Breeders, how do you feel when people write YA asking for a free or cheap puppy?

Question

Especially when they ask for a specific breed?

Answer 1

I agree with most of the points on this page, from both sides!

On the one hand, it might seem to people that breeders charge too much for animals. On the other hand, decent respectable breeders may have a right to, it does cost a lot to properly keep a breeding ***** and litters of puppies, if it's done correctly.

I understand why people say people don't appreciate a dog unless they pay out for it, although I know this certainly isn't always the case. Some people have a lot of money to chuck about but a dog doesn't really mean much to them, some people don't have much money but are willing to do whatever it takes to properly take care of a dog. And other people think they love dogs until it comes to spend a lot of money on vet bills, then they discover their love has limits!

I can see why breeders might take offense and people asking or cheap puppies - it is suspicious. Even shelters expect a decent donation to help with the care costs, and if people aren't willing to do this it does make you wonder how much they're willing to spend on their new pet, since dogs just aren't cheap to keep properly.

On the other hand, people asking for cheap puppies may be genuine - they may not agree with paying breeder prices (probably because they don't understand why these prices are set and/or they can't be sure of finding a reputable breeder) - doesn't mean they aren't willing to pay out throughout the pup's life.

Chalice

Answer 2

There has been a lot of that this weekend, hasn't it. One guy has asked over and over for a free chihuahua. People do not realize how much money a good breeder puts into a litter of puppies. I also wonder with this guy why he wants a chihuahua. I know in one post he claimed to live in New York and another post in California. If someone wants a free pet, they should adopt from the shelter or rescue. This one guy disturbs ne for some reason. I will add that I have given away retired breeders nut I carefully screen the buyers and I look for someone who is elderly ot has a special situation.

Answer 3

I have had mixed feelings about it. I have known people that have had limited funds that really want a nice dog to raise to show. Showing can be costly or not so bad if you are showing obedience and plan properly. So I have found I research the person and the reason before I make judgement on why the ask me for a cheap puppy/or free puppy. Good homes like that are few and very far between. there are alot of things to consider.

Answer 4

I just figure that they are a very young person who really doesn't know any better. I can't imagine a older person even thinging that anything is free or cheep. Just look at the gas prices!
I do agree with Chetco "tea cup" really gets me going.
It amazes me to read that people have no idea what to expect when they get a pup or that a 6 or younger week old pup should not be taken away from it's mother.
When I read those questions I know that they have no idea what is involved in the care and work that is involved in caring and raising a healthy pup.

Answer 5

It's sometimes baffling and shows how little someone knows about the very breed they're looking for. 'Where can I find a yorkie puppy younger than 3 months old for under $200 or free?'. If you don't realize how VERY unlikely that is, you don't know enough about them to own one! Sometimes asking can be good, because people tell them how to find resources to adopt one. I get more annoyed at the kids asking how to wheedle their parents into another one- I know, they just don't have the perspective to see that while it sounds fun for them, it's more work and bills for their parents.

Answer 6

I don't breed a lot of puppies, just my own pets over the years. I have given away about 5-6 puppies and each time I have regretted it. People don't value what they don't pay for. Once a puppy was ran over because the lady I gave it to just let it run loose. Once a puppy was killed by a bigger dog because that family didn't take care of it. Some were given away again because they decided they were too much work to care for. My very own son (and his wife) let a puppy I gave them run loose and it was killed by a car. (He should have known better.) People just don't value what they get for free. I will never give away another puppy. And it's not about money. It's about value.

If someone pays even a small amount for a puppy, like $150-200, that puppy has value to them. They don't just let it run loose because they know that it cost them hard-earned cash. People take better care of things that they have to pay for themselves. I don't think it is wise to give away pets. They are then seen as disposable items.

Answer 7

I figure if they want a pure bred for free tehy probably aren't able to care for a pup of any kind correctly.
I let tehm know whaat it's costing me to raise this pup to teh 8-10 weeks.
I do get fustrated as so many just want a puppy of a certain breed but then just want to leave it outside.

Answer 8

I've never had that happen! But I know if I did and had a "pet quality" pup I would offer it to them at a reasonable price and spayed or neutered. Or offer to help them find one that someone is trying to place. I don't think I'd be insulted or anything. I'd also have to feel comfortable that the pup would have a good home and that the people would be able to provide it with proper care (food, vet, etc) .

Answer 9

Laugh.
Know that BYB and Puppymillers don't give away free pups. Also know that dogs aren't free no matter where you get them, even free:
http://www.bluecollardollar.com/funding_fido.html

What I think is sad though is that people here seem to think that shelter or rescue pups seem to be free and anyone can get puppies off Petfinder.

Answer 10

I'm either suspicious or irriated. I'm suspicious because I wonder why they want a cheap puppy. I'm also irritated that they want a cheap/free puppy but they also want a specific bread.