Advice on cost of Springer Spaniel?

Rachel021967

There is an adverisement at our local vets advertising a pedigree Springer Spaniel, that has had all of its innoculation and has been microchipped. There was no price given on the advert. Roughly how much would a Springer cost? Also we have well pampered cats. They like to be cuddled like a baby and they like the centre of attention.

pawsies

An arm and a leg because they'll pull it off


Joking aside you're better off meeting the dog and seeing it's temperament for yourself, preferably in the home and on a walk to see if you think it's right for you.
I would estimate a dog that is advertised in the vets could go between £50-200.

Also research the breed carefully. The first line was a joke but could become reality with an under-stimulated dog

krlyr

To be cynical, I would not just be factoring in the purchase price here but the lifetime costs of a dog that's parents may not have had the appropriate health tests or homework done into its lineage. Is the dog being advertised by an individual or a breeder? I would be wary of the former - a reputable breeder should take back any pup they bred if the owner experienced problems in the future, they take responsibility for any dog they breed for life. If it has come from a less reputable breeder then the health tests etc. may not have been performed. The breed is prone to problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and retinal dysplasia, Phosphofructokinase deficiency, autoimmune disorders to name some. There is also the controversial Springer Rage syndrome - I am no expert as it's not a breed I have had any experience in but I've heard things like it being a former of epilepsy perhaps, but not something I'd want to deal with personally either way, and especially not with other animals in the house (easy enough to watch for warning signs and avoid a dog at times, harder to convince cats to do it!).
If you're interested in the breed I'd suggest doing lots of research, attending some shows where you can meet the breed, speak to various breeders, perhaps approach breed rescues, etc. and go from there. I'm certainly not against buying a dog but I think it needs to be one of the most careful purchases of your life - afterall, it could be a 10-15 year commitment and unlike a faulty car, a dog with health issues can be a source of a whole lot more heartbreak. Believe me, I've been there, with a pup from a BYB - I suppose I am grateful that I didn't support the breeder by buying her myself but that was of no real comfort when I was standing in the consult room at the vet as she was euthanised aged just 4 years old because she was crippled with hip dysplasia and wracked with too many behavioural issues from poor breeding and being sold far too young to deal with the necessary vet care for hip replacements or any other treatment.

gettingready

some insight into costs

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3834363

Fire_Fox

Is the dog cat friendly, are you sure the owners are telling the truth? Do you know anything about his pedigree and his parents' health checks? Are you going to be given FULL access to the veterinary records? If you want a pedigree IMO go to the breed club or breed rescue. Would you adopt a child from an advert in the doctor's surgery or would you expect to go through a screening and matching process?

hethmar

Try asking the vet staff, they would have okayed the advert and probably know the dog.

Rachel021967

Thanks for your advice. I will do my homework before buying a dog.