american members - Page 2

I'm not a breeder but when I was puppy shopping for my current dog the average for working line puppies (no training, younger than 12 weeks) was $1200-2500 with most being $1500 or $2000. I only seriously looked at breeders who sold under limited registration but would change to full if the dog was titled and health tested in the contract. Every breeder I looked at had both parents health tested and titled in something legitimate. The only working lines I ever saw over $2500 were older puppies or dogs that had some training and/or health testing already done.

Prager, not sure 100% what you are saying.

but, yes you are correct, I could probably find a GSD in the USA for less than $5.00. as a matter of fact one I turned down for free just did very well at the GSDCA Nationial in St. Louis this past week end.

I do not agree with you at all that the more reputable the breeder the higher the price, maybe the more advertised. high prices are for suckers who believe advertisements and hype.

like I said, a knowledgeable person can find a pup with potential for their needs at a reasonable price. if they are not knowledgeable, then it just comes down to luck or extensive research.

I can think of a dozen things that matter in a choice before the price.

and please, there are thousands and thousands of people with many many years experience with actually getting dogs out in public and doing something with them and learning from the experience.

I guess I said that to say this, If you are going to start with me that the GSD flew out of your azz into the USA, save it.

best,
Rik

edit to emphasize my point that there are several things that matter more than price.

Rik why the hostility? I basically agree with you. Of course, there many things which are more important than price. Didn't I say that? Price is just one of the indicators.  I have just say that if you deal with the reputable breeder, then the price is one of the indicators of quality. BYB cannot ask for and will not get $3000 for a pup. But a person with a good reputation can get it every day.  Are you actually saying that better, more reputable the breeder who produces quality pups ask for lower the price? Don't be ridiculous.

 besides the OP was what is a reasonable price. Not what is the lowest price you can get the pup for.  

 I would like to know what is your definition of "reasonable price". 

Joan OK You do not always get what you pay for. But odds are that when you deal with a reputable breeder that that is how it works. Even when the pup turns into shit warranty should make it good.

But the op was asking about reasonable price, not what constitutes a " reputable breeder".

And I don't believe that charging exhorbitant price for a puppy is going to guarantee they won't  abuse nor dump it...lots of drug pushers out there who have more money than they know what to do with...and would go for an expensive pup to brag about til it pisses on their carpet.
That's why selling to anybody who is willing to pay overprice for a pup is not a guage on how they will treat the pup.
I said it before; if I sold a pup to everyone who calls and wants to buy one from me, I would have to have a litter born every month...instead, I only breed one litter a year.
I rather know who are getting my pups, rather than selling to anyone who has money burning a hole in their pocket. ( But then, I don't sell puppies for a living)

And not needing to advertise makes a difference in price.

 

PS.

Prager: .  . But odds are that when you deal with a reputable breeder that that is how it works. Even when the pup turns into shit warranty should make it good.

 

Me: A reputable breeder should not be selling pups that "turn into shit" !

it seems weird to me when buyer ask breeders about prices.
of course the breeders, who sells pups/dogs, would love to see top price.
as for "reputable breeder" - who and how does set criteria, which distinguish the level of reputability for this or that breeder?

Valk, when people call me, and the first question is " how much do they cost?" "And how much do the parents weigh?"

I tell them none available, after I ask are they buying by the pound?

BTW, I just import two Smooth Fox Terriers from Czech republic a couple weeks ago....after talking to the breeder for about a month, me agreeing to buy them and breeder agreeing to sell to me, I never knew the price for the pups until it was time to ship them!

Prager, no hostility meant. just that everyone is not novice and believes BS.

the OP asked about U.S. prices. reputable/honest breeder does not mean price increase.

one of the most well known, reputable, successful breeders in the world (W/L from Germany) is now located here in the U.S. I'm pretty sure I could have gotten a pup from his last litter for $2000.00. wasn't it the Captain who said better to buy the last puppy from the best breeding? (paraphrase)

also, one of the top W/L competitors/breeders in the USA and Europe is about 40 miles from me, has had a couple of the most famous stud dogs to come out of the W/L in Germany in the last decade or so, has a couple litters a year from absolutely top females and also in the price I mentioned.

puppy pulled out of airline crate as represented means reputable. and if price includes warranties, then backing up those warranties also means reputable.

my only point is that high price puppies are for suckers who have no idea what they are buying, and those who do know are going to spend the time and money to go and put their hand between the pups ears and also realize that they are buying only "potential".


Rik
 

@ Rick: So people having a different opinion then you are unquestionably suckers and/or produce BS. Got it.

joanro: But the op was asking about reasonable price, not what constitutes a " reputable breeder".
hans : reasonable price implies price from "Reputable breeder"

joanro:Me: A reputable breeder should not be selling pups that "turn into shit" !
hans: So you can tell what hips dog will have at 8 weeks? Please let me know how it is done.