What are the going rates for Boxer puppies???

[cricket]

We have waited a long time to begin our search for a Boxer puppy "waiting till we have plenty of room and big yard to play".....

I always look in the papers at Boxer ads and such...
You see Boxer's from $150.00 and up and I have called many and it scares me some of these people are allowed to have animals.

But to the question, what is the average price for a healthy well bred puppy from a good breeder?? I would not have a problem spending around $500.00+ for one if it was very healthy and came from a good place as long as we have waited to get one.

Is it crazy to buy a show bred puppy for a pet? I know they would be more expensive also.

Most of them also say to Show Home Only. What does it matter as long as you know that the puppy will be well cared for? I understand that some are in it for the glory, however it doesn't seem right that those dogs can only go to a "show home." I guess that they can choose whomever they want to own the pup.

Thank you in advance for any thoughts or suggestions.

 

[JulieM]

There are slight regional differences, but you should expect to spend about $800 on a well-bred puppy from health-tested parents.

It is not at all crazy to purchase a pet puppy from a show breeder - they are the the ones, after all, that are breeding to the standard, so you're more likely to get a Boxer that looks and acts like a Boxer is supposed to look and act. And, they are more likely to be doing the appropriate health testing.

"Show Home Only" is a debatable topic. On the one hand, I can see where if a breeder has an outstanding litter that they would want to have as many of them shown as possible - not only for personal glory, although that is part of it, but also to keep the dogs in the breeding program. On the other hand, as you say the quality of the home is the most important thing, and it is hard to say whether a pup will fulfill its potential as far as show quality or not. It might be more equable to ask for a "Show-Friendly Home" - one where the owners allow the breeder to show the dog, if they are not interested in showing it themselves.

The bigger question is how they know the pups are show material.

Check www.boxerworld.com/breeders for the health tests that should be done, as well as a listing of BoxerWorld-supported breeders that test and provide hard-copy results.