Buying a puppy?Thinking of Breeding
Litter? Please Read This First !
The truth about breeding pure-bred dogs is that cost more than most people think. I have sketched out some of actual costs of breeding a litter. This assumes you own the bitch and will pay a stud fee, the normal way breedings are done:
Estimated Costs of Raising a Litter
Bitch Costs
*A few months before she's due in season,she needs to be seen by the vet so she can be vaccinated and dewormed. This ensures that the puppies have the best protection possible from contagious diseasses.
Cost-($150)
*Hip certification after 2 years of age (not including PRELIM.)
Cost-($150)
*Eye Cerf.
Cost-($60)
*Thyroid screenings
Cost-($150)
*Patellas
Cost-($75)
*High- quality food for the bitch while pregnant and nursing
Cost-($45)
*Ultrasound to check for pregnancy (optional)
Cost-($75)
*X-ray one week prior to whelp date for puppy count(optional)
Cost-($75)
*C-section,if necessary (This is not optional,if needed. It is an emergency,and if not done quickly enough,will result in the lost of mother and pups.)
Cost-($$400-$1,500)
Time off work for whelping(deduct two-three days pay from your paycheck)
*Stud Fee
Cost-($1,000-$3,500)
*Shipping(average 600-mile radius)
Cost-($500) $250 each way
*Litter costs(assuming 5 puppies)
Initial vet visit for puppies
Cost-($180)
*Deworming(first)
Cost-($60)
*Deworming (second)
Cost-($75))
*Initial vaccinations
Cost-($180)
*2nd Vaccinations
Cost-($180)
*Puppy food(If you dont need formula.If the damn doesn't have enough milk,or becomes sick or dies,supplementing the litter will cost approximately $120 per week and you will have to be available every 3 hours for the first 3 weeks to feed and clean the puppies. Deduct pay for time off work,if necessary.)
Cost-($150)
Projected costs of the litter,not counting any lost wages: ($ 2,800-$6,500) For our Europeans friends their cost is a estimate 1,500-4,900 EUR.
Note* The above cost estimate does not included the cost of traveling to get required health testing done nor the costs for showing the female previous to her breeding. If she is a Champion,add the cost of entry fees,travel expenses,and handling fees to the above total.
Please do not look at the veterinary expenses as something you can save on by skipping of the visits.
Puppies die quickly when not properly dewormed and vaccinated. If you are thinking breeding a litter,investigate which other genetic screening test need to be done for your particular breed. When purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder,you should be shown proof that the puppies have had at least one set of shots and a deworming before you are allowed to take the puppy home.If the breeder cant provide you with this information,please seek help in finding a better breeder,one who cares about the health and well-being of the puppies produced instead of just the income they might generate by cutting enough corners.
This should be enough to show you that YES,there is money in dogs,lots of it....put there by the ethical breeders that love their breeds and want to do the best that they can for that breed.
By:
Luis Ortiz
