Sadly, a significant number of would-be puppy owners are not as informed about their new purchase as they could be. Many take the view that a "puppy is a puppy" and higher priced pups are being sold because the breeder is greedy and not because their puppies have been well reared and cared for to higher standards than pups that cost significantly less.

Rearing puppies to high standards costs more than those reared to less exacting standards and naturally, this increased cost will be reflected in the price of a puppy. Generally speaking, the maxim of "you get what you pay for" still applies. 

Good quality puppies from responsible breeders will generally cost a little more than puppies from less reputable or less experienced breeders. The average cost of a well cared for and appropriately reared puppy generally amounts to the sale price or indeed more - there is no profit to be made by puppy sales!

The purchase price of a puppy should not be a priority and therefore should not be the main deciding factor; however, price is often used as a benchmark with people frequently choosing to save a few pounds by purchasing a less expensive puppy. Would-be owners should also consider the day-to-day costs of keeping a dog, for a guide to this visit our Cost of Dog Ownership page.

Clearly, if your budget is tight the cost of a puppy will be important; however it might be prudent for would-be owners to hold back from buying a puppy until they have saved a little more rather then purchase a cheaper puppy.

The cost of cocker puppies does vary, (currently the cost from a reputable and knowledgeable breeder is approximately £750.00 - £900). Price variations are generally regional. In certain parts of the country, veterinary bills and general expenses are less than in others and therefore the price of puppies reflect these external factors.

However, when deciding to buy a puppy, would-be buyers should look at all aspects of their purchase rather than choose on price alone: -

• are the puppy's parents fully health screened for hereditary diseases?
• are the parents healthy, sociable and friendly?
• has the breeder cared for the pups well?
• is the puppy's living environment clean and stimulating?
• are the pups healthy, socialised and happy?
• are the puppies receiving a good quality diet?
• are the pups wormed regularly and vet checked prior to leaving for their new homes?
• will the breeder support the buyer for the lifetime of the dog?

Would-be puppy buyers should note that rearing puppies well is expensive (very expensive). Often the small initial saving made by purchasing a less expensive puppy can prove to be a false economy. If breeders are able to sell their pups for less than the “going rate” then you can be fairly sure economies have been made, if these economies relate to the parent's or puppies welfare, health or health testing then it's possible your new family member will cost you more in vets bills than their purchase price.

There is also the emotional aspect to consider. Once you have your pup home with you he should become part of your family, if he has behavioural problems, or if he becomes ill or in worst case scenarios he dies you will understandably find this difficult to cope with and distressing.

Please remember, that whilst you may pay a little more for a well bred, healthy and well cared for puppy, this extra cost is nothing compared to the amount you may find yourself paying in terms of vet bills and emotional upset should you purchase a cheaper puppy from a poor or inexperienced breeder.