Pricing of Standards

Question
Kim,

We are novices and are interested in purchasing a Standard Poodle.  We have noticed the price difference while searching.  Can you explain why?  Does it have to do with Pedigree or bloodlines or just because the owners wants to get as much as possible?  What should we be looking and/or concerned about when considering a purchase?

Thanks

Answer
Hello D,
There is most likely a price for Poodle puppies that would fit every pocket book out there.  Professional Breeders tend to charge more because their dogs are higher quality, their lines are pure and can be traced back for generations (so you know where your dog is coming from), and you can track health and health issues because you know what is behind those dogs.  The breeders usually put alot of time and money into their dogs to insure that the dog you are getting is as sound and conforms best to the breed standard for that breed laid down by the American Kennel Club (you can check them out at http://www.akc.org)  They also tend to insure that if a puppy you purchase from them becomes sick or dies, that you will get a replacement puppy or your money back.  Prices from Professional breeders tend to range from $500-$1,000+

Next you have Backyard Breeders.  These are people who want to breed their dog but may have limited or no knowledge of what they are doing.  They may have a quality female, but they might use the neighbors male or a male from a friend.  They may not know the background or history of their dog(s) and that can lead to possible health or temperment problems in the puppies.  They may also not know how to price their dogs, so their prices range depending on what they think they can get from their puppies.  You can sometimes find a good puppy from these people, but you can never be sure of what you are getting, unless the backyard breeder has done their homework first.  Their prices on these puppies can range from $100-$500+

Lastly, you have Puppy Mill Breeders.  These people are just looking to make a buck off their dogs, sometimes raising the puppies more like livestock than pets.  Their dogs are usually kept in deplorable conditions, most of the dogs have never been in contact with people, and they have a limited idea of what is in the backgrounds of the adults.  Sometimes these people are hard to spot because on the outside they look like reputable breeders.  When going to see the puppies, the public aren't usually allowed into the kennels and sometimes aren't even allowed to see the parents of the puppies.  There is usually no health guarantee (so if your puppy gets sick or dies, its all on you) and the breeder won't stand behind the sale.  
Prices on these puppies can range from $100-$800

When looking for a puppy, you need to be able to see the parents or at least the mother, and you will want to see the kennel or place where the puppies are kept (if possible).  Get in with the puppies and check them over, let them come up to you and play with you and take out individual puppies so you can see their personalities, temperments and energy levels.  Check the overall look of the puppies and dogs belonging to the breeder.  You want to see clean dogs in clean enviroments that look healthy and even smell nice.  If the puppies are raised in a home setting, that is a plus but don't entirely base your decision on it.  For first time puppy buyers like yourselves, you will want a laid back puppy that is friendly and will come up to you eagarly.  Try to stay away from a shy puppy or one that is overly energetic.  A professional breeder will help pair you with a puppy that will best fit your lifestyle.  Talk to the breeders and see if they will tell you a bit about the puppies background.  See if there are titles or certifications in the parents or grandparents background.  These will let you know that the breeders have been using their dogs for what they were bred for, such as Obedience titles, Conformation titles, or Agility titles.  You might also see Therapy dog, Hunting dog or Search and Rescue titles.  These titles make for a well rounded dog and though they are not necessary, they let you know that the breeder put time and effort into making a very versitle and above the average puppy.
Some professional breeders will ask you to sign a Spay/Neuter policy.  This is to insure that you don't take your dog and breed it.  They want to keep their lines pure and this helps them keep their dogs out of the hands of backyard or puppymill breeders.
Also, you will want to ask about a Health Guarntee.  This will insure that if your puppy gets sick or develops a genetic health problem, that the breeder will either give you a replacement puppy or a partial refund.  Decide what your price range is, and look for breeders that fit within it.  Ask the breeders if they have pet quality puppies rather than show quality puppies.  Both the pet quality and show quality puppies can come out of the same litter, the show quality puppies may just have that special something that will benefit it in the show ring.  Show quality puppies also tend to be more high strung and "upity" rather than being laid back and mild mannered.  

Give these suggestions some thought and look around before you buy.  If you have other questions about finding the perfect puppy or comments for me, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim