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ESTIMATED COST OF RAISING A LITTER OF 6 PUPPIES |
written by Shirley
Bell of BELLCREST Boxers
and reprinted with permission by Judy Bohnert, EQUINOX Perm ® Kennels
Health Clearances for female before breeding including x-rays for hip dysplasia,
Heart certification by a board certified Cardiologist. VWD test, thyroid tests.$2500 Examination of female before breeding, includes worm check, brucellosis test, booster immunizations, health certificate, etc. $250 Stud average fee $1000 Shipping (average 500-mile radius) $500 Extra food and vitamins for female when 6 weeks in whelp $150 Postpartum check for female $75 Office visit - Examination of litter $75 Tail docking and removal of dewclaws at $20 per puppy $220 Puppy immunizations at $60 per puppy (4 series each) $480 Ear cropping at $210 per puppy $1260 Food and vitamins for puppies before and after weaning $800 Worming at least twice at $40 per puppy $240 Cleaning and disinfecting supplies from birth until puppies leave home $150 TOTAL AMOUNT $7,500 * Note * The above cost estimate does not include the cost of traveling to get required health testing done nor the costs for showing the female previous to her breeding. If she is a Champion, add the cost of entry fees, travel expenses, and handling fees to the above total.
It also does not include the cost of the breeders time in whelping and properly caring for the litter. The estimated cost also assumes that nothing goes wrong, meaning, that a necessary c-section or other whelping complications would cost more. Emergency vet care and formula would be necessary should the mother die during whelping.This should be enough to show you that Yes, there is money in dogs, lots of it....put there by the ethical breeders that love their breeds and want to do the best that they can for that breed.