I completely agree with Margo. There is really big difference between wolfdogs in "the West" and in "the East". And the price is just a little thing, when compared to the quality and characters of the wolfdogs from different places!
If you want a wolfdog just as a companion, then you probably do not care much, from where you get your dog. But if you want to start to breed or get a quality dog, then it would be only normal to search in the countries of origin.
I find it quite normal. If I want quality English bulldog, I probably import one from England. If I want a quality wolfdog (both in look and character, which is very important), I go get it in the countries of origin too, ie Czech Republic or Slovakia.
Myself, I just made over 1400 km to Slovakia to get me puppy from a good litter, because I want to have good wolfdog with excellent character and perspective new breeding female. And the costs all over were pretty much the same as if I would buy puppy in "the West". Just the quality could be very different.
Because wolfdogs are close to wolves, they require proper socialisation and training to grow up in a fine, stable character and self-confident dogs. Part of that work starts already at the kennel and the breeder himself is responsible for a good life start of the puppy. He has to pay lot of attention to the puppies, pet them, play with them etc. And that is possible only if he has time and will to do that. My opinion is, that the kennels that appear more like "puppy factories" with dozens of wolfdogs at their yard, simply can´t do this properly. Ending up with a shy scared puppy is the last thing, you want, since it is lots of troubles, nerves and usually also additional costs (broken things, harmed people or dogs etc).
So I´d suggest, more then to the price, pay your attention to choosing the right kennel and right puppy.
Mirka
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