The Cost of A Puppy
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Here is a list of expenses for Rally's first litter.
Hip X-rays + OFA Fee $100
CERF Exam + Fee $45
Pre-Breeding Exam $95
Progesterone Testing to get the timing right (3 x$80) = $240
Brucellosis Testing $35
Stud Fee $500
Ultrasound to confirm Pregnancy $75
X-ray for accurate count $75
Dew Claw Removal and check-up $35 for first pup and $15 each after ($110 litter of 4)
Vaccinations $35 for office visit + $17.50 per puppy ($105 for litter of 4)
Microchips $35 each ($140 for litter of 4)
CERF Exam + Fee $45 ($180 for litter of 4)
Litter Registration $33
Individual Puppy Registration $20 each ($80)
Collar and Leash $7.50 each ($30)Then there are all the things I don't really keep track of Food, Paper Towels, my hugely increased PG&E bill to keep the pups warm, whelping supplies, the 3 day stay in Los Angeles for the breeding, etc. I was also hugely fortunate to have Pat lend me her whelping box set up.
But even after all of that like the MasterCard Commercial says
As a breeder: 11 weeks with the most adorable balls of energy and chaos: Priceless
As an owner: A loyal companion and family member: Priceless -
People are always telling me I should breed Jazzy – a little late now, since she's just come home from her spay, LOL -- so that I can recoup the money I spent to get her and make some extra for myself.
No one believes me when I tell them that I don't think breeding is exactly a lucrative business.
I'll have to print this page out and show it to people. I realize costs will vary from breeder to breeder, but I'm sure they're all in that ball park. -
People are always telling me I should breed Jazzy – a little late now, since she's just come home from her spay, LOL -- so that I can recoup the money I spent to get her and make some extra for myself.
No one believes me when I tell them that I don't think breeding is exactly a lucrative business.
I'll have to print this page out and show it to people. I realize costs will vary from breeder to breeder, but I'm sure they're all in that ball park.Yes that is true …... and there is no money to be made if you do it right....
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And that is if nothing goes wrong with the bitch or the pups or the delivery…
If you then add in the costs that Lisa did not break out and you can see why responsible breeders do not make money...
True, Rally's second litter was much more expensive. Her emergency c-section because of the badly positioned puppy that could not be repositioned added $1200. Not to mention my being a complete and utter wreck waiting for news about my girl and her babies.
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Now you know why with Sugar I'm wondering if it's worth it. If she does need c-section will I schedule or wait-consider the cost difference between emerg and planeed c-section. This is in addition to the puppy cost!! That's one reason why I'm waiting to see how she grows. I'll get her x-rayed after she's two to see how she develops!
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Just so everyone understands, Rally did not have any indication that she would need a c-section. She easily whelped her first litter. It was not because she had anything physically wrong with her. In fact when I do the x-rays to confirm count they also look at the skulls to make sure everyone will fit. What happened with Rally was a puppy turned so it was breach and instead of being lined up so its feet could come out it curved so its butt and back got wedged. There is no way this could have been predicted and all pups were facing head forward 48 hours prior in the x-ray. Anyone who breeds needs to be prepared an emergency to occur whether it be during pregnancy, delivery, or afterwards. There are no garuntees even in a healthy matron bitch that everything will go smoothly.
And the cost was more than most places even for emergency service probably charge because she had a whole surgical team, including surgeon, anesthetist, and vets for each puppy.
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Now you know why with Sugar I'm wondering if it's worth it. If she does need c-section will I schedule or wait-consider the cost difference between emerg and planeed c-section. This is in addition to the puppy cost!! That's one reason why I'm waiting to see how she grows. I'll get her x-rayed after she's two to see how she develops!
I believe that each bitch needs to be judged on it merits and pedigree for breeding… What does she offer to the breed?, conformation, temperament, heath, etc along with the possible sire of a litter... and I don't know why anyone would plan a c-section? Typically this is never necessary for a Basenji unless xrays show a single puppy... this sometimes makes it necessary for a c-section. And I have never ever known a Basenji that was built in such a way that would require a c-section.... or at least not a well bred Basenji....
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That's why I'm waiting for more info and more evaluations on her. I'd like ppl to see her when I come to CA. I don't just want to go on two evaluations and what the vet says. Vet's don't know everything.
Why would you even think whelping would be a problem? I have never in all the years I have been in Basenjis ever heard of pre-disposed for C-section… never ever... And if you had a question because of something the Vet said, you should go to be repo specialist... And I have never ever heard that it "ran" in some bloodlines... ????
Again, I would not even consider that as a concern.... I would be more concerned on "why" you want to breed and "what" she has to offer the breed...
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Just a few words about vets. First off, there are an awful lot of vets out there that believe all dogs and cats should be spayed and neutered. Look at the list of vets that support AB1634. My husband wonders how they think they will have a job in 10-15 years if AB1634 actually could be successful at ending pet overpopulation because no puppies = no clients. I have had vets tell me I should spay/neuter my animals for things that were truly ridiculous. I have also had vets question why I would want to have yearly CERF exams or do OFA for hips. The reality is many vets just do not understand responsible breeding. I am very lucky to have found a breeder vet. Though she has not bred a litter in many years she does understand responsible breeding and has worked with a reproduction specialist and referred me to one when I was considering fresh chilled semen.
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Why would you even think whelping would be a problem? I have never in all the years I have been in Basenjis ever heard of pre-disposed for C-section… never ever... And if you had a question because of something the Vet said, you should go to be repo specialist... And I have never ever heard that it "ran" in some bloodlines... ????
Again, I would not even consider that as a concern.... I would be more concerned on "why" you want to breed and "what" she has to offer the breed...
My comment about Why and What just to clarify was directed at anyone that wants to breed, not Arlene directly….
