Hi! I just wanted an educated opinion. This is only my second litter of puppies and I am learning everyday. Our first litter of F1 puppies we sold for and they all sold very fast. This is our second litter they are F2's and very beautiful! I have only had 1 email about puppies and it was froma man telling me they were priced too high. I started them at and that is including All shipping expenses. I have since lowered it to and still nothing. I have wonderful vet and new family refernces. I am only advertising on puppyfind and my website (which probably does not get that many views) I am thinking of dropping my price to Any advice?
Dropping my price
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Your pups are BEAUTIFUL!!!! I love the cream and rose nosed pups! I'm not a breeder, but I don't think $950 is high for F2's. Many charge higher than that. What kind of coats do they have? That might be your deciding factor. If they're non-shedding, I would say try to get your name out there with other breeders, and expose yourself, but your price is fair. If they're shedding, then you should discount them to distinguish between the wanted coat and the other coat. But again, I'm not a breeder. So hopefully other breeders will comment.
If you do an online search for free classified ads and put your state behind it you chould find a lot more places to advertise. I have 11 free places I use and 3 low cost ones In mind for the next litter... I've been getting over 100 views of my site per day from them.
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Napa? Nope, he's an australian Labradoodle, about 4th generation from my own count. But, he's got a TON of poodle in him- something I just realized recently. Thanks though!
Your dog Skeet resembles our Dexter quite a bit I don't think your price is too high...however, maybe for your area it is? Here in the northeast, $1000 for a 2nd generation is actually low. However, since it's your 2nd litter may be hurting you.
I went through your website...I like the individual puppy photos...could you include something about their size/temperment? Also, do you offer any health guarantees? Were the parents tested (hips, etc), if so, what were the results?
I think it's very generous for you to include shipping in your price.
Good luck
I agree with Leslie - the first things I look for when choosing a breeder online are test results on the sire & dam, the size of the sire and dam, and basic info on each pup (size/temperment). If you haven't tested your breeders yet, then I absolutely think you should bring your price down - if you have tested, then $900 inc. shipping is a great price for your second litter, and I would think advertising is your problem.
Thanks for everyones advice! Lea is scheduled to have OFA hip test done when we take the pups for their shots at 8 weeks. She turned 2 in November and was pregnant. Skeet will have his done in October when he turns 2. Since Lea has not had testing we did decide to drop our price to $650 (not including shipping) I just hope this does not people think less of our puppies...As long as they get great homes all will be GREAT! Thanks again for everyones help! There are sme very nice dodle lovers here
OMG...I am so embarassed (totally blushing!) I swear it is people like me that give southerners a bad name! You are totally right! I promise I can add, it's just been a LOOOOOOONG day! I really need to make at least $600 to touch exenses! What do I do?? I have them listed at $650 on puppyfind, but I have not changed my website yet. Any suggestions????
Quite seriously the pups are worth whatever people are willing to pay for them... but if they're not selling at the current price, it will usually get harder the older and bigger they get. Sad fact since the longer you have them the more you've invested in their care. So maybe a combination of more advertising and pricing them without shipping but mention shipping as an option to get the ball rolling would help?
Good luck!
Good luck!
Hello, I have been gone for a while and I am going to jump in here. I am certain that my comments may not be too welcome but I feel that these are important points to make.
The price we are charging is really irrelevant. It is determined by our expenses, our circumstances and the local market. (There will ALWAYS be unethical or well meaning breeders who will undersell you anyway.)
No matter what we are charging, we should be striving to better the breed and the public's conception of our breeding practices. To this end, we should pay close attention to the breeding standards in place and common among the reputable breeders, registries and forums.
These standards are, in part:
1) Complete health testing of the parents and selection of the parents based on temperament, intelligence and health
2) Conformation
3) Warranty (generally a 2 year health warranty for serious genetic disease and a short term well puppy warranty)
4) Breeder support throughout the life of the puppy
5) Responsibility to the puppies you are producing, regardless of fads and sales gimmicks (withholding Christmas Day puppies, careful selection of families, contracting to take the puppy back, even as an adult, if the family can no longer care for the puppy, and reimbursement for medical expenses whether or not you are obligated by contract
6) Giving your puppies premium diet, vet care, inoculations, parasite control, indoor housing, clean environment, love and socialization and as much training as possible
7) Micro Chipping or permanent marking for identification
8) Pedigree research where possible
9) A clear, soul-searching, response to the question…Why are you breeding?
10) A complete understanding of the breed, good and bad points and honestly representing these traits whether or not it costs sales
11) Putting the puppy's needs (immediate and long term) above our financial gain
12) Preparing to register litters if our customers wish registration (having the ability to move forward on registration because we have all the necessary information, health testing and business ethics)
13) Guarding our reputations, striving for total honesty and integrity in our dealings
Price is often an indicator of quality breeding. This is not always the case. Many breeders, myself included, have found themselves in the unpopular position of literally giving puppies away (or selling them for far less than the money already expended on a healthy litter) because it is right for the puppy. On the flip side, many puppy mills, pet shops, puppy brokers and back yard breeders charge premium prices. So, if we are basing our business practice on monetary gain, rather than strong ethical standards our priorities are misplaced. It is not really about the price, it is about maintaining a standard of practice that compliments and supports all breeders and this forum.
We are continually battling the public typecasting of our programs and our dogs. You will see that just through the act of breeding mixed breed dogs, we are considered back yard breeders…therefore it is all the more important for us to strive to perfect the standards that will elevate our beloved breed well above the criticism from those who would stop us. Here are two samples (of many) comparing reputable breeders to back yard breeders. Price of the animal is only one consideration.
http://home.comcast.net/~NoPuppyMillsVA ... eder_.html
http://www.dogplay.com/Articles/GuestAr ... arison.htm
The price we are charging is really irrelevant. It is determined by our expenses, our circumstances and the local market. (There will ALWAYS be unethical or well meaning breeders who will undersell you anyway.)
No matter what we are charging, we should be striving to better the breed and the public's conception of our breeding practices. To this end, we should pay close attention to the breeding standards in place and common among the reputable breeders, registries and forums.
These standards are, in part:
1) Complete health testing of the parents and selection of the parents based on temperament, intelligence and health
2) Conformation
3) Warranty (generally a 2 year health warranty for serious genetic disease and a short term well puppy warranty)
4) Breeder support throughout the life of the puppy
5) Responsibility to the puppies you are producing, regardless of fads and sales gimmicks (withholding Christmas Day puppies, careful selection of families, contracting to take the puppy back, even as an adult, if the family can no longer care for the puppy, and reimbursement for medical expenses whether or not you are obligated by contract
6) Giving your puppies premium diet, vet care, inoculations, parasite control, indoor housing, clean environment, love and socialization and as much training as possible
7) Micro Chipping or permanent marking for identification
8) Pedigree research where possible
9) A clear, soul-searching, response to the question…Why are you breeding?
10) A complete understanding of the breed, good and bad points and honestly representing these traits whether or not it costs sales
11) Putting the puppy's needs (immediate and long term) above our financial gain
12) Preparing to register litters if our customers wish registration (having the ability to move forward on registration because we have all the necessary information, health testing and business ethics)
13) Guarding our reputations, striving for total honesty and integrity in our dealings
Price is often an indicator of quality breeding. This is not always the case. Many breeders, myself included, have found themselves in the unpopular position of literally giving puppies away (or selling them for far less than the money already expended on a healthy litter) because it is right for the puppy. On the flip side, many puppy mills, pet shops, puppy brokers and back yard breeders charge premium prices. So, if we are basing our business practice on monetary gain, rather than strong ethical standards our priorities are misplaced. It is not really about the price, it is about maintaining a standard of practice that compliments and supports all breeders and this forum.
We are continually battling the public typecasting of our programs and our dogs. You will see that just through the act of breeding mixed breed dogs, we are considered back yard breeders…therefore it is all the more important for us to strive to perfect the standards that will elevate our beloved breed well above the criticism from those who would stop us. Here are two samples (of many) comparing reputable breeders to back yard breeders. Price of the animal is only one consideration.
http://home.comcast.net/~NoPuppyMillsVA ... eder_.html
http://www.dogplay.com/Articles/GuestAr ... arison.htm
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wow thank you Jac
i also wanted to say several specialty centers for HD and other vets along with 2 training places talked to me over the past 2months as to why there is prejudice against labradoodle and goldendoodles.
Seems about a year ago there were quite a few cases of HD and also not so good temperaments along with health issues due to people buying LD's and GDs that the breeders had NOT Tested the breeding parental pair.
these dogs were obtained both locally and out of state at varying prices too.
so for me, i am fully testing Beau in order to stud him out.
if he is not good across the board, testing for health, recognizing temperament and intelligence along with a few other factors are my criteria.-----well then he'll just be a family pet.
I realize we will all have different opinions but breeding two dogs cause they appear to have good health and temperament
well for me i can't do that
... I need to know my dog will not contribute to poor health which some dog and their family might suffer when the dog starts to mature.
TESTING is not a 100% guarantee, rather is my 100% guarantee I have done my best to try to promote good health, temperament and more to be able to breed a dog that was originally intended for service, therapy and lastly a great family pet with intelligence and loving personality.
(now steps down off podium)
i also wanted to say several specialty centers for HD and other vets along with 2 training places talked to me over the past 2months as to why there is prejudice against labradoodle and goldendoodles.
Seems about a year ago there were quite a few cases of HD and also not so good temperaments along with health issues due to people buying LD's and GDs that the breeders had NOT Tested the breeding parental pair.
these dogs were obtained both locally and out of state at varying prices too.
so for me, i am fully testing Beau in order to stud him out.
if he is not good across the board, testing for health, recognizing temperament and intelligence along with a few other factors are my criteria.-----well then he'll just be a family pet.
I realize we will all have different opinions but breeding two dogs cause they appear to have good health and temperament
well for me i can't do that
... I need to know my dog will not contribute to poor health which some dog and their family might suffer when the dog starts to mature.
TESTING is not a 100% guarantee, rather is my 100% guarantee I have done my best to try to promote good health, temperament and more to be able to breed a dog that was originally intended for service, therapy and lastly a great family pet with intelligence and loving personality.
(now steps down off podium)
Jac
your information is very much respected AND appreciated. Like I have said before we are VERY new at this and have NOT done all the testing. We have worked VERY closely with our vet and he has advised us every step on what to do, unfortunately he never stressed certain testings and dna testing. I was simply un-informed. We are from a very rural part of the country and our resources are certainly limited. I did do LOTS of research before we began breeding and I can safely ssay I have learned MUCH MUCH more here on these forums in the last week than several months of researching on the internet and talkin to other breeders.
I absilutely LOVE the breed and appreciate every variety of LD. I can tell you this, when my family began researching for our new pet and were considering the LD I was AMAZED at the pricing. There is no way we could have afforded to pay upwards of $2500 for a pet. This does not mean we are not a wonderful family! Our pets are our lives!! They go to work, vacation, family trips, the Lake, the grocery store EVERYWHERE with us. My son is an only child (not by our choosing, by God's) and our pets are his siblings, in fact he lovingly refers to them as that.
There are a lot of families out there who want good quality pets, but can't always afford to pay those prices (especially in our part of the country) in fact when we decided to breed, these families are he ones we were thinking of.
We have sold 1 litter of puppies and speak with those families probably once every 2 months. they all LOVE their pets! Not because they paid big bucks for them, or because they have long pedigrees, but because they are part of their families.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE know I DO NOT want to offend or even disagree with you or any other breeder on the forum by my reply. I have so enjoyed meeting and sharing and talking with the few that I have on here. Anyone who loves labradoodles as much as I do is a friend of mine :lol: :lol: I just simply felt what I felt in my heart I should share.
your information is very much respected AND appreciated. Like I have said before we are VERY new at this and have NOT done all the testing. We have worked VERY closely with our vet and he has advised us every step on what to do, unfortunately he never stressed certain testings and dna testing. I was simply un-informed. We are from a very rural part of the country and our resources are certainly limited. I did do LOTS of research before we began breeding and I can safely ssay I have learned MUCH MUCH more here on these forums in the last week than several months of researching on the internet and talkin to other breeders.
I absilutely LOVE the breed and appreciate every variety of LD. I can tell you this, when my family began researching for our new pet and were considering the LD I was AMAZED at the pricing. There is no way we could have afforded to pay upwards of $2500 for a pet. This does not mean we are not a wonderful family! Our pets are our lives!! They go to work, vacation, family trips, the Lake, the grocery store EVERYWHERE with us. My son is an only child (not by our choosing, by God's) and our pets are his siblings, in fact he lovingly refers to them as that.
There are a lot of families out there who want good quality pets, but can't always afford to pay those prices (especially in our part of the country) in fact when we decided to breed, these families are he ones we were thinking of.
We have sold 1 litter of puppies and speak with those families probably once every 2 months. they all LOVE their pets! Not because they paid big bucks for them, or because they have long pedigrees, but because they are part of their families.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE know I DO NOT want to offend or even disagree with you or any other breeder on the forum by my reply. I have so enjoyed meeting and sharing and talking with the few that I have on here. Anyone who loves labradoodles as much as I do is a friend of mine :lol: :lol: I just simply felt what I felt in my heart I should share.
Hi Lindsie,
I honestly don't think that we are disagreeing... :wink:
As I have said, the price is not the relevant issue. Price will vary based on many things. In fact, I recently found myself placing a full litter of puppies for an adoption fee of $50. This price did not reflect an inferrior puppy, but my desire to find good homes for puppies that were so ready for one on one love and attention.
I agree that the cost of LDs and GDs is whopping! When I began thinking of breeding (to show you how clueless I was) I had placed a $500 deposit on a Australian Multigen puppy and decided that since I was paying $2500 for a dog, I would simply ask the breeder not to spay her and I would breed her so that we could make more affordable puppies available to families like us.
Wrong! When I mentioned this, she informed me that a breeding female would cost $18000! Yikes! I gave up my $500 deposit and searched until I found a breeder who would work with us. We purchased Bayley and Lexie from that breeder and began our research.
Because there were some new breeders who had jumped through the same hoops I was jumping through, they offered to help educate me. I will forever be grateful to them.
Just because I test my dogs and provide what I believe are high quality puppies, does not mean that I charge an enormous price. When I can, I do charge $1800 per puppy. And, when I feel it is the right thing to do, I donate a puppy to selected families.
In a recent situation, for the good of my pups, I parted with them for a small fee that (combined) did not come close to paying for even a week's worth of food.
My point is that if we are looking solely at price and not quality standards, we will perpetuate a back yard breeder system that will eventually cost us our reputations and set our breed back several decades.
I can't tell you how often my husband and I talk about our happiness at providing these great dogs to families...and our greatest joy comes from our donations. Still, we refuse to skimp on quality standards. Just because we discount and donate puppies does not mean that we can be careless in our breeding standards. The puppies and the families deserve our greatest care in selecting and testing our parent breeds.
Most families will never have a problem with puppy health, but the ones that do present heartbreaking tales. It just isn't worth the gamble.
You will understand this more, unfortunately, as your litters become more numerous. You will have, as we all have, puppies who don't make it. I once spent $11,000 to keep an 8 week old puppy alive after she suffered cardiac arrest during her early spaying. I still had to let her little spirit go...it was the most gut wrenching thing I have endured. It was also a huge financial blow.
So, imagine...if you have a 2 year warranty and you are selling puppies from untested parents and you get, say, 3 pups with severe hip problems...well, you not only have to cover costs for the puppies but you have to notify all of your puppy owners that you have produced pups with hip problems...and you would probably have to pay for them to have their pups tested...costing you around $300-400 per puppy. Oh, you could go on and keep it from them if you wanted...but I don't think you would do that. And, what if these puppies were bred? Your legal liability could reach to any puppies produced from your line. It could bankrupt you. I am not being dramatic...this happens. Not often, thank goodness, but it does indeed happen.
These happy families you talk about may turn on you in a heartbeat...especially if they are paying huge vet bills and watching their beloved pet suffer. Then, they will not be so supportive. They may even file legal action.
So, you see, it is not a simple matter of providing inexpensive puppies to good families. I wish it were. Nothing would make me happier...but there are long term ramifications of breeding. A lifetime of misery for a puppy and a family could be in the mix. It is not really an easy business to be in. It certainly is not one to expect to make much profit on.
We have been breeding for 3 years now. We have taken a loss of over $50,000 so far. We have brought in less than a third of that, even selling some puppies for $1800.
I honestly don't think that we are disagreeing... :wink:
As I have said, the price is not the relevant issue. Price will vary based on many things. In fact, I recently found myself placing a full litter of puppies for an adoption fee of $50. This price did not reflect an inferrior puppy, but my desire to find good homes for puppies that were so ready for one on one love and attention.
I agree that the cost of LDs and GDs is whopping! When I began thinking of breeding (to show you how clueless I was) I had placed a $500 deposit on a Australian Multigen puppy and decided that since I was paying $2500 for a dog, I would simply ask the breeder not to spay her and I would breed her so that we could make more affordable puppies available to families like us.
Wrong! When I mentioned this, she informed me that a breeding female would cost $18000! Yikes! I gave up my $500 deposit and searched until I found a breeder who would work with us. We purchased Bayley and Lexie from that breeder and began our research.
Because there were some new breeders who had jumped through the same hoops I was jumping through, they offered to help educate me. I will forever be grateful to them.
Just because I test my dogs and provide what I believe are high quality puppies, does not mean that I charge an enormous price. When I can, I do charge $1800 per puppy. And, when I feel it is the right thing to do, I donate a puppy to selected families.
In a recent situation, for the good of my pups, I parted with them for a small fee that (combined) did not come close to paying for even a week's worth of food.
My point is that if we are looking solely at price and not quality standards, we will perpetuate a back yard breeder system that will eventually cost us our reputations and set our breed back several decades.
I can't tell you how often my husband and I talk about our happiness at providing these great dogs to families...and our greatest joy comes from our donations. Still, we refuse to skimp on quality standards. Just because we discount and donate puppies does not mean that we can be careless in our breeding standards. The puppies and the families deserve our greatest care in selecting and testing our parent breeds.
Most families will never have a problem with puppy health, but the ones that do present heartbreaking tales. It just isn't worth the gamble.
You will understand this more, unfortunately, as your litters become more numerous. You will have, as we all have, puppies who don't make it. I once spent $11,000 to keep an 8 week old puppy alive after she suffered cardiac arrest during her early spaying. I still had to let her little spirit go...it was the most gut wrenching thing I have endured. It was also a huge financial blow.
So, imagine...if you have a 2 year warranty and you are selling puppies from untested parents and you get, say, 3 pups with severe hip problems...well, you not only have to cover costs for the puppies but you have to notify all of your puppy owners that you have produced pups with hip problems...and you would probably have to pay for them to have their pups tested...costing you around $300-400 per puppy. Oh, you could go on and keep it from them if you wanted...but I don't think you would do that. And, what if these puppies were bred? Your legal liability could reach to any puppies produced from your line. It could bankrupt you. I am not being dramatic...this happens. Not often, thank goodness, but it does indeed happen.
These happy families you talk about may turn on you in a heartbeat...especially if they are paying huge vet bills and watching their beloved pet suffer. Then, they will not be so supportive. They may even file legal action.
So, you see, it is not a simple matter of providing inexpensive puppies to good families. I wish it were. Nothing would make me happier...but there are long term ramifications of breeding. A lifetime of misery for a puppy and a family could be in the mix. It is not really an easy business to be in. It certainly is not one to expect to make much profit on.
We have been breeding for 3 years now. We have taken a loss of over $50,000 so far. We have brought in less than a third of that, even selling some puppies for $1800.
Oh, Lindsie, I wante do add that I understand that you have been doing all that you know how to do, you have consulted with your vet and are doing your best to make proper breeding decisions.
My loooooong comments are merely there for you to consider...they are not meant to be in any way a defamation on your sincerity or your love of your dogs. I can tell that you truly do love your dogs. In fact, my comments are aimed at everyone who might be contemplating breeding as well as those who are already breeders.
So, please do not take this as a personal attack...but as a friendly conversation, tossing out thoughts and reasoning...I value your comments and insight!
My loooooong comments are merely there for you to consider...they are not meant to be in any way a defamation on your sincerity or your love of your dogs. I can tell that you truly do love your dogs. In fact, my comments are aimed at everyone who might be contemplating breeding as well as those who are already breeders.
So, please do not take this as a personal attack...but as a friendly conversation, tossing out thoughts and reasoning...I value your comments and insight!
Of course Jac, I promise none taken. I am honestly in complete admiration and total respect!! NOTHING is worth doing, if not not done correctly and responsibly. I have gained alot of knowledge and insight. My girls are scheduled for testing on the 18th, however my vet was VERY VERY against early de-sexing (I understand this is a touchy subject) and would not even do it. We have decided to put something about a spay/nueter clause in our contract. IF we in fact decide to breed Lea again. Thank you so very much for ALL the information!!!
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