Why Asking a Breeder About Puppy Prices First Isn’t a Faux Pas (and Why We Post Ours Online)

Asking a breeder, “How much is your puppy?” might feel uncomfortable. Some breeders won’t answer, and others might delete your inquiry outright if that’s your first question. It’s easy to see why many prospective buyers feel unsure about broaching the topic.

But here’s a counter-perspective: asking about price upfront isn’t rude—it’s practical. Breeders invest significant time, money, and emotional energy into raising their puppies. As a breeder myself, I see the “money question” not as an insult, but as an important starting point for finding homes that can provide the right level of care.

In this blog, I’ll explain why asking about price first can save time and money for both buyers and breeders, why some breeders react negatively to it, and how my breeding program embraces transparency to set clear expectations for everyone involved.

Why the “Money Question” Feels Awkward for Buyers and Breeders

For Buyers: “Am I Being Rude?”

Many buyers hesitate to ask about price first because:

They worry breeders will think they care only about money.
They don’t want to offend a breeder by seeming “transactional.”
They assume the breeder might expect them to start with questions about care, temperament, or health guarantees.

For Breeders: “Why Should I Answer?”

Some breeders dislike answering price questions first because:

They feel it reduces their puppies to a dollar amount.
They want buyers to focus on the quality of their breeding program first.
They may interpret the question as a sign the buyer isn’t serious about long-term commitment.

A Breeder’s Perspective: Why Price Matters

As a breeder, my life revolves around ensuring my dogs and puppies thrive. Raising healthy, well-socialized puppies is a full-time commitment, requiring sleepless nights, meticulous care, and significant financial investment.

When someone contacts me, I want to ensure my puppies go to homes that are emotionally, physically, and financially prepared for the lifetime commitment of pet ownership. That’s why I welcome questions about price upfront—it saves time for both of us if a puppy isn’t within your current budget.

The Reality of Breeding Costs

Transparency about price is important because many buyers don’t realize the true costs breeders incur. Here’s a glimpse into what responsible breeders invest in their dogs and puppies:

Health Testing: Screening parent dogs for genetic conditions (e.g., OFA, Embark).
Veterinary Care: Regular checkups, vaccinations, deworming, and emergency care.
Quality Nutrition: Premium food for both the puppies and the mother during pregnancy and lactation.
Housing and Equipment: Climate-controlled whelping areas, playpens, enrichment toys, and more.
Socialization and Training: Time spent preparing puppies for family life, including handling, exposure to new experiences, and early training.

The average cost to responsibly breed a litter far exceeds what most people imagine. Puppy prices reflect these expenses and ensure breeders can continue producing healthy, well-raised dogs.

Why I Post My Prices Online

To make things easier for buyers, I post the prices of my puppies directly on my website. Here’s why:

Saves Time for Both PartiesIf price is a deciding factor for your family, knowing it upfront prevents you from falling in love with a puppy outside your budget. It also saves me time by ensuring I connect with buyers who are financially prepared.
Encourages TransparencyBy listing prices, I show that my breeding program is open and honest about its practices. There’s no “guesswork” involved, and buyers can feel confident about what they’re paying for.
Focuses Conversations on the Puppy’s NeedsWith the price question out of the way, we can spend our time discussing important topics like:
- The puppy’s personality and temperament.
- Your family’s lifestyle and how to prepare for a new pet.
- Health guarantees, care instructions, and lifetime breeder support.

How to Ask About Puppy Prices Respectfully

If you’re a buyer reaching out to a breeder, asking about price doesn’t have to feel awkward. Here’s how to phrase it thoughtfully:

Acknowledge the Breeder’s Time: Start with, “I don’t want to waste your time…”
Show You’re Serious: Add, “…but I want to ensure I’m financially prepared before moving forward.”
Follow Up with Care Questions: After addressing price, ask about the breeder’s program, health guarantees, and other factors.

For example:

“Hi, I’m interested in learning more about your puppies. I don’t want to waste your time if I’m not financially ready, so could you let me know the price? I’d also love to hear about your breeding program and health guarantees.”

This approach shows you’re considerate of the breeder’s work while demonstrating your seriousness as a buyer.

Why Some Breeders React Negatively

It’s worth understanding why some breeders may delete or ignore inquiries that start with price. In some cases, breeders have been burned by “bargain shoppers” who only care about getting a cheap puppy. This attitude can feel dismissive of the breeder’s hard work and commitment to ethical practices.

However, for most buyers, asking about price isn’t about haggling—it’s about ensuring they can provide for the puppy’s needs long-term. Responsible breeders will recognize this distinction and appreciate the honesty.

Conclusion: Why Asking Price First Is Okay

Asking a breeder about puppy prices first isn’t rude—it’s practical. Responsible breeders want their puppies to go to financially prepared homes, and buyers deserve transparency about costs before diving into other details.

By approaching the conversation respectfully and focusing on the puppy’s needs after addressing the price, you set the foundation for a productive, honest dialogue. As a breeder, I value transparency and welcome questions about price upfront—it’s a simple way to save time, set clear expectations, and find the perfect match for every puppy.