This is going to be hard to explain without sounding like a for profit person, which i do not agree with...
1. You get what you pay for...and if the breeder is making money on the litter i think they didn't include ALL the costs of the dogs involved including anything routine for caring for the dog up until that litter! But speaking of JUST breeding expenses, sure, it can be done.
2. Being in dogs is a "business" of sorts...now saying that,i don't mean go out to be a money making venture in and of itself. But, a business because your reputation is at stake when you deal with outside people. So, you raise the dogs, you show and train and health test, you are held to standards that average byb's find ridiculous, and yet you accomplish this and then you move on to....finding good homes for your puppies, you charge for your puppies, and you follow up usually for the life of the dog! This to me makes it a business. Now...with that being said, i am in dogs for myself, but can't forget that when i want to place my puppies, i need to have in mind that each placement of each puppy reflects on myself and my breeding program.
So do i think someone should breed solely for money, NO WAY, but when you break it down being in dogs is alot like being in business.
PoodleMommy- Most people see paying 1000's for a puppy as unreasonable because they will have to care and pay to care for the dog through its life. I try to show people that it is AN INVESTMENT. Usually someone that is paying that price for a dog, are going to breeders that show, health test, work their dogs and do amazing research before even considering a breeding, HOPEFULLY saving you ALOT of money in vetcare and other expenses for the life of the dog. It really is amazing how it works out too. Is it always like that, no, there are no guarantees in ANYTHING! But i do understand where people are coming from....a good home should be the most important thing, not the price! (for the breeder)
My basic feeling is this, "I" have put time, effort , blood , sweat and tears into this breeding. "You" as a stranger want a healthy (again no guarantee nothing goes wrong), researched pedigree/breeding, that will hopefully be a household companion for you for years to come. I want to know that YOU are the best home for my puppy, the price is secondary. BUT, if you think that means, FREE or CHEAP, that would be incorrect and is slightly offensive!
Hmmm me thinks i got a tad off topic