03/13/2025
For everyone who questions the cost of a well bred puppy from a preservation breeder like myself, these are the realities of what we do. And we do it for the love of our breeds. We do it to preserve the beauty, health and temperament. We do it so they can do the jobs for which they were intended. And you get a lifetime of breeder support with all of us that are preservation breeders. Copied from a friend and updated to include current prices.
Copied from a breeder 🐾
POTENTIAL OWNER: How much is the puppy?
BREEDER: $3000-$6000
POTENTIAL OWNER: What?? It's way too expensive!! I only paid $300 for my last dog, 12 years ago.
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 $3500-5000, and up).
Also a male(average cost $3500-5000, and up) or stud fee (average $2500-3000 and up).
You will need to show them to their championship to show they meet the breed standard (Minimal $2,000-$15,000, with travel & fees). Probably more because you have to take off work to travel across the country to shows. You will need to do genetic & health testing on them, averages about $1500 per dog.
Raise her, do all her clearances, pray she passes everything. If she doesn’t, you start all over again.
Raising and provide daily care, feeding , training, & grooming for 2 years. (So minimal $150 per month). Hiring experienced pet sitters ,$5000 yr.
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I don't have that much money...
BREEDER: For $5,000+, you can raise a litter and then keep one of the puppies.
If your girl misses, it will cost you ANOTHER $5000+ to try again.
Obviously, this does not included the cost of whelping & care.
POTENTIAL OWNER: WOW!
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, care, screening and talking to pet families who call at all hours of the day and night. Make sure you have internet so you can send the videos of the puppies playing. You will need to send photos and updates weekly and answer all questions in a timely manner, or they aren’t happy.
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-$500+) & C-section($3000-$8000) and initial vet care on pups until old enough to be placed ($500+).
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....
Pray that you don’t lose her when she whelps or the litter.
POTENTIAL OWNER: But I don't have all these things and I don’t want to lose my dog!
BREEDER: For $3000+, you can buy the supplies.
POTENTIAL OWNER: Ummm .... You know, I think it might be better if I just buy a puppy.
BREEDER: Wise decision.
For us, Preservation 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 not only to the puppy for the rest of its life but to my pet families.
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...
All puppies go home with first set of puppy shots, Puppy go home bag, knowing basic commands and his
