Why Reputable And Responsible Breeders Charge More For Their Puppies

I think it’s safe to say that most of us are not rich, and we all appreciate a good deal. Why not? Blowing money unnecessarily is just a waste, and most of us enjoy finding a bargain even if we can afford to spend more. When shopping for cars, electronics, furniture or even a pet; frugal living is the way of the wise these days. So, why the big deal about shopping around when looking for a puppy? The price that you pay for a healthy well-bred puppy is minimal compared to the cost of raising, owning and veterinarian costs for the life of a dog that’s ill-bred and sickly.

Ever heard the saying, “You get what you pay for”? Yeah, well, the pet dog industry is one place you won’t find a better example of the prudence of that advice. Quality in the breeding world can range anywhere from absolute crap to jaw-dropping fantastic – and everywhere in between. And although it may not always be this way, in most cases you’re going to get exactly what you pay for.

What expenses are involved in responsibly breeding?

Quality has never been cheap and buying a quality puppy definitely is not! You are going to have to expect to pay more than just a few hundred dollars to buy from a responsible breeder. It is important to remember though that just because you are paying a large price for a puppy it does not mean it is quality. There are several factors that go into the price of buying a puppy from a good breeder and make sure the breeder is doing all of these things or more.

The ever increasing price of top notch veterinary care is one of the main reasons (all my adults and puppies receive regular vet care). Breeders like myself pay state and local taxes even though I am classified as a Miniature Schnauzer Show Breeder. High quality diets, pre-natal exams, pregnancy x-rays, supplements, emergency veterinary care, c-sections, assisted whelpings when complications arise, vaccinations for adults and the puppies, health testing, routine blood-work, dental cleanings, veterinary exams/health checks for each puppy at least twice, food, heartworm, flea meds, worm meds, puppy food, dog food, toys for my adults, cleaning supplies, bedding, dishes, crates, grooming, my welcome puppy package, AKC registration of my adults and puppies, and more! If you can imagine this is just the short list of costs, but it gives you an idea! Do not forget the time invested in working with families, caring for puppies and adults, cleaning, etc.

Because well bred dogs are expensive to breed. Even poorly bred dogs are not cheap to breed. The dam may  need a c-section for the birth that can cost $1,000 or more. Plus there is care for the dam during pregnancy and after birth. If they do it right there is health/genetic testing before breeding. The average litter can cost $2,500+ or so to breed by the time all is said and done. If there is only 1 or 2 pups in the litter even at $1,000 the breeder is often taking a big loss. Any purebred dog is going to be expensive. When you purchase a dog through a reputable breeder, you have to remember that the breeder has already spent a good amount of money on veterinary care for the mother and the pups, and that is reflected in the price of the puppy. Pre-breeding health checks for both parents, stud fees, prenatal care, initial vet visits, shots, wormings, food, and all the other things that the breeder  takes care of long before you ever get to bring your puppy home–these things cost a lot of money.

I personally spare no expense for my Miniature Schnauzers! Add to that that a responsible breeder rarely breeds a female more than once a year. Now divide all those expenses by the number of puppies and even at $1,000  most Responsible breeders are lucky if they break even. It has been said that exceptional quality is not expensive, It’s PRICELESS!

So What is a breeder’s time worth?

It is estimated that the average breeder spends 120 hours per month caring for their dogs and pups. This 120 hours cannot be scheduled around other obligations; other obligations must be scheduled around your puppies and adults. Have you considered what a breeder needs to do to go away for the weekend, a vacation, or even the day–I have to have reliable people stay at my home 24/7. So, having a litter of puppies for any breeder pretty much takes a considerable chunk of time and independence from your life. A good breeder will carefully screen and interview all potential buyers to ensure that their puppies get placed in only the best homes. They will also offer support to the puppy’s new family to make sure that they are properly prepared to care for the puppy, and they will stay available to help out any purchasers in need, even if it means accepting the puppy back into their home if problems arise. Look at it as an investment in your emotional health you couldn’t get any mental health professional to treat you daily for the next 12 to 17 years for $4200.

My hope is that people who are willing to pay for one of my puppies will provide a very good home. That they have thought long and hard, researched and read about Miniature Schnauzers and other dogs before deciding on a Miniature Schnauzer and the puppy they purchase will be worth every single penny. Not just anyone can walk up, pick up a puppy and take it home.

Good puppies start long before their parents are bred. Both the sire and dam need constant care, or conditioning, to produce the best offspring. This means regular veterinary care, screening for genetic problems, pre-breeding health tests, regular exercise, family environment and good nutrition.

It also means maintaining your dog’s mental health. Stressed animals can experience fertility problems. Many breeders swear by the belief that the dam’s temperament affects the puppies – good puppies come from good mothers. Consequently, they avoid breeding shy or unstable dogs.

I personally feel NO BREEDER SHOULD EVER have to explain or justify their prices. Quality dogs are expensive to buy, expensive to maintain, and expensive to breed. Much goes into breeding of dogs and the price a breeder is asking for their puppies is up to their discretion. Whether it’s $500 or $5000 every breeder knows what they’ve invested into their dogs, how much they’ve paid, and the quality they are producing, registration, and their actual litter expenses. When looking at purchasing a puppy you can’t just consider the cost of the puppy but a breeders overall expenses to just obtain that litter.

Exceptional Quality Is Not Expensive, It’s Priceless!

“There is only one Happiness in Life, To Love and Be Loved. ” A TRUE BREEDER is not in it for financial gain, puts their WHOLE HEART into and risking it being hurt….but at the same time…could not see their life without it all, the good, the bad, and the beautiful… IT IS WORTH EVERY MINUTE OF IT! A Breeder will be challenged…A TRUE BREEDER will overcome… “The risk of love is loss, and the price of loss is grief. But the pain of grief is only a shadow when compared the pain of never risking love.”