Why are puppies so costly?

Why Breeders Charge a Lot for Puppies: Understanding the Costs Behind the Price Tag

Bringing a puppy into your home is an exciting decision, often filled with anticipation and joy. But if you’ve started researching breeders, you may have been taken aback by the high prices associated with purebred puppies. It’s not uncommon to wonder: Why do breeders charge so much for their puppies? The answer is multi-faceted and deeply rooted in the responsibilities, effort, and costs associated with responsible breeding practices. In this blog, we’ll explore some key reasons why breeders charge what they do and why understanding these costs is important for prospective puppy owners.

Responsible Breeding Practices

Health Screening: Reputable breeders invest significantly in the health of their breeding dogs. This includes health tests for hereditary conditions, vaccinations, and regular veterinary care. The cost of these tests—often ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars—plays a significant role in the price of the puppies.

Quality Care: Good breeders ensure their dogs are well-cared-for throughout their lives and especially during pregnancy and puppy-rearing. This means providing proper nutrition, socialization, and veterinary care, which adds to the overall costs.

Time and Effort

Breeding isn’t just about putting two dogs together and waiting for puppies. Responsible breeders spend countless hours researching bloodlines, carefully selecting breeding pairs based on health, temperament, and breed standards. They also invest time in the early socialization of the puppies, exposing them to various environments, sounds, and experiences to help them grow into well-adjusted adult dogs.

Quality Over Quantity

Unlike puppy mills, which prioritize volume over quality, ethical breeders focus on the well-being of their dogs. They often have a limited number of litters per year, which means they cannot spread their costs over as many puppies. This commitment to quality can lead to higher prices but ensures that each puppy is less likely to have health or behavioral issues later in life.

Comprehensive Support

Many breeders offer extensive support to their puppy buyers by providing resources, training tips, and even post-purchase assistance for adapting to life with a new puppy. The price of a puppy often includes this wealth of knowledge and continued assistance, which can be invaluable, especially for first-time dog owners.

Contracts and Guarantees

Reputable breeders often provide contracts that outline responsibilities for both parties. They may offer health guarantees that promise to replace or refund a puppy if certain health conditions arise within a specified time frame. These contracts require legal considerations and protections, which add to the overall cost of doing business.

Conclusion

While the price of a puppy from a reputable breeder may seem steep, it's essential to understand that the cost reflects years of dedication, responsible breeding practices, and a commitment to the health and well-being of the dogs. By investing in a puppy from a responsible breeder, prospective owners are not only getting a furry family member but also supporting the welfare of the breed and combating the issues related to puppy mills.

Also for the people who cannot still see this as simple as it’s laid out let me break it down..

If I have a puppy that is $2,400.00 for 8 weeks = 56 days. That’s 42.85 USD a day. If I work 8 hours solely just with the puppies that is $5.35 per hour for 8 hours. This isn’t counting fees like electric going up or wash bills which adds roughly an extra $10.00 every week, vet bills, health testing, supplements, supplies etc. Breeding is a time consuming and costly hobby / job to have. Please take this into consideration before telling a breeder their prices are too much and they’re in it for the money.