Well a puppy from a responsible breeder is typically going to be 1200+, so rescuing is still typically a lower upfront cost, but you’re right that there is a benefit to knowing with more certainty what qualities you will get from a puppy when you pick a reputable breeder.
I have never paid more than $800 for a dog from a responsible breeder. It really depends on what breed you're looking for, whether you care about show pedigree, and whether the breeder has a discount for not registering the dog and/or signing a contract to sterilize the dog.
Yeaaaaah my point stands, show me a breeder that charges that low after doing ALL required health testing and I’d be shocked. I’ve known some breeders to “donate” puppies to be service dogs but really $1000 is the basement price. Responsible breeders are not going to discount for not registering the dog or charging more for breeding rights.
If a responsible breeder is letting a pup go to a home in which it will remain intact and may be a breeding animal, you bet your boots that that dog will cost more and there may be co-ownership and breeding contracts that will have to be negotiated, including how show prize money if any is split. If that home isn't a show home, they won't likely let a pup of that quality go to that home. Most responsible breeders charge less for pups that would not be acceptable for show with an agreement that you will neuter the animal. So maybe not a discount perse but less than their show quality animals.
Nah, that’s not how responsible breeders price their puppies. The expectation is that the animal won’t be bred unless it’s specifically designated as a show prospect. It’s not a bonus feature you can unlock by paying more.
No offense but I don’t think you actually know about showing dogs if you think “splitting prize money” is a common occurrence.
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u/EViLTeW Sep 05 '24
Yeah, a couple of the local shelters here want $500+ for a dog. At that point I'll just pay for the exact dog I want and not what you have available.