For all you quality breeders out there..

**juliabustard** · 05-13-2008, 10:35 PM

Is it like, considered rude to ask a breeder what they charge for their puppies? I mean, does it make a breeder think the only thing you're looking at is price? Don't get me wrong, I've been doing my extensive research for a pup and have probably narrowed my search down to about 2 or 3 places, considering all things other than price. But do you think it's rude for someone to ask? I'm directing this towards the breeders on the forum, because I want a firsthand, honest answer.

Thanks.
-JB.

Dobes&Hounds · 05-13-2008, 10:39 PM

but I think it should be the very LAST part of your conversation with a breeder. *IF* I were a breeder and someone called the first thing they said was "how much do you want for a puppy?" I would be inclined to hang up. JMHO

**juliabustard** · 05-13-2008, 10:43 PM

Aahaha I could imagine a conversation like that.

Person 1-Hi. Could you tell me how much you charge for..
Breeder-[click]

No, that wouldn't be my first question. I mean, after reading a lotttt of information about a breeder, their policies, seeing their dogs, reading references.. it'd just be nice to know how much the dogs would be. I'm not limiting my search to price obviously but I'm also not willing to spend over $2500 if I can find an breeder of equal quality for $1500. Do you know what I mean or do I sound cheap? Believe me, price is the last of my considerations.

-JB.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dobes&Hounds

but I think it should be the very LAST part of your conversation with a breeder. *IF* I were a breeder and someone called the first thing they said was "how much do you want for a puppy?" I would be inclined to hang up. JMHO

**triciakoontz** · 05-14-2008, 01:08 AM

Sorry but I disagree. I would want to make sure I would be able to afford the puppy before I wasted everybody's time on the huge number of questions I would have. So I always started my talk with a breeder something like this:

"I am excited to be able to talk with you today about your breeding program. I have LOTS of questions and I really appreciate your valuable time. I do not mean to be rude with my first question, but I need to know whether or not I can actually afford one of your puppies before I ask you to spend a lot of time going over my other questions with me."

Kalecho · 05-14-2008, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by triciakoontz

Sorry but I disagree. I would want to make sure I would be able to afford the puppy before I wasted everybody's time on the huge number of questions I would have. So I always started my talk with a breeder something like this:

"I am excited to be able to talk with you today about your breeding program. I have LOTS of questions and I really appreciate your valuable time. I do not mean to be rude with my first question, but I need to know whether or not I can actually afford one of your puppies before I ask you to spend a lot of time going over my other questions with me."

I agree totally with you, and if the breeder gets insulted with that, then you wouldn't want a puppy from them anyhow.

Rauschund · 05-14-2008, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juliabustard

Is it like, considered rude to ask a breeder what they charge for their puppies? I mean, does it make a breeder think the only thing you're looking at is price? Don't get me wrong, I've been doing my extensive research for a pup and have probably narrowed my search down to about 2 or 3 places, considering all things other than price. But do you think it's rude for someone to ask? I'm directing this towards the breeders on the forum, because I want a firsthand, honest answer.

Thanks.
-JB.

Most breeders expect you to ask what a puppy costs, I know I do. I normally give them a price and include everything we do for the pup, like ear cropping, that sometimes is an extra expense with some breederrs.

Caelestis · 05-14-2008, 06:37 AM

I dont breed, but I am buying a puppy and I've done a lot of "shopping" for the right breeder and prices in the Toronto area are an average of $1500.00 to $1800.00....very few are 2 grand or more. My breeder charges $1500.00 and includes ear crop. She doesn't breed often and is not out to make money, she's happy if she covers costs, but money is not the point of breeding for her.

Rauschund · 05-14-2008, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caelestis

I dont breed, but I am buying a puppy and I've done a lot of "shopping" for the right breeder and prices in the Toronto area are an average of $1500.00 to $1800.00....very few are 2 grand or more. My breeder charges $1500.00 and includes ear crop. She doesn't breed often and is not out to make money, she's happy if she covers costs, but money is not the point of breeding for her.

I know with me alot depends on each specific litter. Price of stud fee, vet costs, etc. My ear cropper just went up another $50 per puppy on crop. I don't really think any good breeder ever makes any money on their pups, they just try and recoup expenses.

Caelestis · 05-14-2008, 07:09 AM

CaroleAnn,

I agree, while covering costs certainly helps, money is not the point of any good breeder. Money is not a factor in purchasing a puppy for me either, but we do have the odd breeder here who thinks gouging the public is an ok deal. I was surprised to find out how little my breeder charges but it was my last question after a 2 hour telephone conversation, right after "How soon and I meet you and the dogs?" and just before "How much would you like for a deposit?" lol lol

I breed and show Ragdll cats as a hobby and I lose a lot more than I "make" but I also do all health testing, show all over the US and Canada and I do things the "right way". Money is never a consideration, the health and quality of my cats is the only thing that matters.

Your dogs are to die for btw...I know where I'm looking if I ever decide to get a 2nd dog! lol

Cynosis · 05-14-2008, 07:43 AM

I am not a breeder, but I do know that when I went on my breeder search, I asked my questions about their puppies/breeding program first. I decided a long time ago that a) I would start setting aside money well ahead of time to make sure that the cost was not an issue and b) I would choose the best breeder for our needs and make the money happen. Even if that meant waiting awhile. I did end up asking about price, but only at the very end and only so that I could be sure to set aside the right amount of money.

That said, I really like the way triciakoontz phrased the up front price question. It's very polite and honest and I would think most breeders are going to be able to recognize a genuine interest based on that question.