As you're strolling down the street, or scrolling down your social media feed, you are guaranteed to see dogs all over! Maybe you're seeing the cutest puppy of all time or maybe you're seeing a breed that you have never come across. This gets you thinking, "How can I get a dog like that?!" Next thing you know, you are down a rabbit hole of looking up puppies around the internet, searching for your perfect pup. As you look on Google, Facebook, and Instagram, you notice that nowadays, puppies come with a significant price tag. In today's market, puppies can range anywhere from $1000 to $5000, depending on various factors. You may get some sticker shock, but the reasons make sense once you consider the costs associated with responsible dog breeding. Pawrade is happy to shed light on the investments that breeders make to ensure healthy and happy puppies. By understanding these expenses, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the value that responsible breeders provide.
An infographic based on the itemized report of a Pawrade Bernedoodle Breeder in Florida.
Healthy Investments
No, this isn't talking about the stock market! But it is talking about stock in a biological sense. Breeders use the term "stock" to refer to the parent dogs that are selectively used to pair and bear a litter of puppies. Pawrade does not work with backyard breeders who need help rehoming puppies because their dog 'accidentally' birthed a litter of puppies. Pawrade does not work with puppy mills where dogs are overbred for profit. Instead, Pawrade represents animal lovers whose goal is to preserve the purity of purebred dogs, or selectively match different breeds together to offer an amazing dog to a family for specific needs (like mixing a Poodle with another breed to create a hypoallergenic crossbreed). The best breeders begin their investment in a litter far before the puppies are actually born. Preventative steps, such as genetically testing the parent dogs, help limit the risk of passing on unwanted health problems and help you avoid welcoming home a puppy that will have major health conditions in the future.
Dog DNA tests, dog health testing, and dog X-rays
Ensuring the health and well-being of both Sire (male parent) and Dam (female parent) and their future puppies is the main priority for reputable breeders. They pay for DNA tests and health tests for the parent dogs, using agencies like the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals (OFA), Embark, Paw Print Genetics, and Animal Genetics. These tests help identify any genetic conditions or potential health issues, guaranteeing that the breeding parent dogs have clean bills of health. Reputable breeders also invest in X-raying the parent dogs to avoid specific problems for certain breeds. Examples include healthy hips for larger dog breeds like Great Danes, healthy spines in dog breeds like German Shepherds, and open nasal cavities in dog breeds like Shih-Tzus and Pugs. Additionally, X-rays of the Mom dog may be necessary to assess the viability of a natural birth or the need for a C-section, particularly in dog breeds like French Bulldogs. All of these tests can easily cost up to $400 per parent dog!
To spay or to pay
The journey to bringing healthy puppies into the world begins with the pregnancy of the dam. During pregnancy, the Dam requires regular veterinary check-ups and potentially additional treatments. These appointments and treatments support the dam's health and the optimal development of the puppies. Breeders invest in various aspects of prenatal care, which can include ultrasounds, bloodwork, prenatal vitamins, and possibly artificial insemination. Healthy dog pregnancies typically last 60 to 70 days (or roughly 9 weeks). It comes with no surprise that monitoring the nutrition of a pregnant dog and the development of her puppies for over 2 months can quickly add up to $1,000 or more.
Dog costs to give birth
The birthing process can be unpredictable, which adds both excitement and stress! Breeders must be prepared for anything to happen, so the best breeders buy special equipment alongside their experience to help the dam push through the labor. Expenses related to pregnancy and giving birth can include C-sections, labor medications such as Calcium Gluconate and Oxytocin, and higher veterinarian bills. Based on how smooth the birth is, and how many furbabies are born, breeders typically pay between $1,000 and $2,500 at the time of birth!
Puppy Early Care
There are few things in life cuter than newborn puppies! As adorable as they are, keeping an eye on these little bundles of joy is no easy task. It's like having a full-time job with 24/7 surveillance, but there's no doubt that it's totally worth it.
The timeline of puppy development is quite fascinating. At birth, puppies are blind, deaf, and completely dependent on their mother. A breeder's main job is to make sure the Mom dog is comfortable and well-fed because, let's face it, she's the real MVP (most valuable pup!). Meanwhile, breeders keep a close eye on the puppies to make sure the puppies are nursing properly and gaining weight. It's a constant cycle of feeding, cleaning up after them (remember, the puppies can't quite control their bodily functions yet), and handling them with extreme care.
As the first 3 weeks go by, there is a remarkable transformation. Those wobbly little furballs will gradually open their eyes and start exploring their surroundings. They begin to test their little muscles and take their first tiny little steps as they crawl around. It's like watching a miracle unfold right before your eyes! Soon enough, they start venturing out of their cozy den and experimenting with puppy playtime, complete with adorable clumsiness.
Raising puppies during the first couple of weeks requires dedication and patience. Alongside their mother's milk, breeders need to introduce puppies to solid food, gradually weaning them off their dependence. Regular visits to the vet for vaccinations, deworming, and health check-ups are a must. Oh, and let's not forget the constant need for puppy-proofing your house—no shoe or wire is safe!
Every week and every month, Pawrade breeders share the glory of welcoming newborn puppies into the world. As fun as it looks to be a part of a breeder's day-to-day life, it is a commitment that not many people are willing to take; it's a commitment that deserves to be rewarded!
Early dog nutrition
Breeders must find safe and healthy ways to support the nutrition afforded by a Mom dog. To supplement the growth and development of the puppies, breeders often depend on specialized diets for the mother dog to help her produce healthy milk. Additionally, puppy milk replacers (formula) and special puppy food are generally used to ensure the puppies receive proper nutrition. Specialized food options tend to be marked up in price and are not always found in local pet stores, making it more costly for breeders to supply their puppies. These early nutrition costs can reach up to $300 or more by the time the puppies are ready for their new homes at 8 weeks old.
Puppy vaccinations, puppy dewormings, and dog vet visits
Puppies need a chance to build their own immune systems, so puppies should begin vaccinations and dewormings at 6 weeks old. Just like human babies, it is dangerous to give a newborn a vaccination too early. Rounds of vaccinations continue the cycle of regular vet visits and these expenses can amount to approximately $500 per litter by the time the puppies reach 8 weeks old and are ready to go to their new homes. Some breeders raise their puppies for longer, especially Teacup puppies, Toy puppies, or smaller dog breeds that benefit from the extra time and attention from professional care, adding to the potential costs of vaccinations for the breeder.
Microchips, dog grooming, and cleaning puppies
Breeders understand the importance of ensuring their puppies are well-groomed and healthy. Expenses such as microchipping, grooming, and cleaning supplies are necessary to maintain the puppies' hygiene and safety.
Microchipping your puppy is highly recommended by Pawrade. Not only does a microchip help guarantee that you are receiving the exact same puppy that you paid money for, but it increases the chance of reuniting with your puppy dog in the event he or she gets lost. If your dog ever gets lost and is found by a shelter, veterinary clinic, or a concerned person, they can scan the microchip to access your contact information. This is an added layer of safety for your dog because collars and tags can become lost or removed. Microchips are a permanent identification solution for your puppy. Microchips cannot be misplaced, damaged, or tampered with, allowing your dog to be identified quickly and accurately. Another benefit of microchips is the health information that they can keep track of. By scanning a microchip, veterinarians can access essential medical information about your dog, such as vaccinations, allergies, or pre-existing conditions. This knowledge enables them to deliver better and more tailored healthcare, especially in emergencies when you might not be present.
Responsible breeders also pay for puppy grooming for a number of reasons. The first, of course, is that this promotes healthy skin and coats by removing loose fur, dirt, and debris. Brushing stimulates the skin and distributes natural oils, resulting in a shiny and healthier coat. It also reduces the chances of matting and tangling, which can lead to discomfort and skin infections. Breeders also want to enhance the appearance of their puppy dogs so that they look more approachable. Attractive pictures of puppies and videos of puppies can significantly improve their chances of finding a new home quickly. Potential buyers are often drawn to dogs with a neat and healthy look. All things considered, the care and maintenance of raising puppies after birth never end! These costs can surpass $300 by the time the puppies are ready for their new homes.
Additional Costs of a Dog Breeder
Knowledgeable and experienced breeders invest additional money into their puppies, homes and kennels, and business operations. Puppies want more than food and cuddles, and breeders need more than their own minds and bodies. There are many "hidden fees" associated with being a dog breeder that the average person does not think about. Does the breeder have time to handle all of the back-and-forth messaging with potential customers? Not always, and this takes a significant amount of time and effort that could be given to the puppies instead. Do breeders hire employees? Oftentimes, yes they do in order to overlook all of the requirements and tasks necessary to raise puppies. Do breeders have the skill set to advertise, run social media pages, and get in touch with puppy shoppers in their local area? Not necessarily, because their specialty is in taking care of puppies, and word-of-mouth referrals do not guarantee new homes for puppies.
Here are five things that breeders commonly pay extra money on:
1. Popular dog items
Just like you, responsible breeders love to spoil their puppies! In order to keep their puppies physically comfortable and mentally stimulated, breeders seek out the best puppy toys, puppy bedding, dog gates, and dog crates to offer a safe place for puppies to eat, sleep, and play. To complement the puppy energy that is so easy to fall in love with, breeders must invest in toys as part of early socialization strategies for puppies. Toys are also fun ways to keep puppies exercised and interested in the big world around them. Breeders understand the importance of providing an interactive environment for their puppies. Mental agility, problem-solving skills, and physical fitness are all benefits of the many types of toys that are available today.
However, since puppies sleep for 12 to 20 hours every day, breeders understand the importance of beds and sheets made out of high-quality materials to help soothe their puppies. After playtime, well-socialized puppies love to snuggle up with each other for security and warmth.
Also, most breeders use different colored collars to help differentiate which puppy is which! Keeping track of the weights and behavior of each puppy can be difficult, particularly for dog breeds that have larger litters. Color-coordinating the puppies in a litter is an easy way for breeders to monitor their puppies and record each puppy's progress. Sometimes, breeders even let new puppy owners keep the puppy's collar, so imagine having to pay to replace collars every single litter!
Additionally, breeders must account for increased utility bills and additional laundry supplies. Daily use of dehumidifiers and air purifiers, as well as keeping the heat on in the winter and the air conditioning on in the summer, are sure ways to make one's monthly costs higher. Paying for pet-safe laundry detergent and tacking on more laundry to do will increase the time and money spent on a litter of puppies. All of the above can easily go above and beyond the $500 mark in extra costs for a dog breeder to raise one litter of puppies.
2. Purchasing breeding rights and stud fees
What are breeding rights for dogs? For puppies that have registration paperwork, breeding rights are a special privilege provided by the registration agency which allows the new owner of the puppy to continue breeding the lineage and continue documenting future puppies of the bloodline. Some breeders are picky and only offer limited breeding rights to specific individuals that they know they can trust, ensuring the preservation and quality of the breed. By restricting the breeding to a select few, breeders can maintain the breed's standards and prevent overbreeding. Similarly, when utilizing dog stud services, breeders may have to pay significant fees to access high-quality, sought-after male dogs with desirable traits. These expenses contribute to the overall improvement of the breed.
In some cases, breeders may need to purchase breeding rights or pay stud fees to ensure the quality and bloodline of their puppies. Breeding rights and stud fees can be exclusive and costly for breeders. These expenses can amount to hundreds and thousands of dollars per litter, depending on the breed and specific arrangements.
3. Private websites and advertising fees
Connecting with potential puppy owners is not as simple as it sounds. Breeders may rely on creating websites and managing independent advertising campaigns. Online advertising and marketing are essential tools for breeders to showcase their puppies and find the best homes for the puppies. Creating and maintaining a professional website incurs expenses such as domain registration, costs to start an LLC, and web design. Additionally, breeders often allocate resources to advertise their puppies through various platforms, including social media, classifieds, and specialized publications. These efforts not only increase the visibility of their animals but also demonstrate the breeder's commitment to responsible and reputable practices.
These expenses can range from $500 to $3,000 per month, depending on the extent of their online presence and marketing efforts. Since puppies cannot be released to a new owner until at least 8 weeks, breeders face the tough decision of how much to spend for marketing purposes, or putting their trust in a reputable company like Pawrade.
One of Pawrade's many values to breeders is a secure platform to advertise breeders' puppies and connect them with potential buyers all over the United States. Reputable breeders take advantage of Pawrade's large social media following for extra exposure, as well as Pawrade's online presence on Google's front page. These advertising efforts are both time-consuming and expensive.
4. Sales, contracts, and insurance
Hiring employees is another area where breeders may choose to invest additional money. Running a successful breeding program requires time, expertise, and physical effort. Breeders often rely on dedicated employees who assist with various tasks, such as animal care, training, record-keeping, and administrative duties. Employing knowledgeable staff ensures that the animals receive proper care, the breeding program runs smoothly, and the breeder can focus on strategic decisions and long-term planning.
Pawrade assists breeders in managing sales and contracts, making the process smoother and more efficient for both buyers and breeders. By utilizing Pawrade's services and reputation, breeders can reach a wider audience to quickly find loving homes for their puppies, all while primarily focusing on their puppies. Responding to calls and emails every day can be a full-time job, and most breeders simply cannot keep up with the workload that this presents. Pawrade's dedicated concierge team offers expertise in dealing with inquiries, negotiating prices, and matching people with the perfect puppy. On top of this, Pawrade provides fair and easy-to-understand puppy contracts that focus on both the breeders and the buyers each upholding their end of the agreement.
5. Time and resource allocation
Breeders invest a considerable amount of their time and energy into their breeding programs. Breeding animals involves careful planning, meticulous record-keeping, and continuous education to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices. Respectable breeders dedicate long hours to ensure the health, well-being, and genetic progress of their animals. They invest their energy into researching bloodlines, attending shows and conferences, and maintaining relationships with other breeders. This commitment is vital to maintaining the integrity and advancement of the breed.
Leveraging Pawrade's team helps breeders save time and resources that would otherwise be spent on advertising and administrative tasks. This allows them to focus more on raising happy and healthy puppies, dedicating their expertise and attention to the well-being of their canine companions.
The Role of Pawrade
Do you now better understand the reason why reputable breeders seek out Pawrade's help and influence? With the multitude of responsibilities and costs involved in responsible dog breeding, breeders love every bit of help they can get to streamline their operations. This is how Pawrade has made its name as one of the best, receiving over 3,000 five-star TrustPilot Reviews.
By prioritizing these areas, breeders demonstrate their commitment to responsible breeding practices and the betterment of their chosen breed. It is essential to understand the costs associated with responsible dog breeding and the value that breeders provide. The price tag attached to a puppy reflects the investment breeders make in health testing, prenatal care, veterinary expenses, early-life nutrition, and more. While the upfront cost of a puppy may seem high, it encompasses the care and dedication that breeders pour into raising well-adjusted and healthy dogs.
Services like Pawrade enable breeders to streamline their operations, benefiting both the breeders and potential puppy owners. By using such platforms, breeders can focus on what they do best—raising happy, healthy, and well-socialized puppies—while leaving the advertising, sales, and contract management to professionals.
So, the next time you consider bringing home a new furry family member, remember that behind the price tag lies a labor of love, dedication, and a commitment to the well-being of these beloved animals.
Adopt Healthy, Happy Pawrade Puppies
When choosing a trustworthy dog breeder or company to find your perfect puppy, reputation is everything. Pawrade takes pride in stellar customer service, built on trust, transparency, and customer satisfaction. Pawrade understands the significance of selecting a companion that fits seamlessly into your family, and that the only way to do this is by partnering with reputable breeders who prioritize the well-being and health of their puppies.
Be cautious of puppy scams that offer unbelievably low prices; they might be too good to be true. These scams often deceive innocent families, leading to heartbreak and financial loss. Pawrade is tirelessly committed to protecting customers from such scams and guaranteeing a safe adoption process. Choose Pawrade and find your dream dog from a wonderful selection of puppies for sale. The experience will be joyful and the decision will be responsible.
