HomeNew Puppy Cost
I have had several people ask me, "how much do you get for a pup??" When I reply anywhere from $700 to $1200, depending on the litter, I can see their wheels spinning. Some have even come right out and asked, "can you get rich breeding Labradors?????" Actually you probably can if you are irresponsible and put no thought what so ever into producing and raising pups. I hope you take a minute to read the following information. My hope is that you see breeding dogs (responsibly), is not so black and white.
Before our females are bred we first have to ask ourselves what if anything does she have to contribute to the breed. This could be standard conformation, gentle temperament, or intense retrieving drive. Once it is decided that we will breed her the following process begins:
Before Whelp:
***Quality breeding bitch costs (as a pup) $1000-$1500
Titling her in some fashion (hunt test, agility, pet therapy, tracking, obedience,........) $500-$3000
You want your pups mom and or dad to be titled if at all possible or at least have something in the works because this lets you know that the breeder is active with his dogs allowing them to compete (hunt test, tracking, agility, flyball...) or work (Pet therapy) not just allowing them to sit around in the backyard and breed continually. A pedigree is also nice because it tells you that the puppy produced by the parents should have similar potential.
***If you are buying from an individual who just has registered Labs, no titles, health certificates, or pedigree, you should not be spending more than $250 for the puppy. The bottom line cost to you is what costs are involved in the raising of mom and dad. The more titles and health certificates the mom and dad have the more money the breeder has put in to the dogs. No titles, no nothing, means you should be charged the bare minimum for a puppy.
Here is an example of our kennel expenses:
Vet expenses for one year (per HEALTHY dog) $200
OFA (hip certification)- one time charge (per dog) $250
CERF (eye certification)- yearly (per dog) $50
PRA testing one time $200
Training- self $600 for videos, books, magazines, club dues
Quality Food for one year (per dog) $300
*Stud- some we own, some we pay for services
*A quality stud pup (correct conformation and a highly impressive pedigree) will cost $1000-$2000
Stud service (see all the fees involved below) this is the preferred method because you don't want the same male and female to mate over and over and over....... all this does is creates the same kind of pup over and over and over..... it does nothing to improve the breed as a whole.
The following fees associated with shipping semen within the U.S. :
a) semen extender per vial $40 plus $40 to ship extender to stud dog owner =$80
b) special boxes designed for shipping semen $100x2 boxes (for 2 collections) =$200
c) progesterone and vaginal smears for the bitch preformed by a reproductive specialist $100x7 visits = $700
d) Overnight delivery of semen for insemination $100 per box= $200 for both boxes
e) vet fee for insemination $150
f) stud fee (anywhere from $1000-1500)
The following fees are for a natural breeding with a stud dog within driving distance:
a) Brucellosis test $40- this is a sexually transmitted canine disease
b) progesterone test if needed and vaginal smears $100x4 visits = $400
c) boarding the bitch while she is with the stud $20 daily for 6 days= $120
d) stud fee ($1000-$1500)
Time of Whelp:
Below are costs of 8 puppies with NO complications
Dew claw removal- $60-$100
Puppy Info packets copies $50
A.K.C litter registration $50
Whelping Supplies $150
Quality Puppy food $200
Vet expenses- vaccinations and wormings $150
Advertising- updating website $150 yearly
Search engine submission $100 yearly
***The following services are immeasurable but very much apart of being a responsible breeder***
Sending countless updates to current litter owners including pictures and reports
Maintaining breeding records
Giving up kitchen space up to 4 weeks in exchange for having the puppies close by
Stimulation given every 1-3 hours from time of whelp until leaving my home
Losing out on family and friend time when we have a litter of pups since it is not a good practice to leave young pups alone for more than 3 hours at a time
Washing and folding up to 4 loads of puppy towels a day
3 week intense study of puppy behavior so that I can properly place them
Potty training the pup
Rides in car early to ease anxiety
After Whelp:
Breeder Support!!!!!!!!!!!
Sharing of information
Continuing education of the breed
Impromptu training at our house when convenient for the new owner
Seeing my puppies leave with committed, excited, families, that is priceless! Can a profit be made breeding dogs? Yes sometimes but it is rare. If any money is left over after a litter goes home it is put right back in to our program for things like: future breeding stock, kennel supplies, and improvement of grounds.