Understanding the Cost of Breeding
Why does your new puppy cost what it does?
Most ethical breeders do not set out to “make money” on a litter. They are looking to improve their breeding program and if they happen to make money it’s a bonus. Truthfully, they are lucky to break even if there is a small litter and if there is any money made it’s going right back into the dogs.
Generalize cost of health testing, breeding, and a litter:
These costs can vary greatly depending on location and availability of testing.
- health testing, pre-breeding
- full blood panel … $100 – $250
- hip/elbow x-rays (OFA) … $300 – $1200
- cardiac clearance (echo) … $300 – $1700
- cardiac holter … $70 – $100
- genetic testing (wisdom panel, embark, etc) … $110 – $300
- breeding
- progesterone testing … $300 – $600
- semen shipping … $400 – $1000
- AI (artificial insemination) or surgical implant … $600 – $1500
- stud fee … $1500 – $3000
- confirmation, early (ultrasound) … $150 – $300
- confirmation, puppy count (xray) … $350 – $450
- the birth (whelping)
- whelping supplies … $500 – $2000
- emergency on-call fee … $200 – $300
- c-section (if needed) … $3000 – $7000
- raising puppies
- feeding puppies (3-8 weeks) … $500 – $700
- vaccinations … $120 – $200 per puppy
- worming … $20 per puppy
- microchip … $45 per puppy
- vet health check of puppies … $90 per puppy
- litter registration … $25 – $50
- miscellaneous extras and unforeseen emergencies … $1000+
