Why do some dogs cost so much more than other's?

Question

Dogs[expect vicious ones] are cute and funny and they give you alot of unconditional love and affection,so why is it that Maltese dogs are a lot more expensive than BlueHeeler dogs, or why are Yorkies or Shihtzus generally speaking more expensive then Rat Terriers or Beagles? Aren't all these dog's,pretty much the same regardless of their breed?

Answer 1

It all depends on the breed. There my be less of some breeds then others, or some are mutts and some are full breeds.

Answer 2

It's not the breeds particularly is the standard of quality. Backyard breeders will normally sell them cheap because they do not put a lot of effort into breeding a quality dog or preserving the integrity of the breed. They simply find two dogs and mate them. The more expensive dogs cost more because the owners have taken the time to test for genetic deficiencies, illness, and have paired dogs with good temperments. It's all about genetics. Some people don't care and just want to make money and some are responsible and take great care in breeding pure bred quality dogs.

Answer 3

It all depends on the supply and demand. A more popular animal is going to raise the price so greedy people get as much money as they can. A good reputable breeder is going to be more expensive because of the care and time they put into each breeding to make sure the animal is sound in body mind and spirit. A backyard breeder in it for the money(which they don't get much) is going to charge less because the animals are often bought by people that aren't always going to provide the best home. Some people look for these kinds of dogs to use as bait dogs and may also train them to be fight or attack dogs. If you are going to look for a pure breed of any dog start with a rescue group and look into different breeders and ask questions. If a breeder isn't willing to let you come look at the dog without making a definite purchase or see the parents-move on!

Answer 4

I have a personal opinion on this question. Purely personal. I believe this is because some breeds are harder to find. In my area my favorite breed is not common at all so they fetch a higher price. Breeders are able to get more because people buy dogs many times as a status of their buying power. They can brag that they paid X$ for their dog. Unfortunately almost any and every breed of dogs (pure bred) has been at your city's pound. If you want a pure bred just contact the pound and any and all rescue groups in your area. Their fee is next to nothing and you have saved a life. I work with a rescue group and I have seen some beautiful, loving, healthy animals find homes with people who were shocked at what a treasure they got for such a small fee.

Answer 5

smaller dogs are more in demand, espeically if they are "non-shedding" people will pay more money for them, so usually the breeders will ask for more money for them.

some breeds are so common that when people have litters they are forced to sell them really cheap or give them away just to get rid of them

REPUTABLE BREEDERS - take the mom/dad dogs to shows to PROVE they are top examples of the breed WORTHY of passing on their genetics, these people ask higher prices because they have invested more money into the pups.

BACK YARD BREEDERS - will take advantage of peoples lack of knowledge that one dog isnt the same as another (within a breed) and will often ask higher prices based on the breed, eg will charge $400 for ShihTzu that really they invested NOTHING into (unlike the reputable breeder above) - these people will price according to the demand for that breed.

PET STORES - surely the WORST place to buy a pup, purchase pups cheap from mass producers (puppy mills) and inflate the cost rediculously to make a profit. These dogs are usually not good quality, becuase if they were good quality the breeder would have sold them directly not be ashamed to be associated with the pup, and sell anonymously through a store. Genetically inferior (but cute) pups are in pet stores.

SPCA / HUMANE SOCIETY - these places set 1 price per dog, regardless of breed, like you said, they are all much the same regardless of their breed.

Answer 6

A lot of people are willing to pay more money for the "designer" breeds. The small, compact, furry ones are difficult to find in, say, a shelter, and you'll most likely see at leas 2 blue heelers there at the same time.
Personality plays a huge factor, a dog like a heeler or a beagle have a much larger training commitment attatched to them, whereas the smaller breeds pretty much just have to look good. Breeding plays a factor in price as well, a puppy from champion dogs is going to cost a heck of a lot more than one bred in a backyard. :)

Answer 7

It depends on alot of factors but the usual ones from what i have seen is breeding, YES , it is true not a line your fed , good breeding will make a great pet , all kinds of factors from , size to health to , temperament even life span... So look around get informed on a particular breed you love and fits in to your life style, and then go for it, think of it as an investment or an adoption, this little guy/gal will be around for a LONG time giving you lots of company and unconditional love so its worth it , and if you don't have enough money there's always the shelter , you will be helping a little soul who has been neglected in many ways , but be careful they do have behavioral issues , if you are well informed on them you will be OK... It's all how you look at it ,I know it can be frustrating when you really want a pet and it seems beyond reach, but save up , and think there are also many many irresponsible pet owners out there , who if they could would just fill up on cats and dogs only to abuse neglect and not properly care for them... Some one who is willing to spend some $$ on a pet is less likely to neglect or abuse... GOOD LUCK!!!!

Answer 8

It has to do with the "dog market." Kind of like collecting antiques. Sometimes particular items are in high demand, so sellers will charge more to get a maximum profit. Six months later, after the fad has waned, you can get the stuff dirt cheap.

As we know, pedigreed dogs are higher priced in general. You have to factor in the breeders' expenses (vet costs, care and feeding, stud fees, registering, competitions, etc), then if a particular breed is "hot" at the moment, you get an even higher price.

Doesn't seem fair, but that's what you get in a market-driven "industry"...

As a side note: some breeders will take offense to people questioning their prices. (I know, I made this mistake myself.)They feel if one wants a dog bad enough, they should be able to afford one. Kind of reassurance that the people will take their pedigreed animal ownership responsibilities seriously. Most reputable breeders are very picky about who gets their animals. Its not so much a matter of "is the dog right for the owner," but more like "is the owner right for the dog."

=)

Answer 9

Well most expensive dogs are breeds on high demand and if a dogs on high demand prices will go up. Also some dogs are pedigree. Also yorkies are expenseive because they are the #2 breed of dog.

Answer 10

Please keep in mind that price has NOTHING to do with quality. Unscrupulous backyard breeders are charging exorbitant prices for "MUTTS" that they slap a "designer breed" name on to scam the public. And Pet Shops sell sick, badly bred puppy mill puppies at prices that usually far exceed what a responsible breeder would charge.
Prices from responsible breeders often vary as to location. For instance, health testing, Cesareans and even puppy shots and worming will be far more expensive for a breeder say, in Long Island NY than in Columbia Mo. And even though they are not out to make a profit, they can't go so broke that they can't continue their work in the breed, so they have to charge a bit more.
So, please remember, a high price does not guarantee high quality. Always, always research the breed AND most importantly, the breeder to ensure you are only supporting responsible breeding practices.

Answer 11

It depends. Small dogs and certain breeds are very popular right now, so it is somewhat a supply and demand issue. Quality breeders always cost more because they breed quality animals and pay for all the necessary health checks and provide guarantees. Paying more to get a puppy from a good breeder is usually worth it.