Breeders in Classifieds

[flboxer]

Hi all, new to Boxer World. My wife and I are looking for a new puppy. I have learned a ton of good info on choosing a reputable(spelling?) breeder. When searching the classifieds, I am finding puppies for sale on average of about $500(some more, some less). My question is this... Do reputable breeders ever list their puppies in this manner, or are all listed ads generally from BYB's? I REALLY, extremely want a boxer, but from what I read, I do not want to support BYB's, etc. The problem is that to avoid this situation, it will end up costing A LOT more then $500, correct?(for a good breeder that is)

Thanks for all feedback in advance!

Flboxer

 

[VTbxrFan]

It's unlikely that you'll find responsible breeders through classified ads, but I suppose it's possible. Your best bet is to contact your local boxer club and perhaps attend a show. I'm really not sure what to tell you as far as cost - it's not something I'm really familiar with, and costs vary greatly in different areas. I'm guessing that you'll probably pay a bit more from a responsible breeder, but that's not always the case - prices vary a lot with BYBs - some really are after money and are selling them for the same price as good breeders because so many consumers don't really know the difference. Keep in mind that spending more money to get a well-bred dog is worth it because you increase the odds of having a very healthy pet, and that saves you money in the long run on vet expenses.

It can be very tempting to buy from a BYB because the puppies are so cute, and not all BYB's are terrible people - many are otherwise great people who really love their dogs and take good care of them, but they just don't know enough about breeding, so they aren't doing it responsibly. Even that type of BYB is a detriment to the boxer breed, and the only way to stop them is for people to stop buying from them.

If the initial cost is an issue, you could also consider a rescue. Adoption fees are very reasonable. It's unusual for rescues to have baby puppies, but young dogs are pretty common, and if you are willing to consider an older dog, they are truly wonderful pets!

 

[Vela]

Well if you are only after a pet puppy and not show quality then it won't necessarily cost all that much more, maybe a few hundred dollars or so or maybe not any more, depending on the breeder and the pup. Honestly that money to me is well worth it since they come from a better background. Reputable breeders don't advertise in the paper. They don't need to. Good for you for not wanting to support an increasing problem with the BYB. You and the pup you eventulaly get will be much better off if you find a good breeder. The only thing is that you may have to wait 6 months to even a year for a puppy since reputaable breeders don't churn puppies out like the BYB do. It really is worth the wait though and it is possible to get one sooner than that but it could be that long. You an find reputable breeders by either looking under breeders on this site or contacting your local boxer clubs and finding out some information that way. Good luck in finding a puppy!

Yes and to add to what VTbxrfan said, I did adopt a 2 1/2 year old boxer and she's WONDERFUL so rescues ar a great place to find a wonderful boxer who needs your help.

 

[flboxer]

Thanks for your input. This is a very try statement: spend more on it now, and have a healthier pet (I'd probably spend way more on vet bills for an unhealthy animal :( ) Yes this is for a pet, so hopefully that will bring inital cost down a little bit. I guess I better stop searching the classifieds.

I will suck to have to wait so long, as I've already been thinking about this for so long now, and we finally got into out new house, oh well, it wil be worth it.

Thanks again

 

[ladyluck_t]

Thanks for your input. This is a very try statement: spend more on it now, and have a healthier pet (I'd probably spend way more on vet bills for an unhealthy animal :( ) Yes this is for a pet, so hopefully that will bring inital cost down a little bit. I guess I better stop searching the classifieds.

I will suck to have to wait so long, as I've already been thinking about this for so long now, and we finally got into out new house, oh well, it wil be worth it.

Thanks again

Just to give your statement a little punctuation. I bought my katie from a pet store for very little money (about $250.00) well, she is now 4 yrs old and i have shelled out enough money in vet bills, special foods, and worrying to have purchased a whole litter from a reputable breeder. In hindsight, it is true that the initial cost may be high but the fact that you have a healthy dog that will live a good long life is well worth that effort. Personnally, the next time i am going to go the rescue route, they temperment test the dogs and fit the perfect dog to your home. But that is a personal choice.

Good Luck
Carolyn and Katie

 

[Angie K]

Searching

I noticed you are from Tampa FL. That is only about an hour from me. My husband and I checked out the Tampa Bay Boxer Club and also we hit a bunch of shows in the area and talked to alot of breeders. We found a couple and kept in touch that way. You may have to travel a bit to get what you want from a Reputable breeder. We traveled 2hrs to visit the pups and then pick our girl up. the price was not even a question for us. It didn't come up until the phone call before we headed out to pick her up. Our thing was a reputable breeder and checking that out first. It ended up only 650 for a pet puppy with a spay neuter contract. If you do not want to spend as much or are not set on a puppy. I would highly recommend A Rescue; Our second boxer is a male rescue about 2yrs old and I have to say he is by far a better behaved boxer than our female. Florida Boxer Rescue was wonderful to work with. And we visited him and also had our female visit with him before we made the adoption final. But they will try to match your needs with a boxer with the same kind of personality. They are great. Good luck in your search.

 

[pinkpuppy]

Money Talk

Hi Flboxer,

We're in Ontario, Canada - thus the currency and value of the dollar are different here. However, it may be of assistance if I give you numbers in percentages. We recently purchased a puppy from a fantastic, reputable Breeder and her price was 30% to 40% higher than what BYBs advertised in the classifieds. From my experience, the people who advertised in the paper were all BYBs - I called and I asked... Even though my questions were very basic, their answers were appalling!

Now, don't guide yourself by the price of the puppy: prime example - there is a popular pet chain store throughout Southern Ontario - and they ask 40% to 80% more for a puppy - who is most likely from a puppy mill!!!

Actually - who am I kidding with these percentages - here are some numbers for you: BYB/classifieds= $699-$900 Breeder=$1200-$1300 "pet store"= $2200 & "on sale" for $1699 [and they're always on sale]!
Please find a breeder that loves and cares for the breed and puppies; without sounding like a mastercard commercial, love is priceless...

 

[Angie K]

I just wanted to add another couple tidbits about rescuing. You do not have to go through the potty training (which for us was a big plus being the second dog) and our boy was already crate trained and walked good on the leash and even knew some of the basic obedience commands, sit, speak, shake etc. He also bonded to us and our two skinboys 10 & 14 very quickly like he has been with us since he was a pup. If we say the boys names both dogs go looking out the window or to the door searching for the kids. Rescue also does get young dogs under 1yr or even 4months so don't think you can't get a puppy from them you just may have to wait until one comes in that you match with.

 

[flboxer]

Angie_K:

I just visited the Tampa Bay Boxer club website, and emailed for some info. You said you went to shows... How often are there shows around here, and when you went, did you just walk up to someone and ask if they are a breeder? How do you know who to talk to? I am new to this so dont laugh at me

Thanks

 

[SammynDqtz]

Yes, put the paper away. I don't think you'd find any reputable breeders that way. It will certainly be worth the wait...as others have said getting from a reputable breeder, pay a little more up front but less in the end.

(or consider rescue)