Lexxsmom

I know that when i was puppy shopping I definitely looked for the price. not because it was the most important thing, but to be 100% honest, I needed to know what I was going to be spending to get an amazing puppy. I think that as long as you're not rude about it, and as long as its not your only question, the breeder shouldn't take it the wrong way.

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aquaholic

I"m in Toronto too ..
Which breeder did you decide to go with?

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Caelestis

LOL...I hear that. I used to breed dogs years ago, American Cockers, and I have owned and shown a GSD, Boxers and a Collie. I think in 17+ years, with all my expenses, dogs that didn't work out, health testing, showing etc...I lost about 100 grand.

I got out of dogs when I got divorced and went to school, I was never home, and I gravitated towards cats. I was 29 years old (this was 9 years ago) and someone asked me what I had always wanted to do...my answer was veterinarian or lawyer. I'm lousy at math and chemistry, so I ended up in law school. Now I'm starting to think it would have been MUCH cheaper to have become a veterinarian and saved myself the vetbills!!!!

My kittens sell for $1,000.00 for pet and many people think I'm making money (ofcourse they also erroneously think all lawyers make tons of money too...lol) but my expenses are so high because I do things right like showing, health testing, only the best foods and vet care etc... I'm lucky to break even. I do this to improve the breed, to breed that next great show cat, because I'm a genetics junkie, and because I'm mad about my cats.

Oh...and I might be just a little bit crazy too, but then aren't we all? lol

Caelestis

I'm buying from a small breeder in the GTA, she only has a litter once every couple of years.

I made the rounds of the "big names" and I was competely turned off, all one talked about was winning and berated all the other breeders, all another talked about was money and how much so and so sold for or such and such's stud fee was bringing in etc... None of them could tell me about the DOGS.

My preference is a black dog...but I wont love any other colour or sex any less. I do intend to show in conformation and put an Am/Can Ch on the dog as well as all obedicene titles, and do some agility, flyball and tracking.

I've been waiting my whole life for a Doberman...the count down until puppies are born is KILLING me...I'm already buying toys, planning shows, scoping out training classes and handling classes...and agonizing over names.

lyngr

When you consider that people drop $1500-$1800 (and more) on things like flat screen TVs and laptop computers, the cost of a quality Doberman puppy (A living creature who will be a beloved family member) is extremely reasonable, imo.

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gracieface

well said!

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Dobermans aren't my whole life, they just make it whole.

JenTN

I agree with Lyngr, a puppy is a family member, one that you want to be around and have a good sound temperment and health background.

I also have to wonder at those who question the cost of a well-bred pup. Do they stop and think about the expenses, forseen and unforseen, that they will spend over the course of the dog's life? Even though Bo's just a puond puppy, I spent probably 5 times his adoption cost in the first month or so on supplies and vet bills (and he's a healthy puppy, that was just vaccinations, weight checks, worm checks, etc) . I had a pound cat with an obstruction that ended up costing me more than I would have spent had I bought a show kitten from champion lines. I also think it's a trade off- save and spend the right amount at the beginning, when you know that you have to have x amount, or spend the lifetime of the dog possibly having to cough up that amount or more when the dog develops health or temperment problems, right when the mortgage is due and it's unexpected.

I think price can be a good lead-off question, because often times a breeder will use that to lead off into what they do with their dogs. IE, "my price is $1500, that goes to OFA's, specific health tests, showing my dogs, cropping and docking, etc". I don't think it's rude at all.

Megs

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Caelestis

And it sucks....lol lol. I've been actively looking for about 5 years...give or take...you'd think the next few months would be easy but they are the hardest for sure.

Toronado

I totally agree with Tricia. Why waste the breeders time and your own? You don't waste time looking at a Rolls Royce with a Toyota budget.