$800.00 ~ Both the sire and dam of this puppy came from top quality breeding stock which
was developed over years and years of selective and knowledgeable breeding. Both meet the requirements of the written
ASCA and AKC standard for the breed in conformation, as well as temperament. Each has a pedigree, which has been studied
and thoroughly researched. These dogs have been selected to breed to each other because they can both contribute to
the excellence of the breed, as well as complement one another.
$200.00 ~ The dam of this litter was purchased from a local pet store and originally
came from a Missouri (or wherever) puppymill. She was sick off and on for the first year of her life, due to too
many different types of intestinal parasites and malnutrition. The sire, an over-sized male, lives down the street and
was purchased from an ad in the newspaper. Neither owner has ever heard of the AKC or ASCA written breed standard.
Neither owner has seen a written pedigree. Neither dog or bitch has ever had any hip x-rays, eye tests or complete thyroid
panels. The female is skittish and snappy. Her owners hope that having a litter will calm her down.
$800.00 ~ Before this breeding ever took place, both male and female had TESTS, including
hip x-rays and eye tests to determine that there were no physical or genetic problems that might be passed on to the offspring.
They were also BOTH trialed to their CD levels to prove their dispositions, intelligence and trainability. The breeder is well aware of the genetic problems to which the breed is predisposed, and uses no animal for breeding
unless it has been certified clear of defects by a qualified veterinarian. The health of her pups is guaranteed.
Puppies will have their eyes checked around 5 to 7 weeks old.
$200.00 ~ The breeder is totally UNaware of the genetic problems within the breed.
Trips to the veterinarian, except for dire emergencies are pretty much non-existant and considered to be too expensive.
The breeder's hope is to make money off the sale of the puppies. If he keeps expenses down, he can buy the new
couch he's been wanting. Puppies are sold with NO guarantees/contract.
$800.00 ~ The breeder is a professional and he has a good reputation to maintain.
His goal is to produce beautiful and sound puppies, which anyone would be proud to own. Profit, if any is made, goes
toward future breedings...always aimed toward the betterment of the breed, or for trial entries, new equipment and important
health tests. Both the mother, sire and the pups are fed the HIGHEST quality Raw Foods diet. The pups are raised
IN the home and are socialized, groomed and exposed to many different kinds of stimuli. They are touched and talked
to, cuddled and loved on. They are never sold before they are a minimum of 9 weeks old! Every buyer is interviewed
at length and the pups are placed only in homes where they will receive the finest food, care and kind treatment. The
breeder spends time with each new owner, educating and answering questions. Follow-up calls and e-mails will be made
to make sure that the pups are adjusting well. Each new owner receives a bill of sale, contract, health guarantees,
minimum five-generation pedigree, guarantee of registration with ASCA and AKC and thorough puppy care and nutrition information.
If the puppy is not considered to be of such quality as it will better the breed...the puppy will be sold with limited registration
or non-breeding agreements. The new owners are encouraged to continue a relationship with the breeder, and to
call, e-mail and ask questions at any time during the dog's life!
$200.00 ~ These puppies are born in a box, in the garage/barn and receive little
care, other than what the mother gives. To cut costs...they are weaned on generic/grocery store dog food and allowed
to nurse on the mother as long as possible to keep the food bills down. The bitch's health declines rapidly due to poor
health/nutrition and some pups are weak and runty. They are sold as quickly as possible, because advertising and food
are expensive. They are sold without having their dewclaws removed, without tail docking, parasite checks and veterinary
examinations, guarantees or information of any kind. They are sold to "anyone" who has the cash. If the new owner
is lucky, he may receive an AKC or ASCA registration application. Although the puppy is of very poor quality,
it is sold with full breeding rights. The new owner usually disappears with the pup, never to be seeen again.
If the market is not good, the breeder takes the leftover pups to the local pet shop or humane society.
The comparison you have just read is hypothetical, but very typical of what we see all too often.
Although not every breeder who charges higher prices is reputable and ethical, pet buyers should keep looking until
they find one that is!
When I am asked why my prices are so much higher than those in some newspaper ads, I mail
a copy of this article. Those buyers, who respect the quality and excellence, are wonderful customers and become "partners"
in this hobby, and breed that I have loved so much for over 35 years! Those that are seeking pets deserve nothing less
than a nice quality, HEALTHY and trusting animal. As well as an "educated" breeder that they can count on for
many years to come...
