How much would you pay for a puppy?

[dantri]

I think the cost of breeding animals has risen hence there is a rise in the purchase price of puppies. We paid $500 13years ago for our family Cavalier from a registered breeder. Nowadays you're looking at at least $1000 if not alittle more for a pup from a registered breeder. Seems like a lot BUT when you look at what goes into the genetic line of your puppy, it all adds up. When we got our dog, we were buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that a) looked like x, y and z (not so important for a pet), b) had a good temperment, c) had rigourous genetic testing in the bloodline to try and eradicate any faults and we knew that he was bred from a healthy, even tempered, good looking mum and dad. He is the best dog we could have asked for. That is not to say that you HAVE to have a purebred because you do not BUT it is important to buy a puppy from the right place (i.e. registered breeders or registered shelters NOT backyard breeders or pet shops).

Pet Shops and Backyard Breeders may sell their animals for slightly less (although I think pet shops are well overpriced) but the puppies and their ancestors have not had the testing to clear them nor have they had the carefully planned mating that means you get what you pay for, a certain breed of dog. Buying from pet shops or backyard breeders may get you a cheaper purchase price but you will most likely run into bigger vet bills in the long run. Not that animals from a shelter or registered breeder don't get sick but the shelter/breeder are there for support.

If you buy from the shelter, the puppy may already be desexed. I know they do this with kittens, it is included in the purchase price. It is a big investment but well worth it for the unconditional love you get. Maybe wait for a bit longer and save some more in the pet kitty so you can be prepared for all the "puppy" costs?

[LimeSlice]

if you get dogs from you local pound/shelter etc, they come vaxed, flea/parasite protected, checked and sterilised already.
If they dont, go to a shelter that does.

We paid $280 for ours, and $180 for the cat.

The bottom line is that I wouldn't buy a pet from a pet shop or a breeder, unless I was after something very specific I couldn't get at a shelter...and that would only be a pure bred Alsation.(And I couldnt afford it, so I couldnt get one lol)

[rosehannah]

I paid $400 for my Purebred Rottweiler without papers about 10 years ago. I could have paid more to get the papers but I only wanted her for a pet.

[Lulu]

Shalou, why does it upset your family that you don't want to fork out thousands for a puppy?

Do you really want to get a new puppy when bubs is coming along so soon? (yay!) I'll never forget the joys of stumbling about for the 3am feed and stepping barefoot into a new puppy turd......

[Kazbah]

hahahaa love ur post Lulu!

Well done on going to the animal league.

Dogs/Puppies from rescue organisations are usually priced according to the care they need when rescued. Some have significant vet bills as they are nursed back to health, then yes, there's desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, worming & feeding.

My bitzer from a rescue organisation was $180 and my pedigree labrador was $1000.

I wouldn't buy from a pet store unless it's something like "pets at home" who stock dogs/cats/puppies/kittens from the Lort Smith Animal Home. There are so many abandoned animals out there - if you want a specific breed, then look for that breed "rescue" group. You can get an older animal (usually toilet trained etc) for the fraction of a cost, and know that you're saving an animal from death.

[Nicambhar]

I'm trying to convince DF to let us get a British Bulldog, for $2500, think I am almost there...
We paid $600 for one of our cats from the pet store, he's worth every cent.

[Lulu]

OOhh, I love those bulldogs sooo much. Crufts has insisted they get bred without so many face and leg problems now. The only reason I don't have one yet is the worry about their faces.

Have you looked at an Australian Bulldog? WOW they are amazing but alot bigger than the british. I think they have only recently been recognised as a new breed. My friend has 2...I love them sooo much!

I should post a photo...

[Shalou]

Thanks for all the replies, I never expected prices for puppies to be so high.

Shalou, why does it upset your family that you don't want to fork out thousands for a puppy?

Do you really want to get a new puppy when bubs is coming along so soon? (yay!) I'll never forget the joys of stumbling about for the 3am feed and stepping barefoot into a new puppy turd......

It upsets my family because DD's 14 & 3 had their hearts set on bringing home a puppy after they looked at the AWL website that said they were $275 so when I found that they were well over that price and wasn't willing to pay more than $300 it caused lots of dramas - hence stopping in at the pet store.

Having a new pup and a baby doesn't worry me too much, the kids and hubby will do most of the work and we don't plan on having our new puppy in the house living areas while the kids aren't around to supervise. No late night surprises for me. Did you let your puppy run around the house at night? We have always kept ours outside at night or in the laundry.

[Lulu]

Ah, I get it now!
Actually she wasn't a pup at the time, she is my sisters dog and we were dogsitting. She didn't know how to signal she needed to go poo, so did it in the HALLWAY....

Are there other shelters around your area? They may be different in prices? Keep an eye out in the local papers etc - sometimes people can't keep their dogs (moving etc) and try to house them instead of dumping them. You never know.

Its hard when you have your heart set on something, I'm sure a puppy will find its way to you soon xoxoxo

[Muppity]

We paid about $800 for each of our pure bread border collies - worth every cent. A few weeks after we got one we were offered $2000 by a sheep dog trialist - DH says I should have taken the money and run - that one has probably cost us $10000 in vet bills in the last 2 years - but I could never part with either of them

[Nicambhar]

lulu - The aussie bulldog is cute, but not as cute as the British. There is a waiting list with most breeders, though I did see one for $1300 in the trading post, was selling due to illness - my first thought was that it's been knocked off from someone's yard and being sold for a quick buck LOL..
We had one live next to us a few years back, he was absolutely gorgeous and his name was bronson. He ended up having to be put down cause he had some problem with his mouth.