I Payed $250 For A Mixed Breed. Did I Pay Too Much

How much do dog breeders make for mixed-breed dogs?

The answer is, it all depends.Generally, it all comes down to supply and demand: rarity plus the popularity of the breed making it more expensive. Because many cross-breeds don't have a large amount of breeders breeding them, and because the demand for many cross-breeds is high, designer cross-breeds are generally more expensive than their purebred ancestors.The Bernedoodle, for instance (a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle), costs between $2500-$3500 for a desirable colored puppy from a reputable breeder. The Bernedoodle's popularity stems from it's temperament (the intelligence and goofiness of the Poodle + the loveable companionship of the Bernese-- see my answer about affectionate dog breeds here: answer link here).Because of how few breeders there are that consciously breed Bernedoodle’s the supply for these dogs is very low. Both of these factors in conjunction make the Bernedoodle very costly.As another example, Pomskies, a cross between a Pomeranian and Siberian Husky, can cost upwards of $4000. Again, this is because of the breed's popularity and how few reputable breeders there are. I wrote about Pomskies here: Michelle Parker's answer to What would you call a Pomeranian/Husky mix?In general, breeders can make at least several thousand dollars per designer cross-breed puppy.Hey! Thanks for reading! I’m a dog lover, upvote and follow for more answers like this!Paws ’N’ Pups has detailed information about breeds and the average price for each. Check their breed list out!Sources for breeder information:Bernedoodle BreedersPomsky Breeders List | Paws 'N' PupsThe breeder lists also have detailed information about location as well as contact links, check it out!Images courtesy of Natalie Cadman and Molly’s Darling.

Why are mixed breed dogs looked down upon by so many people? They can be healthier than "purebred" dogs.

When my first dog, Bella, was a puppy we took her to a park I’d known and loved my entire life. As soon as we hit the trail an older woman with her dog approached us and our dogs exchanged their hello sniffs. The woman asked my wife what breed our puppy was and my wife happily replied, “she’s a mutt.” This woman looked at Bella, my wife and I like we just smeared shit across her face! She quickly yanked her dog away from Bella and stormed off, looking back at the three of us with total disgust.That was the first time I experienced “breedism” which in my opinion is the same as racism. It made me sick and my blood boil.Bella was rescued from a puppy mill. I have always been and will always be proud that my dogs are rescues. I could not care less what breed they are. Is Bella a genuine mutt? She’s definitely got lab and chow genes but I don’t know and I don’t care. She’s 15 years old now and has overcome a plethora of health issues. My old girl has osteoarthritis but she’s still playing, swimming and living life to the fullest! Her awesome vet even has her in a stem cell study that uses stem cells from c-section born puppies.To answer your question, “Why are mixed breed dogs looked down upon by so many people? They can be healthier than purebred dogs.” I think some people use their dogs breed as a status symbol, they think “papers” mean something. People forget that for the most part we’re all mixed breeds. Most people have two or more nationalities. I’m a mutt!Edit: WOWZAH! I’ve never received 160 upvotes! Thanks everyone!Edit #2: Over 400 upvotes! I’m so thankful! ❤️ Mutts Rule!!!

Are purebred dogs worth the cost?

First of all, the cost is not excessive when compared to other luxury items that have a similar upkeep cost… they are usually in the $1000–2000 range, but even a “free” dog is going to cost about $1000 to keep fed, etc. So *owning* a dog is going to cost you $10,000–15,000 over it’s lifetime. When you count in the decreased odds of major medical problems in a *well bred* purebred, the purebred can actually be the bargain (hip or elbow surgery? yeah, that’s going to be $1200–5000 to fix a congenital problem).Second, it depends on what you want and need in a dog. For many pet homes, the average dog will dog. They don’t need a dog that is particularly talented or adept at any sort of thing - they don’t need a retriever or a herding or a guarder or even a more-than-normally tolerant pet. There are thousands of average dogs in shelters, if that is what you need, then go get one. But, if you need a dog that fits a specific set of traits beyond the normal “relatively good dog” stuff, then your best bet is to get a dog that has been bred for hundreds of years to do what you need it to do… and to shell out whatever it costs to get a dog from a breeder that can prove they are producing dogs that can do whatever it is well.Third, purebred isn’t the be-all to end-all, there are poorly bred purebreds out there. If you’re going to bother to get a purebred, then you should bother finding a good breeder that can provide proof of pedigree, health testing, type and soundness (usually a conformation title), and working ability/instincts in the dogs they are breeding from and the dogs they are producing.