12/01/2023
POTENTIAL OWNER: How much is the puppy?
BREEDER: $2,500 USD
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(minimal cost $2,500 and up). Also a male(minimal cost $2,500 and up) or semen (average $1000 and up). You will need to do genetic & health testing on them, averages about $750 per dog. Raise and provide daily care and feeding for 2 years.
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I don't have that much money...
BREEDER: For $500 you can raise a litter for me and then keep one of the puppies. Obviously, you also have to 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 and care. Possibly tube or bottle feed puppies every 2-3 hours if the mom is low on milk the first couple weeks.
POTENTIAL OWNER: Eight weeks?? it's way too much time for me! I have to work.
BREEDER: You may also need the reproductive vet to do xrays($200-$500), possibly progesterone testing($75-$250) & a C-section($1000-$5000) and initial vet care on pups until old enough to be placed. Pups vets exams ($250 and up depending on how many puppies are in the litter)
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 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 us breeders 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 professional, you don't only pay for the puppy but also:
Tools, knowledge, experience, love, time, sacrifices, etc...