I am soon to be a first-time puppy parent. I've worked hard to find a breeder I love, and I think I've found the one. Both Dam and Sire come from very loving, very attentive families.

My only hesitation is they are asking quite a bit more than any other breeder in my area, 25% greater than the median and double that of multiple other nearby breeders for the same breed. The pups aren't even due for a couple weeks, and I believe I'm the first person to show this much interest. The breeder expressed their pricing is based on last year's "pandemic surge," and most of their pups were adopted quickly out across the U.S. when she was able to list them on the AKC website.

Before placing my deposit I'm considering asking the breeder if she later needs to drop the asking price for the rest of the litter, would she be willing to do the same for me? Would any of you find that question rude, or would you understand I'm just hoping to adopt on the same terms as the rest of the litter?

Additionally, would any you suggest any uncommon questions about an expensive litter?