The True Cost of Raising an Ethical Litter

One of the most common questions I receive is, "Why do responsibly bred puppies cost what they do?"

It's a fair question.

Most people only see the price of the puppy. What they don't see are the months—and often years—of planning, health testing, education, veterinary care, and around-the-clock dedication that go into producing a healthy, well-socialized litter.

At ERBEKEES-KEESHONDEN, I don't price my puppies based solely on market demand. My pricing reflects the actual costs of maintaining a responsible breeding program throughout the year—not just during the eight weeks a litter is in my home.

Every puppy benefits from the care and investment made in every dog in my breeding program.

What Goes Into an Ethical Breeding Program?

Long before a litter is ever conceived, responsible breeders invest heavily in:

  • Extensive health testing and certifications

  • Genetic screening

  • Routine veterinary care

  • Premium nutrition

  • Evaluating breeding dogs

  • Careful pedigree research

  • Selecting the best possible breeding pairs

  • Continuing education

  • Maintaining clean, safe facilities

  • Lifetime care for retired breeding dogs

When breeding takes place, expenses continue to grow.

These often include:

  • Stud fees

  • Travel expenses

  • Progesterone testing

  • Brucellosis testing

  • Artificial insemination when needed

  • Ultrasounds

  • X-rays

  • Pregnancy care

  • Emergency veterinary care if complications arise

  • Possible C-sections

Then the real work begins.

Raising Puppies isn't an Eight-Week Job

From the moment puppies are born, they require nearly constant supervision.

For weeks, breeders sleep beside the whelping box, monitoring every puppy to ensure they are nursing, gaining weight, and thriving. Days and nights become a schedule of feeding, cleaning, laundry, sanitizing, weighing puppies, introducing enrichment activities, socialization, grooming, and veterinary appointments.

Every litter also requires:

  • AKC registration

  • Deworming

  • Vaccinations

  • Veterinary examinations

  • Premium food

  • Supplements

  • Puppy care supplies

  • Toys

  • Bedding

  • Cleaning products

  • Heating and utility costs

  • Puppy starter packs

  • Countless hours communicating with prospective families and providing lifetime support after puppies go home.

Many breeders also miss work, lose sleep, and spend countless unpaid hours caring for both the mother and her puppies.

The Investment Continues Long After Puppies Go Home

One thing many people don't realize is that responsible breeders remain committed to every puppy for life.

At ERBEKEES-KEESHONDEN, I provide ongoing guidance and support for every family. Whether you have a question six weeks or six years after bringing your puppy home, I'm always happy to help.

That lifelong commitment is something you'll rarely find from puppy mills, pet stores, or backyard breeders.

Price Does Not Equal Quality

It's important to understand that an expensive puppy is not automatically a well-bred puppy.

Unfortunately, puppy mills, backyard breeders, and scammers often charge prices similar to responsible breeders.

The difference isn't the price—it's the breeder's commitment.

Ask questions.

Request health testing.

Meet the breeder whenever possible.

Learn about the parents.

Look for transparency, education, and a willingness to support you throughout your dog's life.

What Are You Really Paying For?

When you purchase a puppy from an ethical breeder, you're investing in much more than a dog.

You're investing in:

  • Carefully planned generations of breeding

  • Health-tested parents

  • Excellent temperament

  • Proper early socialization

  • Expert veterinary care

  • Ethical breeding practices

  • Lifetime breeder support

  • Peace of mind

For many families, those investments can help reduce the likelihood of expensive health or behavioral issues later in life.

A Personal Note

I don't breed dogs because it's an easy way to make money—it's quite the opposite.

I breed because I love the Keeshond breed and am committed to preserving its health, temperament, and wonderful personality for future generations.

Producing exceptional puppies requires an enormous investment of time, money, emotion, and dedication. While puppy sales help offset some of those expenses, they do not reflect the countless hours, years of experience, and lifelong commitment that go into every litter.

My goal has always been simple:

To produce healthy, beautiful Keeshonden that become cherished members of their families while providing lifelong support to every puppy owner.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about what responsible breeding truly involves.

Jodi Erbe
ERBEKEES-KEESHONDEN
Lifelong Friends, One Puppy at a Time