Some breeds are more expensive to breed than others. Some routinely require Caesarian sections, the puppies may be difficult to raise, or there may be genetic problems involved in either whelping or in puppy survival.

Some breeds cost more because they are rare. The breeder had to pay a great deal for her original dogs and the stud fees are higher. There are not as many of these dogs available, so they cost more than other breeds.

Some breeds require more investment per puppy than others. In the United States, Dobermans, Boxers, Danes, and others often have their ears and tails cropped before they go to their new homes. Other puppies, such as Collies, Dalmatians, and many others, must have individual exams to check for hearing or vision problems or other hereditary disease before they are placed.

And some breeds have very small litters. It costs nearly as much for a breeder to raise a litter of two as it does a litter of eight.

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