For the Breeder:
Every breeder should know about the positives and negatives that potential sires and dams bring to the breeding arena. Breeding should never be undertaken lightly or without a thorough knowledge of the Breed Standard and how each litter will improve the conformation, health, and temperament of the subsequent puppies and, therefore, the breed itself. The idea behind every litter a reputable breeder produces is to IMPROVE THE BREED.
For the Buyer:
$5000
Prospective buyers must understand how reputable breeders determine their pricing when acquiring a puppy. These figures are not random; they result from meticulous consideration and planning. Breeders must cover their costs to maintain the high standards of quality dogs they produce. By engaging with this guide, buyers can formulate meaningful questions about the upbringing of a specific litter. Inquiries concerning the health tests performed on the parent dogs and puppies, as well as the breed.
Foundation Dogs
$22,500
It's common for aspiring breeders to underestimate the financial aspects of acquiring a "foundation" dog or bitch, or to overlook the critical importance of a stud's Championship title, often indicated by letters before the dog's name and perf. However, it is essential to understand that nothing surpasses quality. In dog breeding, "quality" signifies the alignment of a dog or bitch with its Breed Standard—a definitive guide that outlines what constitutes "ideal" characteristics and excellence.
Training for Championship Titles
$35,000
Achieving the esteemed title of Champion is a clear testament to a dog's qualifications as a breeding candidate. Dog shows do more than showcase talents; they provide a robust measure of how well we adhere to the breed's standards. For this reason, meticulous attention must be given to the quality of breeding pairs, with championship titles serving as the primary benchmark for assessing breeding stock. Dogs undergo many hours of training to achieve these titles.
Breeding Decision Expenses:
A common misunderstanding is that many breeders do not classify health testing as genuine "Breeding Expenses." In reality, these tests provide crucial data that responsible breeders leverage to make informed decisions regarding the suitability of specific males and females for breeding. Today's discerning buyers are likely to inquire about the health testing concerning the parent dogs, and reputable breeders confidently engage in these discussions, providing all necessary documentation.
Basic Breeding Decision Testing of X-Ray Costs
$2000
OFA X-rays of hips and elbows, or Penn-Hip X-Rays, preliminary and finals
CERF (Eye Test) yearly, and an Ophthalmologist's exam of tonometry and goni
$1500
Every year for at least six years females and males for up to ten years.
DNA Registration, Cancer screening, Genetic Panel Testing, and DNA COI.
$1200
We do cancer screening yearly on all dogs while breeding and being considered for breeding.
OFA Registration of Health Testing
$1500
Preliminary and final registrations for the OFA site
OFA Echocardiogram (Heart) and auscultation exam
$1300
auscultation done yearly echocardiogram once
Dentition and thyroid OFA Certification
$300
done once only
Registration for Conformation, AKC Certifications, and Performance titles
$5500
CGCS, trick titles, Fast CAT, Dock Diving, Fetch, Scent, Conformation
Total of all health and titling expenses in each breeding dog's lifetime $13,300 (does not include cost of dog, training, lodging, or travel)
Breeding Expenses
Examinations & Medical Expenses:
Breeding Lab Tests
Progesterone Test (1 to 5 tests, $120 each): $600
Brucellosis Test before each breeding: $135
Yearly Health Checks for Breeding $600
Immunization Booster $80
Test semen $150
Stool Worm Check $65
Stud Fee $3500
Live Coverage
boarding the bitch for one week $800
Artificial Insemination
Collection (& Collection Kit) and testing $500
Ship Semen $750
Implant Semen (Transcervical or Surgical) $500-$1,250
Post Breeding Expenses
Sonogram to determine Pregnancy $200
X-Rays to count Puppies $150
Reproductive Examination $100
Additional Food & Supplements $400
Whelping Expenses
Whelping Box: $800
Whelping Box: $510
Toys, bedding, and exposure equipment: $1,000
Supplies in this category include, but are not limited to, Puppy Milk, Bottles, Weaning Formula, Disinfectants, Detergent, Washing Bedding, Towels, disposable puppy pads, etc., from the whelping until the pups leave: $8000
Whelp, midwife assistant and assistant nanny $1,600 a week for 8 weeks
Post Whelping Expenses
Vet Office Visit: (For Post-partum checkup of the dam) $200
Post whelp ultrasound or X-ray $200
Examination for the Female to ensure her post-whelping health. Would include the Pitocin Injection and antibiotics if necessary
Food & Vitamins for Pups after weaning for the litter - Per Litter $1,000
Worming of Pups (WEEK 2, 4, 6, AND 8), Neopar 3 weeks, NeoVac at 5 weeks, Vaccines Per Puppy $50, and Total Worming cost $2,400.
7-week-old health exam for sale certificate with final puppy vaccinations by veterinarian (Parvo, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza) per puppy is $68. Total Vaccination $780
DNA and genetic Testing (Per Puppy) $240 each
Registration and Evaluation Expenses
Microchip Puppy (Check the separate costs before selecting Both) $85 Total ID $850
Litter Registration (AKC) - Per Litter $75
Individual Puppy Registration - Per Puppy $70
Puppy Temperament Testing - Per Litter $200
Possible Emergency Expenses
Emergency C - Section $2,500- $5,000
Antibiotics PER Puppy $100 Total Antibiotics $1,000
Antibiotics are given for the time required for any infections. Generally, 7 to 10 days.
Miscellaneous Puppy Expenses
Puppy enrichment items $1,500. This item includes stimulation toys for the mental growth of pups
Puppy Buyers Kit $250 (each)
The buyer's kit includes items such as leashes, collars, food supplements, food, toys, etc., that the buyer takes home for their new pup. It would also include written material, feeding instructions, pedigree information (including pictures), other care information, etc., as well as the cost of printing.
Heating Lamp, pads, heated boarder, warming crates, and incubator $850
Time Off work (expected) -8 # Weeks (Salary per Week $2000) Total Salary Lost $16,000
While not strictly a "Cost", it should be factored into the cost of breeding a litter of pups and is included in the Total Cost, since the labor to provide constant safety surveillance, professional assessment of puppy health and growth, enrichment, and daily care for the puppies and dam is a 24-hour-a-day/seven-day-a-week commitment.
Total Costs per Puppy $ 3,860- $4,500