Expensive Dogs

How much will it cost for me to get a purebred dog?

On the “low end,” an expensive dog can be adopted or re-homed from a shelterby paying for the dog’s needs, like shots.  This can cost $100 to $500.  On the other hand, one can get a purebred dog from a reputable breeder for $500 to $600, but more likely be $1,000+, depending on the breed.  There is no topmost amount. 

Some people choose to get their dogs from pet stores.  Don’t be that person! 

According to the ASPCA and others in the know, that cute puppy in the pet shop is probably from a Puppy Mill.  See:  Not What I Expected: My Sick Pet Store Puppy(https://www.aspca.org/barred-from-love/puppy-mills-101/not-what-i-expected-my-sick-pet-store-puppy)

Puppy Mills

At the outset, let me emphasize:  NEVER BUY A PUPPY FROM A PET STORE!  These pets will, more than likely, have come from a PUPPY MILL.  (See:  “5 Ways to End Puppy Mills” [https://wetnosecentral.com/?s=puppy+mill]. 

If you do buy the pet shop pup, instead of getting a healthy lifetime companion, you may just end up paying for the privilege of having a perennially sick dog.

Alternative

The alternative to a puppy mill and the less expensive way to get a doggie is adoption, where you can get a healthy companion with all his shots for between $100 and $500, or less. 

The only way you can get a dog for no money outlay is if someone gives you a dog.

Average Cost of a Purebred

So, I was wondering what a purebred dog costs today, if I get him or her from a reputable breeder.  I Googled “The Average Cost of a Purebred Dog.”

The answer is:  There is no such thing as an “average” cost of a purebred dog.  The nearest I could get is, the “average” is dependent on the breed.  The question comes down to “What is the average cost of a [insert breed name]?”

Generally speaking, costs for puppies can range from about $500 to as much as $10,000, depending on the breed.  As if that weren’t daunting enough, because they usually have small litters, Toy breed puppies often cost more than the others.  Well, they only have one or two puppies at a time.

Here are some “things to think about” when considering the acquisition of puppies of various breeds. 

Lifetime Cost of a Dog

Just so we have a basis for the “overall costs,” in 2015, according to an article on www.AKC.org  (“How Much Does It Cost to Raise a Dog?”), the average lifetime cost of raising a dog was $23,410.  (https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/cost-to-raise-dog/)

It’s important to stress that the article doesn’t mention whether “the dog” in question was a particular breed or a mutt.  It is the overall cost of “a dog.”

What cost $23,410 in 2015, will, in 2019, cost $25,299.06.  (http://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/2015?amount=23410)

In this article, whatever is stated as the cost to obtain a dog from a breeder, it will (based on a 12-year lifespan) cost at least $25,299.06 more, not counting any medical experiences or other unexpected event. 

The Breeds

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), also know as the World Canine Organization, officially recognizes 360 breeds of dog.  The FCI is an international federation of kennel clubs from 84 countries (not including the United States). 

The American Kennel Club (https://www.akc.org) recognizes 190 breeds. 

So, there are at least 550 official breeds.

Neither of those groups recognizes mixed breeds or so-called Designer Breeds, like Goldendoodles (Golden Retrievers mixed with Poodles) or Puggles (Beagles mixed with Pugs).

Recognizing only the official breeds, these are at least some of the costs I’ve found associated with obtaining a purebred dog from a reputable breeder.

$1,000 – $1,500

Bedlington Terrier

A Bedlington Terrier is a medium-sized dog that looks a lot like a lamb or a stuffed animal.  To bring this dog home will require about $1,500 (tailandfur.com), although wealthygorilla reports $4,000.  Expect to also incur grooming costs of around $50 per visit.  (Bright Side video)

Black Russian Terrier

If you want a Black Russian Terrier, get ready to fork over between $2,000 (tailandfur.com) to $3,500 (wealthygorilla) for this great family pet.  Keep in mind the possibilities of vision and orthopedic issues, however.  

German Shepherd

Continuously the second most popular breed on the AKC’s annual most popular list is the German Shepherd.  The German Shepherdis an intelligent, attentive, resilient dog that will be with you for an average 11 years.  According to TheHappyPuppySite.com, “the average price to purchase a purebred German Shepherd dog puppy from a reputable breeder ranges from $1,200 to $20,000.”  (https://thehappypuppysite.com)

The “spread” has to do with how many puppies are available, whether you’re wanting a show dog or a pet puppy, breeder costs, as well as other factors.  “This dog sells for a minimum of $6,500.”  (tailandfur.com)

Newfoundland

Answering the question, “How Much Does A Newfoundland Dog Cost?” in her June 18, 2018 blog post on MyBrownNewfies.com, Jennifer Costello says, “. . . I would say that on average it’s between $1,200 to $3,000 to purchase a Newfoundland from a responsible breeder these days.”  (https://mybrownnewfies.com) 

Along with the costs of the Newfie, expect grooming costs of at least $65 per visit (Bright Side video).  Unfortunately, these big dogs only live for about 9 or 10 years. 

Samoyed

In 2018, the site entitled Perfect Dog Breeds wrote, “You can expect to pay at least $1,000 for a Samoyed puppy; this price can go in excess of $3,000 for exceptional pups.”  (https://www.perfectdogbreeds.com/samoyed-price/)  Agreeing with that assessment, a June 25, 2019 post on K9ofMine stated, “Most Samoyeds will cost between $600 and $1,500.  However, some – especially those from award-winning bloodlines – may cost $3,000 or more.  Samoyeds are generally considered one of the more expensive dog breeds you can buy.”  (https://www.k9ofmine.com/how-much-do-samoyeds-cost/)

However, The Dog Digest says, “These dogs are playful, competitive, strong and alert.  Expect to pay upwards to $8,000-$10,000 for a Samoyed.”  (https://www.thedogdigest.com/dog-prices/top-10-worlds-most-expensive-dog-breeds-to-own/9/)

Also expect grooming costs of at least $60 per visit.  Ever notice that they always look like they’re smiling?  That’s because their lips turn up in order to prevent drooling.  Samoyeds can be pretty vocal, too, so keep that in mind.  (Bright Side video)

Saint Bernard

A Saint Bernard will run about $1,500 (https://wealthygorilla.com).  However, expect grooming costs of at least $65 per visit, and it’s estimated that a Saint Bernard’s medical expenses can run up close to $10,000 over his or her 8- to 10- year lifespan.  (Bright Side video)

See my next post for more about Expensive Dogs (https://wetnosecentral.com/expensive-dogs-2/). 

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Resources:  The Dog Digest (https://www.thedogdigest.com/dog-prices/top-10-worlds-most-expensive-dog-breeds-to-own/9/); Money Inc. (https://moneyinc.com/most-expensive-dog-breeds-in-2019/); The Smart Canine (https://thesmartcanine.com/most-expensive-dog-breeds/); The 20 Most Expensive Dogs in the World (Updated 2019) | Wealthy (https://wealthygorilla.com); Top 10 Worlds Most Expensive Dog Breeds for 2019 (https://www.thedogdigest.com/dog-prices/top-10-worlds-most-expensive-dog-breeds-to-own/10/); The 20 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in 2019 (https://moneyinc.com/most-expensive-dog-breeds-in-2019/); 20 The Most Expensive Dog Breeds In The World (https://tailandfur.com/most-expensive-dog-breeds/);

20 Expensive Dogs Only 1% Can Afford (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3LhssmvcrM) Bright Side Video16:02; Wikipedia.org; akc.org; petfinder.com; https://www.ofa.org; https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com, Bright Side (Video); https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3LhssmvcrM, Ever Green (Video); https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taxvyLLrTvY; cbsnews.com; pupcraze.com; https://embracepetinsurance.com, financesonline.com, thehappypuppysite.com