The Bottom Line
Thinking about buying or adopting your first dog or adding a second dog
to your pack? Before adding a wonderful new furry life to your world,
you may want to consider the expense of parenting a dog. Sometimes the
unexpected costs of caring for dogs can force a pet parent to give
away the family pet.

French Bulldog (copyright 2008 Diane Rich)

Purchase Price
The upfront purchase price is just the beginning.
If you adopt your dog at a shelter or from a rescue organization
you may pay anywhere from $50-$150.

If you buy a purebred dog from a well known breeder you could pay
anywhere from $700 to $3000 or more. If you choose one of the designer
breeds such as any of the poodle crosses you can pay $1000 on up
just for those flavors of the month. The purchase price does not
include shipping costs should you buy a pet out of state.

Designer Goldendoodle on the left and Standard Poodle on the right. Both dogs require grooming (copyright 2008 Diane Rich)

Don't think buying a dog at a pet store will be less expensive. Pet store
dogs which of course come from puppy mills charge around $1000.00
or more. Many pet stores capitalize on the new craze for toy breeds
and so called designer breeds that may even carry a higher price tag.
The Pug and any one of the Poodles seem to be used frequently
to fullfill the demand for designer breeds and to create cross
breeds such as a Schnoodle; Schnauzer and Poodle. Pugle; a Pug
and Beagle, Labradoodle; Labrador and Poodle.

I have trained more poodle crosses that I can count. Cute, yes, better
than other breeds, no.

The more popular a breed, the more it may cost due
to demand. Purebred dogs that are known to have small litters may
also cost more. Rare breeds are usually more expensive which actually
makes some sense.

Jindo (copyright 2008 Diane Rich)

ASPCA's breakdown for Pet Parenting
The ASPCA offers a great breakdown of pet related costs. Please go to
www.aspca.org/petcarecosts for specifics. I have included some of their findings in this blog.

The ASPCA tallied the annual costs of owning a small, medium or large
breed dog. They breakdown expenses into annual costs and capital costs.
Grooming requirements are catagorized separately.

Major difference in the food bill (copyright 2008 Diane Rich)

Annual Costs
Annual costs for your pet range anywhere from $1314-$1843.
Annual costs include Vet care, such as yearly exams, pet insurance, food, new toys, and miscellaneous items. Annual costs to feed a large breed dog premium kibble may cost around $875.00. Your particular food expenses will vary depending upon the food you choose such as canned, kibble, raw or if you indulge your pets with home cooked cuisine.

Capital Costs
The ASPCA classifies capital costs as spay or neuter, training, pet supplies, a crate, and other medical expenses. Expenses for a large breed dog is around $560.00.

Of course, if you gravitate towards the chic dog beds and dog carriers,
prices skyrocket.

Grooming
For dogs requiring grooming, costs may range from $264-480.

The Portuguese Water Dog requires grooming unlike the wash and wear Doberman (copyright 2008 Diane Rich

Medical Care
After the initial hard costs of crates, beds, leashes, collars
and dog bowls, the biggest challenge a pet owner faces are
unexpected medical bills. It is something to think about as Vet
care, past the routine exams and vaccinations including emergency
care can be very expensive.

Recovering from Surgery (copyright 2008 Diane Rich)

Several of my clients over the years shared their line item pet
expenses with me and when I saw capital totals of $30,000-$60,000
my mouth was agape. Until I read through the list and realized they
itemized fencing their property and buying the "dog car" in their
bottom line. Why not include all the expenses, after all, it is all for
the dog!

To the bottom line!

Diane Rich
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com