Pricing question for all breeders?
 

Okay everybody, I've been patiently [COLOR=green! important][COLOR=green! important]puppy[/COLOR][/COLOR] hunting for breeders for a few months now in the Atlanta area and I haven't had any luck. I admitt I am a bit picky but I'm a firm believer in knowing my pup once I see it. I did have luck once but the [COLOR=green! important][COLOR=green! important]breeder[/COLOR][/COLOR] ended up saying she wanted to keep her for herself :mad: (go figure) Any how, the usual price range I get from multiple breeders have been $1,500 up to about $2,000. So I figured that is the going rate because I have called so many and seen on the internet.

Here's where the question comes in....my boyfriend talked to a coworker that gave him the number to a breeder that said she charges $650. Of course my boyfriend is like "oh we're buying from her" but I just wanted to get some opioions. Is it wrong to price a pup for $650 or is it wrong to price a pup in the $1,000's????

Help:confused:

I don't think either way is wrong. Some people ask 2,000 because they can get it, some people ask 2,000 because their dogs are really worth it. Pet quality Yorkies can be sold for a bit higher than that where I live (850+), and many people will love those 650 dollar ones just the same. I would pick a mutt if it were the "right one". Go see her dogs and I am sure you will know if one of them will be "the one". If not keep looking, you might find someone in with Yorkies in your area and get further than just looking in the paper etc.

so very true!

Well you'll probably get lots of different opinions on this, but I believe you should find the best breeder you can, and buy a pup from him or her. I always recommend the YTCA as a starting place; the YTCA is the mother club for Yorkies for the AKC. YTCA breeders have the highest standards, and really are trying to improve the breed. I think the chances of finding a healthy beautiful dog are much higher, if you find a great breeder. Prices are variable around the country, but $1500-2000 sounds average. I would not pay this to just any breeder. The dog should be a direct descendant of champions, not one whose grandfather on one side was a champ, or who has "champions in the blood" as this means nothing. A show breeder is more likely to do genetic testing, and since profit is not the motive for breeding, you are getting a great deal. Showing dogs is expensive, as well as all the testing that is required, yet many breeders will charge as much as a show breeder even though they don't have these expenses. You can buy a bargain pup, and luck out, but so many need costly surgeries, and one surgery can cost a minimum of $1,500 so it makes financial sense to buy from a quality breeder. Not only is the financial cost high with a sickly dog, the emotional cost are much higher. Remember, you don't have to plan to breed or show to buy a dog from a show breeder, most of the dogs they place are pet only, meaning they sell with limited registration. I had to learn this the hard way, and after owning a dog bred by a back yard breeder, I learned that that is something I would never wish on my worst enemy.

Paying more for a dog does not necessarily guarentee a healthy dog. Buying from a show breeder does not necessarily guarentee a healthy dog. buying from a hobby breeder does not mean the dog will be unhealthy.

Some show breeders, ( I hope not many) but some, will do anything to get a champion. Unfortunately the judges cannot see inside the dog they can only see that there are no faults on the outside.

the best advice, is to research the breeder. if you get a good honest breeder with a good reputation, they will guarentee that you get a puppy with NO GENETIC flaws.

No one can guarentee the life of a dog, there are so many things that enter into the picture.

Amen.

I second this!!! But I also believe that all pups deserve good homes. I know quite a few breeders around here who breed their babies for fun. They do not show and do not advertise show quality. I say if you are looking for a pet, and you can find perfectly fine healthy happy babies out there for less. Although this is not true in ALL cases, but a breeder who is confident in her babies will almost ALWAYS take back the puppy, if need be (no matter HOW OLD he/she gets). Good luck, and don't let YT scare you. Follow your heart.

i agree with you. Some excellant breeders are just not interested in showing. And I think people put to much store in supposeddely "show breeders". For instance, I know of one in Texas that is held in very high regard by two or three people on here. The woman has almost 100 dogs in her "show kennel", will let anyone with a thousand dollars use any stud she has and will sell to anyone that comes along with money almost. You will never make me believe that this hot shot "show breeder" is doing genetic testing or anything else on all those dogs. yet, when she is mentioned on here you would think she is right up there next to God simply because shee is a "show breeder".

I agree with Nancy.

My advice would be to buy from a reputable AKC or Canadian Kennel Club exhibitor/breeder, you're much more likely to get the healthy yorkie you are looking for.

Wow, such bitterness towards exhibitor/breeders from some here :confused: I guess the competition to sell those byb/hobby breeder pups is fierce, hmm?!?

I guess you directed this at me (since you usually do). I am also a breeder/exhibtor and as far as competetion, I haven't even had a litter for a year so have had no puppies to compete with:) But I do have a waiting list for my babies when I do have theem. Don't have to compete. I do have one baby girl two weeks old that is going no where except the show ring.. I just personally think that show breeders are held in too high regard when people are saying they all do this or do that. believe me, I have seen what a lot of people do since I have been showing. I mean no bitterness toward anyone just stating facts.

go sugar mom
 

I too am a show breeder that does not make me some wonderful breeder nor does it make me not one. I believe that you need to go see the puppy and talk to the breeder. Ask for ref. talk to their vet. If their vet wont talk to you about them that is a red flag for me. Dont buy a puppy with out a guarantee. I test my puppie to make sure they are healthy and I sell pet puppies any where from 800 to 1500. depending on the puppy. You need to do your homework do not buy the first puppy you see. I agree that if you buy from a show breeder you are more likely to get a good quality dog with out health issues. To many people dont care what they breed to what.

I agree with most of what you said and I know you show also. I have seen dogs limping around the show ring too many times to say they don't have health issues. Fortunately, the ones I saw like this were another breed. I also have learned that a great pedigree means nothing. As someone said, " When you look at a pedigree, you see what "ought" to be. When you see the dog in the show ring, you see what "seems" to be but when you look at progeny, you see what "is". BTW, I wish you would come down to Lexington in late August for thee AKC Bluegrass Classic. It is a five day show and I will be showing some of those days.

I have to agree with Dee on this 1. Just because a person shows doesnt nessceserly mean that they can breed without any questions asked!!!.
A lot of show dogs are infested with genetic and health problems.

Anyway to move on to the pricing. I think you guys in the states pay and absoulote fortune for a yorkie pup.. The average price here is around £500, I think that is maybe around $800.
My advice to the OP is to shop around, go visit the breeders home, have a look at whatever anaimals she has at her home, see what conditions they are kept in.
I wish you the best of luck and please let us no if you ever get that new puppy.

What the heck is that for ? I do not think anyone has gotten bitter they all have their one opnions as usual on this forum.

Some think show breeders are better or exhibitiors and some do not , so who cares what ones opnion is.

I am sorry OP I did not answer yoru question.
Just because someone wants 1500 and one wants 650 does not mean the 1500 dog is better.
Check out the people you want to buy from go and look at their dogs call their refrences if they have any or speak to their vet and make your own choice about what you want.