We get a lot of people who ask why our puppies cost so
much when there are dozens listed in the newspaper, some costing as
little as $200. So here is a breakdown of what it costs us to raise a
litter:
- Cost of a quality puppy bitch $750 to 1,500
- Food and vitamins for 4 years $1,200
- Veterinary expenses for 4 years $300
- CERF eye certification annually for 4 years $180
- OFA hip certification at 2 years of age $250
- Obedience / Field training (without a pro) $500
Total cost to raise a bitch to 2 years = $3,180 to $3,930
To breed this bitch (provided she passes her certifications and is
of good enough quality) we will need to research for the right stud
dog. We will need to pay the stud fee and, if the dog is not local, a
shipping fee.
- Stud fee $1,000 - $1,500
- Shipping (either the bitch or frozen semen) $250 - $500
- Progesterone assays and vaginal smears $250
- Ultrasound at 3 to 4 weeks $50
Total breeding costs (provided there aren't complications) = $1,550
to $2,300
If all goes as planned we have healthy puppies to whelp and raise.
- Supplies (including whelping box, towels, thermometer, heat
lamp, scale, etc) $250
- Dewclaw removal for 8 puppies $45
- Litter registration $40
- Vet expenses (worming and vax) $100
- Puppy information packets $80
- Puppy food $100
- Advertising $100
Total cost to raise a litter of 8 puppies = $715
Now we didn't include the cost of having a pro train this bitch
and, for field trial training, we could easily spend $10,000 to
$20,000. If the breeding doesn't take, there are several expenses
we'll have to pay again. If the bitch requires a C-section we can add
approximately another $1,000. So if we assume this bitch will have two
litters and the litters will average eight puppies each we will spend
approximately $4,000 to $5,000 per litter.
What does it cost to raise the typical puppy advertised in the
Sunday newspaper?
- Cost of a puppy bitch from the newspaper $200
- Dog food for one year $150
- Stud fee for the neighbor's dog who happens to be registered and
of the same breed $100
- Litter registration $40
- Vaccinations without a vet visit $24
- Newspaper ad $50
Total cost to raise this litter = $564
Will this "breeder" make money on a litter? Possibly. Has
he had the mother checked for genetic problems? Nope. Will he
guarantee his puppies? Nope. Has he trained and/or shown the mother?
Nope. Does he know anything about the dogs in his bitch's pedigree?
Nope. Should you buy a puppy from him? That's your call. Just remember
the old saying that "you get what you pay for."
If you think you want to breed your bitch you should visit Virtual
Breeding first to see how many decisions must be made and what
could happen if you decide to breed. And if you still think you should
breed your bitch, please go to the Learn
to Breed Dogs web site to learn more about the reality of breeding
dogs.
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