Why pay more for a Maltese puppy?
The $1200.00 Puppy vs. The $300.00 Puppy
$1200.00 - Both the sire and dam of this puppy came from top
quality breeding stock which was developed over years and years
of selective and knowledgeable breeding. Both meet the
requirement of the written AKC and ASCA standard for the breed
in conformation as well as temperament. Each has a pedigree,
which has been studied and thoroughly researched. These dogs
have been selected to breed to each other because they can both
contribute to the excellence of the breed as well as complement
one another.$300.00 - The dam of this litter was purchased from a local pet
store and originally came from a Missouri puppy mill. She was
sick off and on the first year of her life due to too many
different types of intestinal parasites and malnutrition. The
sire, an over-sized male, lives down the street and was
purchased from an ad in the newspaper. Neither owner has ever
heard of the AKC or ASCA written standard. Neither owner has
seen a written pedigree. The female is skittish and snappy. Her
owners hope that having a litter will calm her down.$1200.00 - Before this breeding ever took place, both male and
female had test including hip X-Rays, eye tests and heart tests
to determine that there were no physical or genetic problems
that might be passed on to offspring. The breeder is well aware
of the genetic problems to which the breed is predisposed and
uses no animal for breeding unless it is certified clear of
defects by a qualified Veterinarian. The health of her pups is
guaranteed.$300.00 - The breeder is totally unaware of the genetic
problems within the breed. Trips to the Veterinarian, except for
dire emergencies or yearly shots, are considered too expensive.
The breeders' hope is to make money off the sale of the puppies.
If he keeps expenses down, he can buy that new couch he's been
wanting. Puppies are sold with no guarantee.$1200.00 - The breeder is a professional and he has a good
reputation to maintain. His goal is to produce beautiful and
sound specimens, which anyone would be proud to own. Profit, if
any is made, goes toward future breedings, always aimed toward
the betterment of the breed, or for show entries, handler's
fees, new equipment and important veterinary tests. Both the
mother and pups are fed the highest quality diet. Many trips to
the vet assure him that mother and pups are thriving under the
very best care. The pups are raised in a busy part of the house
where they are socialized, groomed and exposed to different
kinds of stimuli. They are touched and talked to, cuddled and
even sung to. They are never sold before they are seven weeks
old. Every buyer is interviewed at length and pups are placed
only in homes where they will receive the finest treatment. The
breeder spends time with each new owner, educating and answering
questions. Follow-up calls are made to make sure the pups are
adjusting well. Each new owner receives a bill of sale and
health guarantees, vaccination record, minimum five-generation
pedigree, guarantee of registration with the AKC and ASCA and
thorough puppy care and nutrition information. If the puppy is
not considered to be of such quality as it will better the breed
the puppy is sold with a limited registration or non-breeding
agreements. The new owners are encouraged to continue a
relationship with the breeder, and to call and ask questions at
any time during the dog's life.$300.00 - These puppies are born in a box, in the garage and
receive little care other than what the mother gives. To cut
costs they are weaned on generic dog food and allowed to nurse
on the mother as long as possible to keep food bills down. The
bitch's health declines rapidly due to poor health and some pups
are weak and runty. They are sold as quickly as possible because
advertising and vaccines are expensive. They are sold without
having had their dewclaws removed, without shots, parasite
checks, vet examinations, guarantees or information of any kind.
They are sold to anyone who has the cash. If the new owner is
lucky he may receive an AKC or ASCA registration application.
Although the puppy is of very poor quality, it is sold with full
breeding rights. The new owner usually disappears with the pup,
never to be seen again. If the market is not good, the breeder
takes the leftover pups to the local pet shop.The comparison you have just read is hypothetical, but very
typical of what we see all too often. Although not every breeder
who charges higher prices is reputable and ethical, pet buyers
should keep looking until they find one that is. When I am asked
why my prices are so much higher than those in some newspaper
ads, I mail a copy of this article. Those buyers who respect the
quality and excellence are wonderful customers and become
"partners" in this hobby that I love so much. Those that are
seeking pets deserve nothing less than a nice quality, healthy
and trusting animal. As well as a breeder they can count on.
Author Unknown/Anonymous
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