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I recommend that if you do want a purebred dog, you find a breeder that actively shows in conformation and does health testing on these dogs. Do not choose a breeder that just breeds among a few dogs they own, or a breeder that doesn't do health testing, charges more for certain kinds or colors of puppies, charges extra for certain health tests or guarantees, seems to have tons of puppies/dogs and multiple kinds (not talking 2 litters or 2 breeds but lots is a red flag). Shipping dogs is also a red flag.
A sheltie 8 wks to one year old from a show breeder is about $900-$1200 depending on the area of the country. In this area it's more towards the $1200 of course. They occasionally have older dogs and may charge less in those cases. Most rescues and shelters in this area run $100-$400. Very reasonable because they generally take care of all vetting like spay/neuter, teeth cleaning, any outstanding vaccinations, etc. Just make sure to find a reputable rescue also. I recommend Lost Dog Rescue. If looking for a puppy I recommend Wolf Trap Rescue. If you visit most area Petsmart and Petcos mid-day on the weekend, they typically host adoption events where rescues bring adoptable dogs and walk them around the store. It's a good low pressure way to meet dogs, learn about different dogs and puppies, and see what might work for your family. Whether you decide to adopt one of these rescue dogs or not, I recommend this as a good way to start. You can learn a lot and it won't hurt. You may find the perfect match without going to a breeder. |
| French Bulldog $5K |
+Totally agree with this |
| Golden retriever around $2000 |
| to the anti-breeder folks - how is this diff from insisting people adopt children already here and in need of home rather than "breed" their own? |
| Cavalier King Charles $2800 (14 years ago) |
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| Lab - $850 |
Well, for one thing, people aren't the same thing as dogs. Secondly, no one is breeding excess children and "designer" mixes of children for profit. But nice try. |
Same here. We wanted a specific traits of the breed that was bred for centuries. We looked for 2 years in different shelters and different states, they just not available for adoption. |
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I am not sure on cost but several thousand seem to be what I have heard among friends. Make sure you really research the health issues that a breed might so when you do interview breeders, you can ask specific healthy questions. Our neighbors bought from a breeder, were so in love with their puppy and it died at 8 mths of age from a health issue that is uncommon but not rare for the breed. The breeder never mentioned this to them. They were devastated.
I have heard advice in the past that the best breeders actually don't allow people to select a puppy but instead the breeder interviews the family and then selects the puppy he/she thinks will fit in best. The basis being the breeder is very familiar with the puppies temperaments and can match them up well. |
| Find a breeder who shows. Go to their house, get the lay of the land. You'll be able to tell if they actually love their dogs or if they're a puppy mill. We had a great experience with a woman in Virginia with whom we maintain a relationship. Our dog is now 13. She doesn't breed anymore or I'd recommend her. |
And I want to add to this--she interview US. It was clear she wasn't letting us take one of her dogs unless she thought we'd be good owners. That's the sign of a good breeder. |
THIS! |
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We have a Sussex and he was about $1800 10 plus years ago. We wanted this bread for various reason and they are not found in rescues or pounds.
Without breeders this dog would be extinct. |