Yes - the price of many breeds is "too high" -- Yorkies being one.
It is supply and demand as well as the popularity of different breeds at different times that draws these high prices. I remember when several different breeds first became popular - they were also very expensive. Then, as more people had them, and more puppies becames available - the prices came down.
I'm sure this will happen with our little Yorkies - they have become very popular and more and more people are owning them.... this means in time there will be more little Yorkie puppies available - and the prices will start dropping (regardless of what people think they need to spend to breed a dog). Breeding costs are not peculiar to Yorkie owners. Other than having C-sections more often than is necessary with many other breeds, a lot of the costs (or should be) similar.
***** What anyone is willing to pay for a little dog (any breed) is just fine - and I'm sure everyone can justify it. Plus they justify the hundreds of dollars they spend on clothes and toys and everything else.
BUT - let's not forget that these little dogs can be a "huge expense," and a lot of sensible people (with children and other expenses) simply don't have the money -- they rightfully feel they can't justify spending this much on a dog and all its clothes and toys......
Perhaps only "well-off" people should own purebred dogs - this is an unfortunate state of affairs. I know a family on welfare who own a Yorkie as well as a pit bull and a poodle --- all purebreds. And, actually, I know a lot of people who own dogs and spend money on dogs who really can't afford it and shouldn't be doing it. At least it is evident to their neighbors that their children are going without things they should have.
I really applaud people who work hard, manage their money, take care of their children and property, and are financially responsible and realize that they can't afford a $1000 (or much more) dog and everything that goes with it. This is just being a responsible person to me. Hopefully, at some point, the price of some breeds will come down - and these same people will have a little more money and be able to get the dog of their dreams.......
*** I know for a fact that a lot of breeders don't spend anywhere near what they sell their puppies for..... not just Yorkies - other breeds as well. Saying the possibility of other expenses (C-sections, illnesses, vet care, etc. etc.) doesn't justify the price --because often these expenses never happen.
A lady I know whose little Yorkie had 5 puppies was flabbergasted at the price she could get for them. Her dog didn't need a C-section - but she took good care of her dog and the puppies. They all went to the vet, had their shots, worming, dew claws, tails docked, etc. She still thought it was unreal the amount that people were willing to pay for them. They were papered and had very good looking parents (one 4 pounds - the other 8 pounds).
She had no clue what she could sell her little puppies for -- so, she looked in the paper to see what the average price was -- she couldn't believe it!!!
I wish everyone could have the dog they want - but a lot of people just can't afford it - and a lot of other people just get the dog anyway.
Sometimes we forget that people love their mutts (I use this word with love) as much as we love our Yorkies -- shame on us!!!!!!
Carol Jean |