Want to buy a dog but can’t pay $8000? This could be the solution for you

DogsSA says there’s no reason for people to be paying the current high prices for “designer” puppies.

The COVID-19 puppy craze has pushed prices for some designer dogs up to $8000 – but breeders say there is a cheaper alternative.

Waiting lists now stretch to 18 months for popular crossbreeds, such as labradoodles and cavoodles.

But DogsSA president Brian Parker said most purebred dog breeders had only increased their prices by $100 or $200.

“Purebred dog prices have gone up marginally but not to the extent that the designer breeds have gone up,” he said.

“Most of our breeders don’t breed for the pet market, they breed because they need one dog (for showing) and they will sell the others to help pay for that breeding.

“My Siberian Huskies have gone from $1700 to $1800 during COVID, for example.”

Mr Parker said designer dogs were the latest fad.

“It has also happened with purebreds in the past. When the movie Snow Dogs came out, there was no way I could have bred enough huskies for the demand, when Turner and Hooch came out the Dogue De Bordeaux was all the rage,’’ he said.

“When COVID-19 hit, there was already high demand for poodle-cross dogs and they can’t keep up.”

The Sunday Mail contacted designer dog breeders but none wished to comment.

Georgia McConnell with her nine-week-old Australian Shepherd, Eddy. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Georgia McConnell said she waited 18 months for her puppy Eddy, an Australian Shepherd, which can sell for $4000.

“We were really lucky because the breeder had us on the waiting list and … I texted them on the actual day he was born,’’ she said.

Animal Welfare League’s Dr Julie Bellamy said adoption was a good lower-cost option.

“We’ve seen more South Australians interested in adopting pets,’’ she said. “Last year, we rehomed 3459 cats and dogs into loving homes. Adopting gives a pet in need their second chance.”

She said dogs were desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, and health-checked and cost. $300 to adopt. Visit awl.org.au.