How Much is that Doggie in the Window? Can you afford a Dog?

How Much Is That Doggie In The Window? The Surprising Economics Of Purchasing A Purebred Puppy.

The song got it right.  As much as dog lovers melt over a cute, cuddly puppy, when it comes time to actually buy a dog, price sensitivity enters into it. [...] 

In a recent, very popular post about the Westminster Dog show, I talked about getting my now-three-year-old golden retriever Tessie. As we shopped for a breeder, I discovered that Golden puppies ranged in price from around $500 for a dog from a backyard breeder or a pet store to upwards of $3,000 for a show quality pup from a top breeder.

I’ll admit now that price was a very important parameter back then. I will also admit now, that while we made an amazingly great choice, I was also really stupid.

Here’s the truth in one sentence: The initial purchase price of a dog is a drop in the bucket compared to the other expenses of dog ownership. [...]

CLICK HERE to read the whole FORBES article by Allen St. John, on the money and dog sense of buying a Purebred Golden Retriever (or other breed) who's been bred responsibly verse just any dogs that have been bred without thought of Health Clearances, Dogs' Temperament, Socialization, Ability, or Confirmation. 

PLEASE NOTE: All Devota's Goldens Dogs have had their Hips, Elbows, and Hearts checked and certified by the OFA prior to breeding them.  We do the best we can to ensure we are improving the Golden Retriever breed with our program.