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In the United States, whippet puppies range from about $600 to $1500, higher in some areas and a bit lower in others. We charge $950 for ours, but refund $100 on proof of spay or neuter.There's no difference in our price between pet and show, male and female. All of them have received the same care and attention, regardless of their potential as show or performance dogs. (See our sections On Raising Puppies and On Selling Dogs)
Our price reflects the costs of annual genetic health screening for our dogs, including cardiac (echocardiogram), hearing, and vision testing by veterinarians certified in those specialties, as well as thyroid screening and thorough pre-breeding exams with bloodwork and tests for brucellosis (a serious disease which is usually spread by sexual contact).
Even the ones we are not currently breeding (which is most of them, since we have only one or two litters a year) get these health checks. Since all of our dogs are related, a problem in one might mean a future problem in others. If the male we want to use for a particular breeding has not had these tests and his owner can't or won't have the testing done, we pick him up, take him to the vet school and pay for the tests ourselves. Sometimes that means we pay for tests for a dog we don't end up using because he doesn't pass the screening, but that's okay. This is important enough to us that we're willing to take that risk.
Our primary goal in breeding is to preserve the genetic health and sound temperaments this breed is known for, and we do everything in our power to insure our puppies' health. Each puppy receives a thorough veterinary exam before leaving us, and we have a 100% refund guarantee for 30 days after purchase.
In fact, an owner returning a dog to us at any time during its life--whether a year or 12 years after purchase--will receive a minimum of 20% of the purchase price as a refund. We refund 100% for the first month, 90% of the purchase price the second month, 80% the third month, and so on, down to 20%. We always refund 20%, regardless of the dog's condition or the reason he is being returned. We know that life takes dips and turns no one expects and that sometimes the best or only option is to return a dog to the breeder. We never question that decision and never pass judgement on anyone who decides for, whatever reason, the puppy or dog is simply not working out in the current situation.
Whippets who do things with their owners bond more closely and make better pets. To encourage new owners to get involved with their pups, we offer the following rebates. We'd love to eventually refund your entire purchase price!
Puppy kindergarten $25
STAR Puppy $25
Canine Good Citizen $25
Obedience class $25 each course
Therapy dog certification $25
Agility or flyball class $25 each course
Agility titles $50 each title
Coursing or racing titles $50 each title
AKC/UKC Obedience title $100
*UKC conformation champion $25
*UKC conformation grand champion $100
*AKC conformation CH $100
*Neutered or spayed whippets are not eligible to compete in conformation competition. They are fully eligible for all other titles.
Due to harrassment from animal rights groups, we no longer have our contract online, but we're happy to send it to prospective puppy owners. Just drop us an email.
Puppies leave us with vaccinations current, no parasites, and in good health. And they go with a puppy kit that includes a leash and collar, blanket, toys, health record, pedigree, registration papers, books on whippets and training/puppy rearing, baby pictures, food for a few days, a clean-up kit in case of carsickness, information on housetraining, the first night, crate training, and lots more. We consider our puppy/dog owners to be family and like to stay in touch with all of them...the amount is up to the owner. Some we talk to weekly or monthly, others we hear from only once or twice a year.
We don't actively look for show homes, and actually prefer pet homes...so our focus is on producing beautiful, typey pets with the best health and temperaments we can. We spend a great deal of time in "owner support" and are happy to help solve any problems you have with your new puppy. We have an active email list for our owners to exchange stories and pictures, ask questions, and share solutions. We also have an annual reunion in Maryland or Virginia which is more fun every year!
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