cost factors

The Cost

What drives the purchase price a breeder sets?

Below I have outlined just a few of the factors that go into the purchase price of a River Rock Canaan Dog. A good breeder considers the purchase price of a puppy payment for services rendered - not payment for a commodity. Good breeders spend countless hours preparing puppies for their new homes and are often very particular about the homes they place their puppies with.

General Care of Sire and/or Dam:

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Food - $10/week  $520/year
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Vet Visits - $200 - $400 Annually
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Health Products - Flea prevention, Heartworm Prevention, etc. - $200 Annually

Showing

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Entry Fees - $25.00 - $30.00/show
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Shows needed to complete a Championship - 5 to 10

Show expenses - travel, meals, lodging - $75-$150/show

Annual National Specialty - $800 - $1,500

Health Clearances

OFA

Hips - $100-$200 for X-Ray, $30.00 for certification

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Elbows - $50-$80 for X-Ray
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Patella - $30.00 for exam
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Thyroid - $70-$100 for bloodwork and certification

Cardiac - $50-$120 for exam and certification

CERF (Eyes)

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$50.00 - $75.00 for exam
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$12.50 - $8.00 for certification
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Test done every two years
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General Blood Panel

$90.00 - $150.00 for blood drawn and tested

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Testing done annually
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Breeding Costs

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Stud Fee - $500.00 - $1,500.00
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Shipping costs - $300.00 - $800.00
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Artificial Insemination - $120.00 - $1,200.00 (depending on if fresh or frozen)

Pre-Natal Care

Ultrasound to confirm pregnancy - $100.00 - $150.00

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Higher consumption of diet - $75.00
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Pre-Delivery Radiograph - $100.00 - $150.00

Puppy Care given prior to going to new homes

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Physical Exams - $60.00
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Vaccines - $30.00
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Check for Internal Parasites - $20.00
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Eye Exam - $40.00
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Microchip Implant - $50.00
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Time, Services and other factors

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Socialization of puppies
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Crate Training of puppies
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Leash Training and Basic Obedience
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Temperament Testing
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Pedigree Research
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Interviewing Prospective Homes
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Small Litter Size
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Unexpected Emergencies (C-Sections, Complicated Deliveries, etc.)

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Rarity of Breed
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These are just a few of the things that go into the purchase price of a puppy.  Another thing to keep in mind,

the purchase price may be one of the largest one-time expenses, but it is miniscule in the overall cost of care

for the lifetime of a animal that you ask to share its life with you.