Every Australian family knows the feeling that comes with the idea of getting a dog for the home. The kids are excited beyond comprehension to get a puppy. However, when searching for a dog online, there are several breeders out there advertising Cavoodles and French Bulldogs at a few hundred dollars less than the registered breeders. The breeders are even willing to meet you up at a carpark on the weekend. What could go wrong?

Well, there’s something else you need to know before you purchase this seemingly-bargain-priced puppy. The cost of ownership of these puppies could end up costing your family thousands of dollars more than if you had purchased a dog from a registered breeder. This heartache is priceless (and not in a good way).

Find out what you’re paying for when you purchase a dog from a registered breeder and why there is almost always more to the story when trying to save a few hundred dollars upfront for your puppy.

The "cheap" puppy myth

Sellers who are unregistered, whether they are breeding dogs in their backyard or outright puppy farms advertise for puppies at lower prices. While this is attractive to buyers who are looking to affordably purchase puppies, the lower prices typically come at the cost of the overall health and wellbeing of the dog.

The RSPCA states that backyard breeding is the irresponsible breeding of animals under inadequate conditions, leading to health issues for the puppies born from these breeders. Puppy farms typically provide inadequate nutrition, expose them to diseases, parasites, cause behavioural problems, and produce genetic abnormalities in the dog breed. Thus, not only are the puppies at risk, but the buyer’s budget is placed in jeopardy as well.

"Puppies bought from a breeder will vary dramatically in cost due to various factors. Many breeders who are unlicensed or carry out unethical breeding practices will sell puppies at a lower cost — but this is almost always at the expense of a puppy's health."

Those health issues don't just cause suffering. They cause bills. Big ones.

$10,338

The highest single claim for broken limb surgery in a recent PetSecure report. Without pet insurance — and without a healthy dog to start with — bills like these land without warning.

What health issues actually cost Australian families

Because of the genetics of dogs from puppy farms and breeders, their parents were never screened for any genetic conditions. Many dog breeds are genetically predisposed to conditions like hip dysplasia, skin issues, respiratory problems, and heart issues. Responsible breeders will test their dogs for these genetic conditions before breeding them. Unregistered sellers of puppies will not.

The financial reality adds up quickly:

Unregistered Breeder: Potential Extra Costs

• Emergency vet visits: $500–$3,000+
• Genetic condition surgery: $2,000–$10,000+
• Ongoing medication: $1,200–$3,600/yr
• Behavioural training (trauma): $500–$2,000
• No microchip/vaccination included: $250–$400 extra

Registered Breeder: Typically Included

• First vaccinations: Included
• Microchipping: Included
• Worming & flea treatment: Included
• Health screening (parents): Included
• Breeder support & health guarantees: Often provided

When you consider all of the factors in the purchase price of a registered dog compared to the cost of an unregistered dog, including the potential for major medical bills, it becomes evident that the seemingly cheaper dog ultimately costs more overall.

The emotional cost no one talks about

That’s just one part of the story. The other part is what happens to the family when things go wrong.

How would you tell your kids why the puppy you’ve had for six months needs surgery? Why the dog you love so much has a heart condition that will shorten her life? Why the dog you brought home is so anxious and traumatised from being neglected since when it was a puppy that it will bite or can’t be left alone?

"Dogs from puppy farms can experience a range of long-term behavioural problems and health issues as a result of inadequate care, socialisation and living conditions."

These are not rare instances. They are the documented outcomes of irresponsible breeding. Responsible breeders invest significantly in socialising their puppies from birth. They expose them to various sounds, other animals, and humans to ensure that they integrate well into their future environments. It is a gift that dogs give to their owners that lasts for the 10 to 15 years that they are a part of the family.

What does "registered" actually mean?

Now this becomes important as the language around dog selling is often confusing. Many unscrupulous dog sellers will refer to themselves as registered breeders - however, what they usually mean is that they have a registered business.

True registered breeders in Australia are members of their state body of the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) or a nationally recognised group such as Responsible Pet Breeders Australia. Such breeders:

• Abide by a strict code of ethics on animal care and breeding practices
• Health test parent dogs for known breed-specific genetic conditions before breeding
• Ensure puppies are properly socialised before leaving for their new homes
• Provide accurate breed history and documentation
• Never sell puppies to pet shops
• Will invite you to see where the puppies were born and meet the parents
• Will ask you questions to ensure their puppy is going to the right home
• Offer ongoing support and advice after the puppy goes home

That last point is one first-time dog owners really appreciate. A registered breeder isn't just selling you a dog — they become a resource for the life of your pet.

Red flags that should make you walk away

The RSPCA's advice is clear: never purchase a dog sight-unseen or from someone who won't let you visit where the puppy was bred and meet its parents. Here are the warning signs every Australian family should know:

• The seller wants to meet you at a carpark, shopping centre, or neutral location
• You can't visit the property or see where the dogs live
• The puppy isn't microchipped (in most Australian states, this is compulsory)
• The seller can't show you the puppy's parents or their health records
• Multiple breeds are available "on demand" at all times
• The seller uses terms like "family breeder" or "hobby breeder" but won't provide documentation
• There's pressure to buy quickly or pay a deposit upfront before you've visited
• The price seems unusually low for the breed

The bottom line for Australian families

While the cost of a puppy from a registered breeder may be higher, Australian puppy owners are not just purchasing a dog. They are purchasing health testing, socialisation, vaccinations, microchipping, and the peace of mind that comes with having a dog from a registered breeder.

The average cost to Australian families for puppies during their first year is between $2,000 and $7,000. This cost does not include the cost of supplies, veterinary visits, food, and registration. Thus, the price of puppies from registered breeders versus unregistered sellers is much less costly and the risks are much greater when choosing unregistered puppy sellers.

Reputable registered breeders do not sell their litters to pet shops. If a pet shop tells you their puppy comes from a "registered breeder," ask for the ANKC membership details. They may not be able to provide them.