What a Good Dog Costs

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The cost of a quality dog varies greatly between breeds. It is best to check with several reputable breeders before buying. You will find in general that a certain price range is quoted for pet or show prospect in that breed. Avoid any dog priced far below the other prices quoted, without reason.

However, the price is no guarantee of quality. Miserable specimens sometimes are priced high. The pedigree and the standing of the breeder will tell you how good your dog will be. Remember, there are very few bargains in dogs, and you would have to be a great expert in order to find one. An exception would be a breeder’s reduction in breeding stock or some rescue dogs. Buying a dog is like buying a diamond. You must rely on the reputation and integrity of the seller.

Never buy a puppy without reading the pedigree. Ask the breeder to explain it to you. Remember the word “CHAMPION (CH)” in a pedigree is like the word “STERLING” in silver.

A well-bred and properly cared for puppy is not cheap. This is because the sire and dam have had the finest care all their lives. Their eyes, hips and hearing have been examined by board-certified veterinarians.

The brood bitch has had special attention before, during and after whelping. The puppies have had vitamins, minerals, special dog food, meat and all the necessary shots and worming. Often a substantial stud fee is involved in the litter. This represents a considerable investment in every puppy sold by a responsible breeder. If you want a dog you can take pride in, that will be a happy loving member of your family, saying, I only want a pet” is no excuse for buying a cheap puppy from someone trying to make a fast dollar, or paying far too much to some commercial establishment that buys for little and marks up as much as 300%!!!

Responsible private breeders are EXPERTS, compared to those who breed dogs only for money. They study bloodlines, breed carefully, rest dams a long time between litters, always trying to improve one generation over the last.

Responsible breeders want to produce the best possible puppies for themselves to show and breed. They take advantage of the vast knowledge available to them through seminars and meetings with dog show judges, other breeders, board certified veterinarians and other experts in planning and raising their litters. Thus, a pet from a show home is likely to be superior.

It is rare for all pups in a given litter to be show prospects (a breeder considers himself lucky to get two or three), the others are available as housepets — well-bred, stable, healthy, dependable house pets. They all have had the same loving attention by an expert who does not spare work or expense during their formative weeks.  They are not shunted from pillar to post, BUT GO DIRECTLY FROM THEIR SECURE, HAPPY ENVIRONMENT TO THEIR NEW HOME.