[charmypoo]

After all my vet bills this year, my boyfriend and I always joke that we could have gotten a few more puppies from the top breeders. I think I am now immune to the sticker shock of the high prices. It seems normal to me.

I remember when I first started looking at Maltese (6-7 years ago). Divine and Rhapsody's Maltese prices were much lower. $400-$600 for a male pet puppy and $600-$800 for a female pet puppy. Then 3-4 years ago, it went up to $1000-$1500 for a male pet puppy and $1500-$2000 for a female pet. This is when I got Nibbler from Tonia. Last year, I saw the prices jump to $2500 to $3000 for a female puppy. That is the upper limit I would pay for a show quality Maltese.

I don't doubt that these high prices are justified because of their large showing expenses. But I can imagine the shock of the price for a pet owners. Yes, pet store prices are outrageous but most will look in the newspaper and see a much lower price. I am not saying support backyard breeders or puppy mills but that is just the truth.

At the end of the day, you have to shop around for a breeder you like and that you can build a relationship. Prices often become more flexible if you know the breeder. If you know someone, they will be more willing to setup different payment plans with you. That's the same with friends.

 

[charmypoo]

Faye,
Great post. You nailed many things right on the head.

When I was looking for just a pet (Cookie, Nibbler and Waffle), I still had very very high expectations. I had a list of qualities I wanted and I soon recognized that I wanted a show quality pet. Actually, I recognized that I wanted a perfect dog that was unrealistic. I remember getting emails from breeders saying that if they got a dog with those qualities, they will be keeping her. LOL.

To make a long story short, I am now smarter and have more realistic expectations. I contacted so many breeders when I was looking for Cookie. I landed on Jenny Siliski because she promised me everything I asked for. Obviously, being a little kid, I wasn't smart enough to recognize when I was being lied to. I did luck out though ... Cookie is great great Maltese and I am very happy with her. In fact, she is actually showable. Her movement isn't great but she wouldn't be laughed at in the ring.

At the end of the day, if you want a certain look, certain bloodlines, you have to be willing to pay the price and invest the time. And of course, there are still no guarantees - just a much better chance of getting what you want.

If you honestly just want a pet and don't care about size, look, or standards, then it may not be too bad for you to go to other sources. OF course, you have to be very careful to make sure you aren't going to a puppy mill.