Cost of new puppy?

[kellyn05]

My husband and I have found several reputable breeders, with whom we'll be meeting in the next couple weeks, to talk about getting our first boxer puppy. However, we don't know what we should expect to pay, and we want to know that the breeders we meet are offering a fair price and not making too much profit, as we've been warned from all the BYB posts on this site! We plan on leaving the ears natural, and cropping the tail, and we also expect to have all the genetic testing done. We're not looking for a cheap deal, I just want to know what the standard is. Any helpful info out there?

Thanks!

[abby's mum]

Well, I am in the same part of the countries that you are and in Canada between $800 - $1500 is average. Seems to be the same in Michigan.

We plan on leaving the ears natural, and cropping the tail, and we also expect to have all the genetic testing done.

You do realize that puppies tails are docked at just a few days old so there really isn't a choice, expecially with a reputable breeder. Also, do you mean that you want the parents health tested, because that is done around the dogs 2nd birthday. It is important that the parents are done and it is good you are looking for that. Make sure you get proof of the tests on paper. Good luck!

[gmacleod]

Puppy prices do tend to vary quite significantly from region to region. If you're talking with several breeders though, you should quickly be able to get a "feel" for what is reasonable and notice if anyone is asking substantially more or substantially less than the norm.

Great to see someone who's researched the health issues prior to getting a pup Don't forget to ask your breeders what sort of health guarantee they're prepared to give against genetically inheritable conditions 1 year is really the minimum, but 2-3 years is more what you'd expect from someone who's done their health testing and is confident they're breeding from a healthy line.

[alohaboxer!]

We paid $500 for Cassius (Hawaii) I do want to tell you to be prepared for lots more than just the price of aquiring your new pup. We have had Cassius since he was 8 weeks old, he's now 13 months and we have already spent $1000 on vet bills alone, and he's already had 1 surgery for lump removal. This doesn't include any food, bedding, toys, puppy kindergarten class ect. I'm not trying to scare you out of buying a pup, you will get much out of it!!! It has been the best investment I have ever made!! You just need to be prepared (which sounds like you are). Good luck with your new adventure.

ps, We have started to save a portion of each paycheck for a "Cassius fund" just incase

Lindsay & Cassius

[Ronin1]

I got Ronin from a breeder in Ontario, Canada. I paid on the upper end of what Abby's Mum had stated. That did include however, all the health tests that were done (hips, heart, eyes, etc) A 3yr Health Gte and the flight from Ontario to Vancouver B.C. (we live NE of Seattle, WA). It took a while for me to convince DH to pay that much. After he talked to the breeder however, he knew how much money she puts into all the health tests, etc. and realized how imprortant those tests really are (and they're worth every penny)

[AmbeRR]

Originally Posted by MaxDad

I purchased Max for around 4 hundred dollars it wasn't from a backyard breeder just someone who decided they like english bull dogs, I believe he was neglected and I was just going to look and felt so sorry for him. I drove to the nearest ATM and 16 months later he is happy and healthy and we love him. I know of a breeder in Wisconsin that sells them from 5 hundred to 650.

Good luck in your search.

I am in Wisconsin and am still looking. I wouldn't mind that info in a PM or email.

My friends got their Boxer for $400 (very healthy and beautiful, not a backyard breeder but I am not sure if the breeder had show dogs or not??), but I just got quoted $900 from a breeder, which seemed high to me?

All other breeders I have tried do not have puppies and will not have them for some time.

How long does it usually take to find the right match with yourself and a breeder, and is $900 the going rate in the WI area, because all the literature I've been reading suggests that companion Boxer pups will range from $500-700??

[courtney323]

I am in Wisconsin and am still looking. I wouldn't mind that info in a PM or email.

Hi AmbeRR -

Please go back and read the rules. The PM feature has been indefintely disabled, and it is against the rules to post personal information here on Boxerworld.

As for mentioning a Breeder's program or website:

References to other boxer boards/lists/communities or to breeders sites is forbidden. Only breeders doing health tests and participating on BW can mention their site and/or breeding program on the board". Send email to if you fit these conditions and only after approval you are authorized to post your link.

[megjus]

A reputable breeder should not really profit from the sale of puppies. If they are doing things correctly with all testing, Vaccines, etc... they will not make any at all. We paid only $400 for Bella but is priceless in my book. Now the other girl is a different story. We paid $1000 for her and she is on a breeder contract and should be having puppies in a few. Legacy cost us $800. I have seen a lot of breeders who charge different prices depending on show quality and pet. Make sure to ask lots of questions. Don't be afraid to ask too many and ask for references. I made a check list and also spoke with their vet along with mine to assure everything was correct (except in Bella's case. I just wanted to save her from a life of litters).Talk to some people who may have dealt with some of the breeders. When it comes to purchasing a Boxer, I have found you can never have too much info. Good luck in your search. Boxer's are a great breed and I can't imagine a day without 1 or 2 or even 3.

[apollosdad]

when searchig for apollo the price range from breeders was anywhere from $500 - $2000 depending upon whether the dogs were going to be "home pets" or "show dogs". i found that the flashy dogs were a bit more than plain fawn and brindle boxers.
i agree with several posts above that doing your research beforehand and having patience will eventually pay off. i finally purchased apollo after two years of searching and waiting and doing extensive research both online and with breeders and the library.
definitely be sure to get a guarantee in writing and make sure that both of the parents have had their health testing after their 2-year birthdays. also, a reputable breeder will not be in it for the money and be willing to answer any and all questions you might have. also request to see both parents if possible. make sure to ask what type of food they are being fed and ask them for some to take with you when you first take your puppy home. even if it is not a premium kibble as listed on the WDJ list, you can switch his food later, but even then it has to be done gradually. keep in mind that buying a puppy is a very stressful transition for him and too many changes in the first few days, could be very hard on him and make things worse. i would suggest reading a good boxer book to help assure that you have prepared for the arrival of your new companion. i would suggest either:
1) Boxers for Dummies
2) Boxers: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual by Barron's
3) Training your Boxer by Joan Hustace Walker
4) Boxer: A Kennel Club Book by Richard Tomita

the last book by Tomita was perhaps the best all around informative book in case you were only looking to buy one. later on you can progress to The World of the Boxer by Tomita.

make sure you read through as many threads as you can on this website as it is very helpful with any thoughts you might be having.

[AmbeRR]

Originally Posted by courtney323

Hi AmbeRR -

Please go back and read the rules. The PM feature has been indefintely disabled, and it is against the rules to post personal information here on Boxerworld.

As for mentioning a Breeder's program or website:

Sorry. Ugh, it is a bit frustrating. It seems like this place is filled with great Boxer people and people with loads of information, and having not been able to find a breeder with pups in my area, it would be nice to be given some leads on reputable breeders that I can go to. But, alas, I guess it is not something that we can do on this site. It's like seeing something beautiful but having it be behind a thick piece of glass and you can't touch it!!

It sort of sucks, because I don't want to scour the internet for reputable breeders, and have it be shoot or miss, not really knowing if I am pursuing a pup from a truly reputable breeder or not. I read some of the horror stories on here, where people asked all the right questions and got all the right answers, and the breeder still turned out to be a BYB and not legit.

So, ok, reputable breeders who contribute to the BW forums can post their info, etc., but how and where do I find it?

I'm not trying to be a rule-breaker, I am sorry, I just want to do the right thing and buy from a reputable breeder who cares about the breed and the health problems associated with the breed. That's all.

Are we allowed to post our email address on here, or can we not contact each other from this site altogether?? I am seriously confused.

[AmbeRR]

Everyone, thanks for the helpful advice.

We have been wanting a Boxer for over a year now, and we are finally in a position to get one, as I will be off work for about 6 months, starting in 2 weeks. So, I guess I have been "in a hurry" so to speak, to find a puppy so that I can use all of that free time to raise and train him and spend gobs and gobs of time with him. Prior to this, we worked too much, in my opinion, to be able to give a Boxer the attention and devotion he would need.

So, I guess now I don't want to waste all of this free time I have, but on the other hand, I am really beginning to understand that this does require a lot of patience, like a few of you mentioned!

I do babysit for our friend's Boxer, Porter, a 2 year old puppy who we just absolutely adore! I will have him for 2 weeks the end of March and I cannot wait!

I have read a couple Boxer books from the library, and we just recently purchased and read The Boxer Handbook, a Barron's book by Joan Hustace Walker. It has been very informative. I think we'll also pick up that Boxer magazine, not sure of the name.

We have been doing our homework, I think we have just become overly anxious I think, knowing I could be spending this free time with our new puppy, and being so eager to find him!

[Maniago]

Originally Posted by AmbeRR

Are we allowed to post our email address on here, or can we not contact each other from this site altogether?? I am seriously confused.

If you read the rules you won't be confused

from the rules Do not post private/personal information: keep personal information personal. Please do not post name, email address or phone number when you write a message, even if it is yours. There is no way for us to check if the phone number is yours and we do not have the time to look at your profile to check if the email address you posted is yours.