

Some working dogs will come pre-trained by their breeders, and in many cases, you’re paying for the quality of the training as much as the dog itself. However, a premium dog that comes from pristine bloodlines can be incredibly expensive, and that’s where you’ll find some of the outrageous prices indicated above. This is only important if you plan to breed or show the animal, as it does nothing to affect their suitability as a pet. This is one of the reasons why English Bulldogs are so expensive.Īnother huge factor in the price is the animal’s bloodline. If the breed is especially popular, though, it may drive the costs up accordingly, as the breeder knows they’ll find a buyer for all their pups. It’s much easier to find a cheap purebred Labrador than an Otterhound, for example. If you just want a dog for a pet, then your costs will largely depend on how common the breed is. That’s because there are lots of different dog types out there, as well as lots of different bloodlines. The range above may seem incredibly wide, and it certainly is, with a dog costing between $200 to over $10,000. You’ll also likely have to jump through more hoops, including interviews and in-home visits, as these groups usually do lots of background checks to ensure their dogs go to suitable homes. This is because they need to offset all of their expenses, as rescuing dogs is an expensive calling. If you’re adopting from a rescue group, the fees may go up. Also, most pounds provide important medical services like spaying and neutering, which can save you hundreds of dollars if you had to pay for them out of pocket. If you’re getting it from the pound, then you shouldn’t have to pay too much in adoption fees (and these fees will sometimes be waived). The biggest is where you’re adopting it from. However, the costs associated with adopting can vary depending on a few factors. This is another great way to find a diamond in the rough, but just be sure you exhaust all possible ways of finding a potential owner first.Īdopting a dog is a great way to give a forgotten animal a loving home - and literally save their life.

Taking one in can be a great way to ensure they have a good home and keep them out of a shelter, but you should still urge your friend to have their dog spayed or neutered.
#MONTHLY COST OF A DOG FREE#
Most free dogs come from word-of-mouth referrals, usually because someone you know had a litter of puppies unexpectedly thrust into their lap. There’s an old saying that goes, “There’s nothing more expensive than a free dog.” There’s truth to that, as you’ll quickly grow so attached to the new pooch that you’ll spend all sorts of cash trying to keep them healthy and happy. Each dog has their own unique taste, though, so your new pup may not want to use all of the old dog’s hand-me-downs. If you already have a dog (or had one previously), you may be able to sidestep many of these expenses by just giving the new dog the stuff your other pooch used. Most of these are one-time costs, but you have to spend that money all the same.


that you’ll have to buy for the first time. That’s because there’s lots of gear - bowls, beds, collars, leashes, etc.
#MONTHLY COST OF A DOG FOR FREE#
If you’re getting a dog for the first time ever, you’ll have to pay quite a bit to bring them home, regardless if you’re getting the pup for free or paying for the privilege. Some breeds cost way more than others on average, but even if you adopt a dog of a “healthy” breed, you could still find yourself on the hook for all sorts of unforeseen expenses. The actual costs can vary wildly from breed to breed and dog to dog. The total cost of owning a dog can range from $500 – 2,000+ per year.īe forewarned, though, that this is just an estimate. If you’re trying to determine whether your budget can handle bringing a furry friend into your household, the guide below will give you a ballpark estimate of what owning a dog can cost nowadays. Those unexpected expenses are actually quite predictable - and they add up fast. Many people fail to appreciate just how expensive owning a dog can be, and that’s largely because they don’t anticipate all the costs that go with having one of these animals in your life. It’s a good thing they’re so irresistible, though, because keeping a pooch around can be costly. There’s a reason why dogs have long been (and will likely continue to be) one of the most popular pets in the world: they’re adorable, friendly, and fill a hole in your heart that you never even knew you had.
