How do breeders justify charging 1200-2500 for a puppy? What are your thoughts?

TM..Chet

No need to justify that or any other price.

That's what people will pay if they believe that price is less than the value they expect to receive from the dog. Price has nothing to do with cost of production -- NADA, ZIP.

If the price you can command falls below your cost of production, then Mr. Market is telling you that you need to find something else to do with your time. It's basic Economics 101.

If you don't think the dog is worth that, then don't buy it.

The pound is full of some really great, FREE dogs.

I am amazed at how many people do not know about Rescue Groups. I did not realize how many dogs are available through Petfinder until I got a purebred 2yr old deep red Golden ($100)a few months ago who is a total sweetheart and fit right in with my family from day one. Completely housebroken, manners, loves to ride in the van and go the kid's practices. No aggression or hangups whatsoever. I've had many offers from friends wanting to buy him from me or saying they want a dog just like him. I would never give him up for the world!

Though many rescue dogs are neglected, left tied up outside for too long, they just want to be accepted, loved, socialized. Many just want a "job" to do. The one I adopted was owner-surrendered because of her health and she could no longer walk him and exercise him. He was 110lbs when we got him - too young to be that big. The owner gave him up out of love, and he is the sweetest moose I've ever had. We now have him down to 93lbs and counting.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

As of tomorrow we are getting our first "official" foster Golden...though we have taken in many to train and/or board. We'll teach him appropriate house and social behavior, basic obedience, (he was a tie-up for over a year) and make him a better candidate for adoption. It also helps the new-to-be parents to know his personality traits and how he will fit in to their daily life. Have had 4 friends/family get their Goldens through this Rescue Group since I got mine and all have been extremely happy with their "recycled" pups! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I highly recommend this type of adoption as well.

Chet, Read some of the old threads on this subject and you'll find it's one that has been beat to death. Plus some breeders made comments on past threads that makes more sense of current pricing. Bottom line is dog's from good working stock are expensive.

This is easy, that's what a good pup from working stock is worth.


Cost and dedication necessary for breeding working stock is high. Good working females are expensive, or require tons of time and training to raise. . .which isn't cheap. Good titled stud dogs are in high demand and thus are difficult to come by or have stud fees. Breeding a litter that is worth so much requires the best vet care and more dedication in pup raising than the mutts down the street. Etc, etc, etc, etc. . . .

Costs to raise a pup:

worm check $15
exams (2): $60
vaccines (rabies and 1 DP): $40
food: $30 a month
Toys, collars, leashes: $100
prelim xrays at 1 year: $150
Gas to training club: $200
Time: (1 hour a day x 365 days a year x $6) $2190
I know I forgot a lot too.

Buying a pup is small beans, so it is worth almost anything to get the best working prospect possible if you are serious about it. If you just want a pet then go to the shelter.

Some people will argue about putting the time cost in there, but at this point in my life I am so busy that I would have to work less to be able to raise a pup so the actual cost of the time would be much more than stated, esp. if I can get into grad school and get a half decent research assistantship (we can all dream, can't we?).

thanks for the reply's I'll look for the older post's. I'm trying to direct a close friend to buy a nice working line dog, but he seems to get hung up on the cost. I have tried to explain things to him, hopefully hearing the samr things from you all will help.

TM...Chet

keep in mind too, that if he's just looking for a well bred pet that some breeders will give a cut on price for a fulfilled spay/neuter agreement.

if you search around, you can probably find a good breeding at a reasonable price that would suit his needs, whatever they may be.

Sometimes you can get a decent young adult from a rescue or shelter if you are very patient and want an obedience/flyball/agility/etc. type of dog. A lot of them get turned in because the owners can't handle them, but you have to become friends with the temp. evaluator to convince them that you not only can handle, but really WANT this type of dog. I haven't pursued it that far with my local shelter because I just don't have the time for a dog right now, but might once I get settled down and find a pet friendly place.