Price For An Ethically Bred Boxer Puppy?

[Divisadero]

Having lost the best dog ever in April, my family and I would like to adopt a new boxer puppy. It is very important to me that the pup be the product of ethical breeding and have healthy bloodlines. In this regard, per the guidance of this website and others, I will insist on (a) a 1-3 year genetic health warranty and (b) documentation that both parents screened for aortic, stenosis, boxer cardimyopathy, corneal dystrophy, and hip dysplasia. We will not show the boxer, but understand that trophy-winning parents are a good sign of healthy breeding.

Given the foregoing, what is the general range I can expect to pay?

I've located one breeder who seems to fit the bill, and she is asking $1600. On one hand, I completely willing to pay or save up and pay whatever is necessary for a healthy dog. It's kind of a personal investment and an investment in the breed. On the other hand, I'm not exactly rich and am not looking to show the dog. While I'm willing to pay a fair price for a healthy boxer, I would prefer not to pay loads extra for a "Gucci" class dog. $1600 seems kind of high, but perhaps that is what an ethically bred dog costs.

Disclaimers:

(1) I saw this 2005 thread (http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/boxer-ring/67547-price-pup.html) on a similar topic, which was helpful but didn't fully answer my question.

(2) I know, there are boxers up for adoption at local rescues. But, having lost my Genji after just 8.5 years, I want to be with my boxer as long as possible. Genji's passing was so heartbreaking that I initially had pledged that I couldn't ever go through it again. Anyhow, it's just too hard for me to have a dog for shorter period of time, which is likely since most of the dogs at rescues are 2+ years old. That said, I love and admire that others are able to overcome this reservation. In this regard, I try to assuage my guilt by making regular donations to my local boxer rescue and shelter.

 

[Sansal]

Hmmm, it does sound like it's on the high side, although not unheard of. I have definitely seen boxer puppies (from reputable breeders) being sold for less, usually somewhere between 800-1200$ (but that's just my limited experience).
Personally, if I had a really good feeling about a particular breeder I would pay the extra money.

 

[Bathel]

Having lost the best dog ever in April, my family and I would like to adopt a new boxer puppy. It is very important to me that the pup be the product of ethical breeding and have healthy bloodlines. In this regard, per the guidance of this website and others, I will insist on (a) a 1-3 year genetic health warranty and (b) documentation that both parents screened for aortic, stenosis, boxer cardimyopathy, corneal dystrophy, and hip dysplasia. We will not show the boxer, but understand that trophy-winning parents are a good sign of healthy breeding.

Given the foregoing, what is the general range I can expect to pay?

I've located one breeder who seems to fit the bill, and she is asking $1600. On one hand, I completely willing to pay or save up and pay whatever is necessary for a healthy dog. It's kind of a personal investment and an investment in the breed. On the other hand, I'm not exactly rich and am not looking to show the dog. While I'm willing to pay a fair price for a healthy boxer, I would prefer not to pay loads extra for a "Gucci" class dog. $1600 seems kind of high, but perhaps that is what an ethically bred dog costs.

Disclaimers:

(1) I saw this 2005 thread (http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/boxer-ring/67547-price-pup.html) on a similar topic, which was helpful but didn't fully answer my question.

(2) I know, there are boxers up for adoption at local rescues. But, having lost my Genji after just 8.5 years, I want to be with my boxer as long as possible. Genji's passing was so heartbreaking that I initially had pledged that I couldn't ever go through it again. Anyhow, it's just too hard for me to have a dog for shorter period of time, which is likely since most of the dogs at rescues are 2+ years old. That said, I love and admire that others are able to overcome this reservation. In this regard, I try to assuage my guilt by making regular donations to my local boxer rescue and shelter.

I guess it depends on where you are getting the puppy and his bloodlines to a degree... but I found here in the Southeast anywhere from $ 1,200.00 to 2,500.00. My pup came from a breeder in NC and was 1,800.00. Genetic testing of both parents were perform prior to matching them up and the male parent was a doggie out on the west coast (frozen seaman), so the breeder was looking for the best genentic match to breed, not the easiest cheapest most profitable... they were breeding for show and not to make money off the puppies.

I think 1,600 is right in the zone, but you still have to do your research. There are plenty of BYB that charge 1,600 and more and even try to show you fake genetic tests.

In my case, I could look up the Sir and Dam and all the shows they had been in and won awards. I confirmed with the Sir owner that the breeder did purchase seamon from them. I googled the breeders name to see what shows they had been in and how respected they seemed to be on the show circuit. All that checked out, so I purchased from them.

Good luck and enjoy your new pup!

 

[Boxer_21]

My boy Logan was $1,500 plus $350 to fly him from AZ to NH. His parents are both show dogs. His mother has not finished yet, but his dad got his GCH title shortly after the litter was whelped. Both were health tested extensively, which I also wanted.

In my search I found that the majority of reputable breeders in the middle of the country were asking $1,500 - $1,800 for health tested puppies. On either of the coasts they were much more expensive at $2,000 - $2,400.

I was also willing to pay more through a breeder who met my criteria and who I felt comfortable with.

 

[Lancerella]

Hi!appicon I commend you on making all the researches and making sure you get a healthy/good behavior dog. Really, I do. I think we lack so much in home work when it comes to choose our companions.
I do not want to sound negative, but health in living creatures is NOT a sure thing.
Please, can you re consider at least to check some of rescue organizations, some have puppies...or even re consider in adopt one and buy one? So many, but so many boxers are dying every day at shelters ALL over the country, because we do not have enough families able to adopt them... also I think it was said here, at the forum, that a very good, conscientious breeder never, ever fly=send their puppies. Usually they need to know the people in person and sell it the most compatible puppy to the most compatible family WITH a contract. Just my 2cents.
We adopted a boxer from a reputable rescue organization, and he is now 12, with some arthritis issues (like me, hehehe his mommy)...what I'm trying to say its that we never really know what we'll get when we get a living creature... My grand parents lived over 80 y.o., but I had an uncle to die at 35 of liver problems...Please, please, please...Rescue, don't buy.
Respectfully,
Karin

Beekay's mom (12yo)lovicon
Mr. Timber (Dobbie, 11 y.o. at the bridge /head cancer)
Sir Lancelot (Boxer, 11 y.o. super healthy, died 2 months after his brother at home)

 

[Jan]

Keep in mind that there is no guarantee that a high price will guarantee you a long lived healthy boxer.

I paid $1300 for a health tested white boxer and he died of a suspected heart attack just after his 5th birthday. My heart is still broken.

I would highly recommend that you rescue a boxer that desperately needs a new home. That way you know what you are getting. There are no many boxers that need new homes.

Good luck!