Choosing a dog
How much should a healthy puppy cost from a breeder?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
A puppy from a breeder who has fully health tested both parents typically costs 800 to 2,500 EUR (700 to 2,150 GBP), with the range depending heavily on breed, country, and how extensive the testing and rearing process was. A price far below this for a breed known to need significant health testing is a reason to ask more questions, not necessarily to celebrate a bargain.
What the price is actually paying for
The cost reflects the parents' health testing, veterinary care during pregnancy and whelping, vaccinations and microchipping for the litter, and often the first round of worming and a starter kit of food. It also reflects the breeder's time raising the litter properly, socializing them, and being available for support afterward, none of which is free to provide.
Why prices vary so much between litters
Breed rarity, the amount of health testing typical for that breed, and whether the parents have working or show achievements can all push the price up. Geographic differences in vet costs and general cost of living also mean the same breed can carry a noticeably different price across countries.
Reading an unusually low or high price
A price well below the typical range for a breed with known serious health screening requirements often means testing was skipped or minimal. A price well above typical does not automatically mean better quality either, so use price alongside the questions you ask, not as a shortcut on its own.
How the upfront cost can save money later
Paying more for a puppy from thoroughly health tested parents is, in part, paying to reduce the odds of a costly inherited condition appearing years down the line, whether that is joint surgery or ongoing medication. It is reasonable to view the higher purchase price as partly offsetting future veterinary risk, not simply as a higher cost with no return.
Key takeaways
- Health tested puppies typically cost 800 to 2,500 EUR (700 to 2,150 GBP), varying by breed and country.
- The price reflects parent health testing, vet care, and early rearing, not just the puppy itself.
- An unusually low price for a breed needing extensive testing is worth questioning.
- Use price as one signal among several, never as the sole way to judge a breeder.