"What did you pay for your dog?"

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

WTD?  Why do people think that asking what I paid for Rooney o.k.?  I would never ask what you paid for your house, car, purse OR dog - it is rude.  And yet, as we get to know the "dog group" here in our development - I'm asked this question several times a day.  I've been nice and actually told them, only to have eyebrows raised or a sticker shock comment made.  One lady drove over to my house to see Rooney (in her Mercedes) and asked what I paid, I told her and she was all shocked.  I try to explain about Australian Doodles, what the difference is, factor the price over 12-15 yrs, excellent breeder, etc, etc.  I'm worn out.  What is a good comeback - not too rude - that takes care of this problem? 

[Adina P]

Say: I'll tell you what I paid for my dog if you tell me what you paid for _____(fill in the blank)___'l

Or 'if you tell me your weight' or other personal secret.  But say it with a friendly smirk :)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

People seem to be very curious about Doodles in general...at least that's been my experience. When I have my two guys out together, there are always questions. Because they are so different in size, appearance and temperament, people have a real hard time understanding that they are the same breed. That always leads to questions, and often it will end up with someone asking about cost. Usually, I'm not asked "what did you pay?", but more often "are they expensive?". If I feel that the spirit of the question is just someone just trying to learn more about Doodles, I'll answer. They're always surprised to find that Murph was a rehome/rescue. If I think it's just someone being "nosy" I'll say "there's a real large range in prices, but there are always beautiful Doodles who need good homes, and if you're interested I can direct you to a wonderful Doodle Rescue Organization". That's usually enough.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Actually I have never been asked what I paid for my dogs either, but have been asked "Are they expensive?" I use my husband's response for that, "All dogs are expensive."

[Amy Murphy]

I'm a breeder of Australian Doodles and this is really common, frustrating and I don't have a real good suggestion. I've been through exactly what you have, except people are wanting to purchase a puppy and I'm trying to justify the price. Maybe keep it simple and say that you paid exactly what you would expect for a puppy from a quality breeder etc. and don't give the exact price. If they press the issue, that is rude. Feel free at that point to let them know you feel your spending habits are a private matter and that you would rather keep numbers to yourself. Good luck, I feel your pain!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Regarding Ned, I just smile and say, "A lot, but it was a great way to spend my extra money." If they are asking about Clancy, I let them know that he was a rescue/shelter dog. I do find it interesting because NO ONE has ever asked me what I paid for our pure bred Springer Spaniel.
Jane, I do find that people have 'heard' how expensive doodles are, so sometimes I think it is just curiosity about the veracity of the rumor and the question is without malice. Until I actually met a doodle in person, I was one of those skeptics who thought people who paid so much money for a mutt were nuts, yet now I have joined their ranks and a doodle is my forever 'breed' choice.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I think I'm going to just say that it was a lot but that we feel he was worth every penny and then some. That should be enough said lol.

[Sylvie & LuLu]

I think these are all good comebacks..and yes, I get asked this all the time and I do find it intrusive and always feel uncomfortable when it comes up. I think you can usually tell when someone is just trying to learn about the breed v. when they are just plain nosey. We try skirting around the issue and then sometimes we just tell for shock value to stop the questions! But one part I always enjoy adding is my justification...."but besides being the most incredible dog ever, she's more than paid for herself in cleaning savings ....both house and dry-cleaning since she doesn't shed and we have no hair all over our furniture or clothes!" That changes the price subject pretty quickly as they are all always pretty envious at that point!

[Nugget's Family]

After I've regained my composure after someone asks, I say, "Well, in our research we found that the breeders vary a bit in what they charge. I'd be happy to give you the web address of our breeder so that you can start your comparison shopping." Then you can launch into the differences in breeders (i.e. some are mini breeders, some have been breeding ALDs a long time, etc.)

If they still don't get the hint, I've been a bit more direct, yet still polite, I hope. I've said something like, "Well, the decision to bring Nugget into our family was a family decision and finances played a role in that decision. We prefer to keep our family financial discussions private." I might also add that in any decision to "buy" or rescue a dog, the prospective owner needs to be financially prepared to support the dog for many years. In some cases, that means low vet bills....in some it means high vet bills. In our case, due to Nugget's atopic dermatitis, they've been high vet bills. Would we change anything about our doggie situation? Absolutely not! She has brought way more to this family than we have give her.
Just so you know, our close friends and family do know how much we paid because we brought them into the discussions when we were first doing our dog ownership research. I would apply the above to "non-close" friends/family/acquaintances.

Hope this is helpful

[Ginny Nightingale]

I feel your pain--around this area, no one pays much for a dog and the most expensive dogs are often backyard bred Labs or Golden retrievers. I have a female ALD who has been bred and is hopefully pregnant. So, people get all excited about "taking" a puppy--they think I am going to give them away!! My breeder actually sells them (we have a contract for two litters from my female) and I tell them what she charges and their mouths drop. I explain the whole health testing thing, the expenses, the breeding, but their eyes glaze over...to them, my ALD is a mutt. That's their problem. I have the privilege of owning a wonderful and healthy dog!

[sandy b]

I guess we're fortunate that no one has asked that question about Max. It's usually what kind of dog is he? He's so cute, love his size. However if asked I'm going with Adina's response. Good one Adina :-) Now I hope someone asks. Maybe tomorrow at the farmers market LOL

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

What's that old saying..."If you have to ask, you obviously can't afford it" Well, that would have been a good one on Ms. Mercedes:)

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

Most non-doodle people have no idea what an Australian labradoodle is - much less the market rate. Most don't realize the difference between them and American labradoodles....OR between an ALD and an Aussiedoodle - at least not most people in Richmond VA. :-) When asked if they are expensive, I say yes - if you're dealing with a reputable breeder. When they ask how much, I offer to give them my breeder's number and suggest they discuss it with her.