puppy costs... How much is too much?
I'm wondering what is an average cost for an OES puppy from a reputable breeder? I'm not asking so much because I'm worried about how expensive a good dog is- that doesn't bother me. I don't want to get hoodwinked by somebody who's in it for the money asking twenty prices for a dog though! I'm up in the midwest, if the area matters. I just want to know what is fair and reasonable 
All the puppy supply costs are not a big concern for me- I'm a pre-buyer. Once we decide which way to go, I'll probably end up buying supplies- dishes, brushes, collars, leashes, etc ahead of time. I have a tendency to do that ahead of time anytime I have something big coming up
Here's another question- how much are obedience classes usually? Does it end up being that you pay by the class, or do you buy them in a package? Does it vary school to school? also- does anyone prefer private organizations/business vs larger chain run (petco/petsmart as an example) classes? I appreciate the info, conducting more pre-buying research again
Karebn |
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| I don't know about in the states, but here in Canada the usual price is around 1500.00 for a puppy. Most breeders here do not charge different prices for show or pet because that is something no one can guarantee. |
| i was wondering if there abig price difference from the uk puppys from 600to around 850 pounds and my first puppy class starts on saturday and for 6 weeks is 50 pounds dawn |
| When I was looking at buying a puppy 2 years ago the price varied from $900 to $2,000 (yikes!) depending on the breeder. I'm sure that inflation has hit that price though.
As for obedience training - ask around. Your local animal rescue shelter or veterinarian may provide puppy training at a good price (ours do and the price is around $50 for 6 weeks). For basic obedience classes, I ended up going with a trainer that came to our house for 6 private lessons and then we had 6 group lessons. However, I had a couple of very specific issues that I wanted to work on and wanted the trainer to work with me at home to resolve them. Cost was $275. |
| Also, we don't have many obedience trainers around here, only 2 that I know of. One carges 10.00 per class and requires you sign up for at least 8 classes, the other charges 20.00 per class and does not require you to attend any more than you want to. |
| $1200-$1500 is about right for the Northeast. |
| Truman came to us free. The "breeder" (and I use that term loosely) couldn't sell the last two puppies and wanted to give them away. We are extremely lucky that he turned out so well as we believe he had a pretty poor start in life. If nothing else, he was the result of an accidental breeding between 2 OES that took it upon themselves to start a family! Now, having said that, he ended up costing us big time the first month or so. At 4 months, when we got him, he had not had any shots (another red flag). So, with trips to the vet, supplies, toys, etc., etc. We spent over $1,000 in the first several weeks. A large part of that was a trip to the vet after he ate some sand and dirt and got sick. I am lucky in that I have a brother who is a vet and he gives me all the flea and heartworm meds for both Truman and our cat, Riley and gave Truman all his shots recently. All this for $50! I know it must have cost him more than that but he insisted that was all it cost. Not only a vet in the family but a great guy, too! Anyway, after the initial cost of a puppy, it's really hard to say how much the dog will cost you. I will tell you this: No matter how much, it's never too much. Truman is worth his weight in gold to us! |
| I've seen them everywhere from $500-$2,000. I personally can't wait to get mine - but I have to be patient and figure out where I'll be living before I get one... it's so hard to wait! |
| Well, we got Mopsey from a breeder in MI for $800. In NY they were anywhere from $1500 to $2000. It worked out well with our breeder because the babies were perfectly timed for us...summer. She had most of the vaccinations done, dewcaws removed, socialized with dogs, cats, children, and potty trained. We are now enrolled in puppy school and its a group class which runs an hour each class for 6 weeks, price $175. All the toys, vet bills, dishes, colar, leash and such ran us $1000 the first few months. You should also have some money put aside for an emergency, heart worm meds and flea meds. These are seasonal, though. When it gets below 65 F we stop the heartworm, 'cause mosquitos are not around at that temp. Also, dont forget grooming supples: shampoo, (conditioner), nail clippers, brushes, and a detachable shower head for baths around $200. Food prices will also vary by brand. We started feeding Mopsey Wellness which costs $36 per 30lb bag, and lasts a little over a month. Ok, what else....can't think of anything right now, but I am sure more people will chime in. LOL |
marley wrote: Food prices will also vary by brand. We started feeding Mopsey Wellness which costs $36 per 30lb bag, and lasts a little over a month.
You just answered the question I was about to ask!  How big is your dog btw? |
Hmmm, she is 5 months and about 40 lb. I think.  |
| iam's costs me about $20/mo, but that's a 44 lb bag.
jack is a big boy. |
| I found a breeder in Arkansas and the cost was only $450.00. she was a very nice lady, always sending pictures and oes tips. i think the name was ar-kan kennel.
did you check out petfinder.com, there are so many that need homes! |
| Thanks for all the info everyone! Itt really helps! We still haven't decided between a puppy or an adult- but we have plenty of time I really appreciate everyone chiming in
Karen |
| my mickey doodles was 700bucks,I would of paid much more for him tho.I fed him Nutros lamb and rice for big puppies.A 33lb bag is about 34bucks.and that last about 3weeks my collie also eats it,but he isnt a big eater.mickey does have alot of snacks during the day veggies/fruits,and differnt things my collie has no interest in.mickey is also a big boy,he is pushing 50lbs and is 5months old.then you have the expence of chew bones,toys,heavy dishes so they cant carry them around,hehe!!! i know the petsmart here has classes for puppies and they are about 100bucks for 9wks,so i dont think that is too bad. Have fun puppy shopping!! |
| For the recurring product costs: heartworm medication, flea and tick prevention, special shampoos, Greenies, etc. I have found that it pays to shop online. The prices are often close to half the vet's price, and I get Greenies at close to half of my pet store's price. Many places offer free shipping for large orders (over $50) so I stock up once or twice a year. |
| What online shops/sites seem to be the best...price & selection. I'm all for saving & convenience...
Thanks! |
| I like kvvet.com, but check ebay and other sites for prices on what you need. |
| I found a really cheap sight for pet meds- www.entirelypets.com
ex. 12 months of Interceptor (51-100 lbs) $59.99! That's what i paid at the vet for 5 months! |
| Thank you Emily and Henry's Mom, I am going to check out the sites. It would be nice to save a little. I can't tell you how expensive it can be to keep the 2 dogs and 4 cats in meds. Stormi and co. |
| i've seen them from $400-1000, none of these were show quality.
i paid $400 for roofus, drove to NC to get him! |
| i cant belive the price difference i paid £800 pounds for bob and that seems about the norm they arent many good breeders around ,whats it like in the states is it easy to find a oes |
| Isn't that kind of ironic?! They are Old ENGLISH Sheepdogs, and they are hard to find in their native land!
Karen
PS. You guys are awesome! Keep the info flowing, it is a TON of help! |
| They're hard to find everywhere really, and that's a good thing in my opinion. |
bobsmum wrote: i cant belive the price difference i paid £800 pounds for bob and that seems about the norm they arent many good breeders around ,whats it like in the states is it easy to find a oes
Actually, there are MANY GOOD reputible breeders in the U.K.! If you are having a hard time finding one I would be happy to help you. I imported my foundation stock from Sudbury, Suffolk and remain good friends with our breeder there. I am also involved in many of the OES Kennel Clubs. Ali |
| in 1974 I paid 550 USD for my first OES.
I am now breeding them (show etc) and I can tell you that yes inflation has hit. People are always shocked when they hear that GOOD oes will go from anywhere of 1000 up to 2000. I am going to tell you why. You are getting a QUALITY dog that is healthy! You have to figure in that the mother (and hopefully father too) have been shown and have their Championships. You will also have the hip, thyroid, eye clearances. They are not cheap to have done. The hips cannot be cleared until the dog is 2 years old. So if someone tells you the mother is not yet 24 months old....... red warning flags should be raised! Then you have the stud fee, which in todays market is usually the cost of one puppy. IF progesterone testing has been done, you can add a minimum of 5 x's $60.00. Then there is the ultrasound to see if she is pregnant, another 70.00 added on. Maybe the semen was shipped in so add another $200 (minimum) for a trans cervical or more if Surgical AI is done. Hopefully she has the puppies naturally, but if not you can add another 800.00 for a csection if done during normal vet hours or upwards of $1200 for after hours emergency csection. Then you add 5.00 for each dewclaw and tail docked. Then you also have your first sets of shots and puppy food after mom quits feeding the pups. I know I can tell you that I have not even broken even with one litter. My last litter was 3 years ago. We just had a litter and it was a litter of 2 puppies. We lost one when mom laid on her at 10 days. So I am WELL in the hole with this one as this little girl isn't going anywhere! Remember to buy from a reputible breeder. By this, I mean someone that is a breed club member. We have a code of ethics we must breed and adhere to. |
| i know the lady pam who got best of group at cruffs got her oes from the states, there are some good breeders over here but not enough sadley alot of people are more intrested in the money they fetch then the breed ,but saying that everyone at the breed club i spoke to when looking for a pup was a great help and but me in touch with a great breeder but it is hard to find a good breeder you need to put you name on a list and wait which is agood thing for the breed instead of just rushing out and buying one of someone that hasnt got the intrested of the breed to mind and just wants to make some money |
| But that is how it is done. I have waiting list. I have people that have been waiting for over 1 year, and sadly, they are going to have to wait until next year.
I waited over 1 year for my guys from England. In fact I waited for almost 2 years after I first contacted the breeder I decided I wanted a dog from. I had a man's secretary call me. He had 'instructed' her to find an OES for his girlfriend. She had specific instructions as to how old it could be, what it's markings must be, etc. I told her this wasn't a mail order/distribution warehouse place and they don't sit on the shelves waiting for callers! She got mad at me and said she would find one elsewhere. I wished her luck. |
| i agree with you thats what am saying its a good thing theres a list it means there a good breeder not a back yard breeder who always has pups avilable |
| Ouch... Now I'm glad I live in Mexico.
Lennon was $200 and that included shipping and shots and we got a booklet with tips and the history of the breed. Sofa and Frida were Free! I'll have to admit that non of them may be show quality, but they are insane and that's what counts. |
| I got Lizzie here in Iowa, waited 4 years before we found a breeder here. (We weren't actively looking, just keeping an eye open). At that time (2001), she was asking $300 for pups. We ended up paying only $100 for Liz, because she was the last of the litter and the runt. I can't vouch for the reputation of this breeder, Lizzie obviously has some health problems, but she has the sweetest disposition, is great around kids and that is what we really were looking for. |
| Wow, I was shocked to see the prices some of you have seen. Good stuff to know. When I do searches, seems I run into $450-800 the most. The $800 in 1/2 of the cases included shipping. The most expensive I've seen was $1,000. Guess I should cross my fingers. hehe |
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