Breeders, what do you say when asked price for pup?

Question

Just throwing this out there. When you are at park or out walking/driving (magnetic sign on van) in town and someone asks how much your puppies sell for, what do you say?

I ask this meaning when you know for sure person asking just because curious, such as living in small town, you know just about everyone, children's friends' mom, or even the friends themselves or an acquaintance. Someone walking a puppy of their own.

I feel this similar to asking how much you make at your job. I have friend of 9 years that is a horse breeder and I still don't know how much she gets, wouldn't ask unless I wanted to buy.

Again, curious as to what other breeders say to the curious ones.

I'm asking established breeders who have established, proven bloodlines.

Answer 1

It bugs me when the first question a person has about my dogs/kennel is, "How much do you sell your puppies for?" It always seems tacky to me.

That said -- when I asked -- I usually reply with a generalization. "Well-bred Siberian puppies in this area generally sell for $XXX-$XXX."

Even if they're interested in buying -- I'd prefer they ask about my dogs, what I do with them, if I do any genetic testing -- that sort of thing, before they ask about price. And then they tell me about themselves. You're not buying a washing machine, dude...invest some time in learning about the person breeding the dogs and where they come from, rather than "How much and how soon?"

ADDED: Chibi wrote:
"Those breeding for pets may have a set price where as those breeding for quality will most likely have a fluctuating price range."

Actually, it's usually the opposite. My puppies go for the same price, male or female, regardless. Color and markings are not grounds for pricing. This is true of just about every responsible breeder I know.

Now, backyard breeders/puppymills in my breed will charge more for females than males; blue eyes may also cost more; a "rare" color or "perfect mask" (GAG!) may be "worth more". Sorry, but charging on sex or cosmetics is utter BS.

Answer 2

My standard answer in situations as you described is "well over a thousand dollars", which is true if you are looking for a show/performance/breeding prospect and a tad under if you are looking for a companion puppy. Most people are aghast at the price. I've sold very few dogs in the area where I now live and don't really consider it to be part of my market area. I've been asked by a couple of different local vets to make a special deal for a client of theirs from time to time which I do always accomodate. And if someone is really serious about a dog for a junior for instance, that dog can be pretty inexpensive. But for the general question, my response has pretty much been the same for years.

Answer 3

Well for kids asking, tell them to have their parents give you a call or stop by or kindly say, "I don't think your mom & dad would let you have a dog". For the nosey small towners (I live in a very small town also where everyone knows everything) I usually either tell them what I'm charging for the pups or when I know it's someone purely nosey and no way they would actually be buying then I tell them "they're pricey" or "come by the house and see the litter and we'll talk/work something out". That kind of thing usually works.

Answer 4

Oh I tell them. I see nothing wrong with it. I also invite them over to play around with my dogs. I have had people ask me because they were curious and I give them my name and number. A lot of them call me back and put their name on a waiting list. Matter in fact I just got a call to be put on a list. I am very honest with it comes to my dogs and I would answer any question anyone has for me, even the price. But then I am the type of person who wants to know something I always ask. I rather someone ask me than out guess me.

Answer 5

We get asked that a lot, some are serious some are not.
I just tell them "every puppy is different", "some won't be for sale period, others may be quite reasonable"

Quite often every puppy in the litter will be going to various other breeders, and none will be available anyways.

Answer 6

A standard answer I hear all the time is "If you have to ask, you can't afford one." I am not a breeder, but am asked about every time we take our four mastiffs out in public...
-how much they cost
-if we are gonna breed them
-if we will breed one to their dog of whatever breed

If they were asking legitimate questions, such as temperament, issues the breed is prone to, how big they get, etc. I refer them to a good friend who is a breeder, and let them ask HER about pricing, etc.

Answer 7

Actually I do know what you mean. I have 2 beautiful Goldens which I am very proud of. I do get a lot of people who are attracted to them. I will talk their ear off about Goldens and answer any and all their questions. I do get the occasional person who does ask how much they were. I have a very dear friend who bred my dogs so now I carry her business cards in my pocket and I tell them to go to her web site or to e-mail her. I no long will tell anyone what my dogs are worth. It really is none of their business.

Answer 8

As you can see - prices are solely dependent on breeders. But it also depends on the market. A lab can cost $500 one place but $1000 in another also depending on whether the dog is a decendent of champions and if it's a show dog. Some may go to even 2000, 4000, etc. All depends on the breeder. Perfect bone structure, markings etc. One pup may cost more than the other one even in the same litter. Those breeding for pets may have a set price where as those breeding for quality will most likely have a fluctuating price range.

Answer 9

I usually just tell them it is private treaty, depending on the individual pup. I don't give the price until I know the person and know they are a good prospect, and which pup is right for them.

I may give them a general price range..but it is broad and general. (just for the curiosity askers)

I sell my pups for very different prices, depending on the pup, yes, but also depending on the family it is going to..For instance, I will sell a $X,XXX pup for a fraction of that, if the person is * seriously* wanting it for Junior Handling, or 4 H..

Answer 10

When asked, whether a serious inquiry or not, I tell them the truth.