Breeder Spotlight: “How Much?”
Our clients are wonderful … They ask lots of questions, showing us that they’re focused on taking excellent care of their puppies. They want to know about the parents, health issues, proper training.
But sometimes, we get a query where the only question is, “How much?”
The CKC/AKC websites include a list of questions people should ask to ensure they’re getting a puppy from an ethical, reputable breeder. When people ask me “How much?” they’re usually not interested in knowing why it’s so risky to focus ONLY on initial cost. This is what I’d REALLY like to tell them if they had the patience to listen.
How much does a puppy cost?
- $3000+ to operate on a ruptured disc. Many dog breeds carry genes for CDDY/IVDD which causes calcification of the spine.
- $2500-$4,000 for patella surgery – PER LEG. Patella luxation is very common in small-breed dogs.
- $3500 average for cataract surgery. Early onset cataracts are also common.
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) – there is no cure for DM at any price and dogs typically only live 6 months to 3 years from diagnosis.
- $4,000-$5,000 for surgery to repair patent ductus arteriosis (PDA). The ductus is a hole in the heart that closes at birth when the puppy takes its first breath. PDA occurs when the hole fails to close and most puppies don’t survive their first year without surgery.
- $3,000 per leg for surgery to correct hip dysplsia a progressive and crippling condition affecting mostly large breed dogs but that is also found in smaller breeds.
- $100-$500 for tests/meds when your new puppy comes home with diahrrea/nausea due to parasites.
- $1000 and up per day – When your puppy requires hospitalization because of severe parasite infection or deadly parvovirus that was contracted at the breeder’s
- $35-$80 per hour for a private trainer if your puppy has behaviour issues as a result of having nor or insufficient socialization or human contact prior to going home with you.
Not to mention ongoing and expensive treatments/medications for conditions like diabetes, liver & kidney disease that will shorten your dog’s life.
So, “How much does a puppy cost” can go far beyond the initial purchase price!
Frankly, I’d like to ask these people the same question: “How much?”
How much is it worth to you that your puppy’s parents are DNA tested for conditions common to their breed so you have the peace of mind knowing your dog will NEVER get these diseases?
How much is it worth to you that your breeder cared enough about the health of the parents to spend thousands on ophthalmologist, cardiac and orthopedic specialists for patella, hip, elbow, heart and eye testing?
How much is it worth to you that your breeder has generations of knowledge and experience with their bloodlines and the health & temperament of their dogs?
How much is it worth to you that your puppy has been extensively socialized and given desensitivity training in order to get used to new sights and sounds so that they’re better able to adapt to new situations and are easily trainable?
How much is it worth to you that your puppy has undergone temperament testing so that you’re matched with a puppy appropriate for your household?
How much is it worth to you that your puppy has been vaccinated and dewormed before going home, and will get a clean bill of health when you take him/her to your vet?
How much does it matter to you that your breeder is committed to finding good homes for their puppies and wants to know more about you, your household, dog experience and lifestyle before allowing you to adopt one of their puppies?
How much is it worth to you that your breeder spent hours with you discussing training techniques, the latest research in vaccinations/neutering/flea protection and provided you with access to professional training? Good breeders want every adoption to succeed and will help prepare their clients for the new puppy.
How much is it worth to you that you can call the breeder in the middle of the night because your puppy has ingested something toxic and you need help finding an all-night clinic? That you can call your breeder years later with any question or concern?
The price of puppies varies greatly these days, but if you focus only on “How much?” you’ll never learn about the potential true costs of that puppy … until it’s too late. Visit www.ofa.org to find out what health tests are recommended for your favourite breed. Recommended genetic testing guidelines can be found on the websites of genetic testing companies such as Paw Prints Genetics, Gensol or Embark.
