What actually goes into the cost of a puppy from a reputable breeder?

Good Dog ^ | none given | Good Dog

[DallasBiff]

A financial breakdown of what goes into each puppy that comes out of a reputable breeding program.

Once you choose to get a dog from a breeder, it’s helpful to arm yourself with facts, so you understand the cost of raising a litter of responsibly bred puppies. Costs vary widely across different breeds and specific litters. This article outlines the general costs and how much effort, work, and sacrifice goes into a litter.

The price varies from program to program, but paying more money for a puppy that comes from a thorough and ethical breeding program can help save costs down the line. Additionally, it’s important to support responsible breeders in order to weed out scams and irresponsible programs. Not only will you ensure the health and safety of your puppy, but you’ll also be supporting an ethical program that truly cares about the well-being of their dogs.

Expenses can add up quickly for a reputable breeder. The average cost of a responsibly bred litter fluctuates, but being a responsible breeder takes a great deal of money, energy, and time. Many breeders begin by traveling to AKC events where they have their dogs evaluated for quality; this process has the potential to cost thousands of dollars.

[Magnum44]

This s not a subject I want to get in an argument over. To each his/her own.

I asked what value does registering have. I haven’t heard an answer but I suspect it has more to do with the owners bragging rights than anything else.

You asked how much I paid for my dog. Respectfully that’s none of anyone’s business. As much as breeders have a bad rep, good breeders know how to check and prevent the various genetic defects that cause dogs hip issues and other sufferings that poor breeders aren’t careful about. The result can cost owners thousands in medical bills and the pets suffer.

So I am not missing any point.

[ponygirl]

Registering the dog means you intend to breed and/or show the dog and has more to do with improving or preserving a breed than "bragging rights."

So if you do not intend to improve or preserve a breed standard (which is a moot point when it comes to mixed breed dogs), you're right—registering it is pointless. But if you're paying those ridiculous AKC full-bred prices for a mixed breed dog, then—to quote you— to each his own. But it's pretty dumb.

One could say that paying ridiculous prices for a designer "mutt" is also nothing more than bragging rights to impress the neighbors. 💁‍♀️