| Maple Lane Labradors |
Why pay more for a pet puppy?
"The $800.00 Puppy vs. The $300.00 Puppy"
$800.00 - Both the sire and dam of this puppy came from top quality breeding stock which was
developed over years and years of selective and knowledgeable breeding. Both meet the
requirement of the written AKC and ASCA standard for the breed in conformation as well as
temperament. Each has a pedigree, which has been studied and thoroughly researched. These
dogs have been selected to breed to each other because they can both contribute to the
excellence of the breed as well as complement on another.
$300.00 - The dam of this litter was purchased from a local pet store and originally came from a
Missouri puppy mill. She was sick off and on the first year of her life due to too many different
types of intestinal parasites and malnutrition. The sire, an over-sized male, lives down the street
and was purchased from an ad in the newspaper. Neither owner has ever heard of the AKC or
ASCA written standard. Neither owner has seen a written pedigree. The female is skittish and
snappy. Her owners hope that having a litter will calm her down.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$800.00 - Before this breeding ever took place, both male and female had test including hip
X-Rays, eye tests and heart tests to determine that there were no physical or genetic problems
that might be passed on to offspring. The breeder is well aware of the genetic problems to which
the breed is predisposed and uses no animal for breeding unless it is certified clear of defects by
a qualified Veterinarian. The health of her pups is guaranteed.
$300.00 - The breeder is totally unaware of the genetic problems within the breed. Trips to the
Veterinarian, except for dire emergencies or yearly shots, are considered too expensive. The
breeders' hope is to make money off the sale of the puppies. If he keeps expenses down, he can
by that new couch he's been wanting. Puppies are sold with no guarantee.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$800.00 - The breeder is a professional and he has a good reputation to maintain. His goal is to
produce beautiful and sound specimens, which anyone would be proud to own. Profit, if any is
made, goes toward future breedings, always aimed toward the betterment of the breed, or for
show entries, handler's fees, new equipment and important veterinary tests. Both the mother and
pups are fed the highest quality diet. Many trips to the vet assure him that mother and pups are
thriving under the very best care. The pups are raised in a busy part of the house where they are
socialized, groomed and exposed to different kinds of stimuli. They are touched and talked to,
cuddled and even sung to. They are never sold before they are seven weeks old. Every buyer is
interviewed at length and pups are placed only in homes where they will receive the finest
treatment. The breeder spends time with each new owner, educating and answering questions.
Follow-up calls are made to make sure the pups are adjusting well. Each new owner receives a
bill of sale and health guarantees, vaccination record, minimum five-generation pedigree,
guarantee of registration with the AKC or CKC and thorough puppy care and nutrition
information. If the puppy is not considered to be of such quality as it will better the breed the
puppy is sold with a limited registration or
non-breeding agreements. The new owners are encouraged to continue a relationship with the
breeder, and to call and ask questions at any time during the
dog's life.
$300.00 - These puppies are born in a box, in the garage and receive little care other than what
the mother gives. To cut costs they are weaned on generic dog food and allowed to nurse on the
mother as long as possible to keep food bills down. The bitch's health declines rapidly due to poor
health and some pups are weak and runty. They are sold as quickly as possible because
advertising and vaccines are expensive. They are sold without having had their dewclaws
removed, without shots, parasite checks, vet examinations, guarantees or information of any
kind. They are sold to anyone who has the cash. If the new owner is lucky he may receive a AKC
or CKC registration application. Although the puppy is of very poor quality, it is sold with full
breeding rights. The new owner usually disappears with the pup, never to be seen again. If the
market is not good, the breeder takes the leftover pups to the local pet shop.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The comparison you have just read is hypothetical, but very typical of what we see all too often.
Although not every breeder who charges higher prices is reputable and ethical, pet buyers should
keep looking until they find one that is. When I am asked why my prices are so much higher than
those in some newspaper ads, I mail a copy of this article. Those buyers who respect the quality
and excellence are wonderful customers and become "partners" in this hobby that I love so much.
Those that are seeking pets deserve nothing less than a nice quality, healthy and trusting animal.
As well as a breeder they can count on."
- Anonymous
"The $800.00 Puppy vs. The $300.00 Puppy"
$800.00 - Both the sire and dam of this puppy came from top quality breeding stock which was
developed over years and years of selective and knowledgeable breeding. Both meet the
requirement of the written AKC and ASCA standard for the breed in conformation as well as
temperament. Each has a pedigree, which has been studied and thoroughly researched. These
dogs have been selected to breed to each other because they can both contribute to the
excellence of the breed as well as complement on another.
$300.00 - The dam of this litter was purchased from a local pet store and originally came from a
Missouri puppy mill. She was sick off and on the first year of her life due to too many different
types of intestinal parasites and malnutrition. The sire, an over-sized male, lives down the street
and was purchased from an ad in the newspaper. Neither owner has ever heard of the AKC or
ASCA written standard. Neither owner has seen a written pedigree. The female is skittish and
snappy. Her owners hope that having a litter will calm her down.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$800.00 - Before this breeding ever took place, both male and female had test including hip
X-Rays, eye tests and heart tests to determine that there were no physical or genetic problems
that might be passed on to offspring. The breeder is well aware of the genetic problems to which
the breed is predisposed and uses no animal for breeding unless it is certified clear of defects by
a qualified Veterinarian. The health of her pups is guaranteed.
$300.00 - The breeder is totally unaware of the genetic problems within the breed. Trips to the
Veterinarian, except for dire emergencies or yearly shots, are considered too expensive. The
breeders' hope is to make money off the sale of the puppies. If he keeps expenses down, he can
by that new couch he's been wanting. Puppies are sold with no guarantee.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$800.00 - The breeder is a professional and he has a good reputation to maintain. His goal is to
produce beautiful and sound specimens, which anyone would be proud to own. Profit, if any is
made, goes toward future breedings, always aimed toward the betterment of the breed, or for
show entries, handler's fees, new equipment and important veterinary tests. Both the mother and
pups are fed the highest quality diet. Many trips to the vet assure him that mother and pups are
thriving under the very best care. The pups are raised in a busy part of the house where they are
socialized, groomed and exposed to different kinds of stimuli. They are touched and talked to,
cuddled and even sung to. They are never sold before they are seven weeks old. Every buyer is
interviewed at length and pups are placed only in homes where they will receive the finest
treatment. The breeder spends time with each new owner, educating and answering questions.
Follow-up calls are made to make sure the pups are adjusting well. Each new owner receives a
bill of sale and health guarantees, vaccination record, minimum five-generation pedigree,
guarantee of registration with the AKC or CKC and thorough puppy care and nutrition
information. If the puppy is not considered to be of such quality as it will better the breed the
puppy is sold with a limited registration or
non-breeding agreements. The new owners are encouraged to continue a relationship with the
breeder, and to call and ask questions at any time during the
dog's life.
$300.00 - These puppies are born in a box, in the garage and receive little care other than what
the mother gives. To cut costs they are weaned on generic dog food and allowed to nurse on the
mother as long as possible to keep food bills down. The bitch's health declines rapidly due to poor
health and some pups are weak and runty. They are sold as quickly as possible because
advertising and vaccines are expensive. They are sold without having had their dewclaws
removed, without shots, parasite checks, vet examinations, guarantees or information of any
kind. They are sold to anyone who has the cash. If the new owner is lucky he may receive a AKC
or CKC registration application. Although the puppy is of very poor quality, it is sold with full
breeding rights. The new owner usually disappears with the pup, never to be seen again. If the
market is not good, the breeder takes the leftover pups to the local pet shop.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The comparison you have just read is hypothetical, but very typical of what we see all too often.
Although not every breeder who charges higher prices is reputable and ethical, pet buyers should
keep looking until they find one that is. When I am asked why my prices are so much higher than
those in some newspaper ads, I mail a copy of this article. Those buyers who respect the quality
and excellence are wonderful customers and become "partners" in this hobby that I love so much.
Those that are seeking pets deserve nothing less than a nice quality, healthy and trusting animal.
As well as a breeder they can count on."
- Anonymous
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
