Dogs, like children, need love, training, food, medical care and some miscellaneous items during their lifetime.  Before you commit yourself to the responsibility of a pet, please take into consideration the long term costs.

Costs include:

 Initial Cost 

Lifetime Cost

Total

150

880

1030

  50-100 

 550-2200

600-2300

15

15

4400

4400

2200

2200

130

1100

1230

100

1100

1200

880

880

445 to 495

11,110 to 12,760

11,555 to 13,255

and UP

and UP

Add 30% to these costs for a giant breed. These are the estimates provided there are no problems, but if your dog destroys or damages your possessions or a neighbor’s, or if your dog develops health problems, you may have to add hundreds of dollars to these costs.
Note: Costs don’t include the purchase price of the dog that ranges from $50 to $5,000.

Figures were based on “My Life with a Dog” by Tyler Mathisen, Money, January, 1990 and “Expensive But Worth It” by Dominique Davis from December, 1991 American Kennel Club Gazette.
 

Bio I Buying a Purebred Puppy I Know Before You Buy I How to Find a Puppy I Glossary

Puppy Checklist I How to Read a Pedigree I Breeding Costs I Articles of Interest I Puppy Costs