True Cost of a Puppy

When looking for a new puppy, many people experience sticker shock when they see the price of a well-bred dog from a responsible breeder. They may wonder, “Why should I pay $3,000 for a puppy when I can find one for $500 on Kijiji?” The truth is that well-bred puppies aren’t overpriced—they are carefully bred for health, temperament, and longevity, and the price reflects the investment a responsible breeder makes in their dogs.

Understanding the true cost of a puppy will help you see why a well-bred dog is worth every penny and why “cheap” puppies often come with hidden expenses down the road.

What Goes Into the Cost of a Well-Bred Puppy?

1. Extensive Health Testing of the Parents

✔ Ethical breeders invest in genetic testing, OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certifications, PennHIP evaluations, and other health screenings before breeding their dogs.

✔ This ensures that inherited diseases like hip dysplasia, heart defects, and eye disorders are minimized.

💰 Cost to the Breeder: $1,000 – $5,000+ per dog

🚩 Red Flag: Breeders who don’t health test before breeding—this increases the risk of costly vet bills for the puppy’s future owner.

2. High-Quality Nutrition and Veterinary Care

✔ Pregnant and nursing dogs require top-quality nutrition to ensure healthy puppies.

✔ Puppies receive multiple vet visits, deworming, microchipping, and vaccinations before going home.

💰 Cost to the Breeder: $1,000+ per litter

🚩 Red Flag: Puppies that have never seen a vet before being sold or are fed poor-quality food.

3. Proper Socialization & Early Development

✔ Ethical breeders follow structured programs like Puppy Culture or ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) to ensure puppies are well-adjusted.

✔ Puppies are introduced to different sounds, people, surfaces, and mild challenges to build confidence.

💰 Cost to the Breeder: Countless hours of hands-on training and socialization

🚩 Red Flag: Puppies that are fearful, under-socialized, or kept in cages with little human interaction.

4. Responsible Breeding Practices & Whelping Costs

✔ Ethical breeders carefully plan each litter and limit the number of times a female is bred (typically no more than 5 litters per lifetime).

✔ They provide a climate-controlled, safe whelping area and often stay up all night to monitor new puppies.

💰 Cost to the Breeder: $2,000+ per litter, not including emergency vet costs

🚩 Red Flag: Breeders who overbreed their dogs for profit, ignoring their well-being.

5. Lifetime Breeder Support & Ethical Rehoming

✔ Responsible breeders offer lifetime support to puppy buyers and will take the dog back if the owner can no longer care for it.

✔ They do not sell puppies to pet stores, brokers, or on classified ad sites like Kijiji.

💰 Cost to the Breeder: Time, effort, and long-term commitment

🚩 Red Flag: Breeders who don’t provide a contract or a return policy.

What Are You Really Paying For?

When you purchase a well-bred puppy, you’re not just paying for a pet—you’re investing in:

✔ A healthy, well-socialized dog with a lower risk of genetic diseases.

✔ A breeder who cares deeply about their dogs and is available for guidance.

✔ A puppy that has been given the best start in life with proper nutrition, socialization, and veterinary care.

🚩 What Happens When You Buy a Cheap Puppy?
Many people who buy a $500 puppy from an unethical source end up paying thousands in vet bills due to:

• Undiagnosed genetic diseases.
• Poor nutrition leading to developmental issues.
• Lack of socialization causing behavioral problems.

Conclusion

The true cost of a puppy reflects the breeder’s dedication to health, temperament, and ethical breeding. While cheap puppies may seem like a good deal upfront, they often come with hidden expenses and heartbreak. Investing in a responsibly bred puppy ensures you get a healthy, well-adjusted companion for life.

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Responsible Breeders of Canada are members of Paw Privileges and follow a strict code of conduct to ensure ethical breeding practices.

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