How much is too much

_Den_ · Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 7:14 pm Post subject: How much is too much

Hi all,

Just a quick question,
how much is too much to pay for a lab
When i had Ebony and Brodie they where both for pets, i am not interested in breeding or showing so i wasnt to interested on what was on thepedagree ie like if the dam was a FC.
I did make sure both sire and dam had good hip score and eye certificates ect...
Anyway i paid 400 for Brodie and 350 for Ebony, i think they where a bargain, because they have brought us so much joy but did we pay over the top for 'pet dogs'
If i did want to buy a dog for showing or breeding what should i expect to pay?

Diana · Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 7:23 pm Post subject:

To be honest, pet puppies from good breeders will go out at around £500 - £650. Sometimes just sometimes black dogs are a little cheaper as they do tend to be harder to sell.I would be worried by anyone charging less, especially early in the litters life or before it is born, as they are probably not selling at reasonable market price for a reason.

Its important to remember that the vast vast vast majority of breeders who compete themselves sell ALL their pups into pet or maybe shooting homes only. Just because they compete they do expect all their pups to go as pets. So the price given is for pet puppies.

If you then decide to show or work the dog, or maybe breed thats fine, but few breeders physcially single off puppies in a litter to go specifically to competition homes at a higher price.

Ahandful of the top breeders in the country with huge waiting lists will take orders sometimes years in advance from serious competition homes because their lines are so desperately desired. You can pay SILLY money for this privaliage.

If you actually go to a top competition kennel and say 'I want a puppy to show' they will say usually 'ok, but you and everyone else who comes to me' grin! However to be frank, I have known show potential puppies go to waiting list show homes from the top kenenls for well into four figures.

Most people get into showing by buying from good breederswho compete at their normal puppy price, watch the puyppy grow, seek the breeders advice if she/he comes on nicely, and if they say 'yes she is good enough' then dip their toe into showing.

Mentioning you might want to is useful up front certainly so they give you as early 'pick' as possible and maybe help you pick on conformation more than just 'fluffy puppy temperament'.

I have heard from £1400 - £30,000 and thats the truthfrom the top kennels selling to competition homes here and abroad.

Di

_Den_ · Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 7:27 pm Post subject:

Thanks Di, hehe i had a feeling you would answer my question

Diana · Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 8:52 am Post subject:

Righto...

Di

annj · Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 10:17 am Post subject:

We paid £650 for Kimmy, he is primarily a pet, then a companion for our disabled daughter Steph, a Pets As Therapy dog, does line dancing with Steph and finally a show dog when Steph takes him in the ring.

Ann

_Den_ · Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 10:19 am Post subject:

Wow.

Well done Kimmy, she is a clever girl, at the moment i cant even get Brodie to sit!! Wink