I tried to use the "multi quote" feature but have been outsmarted by this computer again! Dag-nabbit!

I just paid over $200 for a program that I can use to help me socialize and pre-condition our puppies before they go to new homes. That's just a tiny example of some of the costs people don't realize go into raising a litter of quality puppies.

I would rather charge a little bit more per puppy and be able to provide every single opportunity for the pups I place to have successful happy lives.
Thats why health testing is so important, imho, because it increases the odds that our puppies and their families won't have to deal with heartbreaking health issues. The bitch I just tried to breed has had every possible health test done ( one shortcut way to find out about this is to ask for a CHIC number), has been shown in the confirmation ring(but not championed), and has had her temperament evaluated. She could have easily been weeded out of my breeding program if any one of the things I did produced indicators that she wouldn't be able to produce healthy, happy, beautiful Havvies.

A lot goes into a good breeding program YEARS before any puppies come along. I'm not exaggerating either.... years.

Love that photo, Chasing Maysie! Thanks for all you do for your puppies, Pamela! I have great admiration for quality breeders. I cannot imagine the work involved. Shama is lying behind me on the floor as I type. We get such a kick out of how much she seems to enjoy being flat on the floor when she has so many plush beds around!

Thanks for your full response...will PM you...!

Finding a good breeder, regardless of price, is so important. My breeder took a dog back after her owner decided she just couldn't handle her anymore. The breeder refunded the purchase price in full, paid to have her flown back home, took back a spayed girl, and found a new, loving family for her. I know you understand that so much more goes into finding a good breeder than price, but just wanted to offer this to show that really good breeders care about the well-being of their puppies, and not just until they get the purchase price.

Some years ago, I figured up what Pam should get for puppies compared to what she could be making if she worked at a regular job. It came out to $5500.00.

With these last two litters, after I had lost a couple of days work by needing to participate, I told her that we would just have to go up in price. If I don't work, I'm not making anything, and have two men that depend on me, so if they miss work because of me, I pay them, or find something for them to do here. The dogs are full time, long hours, seven days a week for Pam.

We had been charging 2,000 for I don't know how many years. During that time, everything we spend money on for the dogs has gone up. I almost demanded that we go up to 2,500. Pam contacted everyone on our waiting list, and only one person complained (but very soon afterwards apologized). Not one person dropped off our list, and the people at the top of the list are all getting puppies.

I make no excuses. 2,500 is still too cheap.

Just yesterday I looked up and added up the things in my "Puppy Kit". The crate, food, microchip, prepaid registration etc. and that alone was over $200. That doesn't even start to touch medical costs, health testing, stud fees... not to mention the time involved. My husband has missed time at work as well.

Kudos for getting closer to charging what your puppies are worth.

I think that's a totally fair price Tom. It's certainly what all the breeders up here are charging, and NONE of them have the depth of experience that you and Pam have. The only one who I THINK has been breeding close to as long as you have, (Fuzzy Farm) charges a whole lot more than that...

Tom, $2500 is the going price here on the West Coast and most of these breeders don't do nearly as much as the two of you do to house break, socialize, and health testing beyond the minimum. I spend at least that much per year to maintain Ricky in top form - grooming, best food, medical, toys, more equipment as he grows, competitions, etc. Is he worth it? He is priceless!

Keep up the good breeding practices and increase prices as necessary. No need to apologize.

Ricky's Popi

Great picture of your cuties!