Puppy cost?

Question

How much does raising an average litter of puppies, as well as the mother test costs, sire costs, vaccinations and wormings, and average food and other stuff usually cost? For one litter. And how many litters a year can a female safely have? And about how much money would you get from selling all the pups except one that I'd keep?

Answer 1

A female CANNOT have more than one litter a year.

X-rays for hip dysplasia, thyroid tests, heart tests, etc = $3000
Stud fee = $1000
Shipping in a 500-mile radius (you traveling to the stud, the stud traveling to you, artificial insemination, etc) = $500
3 Progesterone tests at $75 each = $225
Brucellosis tests x 2 = $120
Ultrasound to confirm pregnancy = $130
X-ray to count puppies, pre-whelping exam = $125
Supplements for ***** = $200
Whelping supplies = $300
C-section if needed = up to $2000
Post-partum checkup = $100
Any illness to the mother or pups = up to $3000 depending on number of puppies
Any tail docking, dewclaw removal etc = $20 per puppy
Any ear docking = $200 per puppy
First vaccinations at 7 weeks of age = $200
Puppies wormed = $40 per puppy
Puppy food = $300
Exercise pens = $200
Toys and equipment for the pups to play with so they can develop stable, outgoing personalities = $100

So that is over ten thousand dollars for a litter of 7 pups. Are you going to sell 6 pups for $2220 each? Just to BREAK EVEN?

This does not include the cost of traveling for health testing nor the cost of showing your dog. You MUST show your dog to breed him/her. So, factor in entry frees, travel expenses, handling fees, accommodation fees while at the show, etc.

It also does not include the cost of your time in whelping and caring for the litter - you will need to take 2-3 weeks off work, which if you have a good job might cost over a thousand dollars.

Lastly, it does not cover the costs of health guarantees. When you breed pups, you guarantee that he has no genetic defects (hip/elbow dysplasia, patellas, etc) and if he does, you will need to be prepared to take the pup back (if the defect is serious) or pay a refund.

So, there is LOTS of money in dogs...and it's all put there by ethical and responsible breeders who want only the best for their breed.

Answer 2

Most of us do not figure what the litter actually COST us. That would lead to the depression over the money we have not got!!!!
You would think that at $1,800-2,000 for each puppy that I sell that I would be making money on a litter. That is never true however.
With usually 5 puppies to sell and all the show and breeding expenses, it never covers the amount invested. The stud fee alone is the cost of one puppy. If I keep one, that leaves three and still all the same bills.
Doing it RIGHT you do NOT expect to make anything.
And the TWO FULL WEEKS I spend NEXT to the whelping box 24/7 means that I do not WORK at a real job for that time, so I am losing even more money!!!!!!

Answer 3

A dog should NOT be bred more than once a year. It's too much strain. I also do not think a female should have more than 2-3 litter within her life time, either.

The amount of money will vary depending the breed chosen, and the ''demand'' for the breed.

Medical costs will vary depending on location, also.

Answer 4

easily over 6000 dollars if you are a smart breeder! Prenatal care--puppy food--vet bills---stud dog (it adds up, and since this is the fourth question you asked about breeding, it seems you really shouldn't be breeding at all!)

Real breeders have experience and a certain breed that they are devoted to maintain. You lack those qualities!

Answer 5

Sounds like you are too focused on the costs of showing and breeding. Not a profitable solution.

Answer 6

Listen
your still a VERY young girl.
you dont understand HOW MUCH WORK IT IS!
you might not even get the money back.
like for instance you would spend like 2,000$ on a litter and get like 1,000$ back for the puppies...
SEE only breeders who love making people happy do it
so get a different job like a Vet

Answer 7

beagle about £500 to £800 highland terrier about £300 to £500

Answer 8

Lets see, figure out how many dog shows that it takes to show your breed and champion it! Figure out how much for handlers for showing this dog! Then you have costs of OFA's, ect... with your dog or dogs! Get a mentor!!

Answer 9

well it really helps alot to find out what kind of dog your raising!!!common sense!!!!!are these chihuahuas or great danes???be specific fool!

Answer 10

$2000 easily.