I was thinking about getting one, so I decided to do some research on them online today while at work. I couldn't believe how expensive they are! Prices ranging from $500-2000?? Some that I found were not even being sold from a pure breeder and they were this price! Why is this?
2007-03-20 10:44:28 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Usually, a purebreed dog can have a price range that high or more. If the person selling them isn't actually a pruebreed breeder, then he's probably trying to rip you off.
THOUGH, legitimate breeders will have higher prices for the following reasons:
1. The owner needs to ALSO buy a few purebreed females and studs, which costs them money.
2. Constant health checks on the breeding dogs. "Upkeep" and all of that.
3. Sometimes have to pay a "stud" fee, that is literally pay a fee to another owner to use their male dog to get puppies.
4. Vet bills for having the puppies (possible C Section).
5. Shots for all the puppies and parent dogs.
6. Food for all the dogs.
7. Having to live in an area where kennels for breeding are allowed (there are actual zoning laws about this stuff).
8. Toys, bedding, etc. for the animals.
All of this adds up to quite a bit, especially when you have, say, 20-30+ dogs as opposed to 2 or 3. And then after that, the owners STILL want to make a profit. If you add it all up, it can become quite a high price, even for a dog as small as a Chihuahua.
Another factor to cost is breeding lines. If a breeder's line of dogs is one that is quite low in health problems that may normally be predominant that breed, it can launch the price up EVEN higher.
These are the normal reasons for high purebreed prices.
Honestly, though, if you want a Chihuahua, you can go to a local pet adoption center or human society and find one there. You can find a surprising number of purebreeds at animal shelters, and get them for under 50 bucks (that money pays for shots and is usually a paperwork processing fee).
Good luck!
2007-03-20 11:07:41 · answer #1 · answered by half_shadow27 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends mostly on the source of the puppy. A hobbyist or an owner who just happens to have a pregnant Chihuahua (or thought it would be "fun") usually sell cheaper puppies. In contrast, a professional breeder will generally sell puppies that are more expensive than a hobbyist, pet store, or something with a listing in a newspaper. This is because breeders have put a lot of time into studying the breed and the genetics of various lines -- not all breeders do, but that's what the "mark up" is supposed to represent. However, you will also find people who know nothing about breeding but see this as a money-making venture because Paris Hilton and others have made the breed popular. These are the people you have to be VERY careful about, as they know very little about the breed and care about it even less -- they simply see dollar signs. Having said that, I would never pay that much money for a puppy unless the breeder had been recommended to me by someone I trust. Check out the breed club's website (usually linked off the American Kennel Club website), and start your search from there. Alternatively, yes, you can get a puppy or dog from the pound or rescue program, but there are other risks (and rewards) associated with this process -- and that's a different question entirely.
2007-03-20 17:56:30 · answer #2 · answered by Carl R 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because they're popular - it's the law of supply and demand.
I recommend checking your local shelters or calling your vet to find a listing of purebred rescuers who may have a rescued Chihuahua in need of a good home.
Adopting a shelter dog: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1405&S=1&SourceID=47
If you want to buy a Chihuahua, do your research and spend the extra money to get one from a reputable breeder. NEVER buy one from a pet store - pet store puppies come from puppy mills and are frequently unhealthy and end up with behavior problems. See http://stoppuppymills.org/ for info about puppy mills. Pet store/puppy mill puppies are left to soil their kennels, which makes them nearly impossible to house train when you get them home. They're poorly socialized - they are not exposed to people at the puppy mill, then they live behind glass at the pet store while children pound on the glass as they pass by. This often makes the pups shy or aggressive. Please don't support puppy mill breeders financially by buying their puppies.
Puppy mills and backyard breeders vs. responsible breeders: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1448&S=1&SourceID=47
If you buy a puppy, go to the house and meet the mother when you pick out your puppy. ONLY buy the puppy if you can meet the mother - if the sellers offer excuses, they may be acting as a front for a puppy mill. Responsibly bred and raised puppies are much higher quality and will make healthier, happier adult dogs, so it's worth the extra time & cost to find a good breeder.
Breeder selection and how it affects your dog's behavior: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1764&S=1&SourceID=47
Best wishes finding the right dog for you!
2007-03-20 18:15:56 · answer #3 · answered by Bess2002 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You just have to know where to look :) I bought both of my chis for $75/ea, they are purebred w/ no papers(I'm not breeding or showing so papers mean squat to me). Also most people don't know there is no such thing as a "teacup" chihuahua - Chi's are toy dogs no matter how much they weigh, but a lot of chi breeders charge more for this because it makes them seem rare, and can 'promise' you that they won't get over a certain weight. Chi babies are great little dogs, I hope you find one to add to your home!
2007-03-20 17:52:31 · answer #4 · answered by FirefighterWife 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a Chihuahua and i didn't buy her off a store cause they are to expensive, so i bought my Chihuahua out of the news paper under dogs for 200-400 dollars.
2007-03-20 17:49:17 · answer #5 · answered by Niki 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
aaah, just buy a rat the result is the same. Lol Yo quiero taco bell? Seriously, I don't know why they are so expensive, but you might want to check with your home owners insurance because some insurance companies will not insure with certain breeds a chihauhuas is sometimes on the list... they are ankle biters.
Good luck...
2007-03-20 17:51:32 · answer #6 · answered by Kaley D 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
thats just the way it is when u come across a poplular breed. I paid 1000 for my 2 beagles...and i got a discount! but my beagles are pure breed. Dogs are typically more expensive on the internet. Keep your eyes open in your news paper and you can find awesome CHEAP dogs.
2007-03-20 17:50:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Any pure bred dog is expensive. Breeding is expensive.
2007-03-20 17:51:14 · answer #8 · answered by Monica T 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Any purebred dog is expensive. I would suggest frequenting you local animal shelters until you find what you want.
2007-03-20 17:51:09 · answer #9 · answered by Annie 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
because your not looking in the best places. Get one from a shelter or rescue.
go to petfinder.com
2007-03-20 17:48:45 · answer #10 · answered by marina 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋