the cost of a good workingline prospect - Page 2

It depends on the pup, Triodegirl.  It's fair if it's a top sport prospect from what it has demonstrated thus far, is 8 months old, has at least been on the pup sleeve showing a good full bite, and is halfway to the BH.  That's a good deal.  If it is local club level in what it shows thus far...no.

Of course, a person can take a chance that a pup will mature out and be capable of performing at a higher level that what it is demonstrating currently.  Some people with experience do that, and it works out well for them. 

Veronica

$2500-4000 + shipping. Minimum.  Anything less and I'd be very suspicious.

SS

It all depends on what your looking for.  

3k I think is crazy .A fews years back i got  13month male thru gary hanrahan at 3600.00 including shipping from germany.The problem is that there are people who pay $2500-4000 + shipping. Minimum.How many top sport pups go to the nationals.I know that alot of things can happen along the way to hurt the pup but chances are it aint going.Also i've never heard a top trainer like the same 15 that shuffle for 1st say anything about a TOPSPORT pup or litter,cause they dont exist.IT TAKES TRAINING.

There are a lot of variables to figure in...Is it an Import...What's the pedigree...How much training has been started and how is it going...But a very good dog at 6 to 8 months old that has been started in work is not cheap...If you find one that's cheap then that's probably what your going to get...So I believe in putting my money where my mouth is...

Now saying that you certainly can get dogs for $2500.00 or more that aren't worth anything...So no matter how much you spend you must make sure your getting what you want...And the best way to do that is to see the dog yourself and then you have no one to blame other then YOU...If at all possible take someone with you to give another opinion on the dog...Whether or not you agree with them is a different matter...But at least you have another opinion...It's always helpful...

~Bob~

triodegirl how long have you been in the sport?

6-8 month old "started" puppy - where you can see the hips, the drives, the temperament, health, structure, all teeth, testicles etc and it's a good prospect for Schutzhund - and both parents are titled, proven bloodlines, etc - $2500-$4000 depending on the seller, the bloodlines, and how 'really great' the pup is or isn't - is reasonable IMO.  Not including shipping.  For baby puppies from titled parent, proven bloodlines, hip/health guarantee - $1200 - $2000.

molly

Slade, although I've had german shepherds my whole life, I've only been in the sport for a few short years. My experience to this point has been working with a trainer assocoiated with my current dog's breeder. So I'm definiately a novice and would need to find a good trainer to help with a young prospect. I don't want to pay a trainer for a year only to be told my dog will never amount to anything. I realize there's no quarantees, but thought with an older pup I'd increase my chances.

Back to the real world...our puppies at eight weeks are 1,500 and priced reasonable considering the breeding stock here from proven producer stud dogs and females with many titled dogs.

If I keep a dog for eight months do xrays (340.00 elbows and hips) have foundation work in the dog another 1,000 trainer fees and have feed and frontline/heartguard the said dog no way would  at  2,000 even break even.

I have three males now for potential  sport /police from Jabina Falco but still a gamble for 1,500 at four months of age but showing everything food, ball, good grip on a tug, good nerves (tested on surfaces and strange places) and they are still puppy price but if they are kept till eight months and older  no way would they not be less than 3,000 to 5,000 for a good  sport prospect. and still a gamble as trainer imput has a lot to do with a dog reaching his/her level.

All green dogs and puppies are a gamble the older the better chance of seeing what you are getting granted but still a gamble. How anyone could expect to get a good potential sport dog at eight months for 1,500 or 2,000 is un realistic I have looked at some in Belgium for 6,000 and up no titles just a hip rating and foundation bite work and some track and obedience mininal and billed as top sport potential. You can get a titled dog cheaper  most times than a untitled top sport prospect.

I am sure as above that some one will post a 300.00 dog that is Sch3 that happens but not rarely. Pirol was the only one who comes to my mind given away as a pup for a white dot on his chest and later the same farmer was going to put him down for chasing the cows and pulling tails when he was discovered and made a champion.

You get what you pay for generally is no different with dogs unless you get real lucky.

Marlene

I think that most of the posters are right.  You should expect $3000+ for a nice 6-8 month old pup.  The pup should have been socialized extremely well, has a solid foundation, and you should be able to see what you will have.  This is a huge advantage over a 8 wk old puppy.    You will know alot more by looking at a dog of this age.  I know of a couple people that have 9 month old dogs and they are looking for $5k.  They probably paid $2500 from europe and have put a solid foundation on the dog.