Cost of Show puppies: Buy from Germans or US? - Page 1

Why do the Americans charge so much money for German show quality puppies.(average $1,500 to $4,500 from what I have seen) and why do the Germans and or other Europeen countries charge well under $1,000.00 for almost the same top blood lines or even better? Just curious!

Multitude of ideas - Supply and demand??? American mentality - if it costs more it must be better?? Higher investmets to recoup - send dogs back and forth to Germany, pay for trainer, showing, transportation, whatever else is entailed??? Media advertising? Buyers demand guarantees - replacement puppy cost built in up front - bottom line - what the market will bear.

Hi Kizz, Good question? Sabre had some interesting comments. If American's are willing to buy for such prices, than the American sellers would be dumb not to ask, in my opinion, outrageous prices. There are some excellent breeders her in the US, that deserve, good money for their pups, but over $2000.00 is nuts. The question is, why should they cost more then top bred German import puppies? They should not! Unfortunately, most people do not have the resources to acquire top puppies from Germany, and the American breeders use this in their favor. Also, as mentioned, guarantees are a big issue. You see in Germany, when you buy a puppy it is a done deal, 99% of the time. Over here, people expect the puppy to be the best working dog or top show prospect, despite the way they raise or care for it. They do not realize that a litter (in Germany) is considered successful, if one puppy makes it. Hips, elbows, teeth, temperament, etc., etc., are major problems in our breed, and you can be sure that no breeder, despite good results or what they claim, will not encounter these problems at some point. To deal with the hassles and costs of replacement, I think that most Americans are putting in a cushion as Sabre mentioned. I believe good breeders have the right to do this. The problem is the ones who take advantage of the ignorant. What do you all think is the perfect guarantee? It is interesting for me, as a breeder who started in Germany and now has to deal with a whole new concept. I will post this as a new!

I think you also have to consider the "support" that U.S. breeders are expected to give. My clients can (and do) call me at any time about any and every problem. I'm always available to help if they ask. I'm not saying I charge "extra" for this service, but that is one of the differences in buying locally vs importing. If you're getting into showing as a novice, it's VERY comforting to have the breeder at the show with you, supporting you, helping you and being just as interested in your pup's performance as you are. Yes, you can get great dogs and pups by importing them yourself. But if something goes wrong, you're left to deal with it by yourself, too. JDN

Personally I have never seen Germans selling puppies for less than $1000 US. I do know that Kirschental was selling pups for $1200 US...including shipping,crate,and all paperwork necessary to register them. that is the lowest for excellent bloodlines, that I've seen. Plus how much trouble do you think you would be in if the pup didn't turn out or had serious problems? Are you going to fly over there or pay for a lawyer to? Also how do you know that you are getting the pup you picked out? What if they died in route like GAyle K. Too much to worry about for me! Especially when you can get the same or better quality here!!! Deb

djc, Pesonally I can tell you that you can get puppies from Germany for less than that. And that includes the shipping, crate, and all the paperwork. If there is a guarantee, it stands about as reputable as any guarantee that you get in the USA. Most guarantees leave you responsible to pay a lawyer to collect on it, either way or loose. But you should be smart enough to get a "written contract". In the US people are paying $1000. to $4000. for puppies with no contract given. How stupid is that?

Hi all, I agree with ghost, I think most of us also do know for a fact "import puppies" top blood lines shipping included do cost under $1,000- especially if you buy more than one puppy and have them shipped together. And if it doesn't work out ie, in the show ring or pass the x-ray, you are only out a small amount of money and can tuck the dog into a pet home and possibly even recover some of your investment. Compared to if you spent $2,000 - $4,000- and have a crappy guarantee that has all the "tricky words". I have also delt with German breeders who do answer questions, offer advice & support. The only guarantee I ever got on imported puppies is that they are healthy, w/ no overbite and have two testicles at time of shipping. Maybe I have been lucky ? Most guarantees in the U.S. are only good for 12 months and if you are lucky 24 monhts for hips and you get a replacement pup. I also agree with cicel, paying anything over $2,000- for any puppy is just nuts...to many things can go wrong.

hmmm lets see.... "The only guarantee I ever got on imported puppies is that they are healthy, w/ no overbite and have two testicles at time of shipping." " Most guarantees in the U.S. are only good for 12 months and if you are lucky 24 monhts for hips and you get a replacement pup." ........which would be better? How about an overseas long distance phone call or email as opposed to "to have the breeder at the show with you, supporting you, helping you and being just as interested in your pup's performance as you are." ...or how about, Paying for your lawyer's flight to Germany? As opposed to a car drive or intra-US flight? Not to mention even finding a lawyer that would do it and be familiar with German law. When I start seeing quality in the ring and working competition, imported for a reasonable price "WELL under $1000 complete" Then I will believe. Deb

Some years back, I met someone, now a Judge, who told me they bought puppies from Europe, with German bloodlines for $200 US a head. placing I was told a maximum of 3 pups per crate to save on shipping. They then sold them to the locals as German line Imports to pet and working homes for $1,000 plus. They added in a great looking and elaborate garantee. I was only told about one problem, where a puppy with a hernia was sent, but the importer told me it only cost them $100 US to operate and fix the hernia. Nothing wrong with placing bread on the table. I personaly got into dogs for my personal enjoyment and to waste money. I love shows and trials and breed for that. I breed when I plan to produce something for myself to keep, maybe every 2 or 3 years on average. I sell puppies for $500 and give no garantee. The buyer is to take the puppy imediately to the vet and have it approved. They can bring it back in the weeks that follow for ANY reason and get a 100% refund. I have chosen for the moment, not to entertain the idea of selling a puppy overseas, as I enjoy so much having them within driving distance so that maybe I get to see what they look like as adults. If someone buys a puppy from me, and it dies because of anything, including accident, I have the luxury of giving them another puppy from my next litter, because I know they are a loving home. Best Wishes, Jo-Ann

On Buying a German Shpherd, I also don't care about a garantee. I will tell you why. I have chosen this animal, because first, I really like it. I really like the parents and the bloodline. I do my reasearch on the health record of the ancestry, and such. I don't want the sister, or the brother, I want "IT". Now, if something goes wrong, I don't want the breeder to choose something to send. It is never like the one you choose for yourself. You won't ever get the exact animal. I would instead like to pay a little less, and if something goes wrong, just make a new search for that dog who is "just rifgt" for me.