15/01/2023
From Breeders to a potential client:
POTENTIAL OWNER: How much is the puppy?
BREEDER: $2500-$6500 depending on the litter and puppy
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(average cost $5500and up). Also a male(average cost $3500 and up) or semen (average $1500 and up). Raise and provide daily care, feeding & grooming for 2 years. (So minimal $200 per month). When they are 2, you will need to have all their health testing done (average cost $500). If they don't pass their health exams you will need to start over and find another female (or possibly both).
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I don't have that much money...
BREEDER: For $500 you can raise a liter 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 8 weeks to help with delivery and care.
POTENTIAL OWNER: Eight weeks?? it's way too much time for me! I have to work.
BREEDER: You will also need the reproductive vet to do xrays($200-$500), possibly progesterone testing($75-$250x5) & C-section($2800-$5000) and initial vet care on pups until old enough to be placed($175-$250)
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.... oh and an on call vet open 24 hours.
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I don't have all these things!
BREEDER: For $4500-$8000 you can buy them depending on Quailty and time of year some stuff might be on sale !
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.
It’s also not sleeping in your own bed but sleeping beside a momma while she’s in labor, hand feeding a tiny baby, caring for a puppy who doesn’t feel well.
I have seen this post a few times now but there are some things missing I would like to add. Missed pregnancy, split heat, pups that are born underdeveloped, pups that are still born, pups that get to 6 weeks and still pass away due to unknown causes and sometimes a reaction to first set of shots, when you lose an entire litter, when you lose a momma during birth, when you pay for a stud and she misses and you wait on a stud fee you already paid for to be able to use it. When you have a small litter on a 20k stud fee 1-3 pups.
Things happen people aren't just out here getting rich over night!! If you don't have the money or time this isn't for everyone but it can be great if you get the right dogs, right mentor and just like any business are willing to invest.
