There are always posts on social media from reputable breeders who explain why they charge the amount they do for their pups. I decided to list my own reasons to help potential buyers understand my costs. For me I do not consider the cost as a profit as when it comes to breeding my heart is heavily involved. Bringing puppies into the world is a massive responsibility and I take it very seriously. If something were to go wrong, I would do everything in my power to get the vet to save a puppy's life. This happened to us years ago and we were left with broken hearts and a lot of debt, but I know I gave those puppies a fighting chance. Their short lives on earth were full of love and I was there for them the moment they came into this world to the second they left.
- My parent dogs and potential parent dogs did not come cheap. In particular my imported males cost a lot for breeding rights in addition to the transportation, additional fees for bringing them into the UK and the actual dog itself. I also ensured that I purchased them from reputable breeders by researching them extensively for many months before contacting them.
- Health tests are expensive, especially when I ensure every dog gets fully health tested. For 1 dog to be Embarked, BVA eye tested (including gonioscopy) and BVA hip and elbow scored, was upwards of £750. Prices differ according to each vets own pricing and there are additional higher costs for bigger dogs when considering the anesthesia. Sometimes the results can mean that I have to pull them out of my breeding programme. I also keep an eye out for any necessary health tests for Pomskies (plus Huskies and Pomeranians) and I will do more if I need to. The eye test is an annual test and the gonioscopy is every 3 years.
- Costs outside of breeding include raw food, supplements, flea and worm treatment, toys, treats and the annual vet fees to name a few. I also feed supplements for general health, fertility, pregnancy and whelping (to keep my mother dogs strong and healthy). I also keep some in my first aid box, just in case.
- In order to obtain my breeding licence I put a lot of time and effort into getting my paperwork right as well as rearranging rooms and a little DIY to make my house perfect. The cost to get the licence came to just under £1,000.
- As I wanted to be the best breeder possible, to not only raise puppies to a high standard, but to also make the best, informed decisions for my potential parent dogs, I completed a nationally recognised Level 3 course in Dog breeding. I am currently in the process of completing a diploma to further my knowledge. The total of these courses is over £2,500. It is highly likely I will do more courses too in the future.
- The necessary equipment for breeding and socialising puppies to a high standard means I buy a LOT for them. Whelping equipment, other equipment to ensure I am prepared for anything and items needed at every stage of development came to over £2,000. I didn't add everything up as I bought what I needed, when I needed it, to ensure my puppies were able to investigate new things and learn life skills.
- I always ensure my puppies leave with extensive starter packs. They leave with a lot of paperwork, Dorwest puppy packs, washable toilet pad, lots of toys (new and old), blanket, vet bedding, natural treats, food, natural chews, disinfectant, lint roller, poo bags, collar, lead, and more. I did not calculate the total as I wanted my puppies to have the very best start with their new families. I want my puppy owners to have everything they need via the paperwork and the items so they can enjoy those early days. I want them to feel reassured and they will have me for support or just to talk to for life.
- I want my dogs to live their best life as they are my family members way before being bred from. We take them to playdates around the country for socialisation and it brings me great joy seeing how happy they are running, playing, investigating and it is perfect for them (mentally and physically). We also take them on holidays and day trips.
- There will be times when things do not go smoothly. Though I hope they do not happen, I do expect a caesarean will be needed in the future, maybe a poorly mum so puppies will have to be hand-reared... I want to be ready for anything. There will be costs but as long as my female is well and healthy and the puppies can be raised well, then I am happy.
- Puppies are weaned onto premium raw food, dewormed every 2 weeks from birth, flea treated before they leave, have tried a few, safe natural chews before they leave, been vet checked, have had 1st vaccination (I am always happy to keep them longer and get their 2nd vaccine done too) and microchipped.
- I could never put a price on what it is like to be there every hour, every day for the puppies whilst I have them. I have many sleepless nights, whilst trying to sleep by their whelping box, for the first few weeks. I struggle to sleep as I need to be there for them. My mind goes over every what if scenario it can think of and so I only half sleep and have to check on them often throughout the night. I am there with them because I want to be. They are my responsibility and I want to ensure they develop life skills that will enable them to have the best future.
In summary, buying a puppy from me, means you are buying a quality, healthy puppy from a breeder who has done everything she can to ensure that puppy can reach its full potential via socialisation. Sadly there are breeders selling pomskies and people discover that they bought a puppy who is a mix of breeds (some do not even have husky in their DNA). I wanted to write this to reassure people that I do a lot for my dogs and then my puppies. I only want healthy dogs and then healthy puppies. Puppies become a top priority when they here and I will be there for them throughout their lives.
Claire 🐾