Actually cost does happen. I had a litter once where my female ended up with a C-section (puppy was breech which is common in yorkies and was stuck). she only had two pups. The one that was stuck did not make it. So luckily here I am with my female momma alive and one male pup. I ended up keeping that male puppy and he looks just like his mom.
But when you think of price you are not just paying for a pup you will own for around 15 years, and a companion, but you are paying for vet care, shots, hours it takes to be with the momma dog while whelping the litter, food/feeding, cleaning and changing pads or papers, supplies ~pillows, blankets, and the long long hours that the breeder did researching and learning all she could to have good quality pups. It is not just for your one pup, but what quality and care the breeder gave to her mom and the sire to produce this healthy happy puppy.
Of course the above are about reputable breeders that care and love their babies and it shows. So buyer beware - educate yourself before buying and research the breeders - so you get a breeder that has put her heart and sole into your pup.
