Do you get what you pay for?

Following on from another thread.

When buying a dog - whether pedigree or crossbreed, working dog, show dog, pet dog etc etc - do you get what you pay for?

Does the more expensive the dog equal a *better* dog - healthier, better temperament etc?

Views please.

I don't believe it does. Some top breeders charge huge amounts for their dogs, but so do some designer crossbreeders. As for health, I believe there are bad breeding practises going on at every level, and so don't believe it's isolated to those charging little for puppies.

My dog Spike was expensive at £750. But he's PRICELESS to me - so well worth every penny. I got everything I expected and a whole lot more!

Nope, can't say you do.

I think because some people expect that to be the case, they think they are buying 'quality' if they pay lots of ££££s - so puppy farmers just put their prices up.

Equally you can get a lovely dog very cheaply. Mine are all rescues - £50 or £60 each - I wouldn't swop any of them for a dog costing 10 times that much.

I think it depends on more factors then price. Yes i would expect more from a dog that cost £700 then one that was £300 if you could see where the money went. Such as KC reg dogs, health tests maybe show champions ect.

If you saw a rare breed of dog for sale cheap you would have to wonder about the level of care and what the breeder was like.

Ella was free, but she was a gamble. We were told what her cross was (Alsation x Staff) so we did our research on both breeds, and decided we were prepared for any and all typical health complaints. As she has grown up, she is NOT GSD not at all. We believe she is really a whippet x staff and someone for, some reason, thought a whippet was an Alsation

However, she has been perfectly healthy, no behavioural issues and very trainable. We have a happy, well-socialised little girl who is very friendly, excellent with children, adults and other animals (including our pet house rabbits). We're still prepared for the event that issues may manifest as she gets older but I really couldn't ask for a lovelier dog.

Do you get what you pay for? If you do your research properly, then yes I believe you will.

I agree with Ripsnorter about research most definitely BUT there are exceptions to every rule. Plus i am biased as i have both pedigrees and rescues and i value them all equally.

Likewise here with Hali, Reah cost me half the cost of her previous owners bill £450, then of course the £3,000.00 I had to raise to put her right ..........Reah absolutely priceless.

Skye came from a puppy farm £110.00 another rescue......Skye the most loyal little dog you could ever meet.

Bruce another Rescue....donation of £200. Best character/very funny comic


I think I have what I paid for and alot more, healthy, (well except Reah's leg but that's no fault of her breeding)perfect temperments, socialable

I paid for two of my dogs and two were gifts ... I love them all the same - my gift boys have never seen the vet ever - well North went for his rabies booster but never been ill

My paid for dogs .... well Vanessa has cost a large fortune at the vets in her twelve years , Noobie has only ever been ill once (PYO), but has had vet treatment following her suicide attempts in her younger years .....


A dog is a dog

I will however continue to get dogs from reputable breeders as I want my dogs for a purpose and enjoy showing and working them - I know I have done everything possible to get the healthiest dog I can too .... but some of the nicest dogs I ever met have been freebies