Breeders....the money...?

Question

What is the average cost to have a litter (of your breed?)

Can you share all the expenses of breeding dogs and why each is important? (From purchasing and testing the parents to raising the pups).

Thanks.

Fosterpug hon....My dogs are mutts number one, and spayed/neutered number two.

There are just so many "breeders" on here and so many questions about the right price for a dog I thought I would try to help people know if they're getting ripped off or not by asking the REAL breeders what the costs are.

Apparently the real breeders aren't around at the moment though...

Where are you guys? I know you're here somewhere! (You know who you are!)

LOL! Thanks S C!

Answer 1

Wow, I'll try to add everything I can remember off the top of my head....

My male cost me $1,200
Female cost me 900
ear crop 350
ear crop 350
vWD test 99
vWD test 99
OFA 130
OFA 130
Thyroid 35
Thyroid 35
Cardio 125 before breeding
Cardio 125 before breeding
Annual Vaccs 95 x 2 yrs $190
Annual Vaccs 95 x 2 yrs 190
Annual H/W prev 360 2 dogs/ 2 yrs $720
Brucellosis test 70 just before breeding (std)

$4,748.00 before considering breeding a litter, does not include include incidentals!

Then:

Ultra Sound @ 30 days $65 to verify pregnancy
Vitamins/pregnant female 30
X-ray @ 50 days 75
(poss. c-section @ 64 days 800 ($600-$1000)
Not all dogs need a c-section, but funds need to be available if a problems should arise!

There's $5,718 so far

Now the puppies (dobermans)

One day whelped well puppy visit $75
3 days of age, tail and dew claws 210 (litter of 8)
antibiotic ointment for tails 30
wormer 45
6 wk shots 165
8 wk shots 165
Health certificates 360

So far, $6,578.00 and again, this does not cover any incidentals, an adult or pup getting sick or hurt! So as far as a bottom line to produce a healthy litter, I'd say somewhere in the ballpark of $7,000.00 - $8,000.00.

Then you have to consider the cost of Confirmation events, travel, handler.......etc, etc $ $ $ $

Ok, I think I've forgotten a few things, but for the most part.... this covers the main stuff.

This is why so many reputable/responsible breeders ask what they do for their pups......

Answer 2

OMG how could I possible add up how much money I have lost.

It started out with the researching, lots and lots of books and over due library fees.

Then lots of gas money to travel and mentor with other breeders.

About 2000 for a show quality dog with breeding rights.

About at least $400 a year to show one dog not including the grooming equipment and handling fees.

Health tests blew my pocket book to nonexistent.

Then the stud fee which is the price of one puppy and the cost to ship the female there.

All this expense before even having a litter. Then there is the whelping box, scale, home made formula, lots and lots of blankets etc.

Then there is puppy chow, vaccination, de wormer etc.

Then there is the expense to register the puppies and have them vet checked.

In other words, the term breeding for money is non existent if you do it correctly. I am sure I have missed lots of things

Answer 3

anyone who is a quality breeder isnt making a ton of money, there are alot of expenses that go into good breeding. the breeders that just breed thier dogs with no type of quality control (making sure the breeding pair have no genetic problems and are worthy of breeding) just get or have a dog they want to breed and give the puppies to anyone who has the money. they tent to make alot more money but have poor quality dogs

Answer 4

Here's a good website for a Doberman litter:

http://www.dpca.org/before.you.breed.html

Unfortunately, it doesn't take into account the cost to show a dog to championship, which is usually at least $3,000 including entry fees and travelling costs. If your breed is one that needs extensive grooming or you need to hire a handler, it can cost much more - $5,000 to $7,000.

Answer 5

From the initial cost of my dogs to the final expence of raising a litter. I am out....................Probably 15,000 It would take too long to go from start to finish. It isnt as simple as putting two dogs together........sorry byb's. ......It is years of research, developement, trial and error (we've all made our costly mistakes) Years ago you could break even, today unless you are running a puppy mill you are losing money. I do it only for the love of my breed and the fact they are rare in my area.




Damn Miriam, LMAO...........Oh but, now I'm depressed. I too could have been rich?????? Thanks alot KJ...you just had to make me think of this

Answer 6

would I be getting ripped off then if I said I wish to get a Finnish Spitz and know a breeder who is selling a male for $700 and thats a show dog price, just pet was $500?

Answer 7

I havent breed my dogs but plan to I can tell you about the puppies I take in litters
Food sceice diet is what i use its cost about $30 a bag
we have a huge pen we Keep the pups in it cost about $60
we put STRAW not hay in it the pupps love it that 12 bucks
first set of shot for a litter of 6 is $200. dont buy and adminster your own the vet wont aknowledge it...we always have plenty of toys petsmart tend to be the cheapest
hope this helps

Answer 8

ok she doesnt want to breed her dogs lol so dont lecture her. But if you are a GOOD breeder you might make $5 lol but I dont breed and never plan to so I will never know for sure :)

Answer 9

'm not a professional but it cost over $2000 canadian when we bred a Lab(Hips, eyes, stud fee, extra feed, time off work for the whelping, taking 8 puppies to the vet for shots and dew claw removal) tatooing and registration with kennel club

Answer 10

Sorry, you may not like my reply...
If you are thinking of breeding your dog and if you don't already know these answers, and haven't grown up in an environment of dog enthusiasts where you would have learned these things already, then my request to you is please don't breed.

There are millions of shelter animals, puppy and adult alike that will NEVER find homes, please don't add to the problem of overpopulation of pets.

Every puppy you breed kills a shelter dog's chances of a forever home......

more details:
Whew, that's a relief! :) Thanks KJ, I didn't want to have a bad opinion of you.. my pets are all rescues and neutered also!