Originally Posted by chris_e  Thanks for reposting, I lost my internet connection halfway through posting.
That said.
Cripes, I am going to have to clarify myself, which I didn't want to do as I have made up my mind on the subject, but for the sake of clarity and lowering heart rates, I will write again.
The way I am reading it, there are three basic types of breeders. There are the show dog breeders, hobby or backyard breeders, and the purely for profit or puppy mill breeders.
Show dog breeders charge more, on average, because their cost per litter is higher with all the expenses to produce a show dog. The breeder, in trying to breed the perfect Yorkie charges, more for her time and effort and because the litter parents are show winners and have a name for themselves. This leads to litters that may or may not meet the breeders expectations. I am not challenging the attachment to the puppies. God knows I want every puppy I see, regardless of breed. All I am saying is that even pet quality puppies from show breeders, on average cost more.
The backyard, or hobby breeder have a couple of litters a year because they enjoy having puppies around or there is a whoops. While they care dearly for their dogs, it looks to me like they go one of two ways in price determination. They either charge more because their dogs are sired by a named dog and they follow the trend of the show breeders, or they charge less to place their puppies in loving homes and keep the breed popular. There cost per litter is lower because they aren't running a full time breeding operation.
Lastly the purely for profit breeder or puppymill breeder cares nothing for the breed, puppy, family it goes to, or anything but his bottom line. They look at the highest prices charged by show breeders and add to it. Their interest lies only in money made.
I am not saying there is a better breeder among the first two types, while the last type I think everyone abhors. While I think the show dog breeders will always charge more, there are going to be anomalies where a hobbyist charges more, or a show dog breeder charges less. I wasn't trying to be controversial. I am just trying to get the lowdown on pricing. While show breeders can sit and say that they are in it strictly for the puppies and go the pious route, ultimately I think they charge enough to cover their costs. They are trying to breed the next show winner for whatever reason, be it they are competitive, want to make some money, bragging rights, or name recognition for their next generation of potential show winners. I know the breeders on the board are going to go nuts when they read this, but look at it from the consumers point of view. Some feel buying a name brand is better, some feel the bargain is the way to go. You can buy a Vette or you can buy a Honda. You can research or you can impulse buy. If you got the money you can do whatever you want. It is the USA, you can buy whatever you want. I just wanted to know how you came to a dollar amount. I have made up my mind on how it is done. I can't make up anyone elses. Everyone on here needs to make up their own mind. Judging on responses this is obviously a subject that alot of people have questions on. THIS IS THE LAST TIME I AM GOING TO REPLY TO THIS THREAD. If anyone wants to discuss this topic or my opinions further, I will answer my PM's.
Once again, thanks to all who offered opinions, answers, or thoughts.
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