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Originally Posted by kionini  It probably depends on where you are. Around where I am you don't see a purebred for less than $1.5k (and that is very low). I adopted Nini, who is a Yorkie/Maltese mix (called around here a Yorkitese) for $900. The purebred Yorkies are around $1,500 for the males and $2k and up for the females.
In my local shelters a mix can be adopted for $350-$400 (at least the ones I wanted, because of doctor bills, upkeep, etc., so they say). Yorkietese buyers are usually on a waiting list with the lady I got Nini from, I guess it's because these puppies are sought after around here (?).
I agree the seller should be upfront if the puppy is not what the buyer expects. For $500 I would have been suspicious because it would have been a real bargain for me since I don't see a purebred for that price anywhere (even online), unless something's wrong with the pup  . |
$500 for a purebred is not unheard of, if it is an older pup, or not bred to standard, or from a puppymill with a super fast turnaround, there are lots more reasons. However, there are lots of unethical breeders who will sell mixed breeds for more than what it costs to adopt on at a local shelter. Of course prices range from area to area, but you're saying that your breeder charges $900 for a yorkie/maltese mix? (that's called a MORKIE btw, not a yorkietese, unless she is trying to get some other type of 'spin" on it.) Like i said, any breeder who is breeding mixed breed pups ON PURPOSE and calling them cutesy designer names and charging thusly are only doing it for the money, NOT for the betterment of either breed.
Another thing a reputable breeder won't do is charge more for females than males. Why would *some* breeders charge more for females? bc you can breed them and get puppies of course! A reputable breeder for sure will not charge a $500 difference! They would only sell on spay/neuter contracts in the first place! And, please don't tell me your breeder also charges more for micros and teaspoons.
I live in Orange Co, CA, it's expensive to live here. If I go to my local shelter, most dogs that are adoptable are about $75 or LESS. Puppies and kittens are a bit more bc they have a higher demand. I'm wondering why your local shelters are charging more than some rescues. makes me think.
If you buy a dog for $2000 plus, it better be from a reputable breeder/exhibitor with a health guarantee and champions in its pedigree, plus much more than that.
I got Uni for $1200, and while i love her how she is, she should not have cost that much, being from unknown lines, ACA "registered" (means absolutely nothing), LP grade 3, too light coloring, the list goes on.
We need to stop supporting bad breeders!