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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

£ etiquette when buying a dog

19 replies

BellaVita · 29/04/2014 19:29

Going to see a beautiful little girl on Thursday eve who has gone back to her breeder. The new owner had her from 8 weeks old but due to a drastic change in her circumstances the breeder has taken her back, she is now 18 months.

We are very interested in her but not sure what the etiquette is when it comes to cost (never had a dog before). Do you just pay the asking price or do you ask what the best price is? I am happy to pay full price but just wasn't sure if I needed to haggle.

Please help a novice doggy person.

I am as giddy as a kipper btw

OP posts:

Jenda · 29/04/2014 19:58

No idea but ooooh how exciting! What breed?

Original poster

BellaVita · 29/04/2014 20:05

Little darling pug girl!

OP posts:

HerRoyalNotness · 29/04/2014 20:07

We took a rehomed dog, and I think paid quite a reduced amount. I don't think they should be asked for a full price of a puppy, presumably the took the dog back but didn't give a refund to the original owner.

They'll only be out of pocket for upkeep and have already made profit off the dog. How much are they asking for?

Original poster

BellaVita · 29/04/2014 20:10

They took the dog back three weeks ago.

The breeders are KC Assured breeders if that makes a difference, dog has all paperwork etc.

Let's just say if is closer to £1000 than £500.

OP posts:

ExitPursuedByABear · 29/04/2014 20:12

Sheesh. I would haggle.

WheresRyder · 29/04/2014 20:12

That seems a lot for a pug especially a rehomed 18 month old one. My sister has a 2 year old kc registered pug and paid £400 as a puppy.

Original poster

BellaVita · 29/04/2014 20:18

Whereas, I have been looking at prices and KC registered pug puppies seem to go for anything between £850 to £1200 and some even more.

I think I will discuss with DH what our strategy is going to be...

OP posts:

TheZeeTeam · 29/04/2014 20:23

I would definitely haggle. No way would I pay nearly a grand for an 18 month old dog that had already needed rehoming, and we paid a LOT for our two, but both were babies. Presumably, having already made the profit on her the first time, they are keen for her to find a good home as soon as possible?

Floralnomad · 29/04/2014 20:25

If you were looking for a pup ,I'd continue to look ,you have no idea of this dogs life experience and unless you are getting it for a real bargain price I wouldn't risk it .

Original poster

BellaVita · 29/04/2014 20:26

Yes they are keen to find a good home. The breeder doesn't breed any more, just shows now and the pug was an only dog with her previous owner whereas now back at the breeders home she is not number one anymore and isn't taking it very well.

OP posts:

WheresRyder · 29/04/2014 20:30

Just had a quick google and can't believe how much they have gone up by. I still stand by as a rehomed dog surely they should only be looking for a couple if hundred 'donation' surely?

Original poster

BellaVita · 29/04/2014 20:38

I think maybe she has been priced so not just anyone will ask about her, like someone looking to make a quick buck by buying her and selling her on or breeding from her.

OP posts:

MitchellMummy · 29/04/2014 21:19

We took on an 18 month old eight years and two days ago. She was advertised for £400, but we paid nothing in the end. The woman (her second owner) was on benefits and just trying her luck. Couldn't blame her really. We told her what we would pay for (spaying, vaccinations, ongoing care for the rest of her life). We then didn't pay. Sadly our lovely doggie collapsed and died aged 6, but we had a fabulous five years with her. Hope that helps, but it's easy for one's heart to rule one's head.

Kracken72 · 29/04/2014 21:55

We have just got a rehomed Pug, he is 5 months and they wanted £650 but accepted £600. I think that they are asking a lot for an 18 month old pug. Do you know why the previous owner give her up?

Original poster

BellaVita · 30/04/2014 00:42

Change of circumstances. Divorce. Previously SAHM has had to go to work full time, not able to cope with dog and child. Dog started to fret at being left for such long periods of time.

OP posts:

SqueakyChicken · 30/04/2014 01:29

This doesn't sit quite right with me. If you are an ethical breeder, with a dog who has just lost its family and is in a not ideal situation, your first thought would be finding that dog a perfect new home, not how much money you can get from it. I wouldn't pay that sum of money for a dog that may have the beginnings of a serious issue like separation anxiety (judging from your last post).

SistersOfPercy · 30/04/2014 12:16

I am assuming breeder hasn't refunded the original owner? So breeder is selling the dog twice.
Doesn't sit right with me either and I agree and ethical breeder would be more concerned with rehoming the dog to a 'forever home' than making a few quid.

Personally I'd walk away.

Lonecatwithkitten · 30/04/2014 13:07

My dad has breed for years in this situation (which has only happened twice in over 40 years) he does not refund the original owners, but asks for a £50 commitment from the new owners (really to weed out the chancers) which he donates to the Royal Agricultural Benevolant Institution.

Whoknowswhocares · 30/04/2014 14:43

Hmmm, they want the same money they would get for a puppy with its 'blank canvas' for a returned adolescent who may or may not have been returned for the reasons stated? So a questionable history, socialisation and many a potential bad habit engrained?

Plus in all likelihood, they will have been paid twice, very! Very handsomely.
I wouldn't walk away, I would run!

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