09/25/2023
POTENTIAL OWNER: How much is the puppy?
BREEDER: $2500+ 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 breeders are so overpriced.
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 you will also have the knowledge of how to do it again.
POTENTIAL OWNER: Perfect, thank you!
BREEDER: To start, you will need a female(average cost $2500 and up)and a male(average cost $2500 and up) or semen (average $2000-$2500 and up). You will need to do & pass OFA Breed specific OFA health testing on them, which averages about $800+ per dog.
Let's not forget progesterone testings, inseminations, ultrasounds, x-rays, semen collections, semen analysis, potentially semen overnight shipping, and so on ($1500+).
Raise and provide daily care, feeding & grooming for two years. (minimal $250 per month) Oh, don’t forget monthly prevention, annual vet visits, and any other additional vet visits.
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I don't have that much money...
BREEDER: For $1200, you can raise a litter 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 9-12 weeks to help with delivery and care. ( a million loads of laundry) Another 4-plus weeks to monitor mom and puppies.
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 an unforeseen emergency.
BREEDER: You will also need the reproductive vet to do progesterone testing($110/ test ), X-ray to get headcount ($100) & C-section($1600-$5000 if needed), and initial vet care on pups until old enough to be placed ($800+).
Have on hand a scale, thermometer, latex gloves, puppy pads, incubator, oxygen concentrator, nebulizer, heating lamp, 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 $3000+, 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-break commitment.
THIS IS THE REALITY
When you choose a reputable person, you aren’t only purchasing the puppy but also knowledge, support, experience, love, time, sacrifices, etc...
**Plus the cost of lifetime support to the puppy owners…
These numbers are just the tip of the iceberg, (best-case scenario!!!) As a reputable breeder who takes on this journey full-time!
Very well said.
