Dog/Puppy Prices

SpeedFreak · 19 Jun 2020 at 14:44

I've been on the look out for a specific breed for a while and as a result check dog sales quite often.

In the last few months the escalation of prices has been astounding, around a 200% increase. Whilst I get the supply/demand arguement, it seems there is a building welfare issue, with likely increased levels of opportunistic "amateur" breeding. Has anyone else noticed this? It also seems that there will be post COVID flurry of people giving up their pets.

Dis86 · 19 Jun 2020 at 14:46

I don't get why I keep seeing mongrels advertised as being pedigree and people asking for a heck of a lot for them.

LeeUK · 19 Jun 2020 at 14:49

Go to a shelter. Loads of dogs crying out for a good home.

Ahleckz · 19 Jun 2020 at 14:52

What dog do you want?

There are lots of dogs at shelters/rescues. Please don't get a puppy farm.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-51097120

Plus, there's been a big increase in dog theft as demand for dogs has skyrocketed:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53078401

Efour · 19 Jun 2020 at 14:56

Don't be a racist get a shelter home puppy.

koolpc · 19 Jun 2020 at 14:57

LeeUK said:
Go to a shelter. Loads of dogs crying out for a good home.

Agreed

hood1971 · 19 Jun 2020 at 14:58

I do wonder if there will be a lot of unsocialised dogs once things are back to normal.

CosmicClown · 19 Jun 2020 at 16:11

Im betting OP'S missus wants one of these little designer puppies or summat that fits in her handbag like an accessory.

Tell ya missus to stop watching TOWIE and go rescue one who would love a home

Junglist · 19 Jun 2020 at 16:11

Yeah prices for the breeds we've been looking at have sky rocketted. Hopefully by the time we're able to get what we want prices will have calmed down a bit.

We're buying a dog but will be rescuing a cat in the future

OldKitMan · 19 Jun 2020 at 16:14

A friend of my wife bought something called a cockapoo for £2,500 (two thousand five hundred pounds).

The worlds gone mad.

Edrof · 19 Jun 2020 at 16:20

Another vote for getting a shelter dog.

413x · 19 Jun 2020 at 16:26

Get a shelter dog.

Better genetics (variation)
and you're giving an animal a home.
And it will be unique

These fashionable breeds with breathing difficulties are animal cruelty nothing less (not suggesting the op wants one of those)

LeeUK · 19 Jun 2020 at 16:53

Just looked on Gumtree and it's awash with these quasi-home breeders after easy money, all made up breeds going for £2000+ etc.

Buying from these people you are just fuelling it.

Steven Rimmington · 19 Jun 2020 at 16:56

Getting a Boxer here in 4 weeks, family dated back 30+ years, grandfather won various shows. All heart checked and KC registered. £1600.

For a family pet which can hopefully see past 14 years I see it as small change. Now these were £600 5 years ago when we last looked.

Tom_ed1987 · 19 Jun 2020 at 17:01

LeeUK said:
Go to a shelter. Loads of dogs crying out for a good home.

This. I actually don't think I could handle the guilt of paying £2000+ for a specific breed rather than give a loving home to a dog that would otherwise be destroyed.

Devilman · 19 Jun 2020 at 17:02

Steven Rimmington said:
Getting a Boxer here in 4 weeks, family dated back 30+ years, grandfather won various shows. All heart checked and KC registered. £1600.

For a family pet which can hopefully see past 14 years I see it as small change. Now these were £600 5 years ago when we last looked.

I got a bridge to sell you....

Steven Rimmington · 19 Jun 2020 at 17:09

Devilman said:
I got a bridge to sell you....

A bridge? I don't get it sorry.

Dis86 · 19 Jun 2020 at 17:35

Steven Rimmington said:
Getting a Boxer here in 4 weeks, family dated back 30+ years, grandfather won various shows. All heart checked and KC registered. £1600.

For a family pet which can hopefully see past 14 years I see it as small change. Now these were £600 5 years ago when we last looked.

Don't want to crap on your parade here but you'll be lucky to see just over half of that from a boxer. They're very prone to cancers and neuro conditions.

GreatAuk · 19 Jun 2020 at 17:36

Been looking at getting a dog myself, guess I'm not that in touch with what prices were/are like but it is sad if its driving more 'puppy farming'

. Tbh my gf is handling all the details as she knows more about it, but of course we're only considering breeders approved by the kennel club or whatever they're called.

413x said:
Get a shelter dog.

Better genetics (variation)
and you're giving an animal a home.
And it will be unique

I sort of agree, but aside from wanting a particular breed (which I think we do), there are risks, as I understand it at least. If its been abused then they often never recover fully and can sometimes lash out at people unexpectedly, for example. Might be happy to take that on yourself, but if you're ever planning on having it around children might make you think twice.

Ahleckz · 19 Jun 2020 at 17:39

GreatAuk said:
Been looking at getting a dog myself, guess I'm not that in touch with what prices were/are like but it is sad if its driving more 'puppy farming' . Tbh my gf is handling all the details as she knows more about it, but of course we're only considering breeders approved by the kennel club or whatever they're called.

I sort of agree, but aside from wanting a particular breed (which I think we do), there are risks, as I understand it at least. If its been abused then they often never recover fully and can sometimes lash out at people unexpectedly, for example. Might be happy to take that on yourself, but if you're ever planning on having it around children might make you think twice.

Any dog can lash out unexpectedly. You aren't protected by that from buying the dog. Meeting a dog at a shelter, allows you to see its personality (warts and all) better than a few week old puppy at Dave the Breeders house.