Puppy prices

[Beradogs]

I knew that was coming!

[BiggsyMalone]

Fashion seems to dictate that it HAS to be a French Bulldog, or a Staffy, or some other particular breed. I know some pals here and she's got her heart set on a French Bulldog - it's going to cost the best part of £600 - they don't have a pot to p*ss in, but can't conceive of just getting a rescue dog that'll love them and that they'll be able to give a great life to. Such a shame.

She can add another grand on top of that £600.

[Lovejoy]

We had a white(ish) German Shepherd which we bought in 1989 for £400+vat and he was the most lovely natured dog. I have looked up the prices today and I am gobsmacked that today he would cost £2-2500.

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

The dog I have at the moment is rescued from Romania. There is a big street dog problem over there so they scoop them up and put them in kill centres where the spend months if not years before being killed. The conditions are horrendous. Some wonderful people take them out although how they pick the one or two that will be rescued knowing the rest will be on the way to being put down I have no idea. They are stronger than I could ever be. Anyway, her name is Glenda and she is an absolute joy. I think the total cost was about 100 quid and whatever else you want to donate. They do this all for nothing and in their spare time. The drivers from Romania to here are friends and family. Yes, there are plenty of dogs in the uk that need homes too.

I do wonder about the legitimacy of these operations.

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

Rescue dogs are a great idea and something of a more modern approach. I’m too old to be getting a new dog once my lab Goes but if I did I would get a rescue dog.

But 10 years ago the most important thing was a dog with a clean bill of health, the right jabs etc and a dog with a reputation for having a good temperament around children and other animals. Labradors fit the bill perfectly, our current Lab is our third one. Fantastic dogs. £400. Worth every penny and more besides. Over their lifetime that equates to 50p a week to buy.

Bollocks.

We got ours from Battersea 30 years ago. Rescue dogs is not a modern thing at all.

Why couldn’t you get a rescue 10 years ago but you would now?

[Stamford O]

my mum got a rescue dog also 30 years ago.

[Disoriented]

We had a white(ish) German Shepherd which we bought in 1989 for £400+vat and he was the most lovely natured dog. I have looked up the prices today and I am gobsmacked that today he would cost £2-2500.

My god, for a 31 year old dog!

Imagine what a puppy would cost.

[JimbO]

Don't have a dog cos of our (pre-covid) working life style as it wouldn't be fair on it, got a cat instead.

But when I retire in a few years will almost certainly get a rescue dog.

[Dohnut]

Rescue dogs are a great idea and something of a more modern approach. I’m too old to be getting a new dog once my lab Goes but if I did I would get a rescue dog.

But 10 years ago the most important thing was a dog with a clean bill of health, the right jabs etc and a dog with a reputation for having a good temperament around children and other animals. Labradors fit the bill perfectly, our current Lab is our third one. Fantastic dogs. £400. Worth every penny and more besides. Over their lifetime that equates to 50p a week to buy.

Bollocks.

We got ours from Battersea 30 years ago. Rescue dogs is not a modern thing at all.

Why couldn’t you get a rescue 10 years ago but you would now?

Of course Battersea dogs home has been around for years but the fashion, for want of a better word is more recent. I have a friend who has a Spanish rescue dog. Never heard of that even a few years ago. I’m not talking about the existence of such things, more the trend, accelerated by TV celebs and shows increasing popularity.

The reason why I would now but not them is simple. 10 years ago I had young grandchildren and wanted to be as sure as I could the dog was more likely to be child safe. Labs have a great reputation and our experience shows just how good and patient they are. It’s hard to know for sure how a rescue dog would react. A simple, sensible precaution.

Now the kids are grown up this is no longer an issue.

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

Rescue dogs are a great idea and something of a more modern approach. I’m too old to be getting a new dog once my lab Goes but if I did I would get a rescue dog.

But 10 years ago the most important thing was a dog with a clean bill of health, the right jabs etc and a dog with a reputation for having a good temperament around children and other animals. Labradors fit the bill perfectly, our current Lab is our third one. Fantastic dogs. £400. Worth every penny and more besides. Over their lifetime that equates to 50p a week to buy.

Bollocks.

We got ours from Battersea 30 years ago. Rescue dogs is not a modern thing at all.

Why couldn’t you get a rescue 10 years ago but you would now?

Of course Battersea dogs home has been around for years but the fashion, for want of a better word is more recent. I have a friend who has a Spanish rescue dog. Never heard of that even a few years ago. I’m not talking about the existence of such things, more the trend, accelerated by TV celebs and shows increasing popularity.

The reason why I would now but not them is simple. 10 years ago I had young grandchildren and wanted to be as sure as I could the dog was more likely to be child safe. Labs have a great reputation and our experience shows just how good and patient they are. It’s hard to know for sure how a rescue dog would react. A simple, sensible precaution.

Now the kids are grown up this is no longer an issue.

Rescuing dogs is a fashion/trend? Mate, not all rescue dogs are snarling, savage Staffies with a thirst for children's blood. I understand why people go to these greedy breeders - it's the easy way, you get to choose the nice new shiny puppy, you even get to choose when it arrives. Convenience.

But dog ownership shouldn't be about convenience. That's why so many people who go into it with your sort of attitude end up farming them off to rescue centres.

[HeyO]

Rescue dogs are a great idea and something of a more modern approach. I’m too old to be getting a new dog once my lab Goes but if I did I would get a rescue dog.

But 10 years ago the most important thing was a dog with a clean bill of health, the right jabs etc and a dog with a reputation for having a good temperament around children and other animals. Labradors fit the bill perfectly, our current Lab is our third one. Fantastic dogs. £400. Worth every penny and more besides. Over their lifetime that equates to 50p a week to buy.

Bollocks.

We got ours from Battersea 30 years ago. Rescue dogs is not a modern thing at all.

Why couldn’t you get a rescue 10 years ago but you would now?

Of course Battersea dogs home has been around for years but the fashion, for want of a better word is more recent. I have a friend who has a Spanish rescue dog. Never heard of that even a few years ago. I’m not talking about the existence of such things, more the trend, accelerated by TV celebs and shows increasing popularity.

The reason why I would now but not them is simple. 10 years ago I had young grandchildren and wanted to be as sure as I could the dog was more likely to be child safe. Labs have a great reputation and our experience shows just how good and patient they are. It’s hard to know for sure how a rescue dog would react. A simple, sensible precaution.

Now the kids are grown up this is no longer an issue.

Fashion is recent?

[Dohnut]

Bollocks.

We got ours from Battersea 30 years ago. Rescue dogs is not a modern thing at all.

Why couldn’t you get a rescue 10 years ago but you would now?

Of course Battersea dogs home has been around for years but the fashion, for want of a better word is more recent. I have a friend who has a Spanish rescue dog. Never heard of that even a few years ago. I’m not talking about the existence of such things, more the trend, accelerated by TV celebs and shows increasing popularity.

The reason why I would now but not them is simple. 10 years ago I had young grandchildren and wanted to be as sure as I could the dog was more likely to be child safe. Labs have a great reputation and our experience shows just how good and patient they are. It’s hard to know for sure how a rescue dog would react. A simple, sensible precaution.

Now the kids are grown up this is no longer an issue.

Fashion is recent?

Fashions come and go. New fashions come along. Maybe on-trend is a better term these days. I’m old enough to remember when colour TVs were quite the rage despite Black and White being around for some time. The world evolves.

[Dunners]

To be fair to Prez Biz, I do get the point he's trying to make. While you could certainly get a 'rescue dog' many years ago, the concept just wasn't as prevalent. You were far more likely to get it off someone in the neighbourhood whose bitch had been a bit too loose with her morals. It wasn't even always clear who the father was!

Also, fewer people had their pets neutered, so there were always pups and kittens being offered around for next to nothing. Given this, if you were really concerned about the animal's background and health, I can sort of understand why you'd go to a breeder.

[StillSpike]

I have a very vague recollection of being taken to Club Row animal market to get a new hamster or somesuch when I was very young. You could get all sorts of pets there - puppies, kittens, snakes etc.

Anyone else remember going there?

[Dunners]

I had heard about it, but never went myself. I think it became illegal to sell live animals in the street back in the early 80s, which would have spelt the end for the trade at Club Row.

[StillSpike]

This would have been in the 60s that I was taken. I think we went a few times as it was almost like a trip to the zoo.

[Clive Evans]

Even by the 1960's only small animals and birds were on sale at Club Row. I think even then it was illegal to sell dogs in a street market. But you would get a man at the end of the road with a pup, claiming his Missus wouldn't let him keep it. As soon as it was sold, he was back with another pup. They usually died in a couple of weeks with distemper. I think that was why the practise was disallowed.
The French Bulldogs you see on line usually come from Eastern Europe. Some of the much sought after colours are not recognised by the Club breed and would not be allowed for showing under Kennel Club rules. The Kennel Club is a weak organisation and turns a blind eye to a lot of practises. The Clubs for specific breeds are often much better. The BGV Club for my breed, tell breeders to block Registation for pups unless they are selected breeders. That way a tight grip is kept on what is being bred. My breed is free of all inherited conditions.
It is worth remembering that most dogs are quite pugilistic and need training and socialisation from an early age. Many so-called rescue dogs are sadly lacking in this respect and can be an embarrassment for the new owners, when they eat their neighbour's dog.

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

Your breed?

Are you one of these puppy farmers?

[Clive Evans]

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen. I said earlier I paid £1100 for her 30 months ago. She is not allowed to be bred from. I bought her from the lady who introduced the breed into this country. It is worthwhile dong a lot of research. There are a lot of rogues out there, you could be sold a pup!

[Thor]

redo, you can't just take on a rescue dog. After my previous boxer died of cancer in 2007 I wanted to rescue one as many people don't understand Boxers as they are 100% go all the time and can be destructive if not stimulated or left alone for long periods which most people do do. However, as my son was a baby in arms and my daughter maybe 2/3 they said no cos they can't guarantee its background and the children would have to be like 10 plus in age. So I do get where Doh is coming from.

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

redo, you can't just take on a rescue dog. After my previous boxer died of cancer in 2007 I wanted to rescue one as many people don't understand Boxers as they are 100% go all the time and can be destructive if not stimulated or left alone for long periods which most people do do. However, as my son was a baby in arms and my daughter maybe 2/3 they said no cos they can't guarantee its background and the children would have to be like 10 plus in age. So I do get where Doh is coming from.

I don’t. He doesn’t have kids, it’s not an issue.

We were allowed to take on rescue pups - staffie and lab, ended up with the lab - with a 2 year old child.

You absolutely can take on a rescue pretty much whatever the circumstances, you just have to be patient. Something that the Me Me Now Now types don’t have.

[KC & sunshine band]

Even by the 1960's only small animals and birds were on sale at Club Row. I think even then it was illegal to sell dogs in a street market. But you would get a man at the end of the road with a pup, claiming his Missus wouldn't let him keep it. As soon as it was sold, he was back with another pup. They usually died in a couple of weeks with distemper. I think that was why the practise was disallowed.
The French Bulldogs you see on line usually come from Eastern Europe. Some of the much sought after colours are not recognised by the Club breed and would not be allowed for showing under Kennel Club rules. The Kennel Club is a weak organisation and turns a blind eye to a lot of practises. The Clubs for specific breeds are often much better. The BGV Club for my breed, tell breeders to block Registation for pups unless they are selected breeders. That way a tight grip is kept on what is being bred. My breed is free of all inherited conditions.
It is worth remembering that most dogs are quite pugilistic and need training and socialisation from an early age. Many so-called rescue dogs are sadly lacking in this respect and can be an embarrassment for the new owners, when they eat their neighbour's dog.

club row was excellent - we bought a beautiful long necked dotted retriever she was amazing
five years later we could not get her in the house - the vet said she was a giraffe

[Nad2008]

The dog I have at the moment is rescued from Romania. There is a big street dog problem over there so they scoop them up and put them in kill centres where the spend months if not years before being killed. The conditions are horrendous. Some wonderful people take them out although how they pick the one or two that will be rescued knowing the rest will be on the way to being put down I have no idea. They are stronger than I could ever be. Anyway, her name is Glenda and she is an absolute joy. I think the total cost was about 100 quid and whatever else you want to donate. They do this all for nothing and in their spare time. The drivers from Romania to here are friends and family. Yes, there are plenty of dogs in the uk that need homes too.

We adopted a street dog from Cyprus who had been captured. He is a right monkey and a mangle job, got multiple different breeds in him. Mrs paid for a DNA test but I can't remember all of the breeds. He is very loving and loyal, and we often ask if he thinks he likes it here. He is so loved.

[Dohnut]

Bollocks.

We got ours from Battersea 30 years ago. Rescue dogs is not a modern thing at all.

Why couldn’t you get a rescue 10 years ago but you would now?

Of course Battersea dogs home has been around for years but the fashion, for want of a better word is more recent. I have a friend who has a Spanish rescue dog. Never heard of that even a few years ago. I’m not talking about the existence of such things, more the trend, accelerated by TV celebs and shows increasing popularity.

The reason why I would now but not them is simple. 10 years ago I had young grandchildren and wanted to be as sure as I could the dog was more likely to be child safe. Labs have a great reputation and our experience shows just how good and patient they are. It’s hard to know for sure how a rescue dog would react. A simple, sensible precaution.

Now the kids are grown up this is no longer an issue.

Rescuing dogs is a fashion/trend? Mate, not all rescue dogs are snarling, savage Staffies with a thirst for children's blood. I understand why people go to these greedy breeders - it's the easy way, you get to choose the nice new shiny puppy, you even get to choose when it arrives. Convenience.

But dog ownership shouldn't be about convenience. That's why so many people who go into it with your sort of attitude end up farming them off to rescue centres.

Not very nice comment about people with my attitude farming dogs out.

To consider what dogs are appropriate around children is very sensible. Google it for a list. It’s there for a reason. You may also want to read about rescue dogs around children and the uncertainty of how they may react.

[slacker]

Our Choccie Lab is getting on a bit now, but those new prices are bonkers. We paid £200 11 years ago to a family that let their pet bitch have 1 litter rather than a scummy breeder, but even so I remember they were “only” asking 4 to 500 back then.

Anyways, next hound will be a rescue job. Puppies are cute but we can’t be bothered with the training, chewing and other nonsense next time.