these things out of our a**??? Do we have some magic wand?
Do YOU work for a paycheck? Do you expect to be rewarded for a job well done?
You see, being a breeder, means it is a complete lifestyle. We surround ourselves with like minded people, because noone else "gets it". Not our families, not our friends, not our neighbors. We don't get weekends and holidays off, it is a 24/7 job, floors are rarely clean and mud free, furniture is covered in hair, we choose our vehicles depending on how many crates they can hold, our attire and shoes also chosen wisely.
We are up all night whelping puppies, then by 6am up rotating dogs to potty, cleaning puppy pens, feeding, going to the vet appt you forgot about and are running late for, etc. You have to buy a new washer and dryer every year because you destroy them with the dog laundry. You do not flinch about spending $70 a bag for dog food, but buy the store brand soup, cheese and milk for yourself to save a buck.
So YES it is about the money, because breeding well bred purebred dogs isnt cheap. And every penny goes right back into them. So stop making breeders feel guilty for charging you what they feel is fair compensation for their hard work!
Since the past election and inflation my costs have QUADRUPLED. Yet, my pricing has barely gone up. Since Covid, backyard breeders have flooded the market with crap quality dogs without putting in the time, testing, showing, etc. I am not going to cut corners trying to save a buck. My dogs are worth it. I go without to provide for them.
Breeding is my passion, my art, my opus. I should never apologize, nor should I be made to feel guilty for being paid for a job well done. So YES it is about the money. Without it, the sport dies, and fewer and fewer ethical breeders will be able to build better dogs. Do not be ashamed for buying a well bred dog, you will never regret it. If you cannot afford one, save up and wait until you can, rather than give some byb your business.
Ethical breeders are not breeding for the money, they breed so the legacy they leave behind the breeds they love will continue through generations. But nothing in this life comes for free. Buying from an ethical breeder is an investment in the future of the breed. So choose wisely.