Why do puppies cost so much?
What Should A Puppy Cost?
Remember this important phrase:

The cheapest part of owning a dog is buying it!

  There is, unfortunately, no guarantee that paying a high price for a puppy means it is a quality puppy. Often the only difference between getting a puppy from a reputable breeder whom is knowledgeable about the breed and getting a poor quality dog bred for profit may be $200.00 to $300.00. But in the long run there will be no savings, as you will often have increased vet bills not to mention the heartache. This purchase is of a lifelong companion and is not something to scrimp on – if you feel it is, perhaps now is not the right time for you to get a new best friend.

  Purchasing from a commercial facility may seem more convenient but consider that you haven’t met the breeder, or sire, or dam of the puppy. Health clearances usually aren’t available and occasionally there are no registration papers (or you are expected to pay extra for them). Yet the cost can be just as high or higher for the pup than if purchased through an individual.

  Breeders rarely make a profit on a litter. Their costs include but are not limited to: show expenses, shipping of the dam to the sire not to mention the stud fee, vet checks before and during pregnancy, and health clearances. These only touch the tip of the expenses iceberg. These costs can run into the thousands, I personally test for hips (OFA), Eyes (CERF), Cardiac (OFA). With some dogs there might be additional tests involved. There is usually travel involved to get a breeding done and sometimes there are emergency vet expenses involved with the birth of the puppies.

  A puppy from a reputable breeder will have a purchase price of approximately $400.00 to $1000.00 depending on several factors. Whether it is for show or companion, if it has a minor imperfection (e.g. the bite is off or size is wrong) are just two of the many reasons for a variance in price.

Other costs (all are approximate):

Collar $6
Leash $6-20,br> Retractable Leash $20-50
Crate $100 for a GSP,
Food/Water dishes $15-40
Toys $1-15 each
Baby Gate $15++
Books $50
Grooming Supplies $35

The above are what you should have before the puppy comes home. Then there are the ongoing costs like:
Collar $6+
More toys $6-15 each
Damage Repair $20-??(he will destroy at least one thing)
Training classes $45+
More books/magazines $20+
Food $200+ per year,
Vet $500 (this will include one time costs of spay/neuter as well as annual checkups, vaccinations, etc.)

Remember AKC or CKC registration is not an assurance of quality. It only means that the dog’s lineage is recorded.

Also, a Registered Kennel name is not a guarantee of quality. It only means that the name is protected from use by others.