I fell in love with the dachshund breed in 2007 when I got my first doxie, Lucy. I wasn’t very knowledgeable about the avenues to get puppies, at the time, and I purchased her from a pet store for $550. After that I learned how pet stores tend to get their puppies and I began working with rescues. I adopted 2 dachshund mixes and fostered 6 other dachshund & mix breed pups. Now my Lucy is 14 1/2 and I really would like another dachshund, preferably a puppy. Pet stores are out. I’ve been searching rescues for close to a year. I cannot find a puppy or young adult that does not already have serious health concerns from a rescue or shelter or one that will adopt to a MA resident. So, I started researching area breeders.
I went to the AKC website and found 1 breeder in my state that seemed like a good fit. Good reviews, happy customers on Facebook, constant updates on the new litters- but a long waitlist. I then found a breeder in another state. Also great reviews, shows a lot of their dogs, has a good Facebook presence and…. Available puppies. So I called. And…. Sticker shock is the only way I can call my reaction. The information that I found online said that dachshunds typically cost between $ 1,500 to $3,000. The breeder that I spoke to said that those prices were for backyard breeders. Her price- $6,500 to $15,000.
I realize that a lot goes into breeding so that a healthy puppy is produced. Plus, all of the costs that come with breeding, like vet bills, testing, supplies, etc. So, I guess what I’d like to know is what is a reasonable price for a healthy puppy that I do not want to breed or show? Should I trust the AKC breeder list (which fell into the price point that I found online) or is the person that I spoke with the true representation for price?
Also, what questions should I be asking breeders before I decide on a puppy? What should be included in the purchase price? Is there anything else that I should know before I go that route?
I went to the AKC website and found 1 breeder in my state that seemed like a good fit. Good reviews, happy customers on Facebook, constant updates on the new litters- but a long waitlist. I then found a breeder in another state. Also great reviews, shows a lot of their dogs, has a good Facebook presence and…. Available puppies. So I called. And…. Sticker shock is the only way I can call my reaction. The information that I found online said that dachshunds typically cost between $ 1,500 to $3,000. The breeder that I spoke to said that those prices were for backyard breeders. Her price- $6,500 to $15,000.
I realize that a lot goes into breeding so that a healthy puppy is produced. Plus, all of the costs that come with breeding, like vet bills, testing, supplies, etc. So, I guess what I’d like to know is what is a reasonable price for a healthy puppy that I do not want to breed or show? Should I trust the AKC breeder list (which fell into the price point that I found online) or is the person that I spoke with the true representation for price?
Also, what questions should I be asking breeders before I decide on a puppy? What should be included in the purchase price? Is there anything else that I should know before I go that route?