I don't beleive anyone is intentionally discouraging a neophyte. The obvious is being restated. We all hope the pup works out. The point being that puppies are a gamble. In researching puppies, thier parents and the breeder, we as consumers are trying to stack the odds in our favor.

Here's the beauty of an open market and free enterprise: you don't like the price, simply walk away. Getting ripped off on something misrepresented is a whole other can of worms.
Making a superior product and NOT making it affordable to the masses worked well for Ferrari, bit John Delorean sqaure in the rear pockets. If cost prohibitiveness keeps casual "yeah, I think I might try that because I have nothing better to do" folks away, I'm all for it. I'm not suggesting the sport be limited in anyway to the economically advantaged. It discourages those not serious about what we all hold so high. The initial investment is financial and is the first level of commitment.

If there are bargains to be had like Lee described, spread the word because they can be found if you are willing to wait, research and drive, alot.

P.S. And if the money to purchase a solid prospect is hard to come by, I'm sure that will make the neophytes more reluctant to drop the sport at the first sign of adversity.

My puppy at 6 weeks was a grand. I looked at puppies cheaper. But I feel my pup is worth every bit of what I paid for him. His sire is Bastin vom Kokeltal. Right now top schutzhund dog for the US. My pup is fully guaranteed to work and health too. Now at 4 months he hits the puppy tube hard. For just being 4 months does well doing obedience too. Working on tracking some too.
Ray

Price is subjective- plain and simple. Do your homework, and realistically judge what suits you and your budget the best.

Some breeders will offer breed partnerships or foster programs with prospects that they would like to retain some ownership of, but don't have the time to see it through. Perhaps you can find an opportunity like this. Also, some breeders even offer $$ back if you title your GSD.

Last thought... if we want to look at financial value- we are actually getting a much better deal nowadays than we were even 5-10 yrs ago. Puppy prices (born in the US) haven't increased in quite some time. But, inflation has gone up, income has gone down, and the US dollar is worth an avg of only $0.75 to 1.00 Euro. Airline shipping has increased, and all this adds up to breeders absorbing more of the cost and taking less profit, if any.

Breaking it down- to make the same profit as 10 yrs ago on a $1,500 pup from import parents, a breeder would need to charge at least $2,520. ...and I'm low balling it.

When it comes down to it- a GSD is only worth what you are willing to pay. Obviously the consumer has already spoken. Prices are relatively stable even though costs rise. See, you do have a voice!

-Stacie

I paid $1500 for my puppy, but I did it to get her away from the breeder...the puppy was 11 weeks old and she had not taken the puppies to get their first shots yet. If I had the money I would have bought the other two pups to get them away, but at least I rescued one.

The price to pay for a pup that will grow up to be your best friend and companion is priceless!

I think that for the care that Ed gives his dogs $1800 is not enough...PS wait until I buy a puppy from you before you raise the prices..ok <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I only wish we had more responsible breeders here in Trinidad, and I can only hope that 10 years from now I'm one of them.

Roxanne, I'm sure you were trying to help the pup, but some breeders make their living off of sympathy. This is why most people buy from pet stores. Helps that dog, but two more just come to take its place and perpetuates the cycle.

I think we have worn out this thread. My pups are $1800.00 - people buy my experience, my honesty and my guarantee when they buy my pups. The dog business is like the horse business in the 1890's - there are sharks everywhere and there are good breeders everywhere.

People need to do their homework - in the end the decision they make is one they have to live with for 10 years (or more)