Should "Designer" Breeds Be Able to Catch such a huge price?
I had a lady the other day in her 70'a say to me I just bought a poodle mix for $450. She goes this is ridiculous when I was a kid we called these mutts and gave them away. LOL she has a point should these "designer breeds" fetch such a big price tag. I personally don't think they should.
If they can sell them for that, why not? A lot of purebreds have inbred health problems and some people prefer a mix.
Nope... It's a way that backyard breeders can get over on those who are uniformed.
I've seen so many on petfinder for adoption that are the same as those that are being sold for hundreds of dollars. They are the same mixes that need homes, and this is where so many end up.
I wouldn't pay for a mix, unless it included the spay/neuter, shots up to date, and a microchip... IE unless I adopt it.All of the young, small dogs in my area are at least 300 dollars or more at the RESCUES. This is because small, young dogs of any breed but JRT or Beagle is at a premium in this area. Mostly bigger dogs in rescue. They get multiple applications to adopt on small/young dogs and can charge what they want.
And don't say public shelters, the private shelters clean out all the younger, small dogs because the public ones are overcrowded with the larger dogs.
If you want sick or toothless, or elderly---then you might be able to find a small dog.
I did adopt both of my Chins from a rescue. I got one for 250 and one for 400. The middle age one was $250 and she died several months later of a neurological disorder. The younger one was 400 bucks and I've now had him ten years. And the Peke mix I adopted was 300 as well, not neutered. But I had to sign an agreement to have him neutered by 1 yr of age.
I had to have a house inspection, three references and a letter from my vet to adopt.
Blah!
Sometimes its just easier to buy a puppy from a breeder.
Yea I would never by a mix breed designer breed. It's not worth the money. I'll adopt.
I would sooner adopt than buy too. Our rescue shelter is full of fashionable dogs that people get because they make them look good or hard. They don’t bother to find out if they are practical for their home or life style.
The dogs I've had throughout my life have all been purebreds from reputable breeders.
We did our homework, met the mother (and sometimes the the father) of the puppies, often before the female was bred. We visited the breeders at their homes, asked around about them with fellow breeders, and so on. I would not buy a dog any other way. And no, they weren't cheap.
That being said, I hope there's at least one mutt and/or rescue in my future.
As for 'designer' breeds, I hate this whole situation. Dogs should never be trends, accessories, or status symbols. When they're made into trends, this leads to over-priced, poorly bred dogs that will often have health problems, and sometimes behavioral issues as well. Most designer dogs come from breeders who don't take proper care of the dogs, whether they're puppy mills or backyard breeders. Yes, there are exceptions to this - people who put a lot of time and thought into their crosses, but they're harder to find.
Bottom line, if you're buying a dog, make sure you know who you're buying from. There are dozens of books written on buying a dog and selecting a good breeder, and how to tell the good from the bad. If you really want a Labradoodle or a Cockapoo or some designer cross, go to the shelter and get one there. There's nothing wrong with shelter dogs in general, the shelters are candid about any issues the dog has, it's cheaper, and you're not putting more money into the designer dog craze.It kind of irritated me at first, but the more I thought about it I realized maybe they all need to cost more. If dogs were unbelievably expensive and only certified, registered and inspected breeders were allowed to breed dogs. Maybe there would be a shortage which would result in less dogs being bought or given away to irresponsible dog owners. Sure would be nice to see the Animal Shelters around the world needing to downsize for lack of cliental.
You would think, but by raising the price, people still buy. The people who do buy just end up with the mentality of, "I paid tons for her/him, I'm breeding her/him to get my money back."
Yes, they may charge $300 for a small dog, but that will include shots up to date, microchip, and spay/neuter. That's better than any breeder will charge, as a breeder isn't going to include all that into the $300 fee.
Anytime anyone buys an animal the first thing they should do, once it is old enough, is to get it spayed or neutered! There is enough back woods breeding which causes millions of cats and dogs to be put down each year!
people should adopt animals! And never, ever buy from a pet store...they are 99% from puppy mills and will have their papers but have a very, very high chance of having genetic defects and serious illnesses! Puppy mills have so many puppies they cannot tend to them properly and thus become very ill! They live in terrible conditions as well!
Actually some designer breeds are much healthier than pure breeds because the genes mix and many times the genes that causes health problems such as hip dysplasia...however this is only true if only one has the bad gene...if both breeds have the bad gene then the animal will without a doubt get hip dysplacia... but there are studies proving that these designer breeds have good potential for heath problems if the person doing the breeding knows the genes of both breeds and breeds according to that!What would one pay for a slightly used Minotaur?
You are somewhat misguided if the bad gene is introduced into a breed and then bred into that breed it becomes part of the genetics of that dog. Adoption is a great answer but the greedy puppy mills will just fill the shelters with the pups . Pure breeds are the answer these people want to breed the "bad genes" out not in
DESIGNER BREEDS ARE RIDICULOUS AND CAN BE DANGEROUS!! SOME BREEDS SHOULD NOT BE MIXED DUE TO TEMPERMENT AND THE PRICE TAG IS ABSURD!!! $750 FOR A GOLDENDOODLE???? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? I HAVE A PUREBRED MINPIN THAT I RESCUED FOR FREE!!
Personally, for me it comes down to where the money is going...while there are some responsible breeders who honestly work to produce the best possible specimens of a breed, breeding dogs has always rubbed me the wrong way and I will never buy a dog. Chalk it up to spending countless hours in animal shelters...I'm the person they call in when there's no other choice before euthanizing, and nearly all of the dogs I work with are in that position because of irresponsible or cruel humans. Then I see all the healthy, well-behaved and well-balanced dogs out on the adoption floor that are often overlooked in favor of a purebred puppy, and that tends to bother me too. I know other people have different reasons why they may choose to purchase rather than adopt, and I'm certainly not passing judgment on them, that's just my personal reasons.
That said, if I have the money available, I couldn't care less what I pay in adoption fees. The money goes to support shelters that are in desperate need of funds, and the more I'm able to contribute to that the more chance there is that they won't be needed so badly in the future. My current dog came to me as a half-dead Miniature Schnauzer cross puppy, part of a rescue that included over 30 animals that were being kept in unspeakable conditions. I usually don't adopt puppies, but she wasn't getting any better in the shelter and her chances did not look good at all. The people who bred her were capitalizing on the Miniature Schnaupin designer "breed" and selling the puppies to pet stores in the nearest city, and even selling some of them on street corners. Her adoption fee was $100, but if I'd had $500 to offer I would have gladly given it, mainly because the recipients of the money are actively working to make sure this sort of thing doesn't happen again rather than perpetuating the problem. Even good, responsible dog owners who breed designer dogs are contributing to the problem, in my opinion, because it creates the market that gives these less reputable types something to sell.Now if you are buying a purebred for showing and breeding with full registered papers you would expect to get a fine example of the breed and pay the price.If one buys a purebred but its not registered there is a reason ...There is something wrong with it.Its a throwback its genetic makeup has gone askew somewhere.Thats why not all pups from a litter are all champions and some are sold off neutered or on a partial register where you cant breed from them.Having a Purebred dog doesnt necessarily mean you have 100% traits of the dog ..well the wanted/good ones anyway .
Having said all that, breeding mongrels is really no different.Years ago most people used to own mongrels as the price of a pedigree at that time seemed too high.Dont forget it was only a dog! Only the well to do bought pedigrees to show etc.
Everyone else well we bought a "nice" looking one.
So would i pay upwards of $200 for a mongrel/designer dog no way.
Using the principle that the character of the dog if crossed is compromised to me holds little water as throw backs occur in pedigree dogs alsoThe only way I could see it is if the "designer breed" is actually becoming a new breed (i.e. the traits breed true across generations and you basically know what you're going to get), and even then...the price should be high only after this happens and can be shown to be true through generations. Then it's a new pure breed dog. After all, a lot of existing breeds probably began as mixing, but over time traits were watched for and bred together, etc.
If it is just to make cute but utterly random looking dogs that have no trait consistency, then, no, they shouldn't be high priced. They are just mutts. Cute perhaps, and some might have great temperaments and characteristics, but still mutts.
I'm not one that says "No one should buy from breeders!" but I don't know about supporting the intentional breeding of mixes, especially with just the purpose of trying to cash in on the latest cute puppy fad.i know how you all feel i hate the way animals are treated as acsessories and not as living things if you are ever purchasing a dog look out for these things
.no mother dog
.bad cnditions
.eyes not open yet
PLEASE NEVER BUY A DOG IF ITS MOTHER IS NOT AROUND OR IS YOUNGER THAN 7 WEEKSWell, there are many things to consider, however, I am forced to consider the fact that the more expensive, the less can afford, and eliminating "over breeding," and other poor tactics that so many breeds suffer from today. I never recomend "puppy mills" or other such exploitations. If no one bought from them they would not be in business long.
I recently rescued a purebred German Shepherd from the local pound. He is a wonderful dog. I have also adopted purebred cocker spaniels, beagles and shih tzu's from the pound. I have become known at the pound as a rescuer, and if they have a dog that isn't being adopted and may be euthanized, they call me. If I can, I will. I would rather pay the pound fees, knowing the dog has been vetted, neutered and current on necessary shots than pay some puppy mill or pet shop one dollar for some "designer mutt". We have to stop the unnecessary breeding that is going on and care for the dogs we have.
I think it's funny that you believe $450.00 is a lot to pay for a dog. Go try to find a good working line GSD, Rottweiler, or Malinois and you are looking at 2 -3000.00. So 450.00 for a mutt sounds about right if its what you really want.
I find the outrage over pricing funny, as we paid $400 for our purebred Burmese cat.
But as the owner of a Spoodle from a breeder, yes the cost perhaps is excessive, and yes, we probably could've gotten a nearly identical dog from a shelter. But there are some important things to remember.
a) Depending on where you are, (like, if you're in my city), if you're looking for a specific breed, either due to preference or because it'll suit your lifestyle best, you often can't find a suitable dog in a shelter. My city only has 3 shelters, with not that much choice. In this case, it's easier to go to a breeder who will probably have what you're looking for.
b) Sometimes shelter dogs have behavioural problems, depending on the circumstances for their being there. Some may have been abused, some may not react well to children, and some will have absolutely no problems at all. The problem with these "problem dogs" is that it may take a certain amount of patience and compassion to train them out of it, and not everyone is willing to make that effort.
c) Pedigree breeders, while they claim to be breeding for "good" qualities, are the reason why dogs have genetic problems in the first place. Generations of incest, breeding mothers to sons and daughters to grandfathers, for breed ideals is what caused these mutations to arise. In Rhodesian Ridgebacks, for example, the characteristic "ridge" is in fact a result of the spine twisting. Yet pedigree breeders breed for this, because it's what's expected, and will often destroy perfectly healthy puppies, because they do not have the expected mutated spines.
Pugs are often bred for small snouts and flat faces, which result in mutations of the soft palate and serious breathing problems. Caviller King Charles can have the mutations where the skull is too small but the brain continues to grow, until it pushes up against the skull, causing painful seizures and fits. This is especially can be quite heartbreaking to see.
So, in this case, "designer breeds" can be better, because, for one, it guarantees that the dog itself is at least not the result of a dangerous incestuous mating, and is less likely to exhibit genetic diseases.
But, regardless, buying a puppy or kitten from a pet shop is always a bad idea, if not the for fact that they are supplied from puppy mills, but because they often give the buyer no appreciation for the responsibility of pet ownership, and allow for "impulsive" pet buying, which 9/10 times leads to the animal being surrendered to a shelter or simply dumped.
So it's definitely best to adopt from a shelter or buy from a responsible breeder.
(wow, long post)First, think hard about the level of maintenance, both emotional physical, you are willing to expend in order to satisfy a dog's needs. Generally, the more intelligent a breed is, the higher maintenance dogs of that breed will require. For example, a Blue Heeler cannot be left alone while it's owner is at work. Regular walks around the bock will not saisfy a Blue Heeler. It needs to be off-leash for an hour or two every day to get the exercise it needs. Few urban dwellers can handle the needs of working dogs. They are best off at a farm and living the life they are bred for.
I live in an apartment. I hate getting up at dawn to walk the dog -- but I dislike even more knowing I put my comfort ahead of my dog's discomfort. The solution for me is a Brussels Griffon. I purchased my first when I was in my late 30s. I'm 61 now and on my sixth Griffon. I usually have them in pairs.
Griffs rate in the bottom quarter in intelligence. But if your Griff accepts you as his masterm you can have as much enjoyment and as deep a relation as you'd have from a magnificent German Shepard, without the high maintenance.
Brussels Grifons are extremely difficult to breed. A litter usually consists of two letter dogs, and for the survivors the mortality rate is high. As a result, no reputable breeder makes money on Griffons. it's strictly a labor of love.
{Sorry, but this archaic text editor prevents me from turning out a quality memo. I've just lost a generation of changes and don't want to go through the document again.}
To get that 1 percent standard required fo the ring, a breeder usually has to go through 50 or 60 dogs. What is their fate?
Reputablle breeders ensure each dog has a good home, even if that means staying with breeder.
This is where I find the dog I want. I will have an extended chat with breeder, describing the temperament and physical characteristics that correspond with my lifestyle. If the breeder doesn't hace one "in stock" he or she will call around to other breeders to help me find the right dog. How cool is that?
I'm lazy and walking around at dawn doesn't appeal to me. Griffis are lazy, too. For our mutual enjoyment I teach my Groffs to do their business in the shower stall. Griffs hate walking in the rain, or if the weather is cold. So do I!
Along with laziness, I want a loving dog. If you are aware of your Griff's needs and accommodate them, your Griff would walk through fire for you. By accpommodating the dog's needs, I mean never directing even a single harsh word toward him. Griffons are emotionally sensitive and if upset, will hide away for hours.
For my Griffs (I usually have them in pairs) I've constructed a dark little alcove in what used to be a towel storage drawer. It's right next to the shower. To the dog it's her personal realm. No humans allowed! The dogs really appreciate having a place of their own.
One last point: I purchase mature dogs, between 1 and 2 years of age. By this time all puppy-related chores are eliminated, and you can get a clear look at the dog's temperament. My Griffs have a flaw that takes them out of the ring, but they remain little champions. My current dog (I have only one at the moment) is the grandson of a two-time Westminster best of breed winner. Were it not for a slightly crooked jaw, my Fred would have spent years in competition.
For $1200 Well spent dollars I rescued him from that fate. We've been together 18 mlnths. Our personalities and behaviors have meshed superbly -- not by accident, but through knowing what my lifestyle is, and finding a dog to match.
I hope your choice is a good one. If you use just a few of the tips here, this memo is, I hope, worthwhile
Whatever the market will bear, I guess. I'd prolly just go the shelter and adopt.
Ok, here's the other side. I am not a breeder, I have my own personal pets at home. My 8 month old pug got my 5 year old doxie pregnant and produced a litter of puppies that I found out later were considered a "designer dog". Now before anyone tells me that I should have had them fixed-you are right. All of my dogs up to this point had been-we simply hadn't taken the pug in yet and the doxie was actually my daughters and she choose not to spay her and she hadn't had any puppies up to this point. I made sure that all of the puppies went to a good home. A year later it happened again-we only found out the doxie was pregnant when I took her to the vet (over my daughter's objections) to have her spayed. I listed this litter on a breeder website and the price I asked for them only covered: shipping, shipping materials, their shots, 2 vet visits, and their up to date health record which all totalled between $250-$400 depending on where they were being shipped.
We aren't having any more puppies-but I have to say that we live in a free market society and if people are willing to pay freakishly high prices for a "designer" dog then that is their right. Personally I think shelter dogs make the best pets-but that's just my opinion.
Related Discussions
- 14
Do you believe that "puppy mills" should be legal?
by Cheryl Simonds 11 years ago
Do you believe that "puppy mills" should be legal?Do you think they are inhumane? Would you report one to the authorities if you knew that was what they were doing?
- 24
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Hapiness
by Mark dos Anjos, DVM 12 years ago
Do dogs possess rights? Should we protect puppies, as we protect human children, but then recognize independence when they become adults? Or should they always be considered personal property, to do with as we wish?
- 16
Where do you buy dogs from ?
by Joe Njenga 12 years ago
Where do you buy dogs from ?Puppies are sold almost in every other corner of the Internet. With all these offers where do you buy dogs from ? Do you buy puppies from the local breeder, Puppy mills or pet stores. What is your experience buying puppies from where you buy them. Do they come with...
- 43
To Breed or Not To Breed....
by bonnebartron 12 years ago
I love my animals, and all of them have either found me, or I have gone to the pound in search of them... No matter how we get them we love them to death! So why do people keep going to breeders?For more on my opinions on this subject check out my best friend here----> Just saying, no breeder...
- 42
What do you think of the name cockrats
by horsecrazyheidi 14 years ago
My son got in trouble in church because he told people that a friend had some free cockrats which is a cocker and a rat terrier mix
- 28
What advice would you give to someone adopting a new pet? (Weekly Topic Inspirat
by Simone Haruko Smith 5 years ago
What advice would you give to someone adopting a new pet? (Weekly Topic Inspiration)What is the best way to go about adopting a pet? How do you help a newly adopted pet adapt to his new home? How can we reduce the number of newly adopted pets that are returned to shelters? Share your pet adoption...