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Originally Posted by Nancy1999  No not at all, and most show breeders are lucky to break even. It's not a "business" for them, and they aren't trying to turn a profit, but truly wish to improve the breed. If we didn't have show breeders, there would be no real standard, and it might be hard to find a yorkie that looked like a yorkie in future years. I meant that show breeders, in a way, set the price, and lets say it cost them 1500 just to break even, another breeder can use that figure as the "going rate" and set their prices, even though their overall costs have been much less, and they actually do turn a profit. You also have to remember the show breeder started with much more expensive breeding stock. Not to mention all the time involved in really researching and studying about breeding. |
Nicely put!
I'll never break even.. I've spent up to $10,000 for one dog that I felt gave me the lines, health and quality that I wanted for my lines. And many I have purchased to improve the breed, actually did not. So they have been spayed/neutered and placed in pet homes, losing a lot of money.
There is a history of health, and quality with a pedigree and a background to fall back on to improve our lines. 1 Show weekend averages me about $500.00. Not counting grooming supplies, tables, crates etc. I would never consider that in the price of the puppy. Luckily we farm which helps in the expense and many Exhibitor friends have 2 or 3 jobs to support their Showing.
But we do have the expense of dog purchases, Vets, health screening, Vaccinations, Microchips, neutering/spaying puppies, Feed, Beds, toys and treats. I'll never break even, but the drive to produce the healthiest, highest quality and maybe some day the "Best of Show" winner keeps me trying.
Babies that are sold by us are those we are not able to keep for our breeding program, and I've always tried to have a fair price. Although I would love to keep all of them, it's just not possible.
Then you have a "breeder" that paid $350.00 for a male or female and decided to have puppies. They've done no researching, no health screening, and no idea of quality or health or background. They see a high price for puppies and decide that because of a pretty face, their puppy should be worth a high price. They are the "breeders" that are making money. Not the rest of us!