Prices
I am about to bring home a fawn-female black masked puppy in around 3 weeks, and the breeder is charging me $650. I have spoken with over 20 breeders in the past 6 months, most of which show their dogs and charge well over $1000. With regard to the $3000 price tags someone mentioned earlier, well, I am from NJ and know the breeder they are speaking about and it is true. A good friend of mine went there, and the breeder did not let my friend pick a puppy - the breeder said that they pick for you and then, asked my friend almost no questions and simply said $2800! So you see, price doesn't mean everything. This breeder has a great repuation in the show world, but would you want to get a dog from someone who doesn't even ask you any questions and goes right to price? Of all the breeders I have spoken with, the breeder I chose knows as much or more about the breed, has been doing it for 20+ years, and came with great referrals. When I asked her why she charges so little, her comment was, "people from the midwest ask me why I charge so much!" So you see, price is not everything. The way a breeder cares for, loves, and knows their dogs is what matters. At least to me.