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  1. #1
    Senior Dog Tanya's Avatar
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    Non Puppy Breeder Dog Placements

    When breeders place a puppy they held on to but decide is not a fit or that was returned, do they always charge a ton more than their puppy price? Is that more common in hunting/field breeders?

    Or does this vary greatly from breeder to breeder so there is no real rule of thumb?

    I was kicking around the idea of looking at breeders for dogs that are non puppy but not old (ballpark of 5 month to 3 years of age with preference for closer to 1 year of age) but when I asked in an online lab agility group I am getting ballpark figures of well of 3000+ (well above puppy price) as these are considered "started dogs" or "trained dogs". So I may as well reconsider the puppy plus daily dog walker as it will cost the same if not even less! And I can train them the way I want and ensure proper socialization. Or may just go back to a rescue dog...

  2. #2
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    I can only answer the field side of this...but yes, its typical to have "started dogs" sell for 3-10K. These might be dogs intended to be trial dogs but they aren't going to work out for whatever reason. Those dogs often still make great test or hunting dogs. Started dogs have a huge range of training (from not much at all to very far along) so that probably accounts for the different price you are seeing.

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    Tanya (04-16-2018)

  4. #3
    Chief Pooper Scooper JenC's Avatar
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    I think it varies. Hunting dogs/started have a TON of training in them and are typically sought out by those who like to train but maybe don't have the time to do it ALL by themselves.

    An older washed-out show puppy who doesn't have any clearances yet but just general home obedience might be the same price as a puppy or a little more to cover room/board for the last few months.

  5. #4
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    Jen...."washed out" made me smile. Kinda like when I referred to getting our first Lab "used". (I realize that's a common term but it still catches me off-guard.)

    Tanya...can't address your question but I see you with a rescue. You have so much to give a pup who needs a break.

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    Real Retriever Archie's Avatar
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    The breeder I work with usually places show prospects that didn't work out for free, with the expectation that you pay to spay her and she's yours. She is very fair about not wanting to make money, just make sure the puppy is getting a good home
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  7. #6
    Senior Dog Tanya's Avatar
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    Thanks guys. Interesting info. sounds like things really vary I didn't really want a field line dog anyway and seems they charge more.

    I get paying puppy price even if older (and willing to do that). I don't reallly get much beyond that if they opted to keep the dog then place. Or if if it was a return). But more power to the breeder for getting a bigger price if they can, I know breeding is super expensive.

    A rescue is still a serious consideration. I don't want a "project dog" though. I am pretty picky on what I want and my contacts in rescue are not what they used to be (meaning ability to "foster to adopt" and thus properly screen before adopting). I do not have interest in a shelter dog that hasn't been properly assessed. There is a ton I want to do with my next dog. I am happy to make modifications to my plans so they fit the dog but I'd rather not throw them ALL in the garbage cuz the dog has some behavioral issues that mean they can't do any of them.
    Last edited by Tanya; 04-16-2018 at 02:37 PM.

  8. #7
    Senior Dog windycanyon's Avatar
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    Think of it this way. That first year can be VERY expensive if you have to pay a vet for all of the shots, deworming, fecals, and whatever "puppy" stuff they may have (ear infections, uti's, tummy upsets from eating lord only knows). If you got an already potty trained, crate trained, leash trained, well traveled, well socialized, started on obed or rally or birds etc., plus all of the vetting (and I HAVE about croaked when I hear the totals for puppy exam/shots visits), it should be probably triple (plus) the puppy 8 wk price in reality. Done well, it's really not comparable to a rescue, and afterall, are the known genetics of a breeder placement not worth a significant amount?? I do rescue as well as breed, and there are so many unknowns w/ most rescues.
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  9. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tanya View Post

    I don't reallly get much beyond that if they opted to keep the dog then place. Or if if it was a return). But more power to the breeder for getting a bigger price if they can, I know breeding is super expensive.
    Its the training that is super expensive. Plus there is a market for well bred, trained hunt test and gun dogs. Most of these dogs are being rehomed to be a working dogs, not just pets. Good luck in your search, I'm sure the dog you are looking for it out there

  10. #9
    Senior Dog Tanya's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by windycanyon View Post
    Think of it this way. That first year can be VERY expensive if you have to pay a vet for all of the shots, deworming, fecals, and whatever "puppy" stuff they may have (ear infections, uti's, tummy upsets from eating lord only knows). If you got an already potty trained, crate trained, leash trained, well traveled, well socialized, started on obed or rally or birds etc., plus all of the vetting (and I HAVE about croaked when I hear the totals for puppy exam/shots visits), it should be probably triple (plus) the puppy 8 wk price in reality. Done well, it's really not comparable to a rescue, and after-all, are the known genetics of a breeder placement not worth a significant amount?? I do rescue, and there are so many unknowns w/ most.
    But then i may as well just go with the puppy as it will cost the same puppy price + dog walker. and I can train and socialise them the way i want.
    Again, all the power to the breeder for charging what they want. But I am not paying 3000+ for a dog. Just a personal thing. I"m happy to pay puppy price and that's about my personal max.

  11. #10
    Senior Dog dxboon's Avatar
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    I field a lot of inquires for "young adult" Labs and I find local to me that every breeder is different -- generally because every dog situation has its own variables. One of my breeders placed a young adult male who'd already gotten a bunch of clearances (they held back a girl and two boys if I recall), as they decided to move forward with the other littermate. He was a bit pricey as additional training and major clearances had been done on him. They've also placed wash outs for regular puppy price or a little less depending upon age, circumstances. I would expect to pay puppy price or a bit more for a young adult with socialization, basic training and a lot more for a young adult with more structured training (like a started field dog), and/or additional major health clearances.

 



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