Cost of a Puppy- India

Wag Wiki, last updated 09th, Sep 2021, Rana Atheya

During my dog world experience I have met several new dog enthusiast and one of the endless important question is Cost of a Puppy. Recently I have been advising some one on how much a Labrador or German Shepherd may cost. I told them the Lab may cost any where between 3.5k to may be 50k breed in India puppy, you may expect the cost to be higher if you are getting the puppy from abroad. Strange isn’t? (For the new comers). The next question is why such a big range for same breed??

The cost of the puppy depends on the parentage and pedigree. Here is the list of various variable influencing the cost of a puppy: ( How to train a dog )

If the puppy is registered with kennel club of India the cost will be higher.
If the parents or the pedigree showing in registration papers are champion the cost will be even higher.
If the puppies from previous litter have been performing good in national shows the cost will rise.
If you are buying from a reputed breeder and if he is promising about the quality, the price can go up.

Source: anniemany.com

But speaking practically a good Labrador with out papers shall cost around 5k in the market. (Can be plus minus 1.5k depending on the health). Sometimes Male puppies are costlier than female puppies. This Quality can be classified as PET QUALITY

A champion bloodline puppy shall cost around 10k with papers and KCI microchiped. This Quality is SHOW QUALITY

Champion bloodlines pick of the litter, with amazing health, type and imported linage puppy shall cost around 20-25K. This Quality is Show Winning Quality

40-45 k can be asked for a out standing 3 month old puppy which the breeder is sure will make you proud in KCI shows and can compete for Dog Of the Year Prize

To a layman who is new to dog game how does it matter to spend more money?? Over a period of time keeping and managing all sorts of puppies I have personally realized the well pedigreed puppies are easy to maintain and keep. This is with logic behind. Pedigreed puppies are breed to behavior, which means they are true to the breed's distinct behavior. This means easy to train, easy to keep.

Prices Given here are examples for showing comparative scenario.

Comments

Hi Shweta, Many thanks for appreciating this article.
answering your questions:
1. Which Breed: I am a GSD lover my self but as I stay in an apartment I cannot afford to keep one- because of space constraints. We have a pair of Lhasa Apso now. All these three breeds you have mentioned are high energy breeds, Labrador Needs lot of excercise. Would say Golden Retrievers are a little more docile than other two.
2. Should not keep a dog if you will be leaving your dog alone for long hours on daily basis. The dog may get in to depression and un-correct behavior. solution: Either you should have some one to take care of your dog in your absence- or keep two dogs, they can play with each other in Human absence.

I believe you have thought through about above two points- Only thing remaining is Where to buy? once you decide about the breed you shoud find Realy reputed breedes of that breed, I personally would not advise to buy from a pet shop, go directly to the person who has got the puppy delivered from their own dog- in this case you will be able to see the mother and the sire of the puppy.

Regards
Rana

By: Rana Atheya | 13 Jan 2009

Hi Rana_vr1

Very Good article. I have decided to get a dog in my life finally. I think I am ready for it. I atleast hope so. But, I have similar issues like Shweta ... But I really love dogs and ALWAYS wanted to have them in my home.

I have decided to have a Labrador. Do Labradors really need lots of exercise? And is an apartment really small for a Labrador to get bored and depressed. And by apartment how small/big are you talking about? - 1200 sft, 1800 sft or 2400 sft? Even a 2400 sft would be small for a Lab?

Basically I am looking for a dog which

1) Does NOT have too much hairy fur falling over the place
2) Friendly and sharp, yet loyal to the master(s)
3) Which would provide some sort of security to my wife at home
4) Not needing too much exercise - Actually if dogs can be trained to a treadmill, then I am Ok having a dog needing good amount of exercise

Could you guide me which dog which suit me the best. My personality is friendly, active, adventurous, a little bit aggressive too

Thank you

You can even email me at gmail. if you wish so.

By: Pavan Kumar | 28 Jan 2009

I will find out some reputed breeders in Bangalore and will let you know. I will not discourage you keeping a Labrador (its a lovely breed) however you may consider Golden Retriever or Beagle.
Golden Retriever is one of the Favorite Breeds across the globe. Beagle is a small/medium sized dog with little less maintenance.

By: Rana Atheya | 29 Jan 2009

Thanks for the quick reply. I will wait for you contacts and only then I would proceed further with my search :)

By: Pavan Kumar | 29 Jan 2009

Hii,
Your article was really really helpful as I am looking for a pup. I first decided to go for a labrador, but I wont mind having a german shephard.
Can you suggest which one will require less excercise?
Is it ok to buy a GSD pup without papers?

By: Runni | 06 Mar 2009

Retina..NEVER buy any pups from a pet shop or broker or puppy mill as the pedigree and health willl never be sure. And in end it will be an expensive for you. Always buy a pup from a good breeder. By buying a pup from broker/puppy mill you are indirectly helping them produce more puppies of unknown health and pedigree. Only if you avoid buying from them, then only you can see quality of dogs coming up in future.

By: Anil @ DoggiesDude | 06 Mar 2009

1. Between GSD and LAB listen to your heart
2. agree with DoggiesDude- buy from a reputed breeder and with papers

By: Rana Atheya | 06 Mar 2009

I assume he meant breed personalities.

By: Anil @ DoggiesDude | 19 May 2009

Agreed @DoggiesDude

By: Rana Atheya | 19 May 2009

I a looking for a saint bernard puppy. Can you please help me in budgeting the estimated cost and the best place in Kolkata?
I also have a 5 yr German Shepherd dog and was wondering if both of them will fit well together.

By: Animesh | 13 Jul 2009

hii...thnks aton for such a thorough description of the cost of pups...really a gr8 job.
I am looking for a GSD puppy. Can you please help me in budgeting the estimated cost and the best place in Orissa and i want it to be champion bloodline, kci registerd and microchipped.
I currently have a 5 yr German Shepherd bitch and was will dere be any problem between both of them???

By: deepak | 20 Aug 2009

hi.. i am lookin for a bullmastiff puppy which shud b genuine, registered with kci and from champion bloodlines and everything that a good dog shud have....can u plz refer me wher can i get one near dehradun???and wat will b approx cost??

By: chintamani | 17 Oct 2009

Dear Mr Rana,
I have a KCI REGD Champion golden retriever female name Janhvi ( Nutty ). She has delivered eight puppies. They are very much healthy. They all are genuine in pedigree as both the parents are champion, perfect golden in colour and registered with KCI and even the sire has won best of the breed. We want to sell the puppies for good caring homes. Please guide us.

By: rajshree apte | 29 Nov 2010

Hi Rana,

That was a very nice post. I am looking for a Golden Retreiver pup. Chose that over a Lab, as I heard that they are generally less energetic compared to a Lab. I am a first time dog owner, and I would be grateful if you can tell me how much does it cost and any reputed breeder in Kerala. Thank you in advance.

By: Vinu | 20 Dec 2010

Hii.
this is really a goldmine of information of Different breed,
Iam bringing home a Boxer Puppy shortly, kindly shed some info on how to identify about some characteristics of a good Boxer, Ive seen both the mother and Sire of the pupps both are well trained and behaved, But unfortunately both are not KCI registered,

regards

santosh

By: Santosh | 18 Jan 2011

Hii Rana..,
I really need your help...i am 17 and i am going to get my dog soon...but the problem im facin is that even though i cant call my house small..its medium sized..but the furniture etc is very low...as in it does not rise much off the ground...so can i get a labrodor? I really want to get one because i am that kind of person who loves to play with dogs...run around with them..and another thing is that both my parents are working and i have got another year of school...so i wont be there to take care of the dog..please could you help me..if not a lab den which breed should i go for?

By: Kunaal Geraa | 28 Jan 2011

Now our golden retriever puppies are grown to three months old. Four of them we sold. Now four are with us. We want to keep all of them, but if we sell two female puppies out of them. So we could take good care of rest two puppies. You can view their photographs on royalgoldens apte on facebook. - Rajshree

By: rajshree apte | 04 Feb 2011

Dear All,
I see that most of you want a dog that is a good companion, easy to maintain(i.e. less hair fall) and for security also. I'm surprised that no one considered a Doberman. Doberman is the Dog which I would say is the complete dog which will be a good companion, good watchdog and protection dog, easy to maintain and can play games very well. Doberman does need exercise regularly(minimum 30 mins daily). You can get a good puppy with kci certificate in the price range of 8500 to 15000 itself.

By: Jefferson | 18 Apr 2011

Hi,

I am a fan of the canine family and wish to own a Miniature Schnauzer. I have researched about this one's temperament and shedding characteristics. However i am clueless of where i may find a pure breed pup. Also could you please help me with the price the pup may fetch? I am from Mumbai.

Thanks.

By: Lourdes | 14 Aug 2011

@Lourdes: Contact these people. The prices will be high. Miniature Schnauzer

By: Jefferson | 14 Aug 2011

Hi,

Good info ! Was just wandering.....are imported dogs from Bangkok like Yorkie, Shi tzu etc safe to buy?
Are pups which are KCI registered a safer bet?

By: DS | 05 Oct 2011

good article.. novice pet owners should not fall for any person saying the pups are from so and so bloodline, rather must visit dog shows to actually see what breed standard and type is all about and also visit atleast five litters before finalising a puppy... also take an opinion from a trusted veterinary doctor before finalising your purchase.

By: vinay v yadav | 12 Oct 2011

Hello Rana..I am really great full to you, for your article.. But I cant afford too much price,,but I really Love Doggy..Can I get a Healthy Labrador pups at Rs.4000???

By: Zugal J | 15 Apr 2012

hi wanted to know about rottweiler's price,availability ,also what traits to look out for or how to pic the perfect rottie ,im sooooo obsessed by them love the breed,from what i know its not for a novice dog owner ,which i'm nt .ive had dogs earlier .i'm getting a mixed breed to brush my skills on dog handling i'm patient ,persevering and a type A personality,most people advice us to not get one .but damn i'm headstrong i will get one soon .....so guys feedback plzz.....we've been told women cant handle rotties (is it true-i dont think so),also i dont believe rotties are vicious . so please enlighten me ....

By: shreshtha | 25 Apr 2012

wat does a champion bloodline mean? if a puppy's grand sire is a champion... is it a champ bloodline? pls rply

By: Barath Kumar M | 16 May 2012

Hi guys,Just a few months back I was also hell confused where to buy pup from. although I was pretty sure about the breed to go for. I inquired about Labrador pup prices which left me so confused as it started from around 3k to 20k for a female pup. I ended up buying from thedoghouse.in ( Rahul ) and believe me people the pup I have is one of the healthiest I have ever seen. Very active and very shiny coat.

By: Yuvraj Rana | 13 Jan 2013

Hey I read your article and it was quite useful , yea so..how much would a lab cost with papers and the chip and a normal one not a champ dog..,how much would the maintanence cost and I leave around morning 7:30 and come back only at 6:30 so is it ok to leave the dog at home?? Max for 2-3 hrs it might have to be alone after that my dad would be home and my house is 1800sq.ft. So. Would a lab be appropriate or should I go for anyother breed I need a friendly dog...so please help me out-thank you

By: Sujeeth Jaideep | 29 Aug 2013

i want a black lab i

By: santosh | 25 Dec 2013

Hi,Thanks for your all articles which vary useful to new joiner like me. I have two kids of age group 8

By: Anil | 22 Jan 2014

hi i want to buy a small breed pup , which one will be better ... i stay in a apartment and i am having already black pom .... plz suggest small dog breeds which i can buy .... i am from raipur , chhattisgarh ... thank you

By: Gautam Peri | 18 Mar 2014

Beagles would be one option to buy if are looking for small (Toy) breeds.@ Mr.Gautama.Hi I am too a dog lover like you all and I would like to share a news with all of you my pet has delivered pupps Ooh I forgot to mention that I have a female Labrador Retriver. if any body interested in owning a female Labrador Retriver pup in pune can mail me at Smail..Thank you all..

By: Sumedh Chowdhary | 11 May 2014

About the Author

I have a Golden Retriever called Bella. I have always lived with pets since I was born. My father was a professor in veterinary sciences. I write to share my experience of pet keeping.