Mans Best Friend has hit the big time, with some breeds now costing more than $2000. Pedigree or "designer dog" can easily cost $1000, with the rarer breeds in big demand. Waiting time can be more than 12 months. Pet Industry of Australia chief executive officer Colin Bransgrove said the huge outlay "took the spontaneity out of buying a dog".

 

"With the higher costs of buying a puppy and maintaining a puppy, it's a serious financial decision now," he said it's a significant investment." While private breeders can charge top dollar, even pet shop customers would need to pay $400-$900 for a pup. Breeder Wendy Clark, of Springvalley Labradoodles at Elimbah, north of Brisbane, sells puppies for $1300-$1500.

 

Her latest litter of seven dogs is expected to be snapped up quickly. "One has already got a home, so I expect within the next two weeks they'll all be sold," she said. Canine Council of Queensland spokeswomen Georgina Golle, said that in general , pedigree dogs were fairly expensive because of the puppy-care. "I know some pedigrees ask in excess of $2000, she said. "There's a small gene pool in Australia and if they're sort after, that brings up the price."