"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? 

[Annie Norton (Missy May)]

I have been asked many times and usually tell the inquirer. They are usually shocked at the price but I tell them my Australian is worth every penny. I did research breeders for over a year before I purchased my Missy and prices did not vary at all as they seemed to with golden doodles and labradoodles. Not sure if is price-fixing among the breeders. My daughter got hers from RI and mine was from NY.and the price was exactly the same.

[Gayle Miller]

I like  your response Annie!  And I so agree!  I take dog ownership seriously and would never just plunge right in without doing my research.  I read and searched a long time as well.  And, I think the good breeders of the ALD's is evident in the consistency of the way the litters pups look time and time again.  This can vary greatly among the Goolden Doodles and labradoodles...again...just a personal choice and preference.  Curious...I am getting my pup from RI.  Would you mind sharing the name of your daughter's breeder?

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Well, I posted this in Nov.  it is now Dec. and I've got a new attitude.  If people ask - I tell them and then let what THEY think be their issue or not.  I paid $2,500. for Rooney and I am not going to apologize for it.  People can decide how they want to spend their money and I'll decide for myself.  I know that I send money to local animal rescue and give considerable amounts of money to people charities.   I'm not going to let people asking this question make me feel defensive.

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

I was taught that asking how much something cost was rude. If you pay $25 or $2500 for your dog is between you and your breeder. I don't think it should make you feel defensive at all....I just don't think it's anyone's business any more than what I paid for my house or my car or my handbag.

[Gayle Miller]

Didn't realize this discussion went back to December!  I agree Jane!  That's what my pup will cost from my breeder in RI.  And I'm certain the pup will be worth every single penny as well!  Your Rooney is so beautiful!!!

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

I think it can be rude, and it can also be that people want to know if they can afford buy one.  If people have the nerve to actually ask me, I tell them.  And, that they are worth every penny!  This discussion usually takes place in Pet Smart where it is almost impossible to shop when people want to pet them and ask if they are Labradoodles, Goldendoodles or Portuguese Water Dogs!  It happened today, actually, and the couple left with my breeder's web page and information about DK!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I am always being asked this about my Maltese terrier so I expect that it will be the same with my new Aussie Doodle due in April.  I saved for my Malty and am saving for this puppy.  It costs exactly the same to take care of all dogs with the only difference being in size.  You can be lucky and have a healthy pedigree dog or mutt or unlucky and spend thousands on vets fees( though I'm a huge believer in Pet insurance).  If, and when I am asked about the new puppy I will fudge the issue as I think it's a rude question.  I will say that I don't do cheap, I do good value.

[Gayle Miller]

Ha!  Very good point, Jane and I agree. Not even having the pup yet, I have had several people ask me and when I tell them, they look at me as those I am CRAZY...and some even then refering to the fact that if I was a dog lover, I could give a shelter dog a loving home for free!   I think if I'm asked (by people that are not very close to me), I'm going to say something vague...like I'd rather not disclose as it's a personal decision when choosing the breed of dog you wish to own....I'll be interested to see others' comments!

[Chelsea and Bailey]

Although I dont have an Aussie (One day I hope to) Bailey- our F1b still cost a pretty penny and like most people, when others asked I would tell them. And I do hear all the mutterring and whatever else they say and they do make the comment well you could go on petfinder or kijiji/Used Regina and get a "mutt" for much cheaper! Personally they really arent that much cheaper- before finding Baileys breed I looked on there and backyard breeders were selling their "mutts" for 500$ and up! I also had a friend that saved a little chihuahua mix off of petfinder- the dog was in a kill shelter in LA so they flew it to Calgary to a foster family which is where she drove to pick her up and the fees were $500-- for a rescue! Anyways, I guess that wasnt really my point. I agree with you Gayle, it is a personal decision on which dog you choose and whether or not YOU can afford it. Everytime a friend/family member makes a comment I try hard to sluff it off because Bailey is the PERFECT first dog for us, and thats all that matters.

 

On a side note- I hope to one day choose a dog from the local pound, but I know that some of those dogs come with BIG baggage and with Bailey being our first dog we did not think we would have the skills to take in a shelter and help it adapt to its new surroundings.  I think people sometimes forget all of "those" expenses when they make the comment of you could get 10 dogs for the price of your 1!  

 

[Gayle Miller]

Chelsea, thank you for taking the time to comment.  I think we're both on the same page.  I LOVE dogs...there aren't many breeds that I could reject and when I see the commercials on TV by the ASPCA...I could just cry and rush to give them all a good home!  But I also know all to well that some of that baggage can make life with some rescue animals a nightmare.  I have friends who could vouch for that. Again, there are many, many people who have had the good heart to adopt such pets and they make the grandest pets of all.  It's all so personal - and truthfully, the people who balk, etc., are not the animal lovers we are! Otherwise, they would understand and keep such comments to themselves!  You little Bailey is adorable!!  So glad you're enjoying hiim and yes, maybe one day it would be fun to give him a playmate!  I think the same thing!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I would say, "Not nearly as much as he is worth to me."

[Gayle Miller]

GREAT ANSWER!!!!!