The Puppy Reality Check

Dr. Robert A. Meyer, Fulbright Scholar
Who’ Who in America 1990-2007

“Everybody loves a puppy” or so the old saying goes. But many individuals that go
shopping for a puppy know very little about proper breeding and the costs associated with raising dogs that will live up to the expectation of the breed and that will result in happy owners. Having observed the dog world for several years I believe that this article is long overdue.

No matter what breed of dogs one looks at there are different quality of puppies on the
market at any given time. Yes, different quality. A quality puppy should meet several
criteria. First and foremost is should reflect the temperament and standards that have been defined by standard setting organizations, such as the AKC and the Parent Club (ESSFTA). Second, the breeder should have quality breeding stock that is selected and maintained in an environment that fosters excellent health. The home environment should also foster a good living environment for both the adult dogs and the puppies. Such a proper home environment should be kept clean and include such things as crates to sleep in at night, places to run and play, and proper puppy facilities.

Let’s examine what is involved in achieving those goals.
To begin with breeding stock must be carefully chosen and purchased.

Initial investment in quality dam’s and sires starts in the thousands of dollars. Breeders that have show dogs for sale rightfully expect top dollar for top dogs. From that point on the expenses never stop for quality breeders. The next step in the process is to champion the dogs. This means that the breeder must enter each dog in approved dog shows which are in most cases sanctioned by the AKC. The dogs compete in shows with numerous other dogs.

The points needed for championship in Springers are in most cases gained over two years, sometimes it takes a several years or more, entering the dogs in show after show.

There are entry fees for each dog, in each class for each show. Costs associated with this phase include travel, lodging, meals and grooming supplies. As dogs move through the competition and some breeders show dogs to national championships the costs move quickly into the multiple thousands of dollars. Such high level competition requires professional handlers, advertising within the show dog community and an American Express card to handle all the charges.

 Next time you observe the Westminster & Eukanuba Dog show competition on television, remember this fact. Many of the dogs you are seeing there represent investments which have climbed to the $100,000.00 mark.

To survive in such an arena it is not unusual that top dogs have an investor/owner who is picking up the tab. Once the dogs have their championship, breeders must make careful decisions on what males and females to mate. Often quality breeders will use males from other breeders to achieve genetic goals and avoid “in-breeding”. Such “stud fees” are normally $1,000.00 -$2,000.00.

 Factors which must be weighed are not only breed standard, but genetic
background. Females should not be over bred as they mature in order to keep the dam
healthy. Quality breeders will not breed a female past the age of seven or eight. In
addition quality breeders will not breed a female every heat cycle. Thus if breeding starts at age two and stops at age eight. That gives a breeder 6 years of productivity, and the reality is that every other heat cycle should be skipped. The result is 3 breedings from a champion female. In the real world that averages out to five to seven puppies per litter from a female before she is retired. A realistic breeder will hope for a total of 21 puppies from the female. And sadly not all puppies make it into the world alive, by choice of Mother Nature.
 

Now that we have our champion dogs they must be maintained. Let’s look at some more realities. Quality breeders start with quality food. Food is purchased by the 40 pound bag and canned food in case lots. Follow that with routine veterinarian visits for checkups, immunizations and teeth cleanings. Next add costs for OFA testing, and yearly CERF testing, and the needed monthly flea/tick and heartworm preventative treatments. For each additional dog the costs go up and veterinarians normally do not do “breeder discounts”. Don’t forget the membership fees for necessary professional clubs and the multiple fees charged by the AKC to keep all registrations of adults and puppies up-todate. The birthing of the puppies means the meter continues to run. Certain occasions call for necessary C-sections by a veterinarian. And there are birthing occasions when veterinarian assistance is needed in the middle of the night and normally the only option are services provided at expensive 24-hour emergency clinics. Puppies need constant attention the first weeks to ensure that there are no problems. Typical challenges are mothers who may not have enough milk and in those cases the breeder must hand feed the puppies every two hours with purchased formula. Next are the puppy shots, worming medicine, puppy food and the required veterinarian health certificate.
 You should look for quality breeders with high standards and you should stay focused on finding a quality puppy. Keep in mind that thousands of dollars are normally invested by quality breeders in addition to their on-going operational costs. This is NOT done by all breeders. Yet many people who are selling puppies will try and keep your focused on the “cute cuddly puppy”, and the hype that goes along with that. Yes you are entitled to a cute cuddly puppy, but informed buyers should look far beyond that. Breeders that do quality breeding as their profession are dedicated to advancing the breed. Such dedicated individuals do so with the belief that informed dog owners want a dog that not only represents the breed well, but has been raised with care to ensure a long and healthy life. To achieve these goals they make the investment of not only money, but time. There are many breeders of dogs who simply cut corners. They over breed dogs, they do not study genetics, they overstate or misrepresent true quality champion dogs and some quite sadly think it is just “fun” to raise puppies with little or no knowledge of the complexities. “Raised in a loving home environment” is one of the most overused phrases in the dog circles and often simply overstated.
 

You should know also that the dog world is one that is lightly regulated. This has resulted in weak ethical standards in many aspects of the dog world. To that end puppy mills exist, and dog breeders often are faced with little discipline except for self-discipline and self imposed ethics.

I know many breeders and they range all over the board on philosophies.
  You should expect that such a breeder will be proud of their efforts and guarantee the health of the dog. What you should expect for your money is a puppy that will mature into a dog that has good genetics and will remain healthy. A dog whose wonderful temperament will maintain over its life and not one that changes and turns into something different as they mature. You should want a puppy that will become a wonderful addition to your family and meet your expectations of a quality dog. Anyone who is anxious to save some money on a puppy should think twice about the potential veterinarian bills for a dog which develops genetic health problems as they mature. Put simply if your focus is on saving dollars on the purchase, you run the risk of easily paying ten fold the “savings” in veterinary costs
over the lifetime of the dog.
 

Many people who love animals want to support those that care about dogs. In that light, the Springer breed faces some challenges not unlike other breeds that have become popular. My advice is to support the quality breeders who dedicate their lives to raising exceptional dogs that they are proud of, and in turn that owners can be proud of. A Springer puppy will have a normal life of some 12-15 years. That is a long time, and you should make your investment wisely. Remember also that a top breeder who is a professional will always be available to answer your questions.

 I do think most Americans know that quality is related directly to price. The reality is that in the purebred dog world it is no different.