In my opinion, the breeder you described cannot be "doing right by the dogs" she has if she is only charging $500 for them. She certainly isn't making any money if she is providing the necessary care that the mothers and babies need. I think the price is a big red flag. If you cannot pay an appropriate price for a dog to insure that the breeder has cared for it and its mother properly then you shouldn't have the dog, because the purchase price is a very small poetion of what will be required to raise and care for that dog over his/her lifetime. This is what I would tell your neighbor.
Of course, if you can gether to come on here and read the qualities of a good breeder that would help. You need to impress upon her the fact that she should want a healthy puppy with a good tempeament is close to the breed standard since she will have that dog in her family for 10-15 years. It is not a decision and a purchase to be made lightly. |