Crete -- Here is another breeder's perspective. This person breeds boxers in New Castle, DE! Imagine that!
"There are so many ads in the newspaper - which of those are good breeders?
Very few good breeders advertise in the newspaper because they get more than enough referrals from other good breeders and Boxer Clubs. They produce good health, good temperament, and good conformation, and there is often a waiting list for their pups.
Look at ten ads in the newspaper and at least 5 to 7 of them will be careless breeders who know little or nothing about Boxers. They simply bred together their cute male and their cute female and produced cute puppies. They did no research, so they don't know the incidence of hip dysplasia, spine deformities, low to normal thyroid, poor temperament, heart problems, or epilepsy in their lines. They pronounced the parents perfect" without knowing anything about structure or soundness. When you buy from these people, you are essentially buying generic little dogs with unknown genes. Their AKC registration papers say Boxer only because the AKC churns registration papers out of a computer that couldn't care less about structure, health, or temperament."
The page goes on to say this about price:
"Cost?
"$1500.00."
Reasonable price range for pet quality is $800.00 to $1100.00 - however prices do vary by region. However, it should be noted that the American Boxer Club Code of Ethics prohibits breeders from charging full price for a white puppy. Instead, they may collect a refundable spay/neuter deposit, and charge for veterinary expenses directly related to the puppy (as of 9/29/04). Veterinary expenses directly related to a puppy may vary widely, however, and in some cases may be higher than the average price of a pet colored puppy."
Just thought I would throw those excerpts out for your perusal.
