Asking the price of the dog seems to me to point toward a responsible person. I'm not generalizing...but it seems to me "many" of the people I have met where price is not a consideration are the types that can afford frequent vacations and dropping off their dog to be kenneled while they are vacationing is the norm. I don't think that's in the best interest of one's dog...but that's my opinion. Some kennel at the drop of a hat and think nothing of it. I commit to the dog, if it can't go with me, then I don't go. That being said, management of one's money and making any purchase that is within a person's budget shows intelligence and responsibility, just the type of person that should buy a dog.
"to me", if someone didn't ask the price those are the ones I'd think a flake and would be a red flag to me. I think a responsible future pet owner that has a budget of (e.g) a $1000 for a puppy and has considered and allowed for 'normal' care costs goes to buy the pup and finds out it's now $1400 and just buys it because now they've visited it several times, have grown attached to having that puppy isn't a responsible person.
I would like to know that they will give it a good home. I'd come down in price to make sure it went with the more responsible pet owner. Price is a reality and I think that someone who would assume someone who asks the price isn't a good choice for their puppy are passing on a lot of good potential owners for their dogs...and that makes the breeder suspect in my mind.
Two families, one has one working adult, the other adult stays home; family two both adults work...the latter most likely having more disposable income, less concerned with the dog's cost... which family needs to consider the dollars more? who's going to give the dog more attention and time? The one who whose home and available most likely. What did the family that doesn't have to consider money really bring to the table other than cash?
A $1000 plus dollars is significant for people and in addition to interviewing the breeder and their available puppies for quality I'd want to know what the price is. If one person sells their pups for a 1000 and another sells for 2500 I'm entitled (as the buyer) to know exactly what am I buying. Why, Mr/Ms Breeder is your dog 2500 and the other 1000? The more costly dog doesn't make it a better or healthier dog. Knowing the price and the reason behind the pricing structure is a reasonable expectation for anyone buying anything. I'd also like to know the price in case it's a $200 Yorkie...I'd take that as a red flag there...so when someone asks the price they may be the responsible future pet owner and it's the breeder who's getting interviewed for integrity, etc.
Kendra |