How Much Does a Dog Cost? (2024 Breed Dog Prices Guide)

Most of us get thrilled about getting a dog but are unaware of the costs involved.

Of course, dogs are irresistible animals, and we frequently believe that keeping a dog is inexpensive. You’d better reconsider because, depending on the breed, canine expenses can go anywhere above $300.

Many other factors also need to be considered when thinking of expenses, such as your dog’s coat, whether it is a low or high-maintenance dog, and more. 

Read on to learn more on how to pick the right breed according to your budget.

Things to Consider Before you Budget for a Dog

Initial Investments

The initial investment starts with where you are getting your dog from. If you decide to go with a breeder, you can anticipate spending between $500 and $3000. Remember to choose your dog’s breed from a reputable, licensed breeder and avoid being a victim of the puppy mill fraud. 

A puppy mill is a breeding establishment where dogs are forced to breed until they become physically unable to do so. These are inhumane places where no care is taken of the dogs. 

You can also adopt your dog from dog shelters. This is a great way to help dogs who may have been abandoned and are in need of a family. Adopting from a shelter can cost as little as $50- $200. 

Keep in mind that dogs in shelters can come with health issues, so you may have to spend the extra money on treating them.

Toys

Your dog’s mental health can be improved with the help of toys. Additionally, it keeps them engaged, especially for breeds that enjoy vigorous chewing. You should budget between $24 and $150 each year for your furry friend’s toys. 

Food and Treats

The size of the dog is an important factor in ascertaining an approximate amount you would be spending on feeding the dog. 

Of course a bigger dog will eat more than a smaller dog. Also, to prevent any health problems, you must make sure that your dog is eating food of a very high caliber. 

In other situations, such as when following a specific diet, you might also need to choose special meals. Your annual food costs might be up to $1,000.

Grooming

Grooming, of course, depends on your dog’s breed, as some might have thicker or longer coats. You should budget somewhere between $30 and $500 each year if your breed requires continuous grooming of its coat.

Beds

If you plan on purchasing a new pup, you will need to consider getting it a warm and cozy bed each year, which can amount to about $200, considering the size and quality of your preferred bed.

Numerous more factors affect the price of your dog and go into its purchase. The most important elements described above are the ones which can significantly affect the cost of getting a dog.

Top 20 Dog Breeds

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular dog breeds of 2022:

1. Beagles

Beagles are quite popular due to their small size. These sociable, playful dogs can be purchased for about $800 to $1,500. Beagles have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Beagles are prone to common health issues like allergies, hip dysplasia, persistent ear infections, and allergies. Their lifetime healthcare costs may therefore potentially reach up to $7,000- $8,000.

2. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The typical cost of a Corgi is $1,000–$2,000, making them one of the more cheaper breeds.

These dogs have an average projected lifetime healthcare expenditure of $4,000 and survive 12 to 14 years. They are prone to hereditary disorders such as hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy, a form of spinal cord disease, which is the most serious breed-specific problem.

3. Chihuahua

These little, tenacious dogs have earned recognition as wealthy celebrities’ purse-sized pets. Their typical price of purchase is between $800 and $2,000.

Chihuahuas can live between 14 and 18 years, and their potential lifetime medical costs can amount to at least $5,500.

4. Dachshund

Dachshunds are easily recognized by their tiny legs and long backs. They are also universally adored for their playful spirits. Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers.

With an average purchase price of $800–1,500, they fall in the less expensive range.

Weiner dogs, as they are affectionately referred to because of their sausage-like shape, can live up to 12- 15 years on average. Back problems, the breed’s most prevalent health condition can increase medical costs to about $7500 per year. 

5. Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinschers frequently bark and chase anything that comes their way because they believe they are bigger than they actually are. A Miniature Pinscher typically costs $1,000 to $2,000, and like many little dogs, have a longer lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Expect to pay around $2,500 on average for medical expenses. These dogs ate prone to conditions such as patellar luxation.

6. French Bulldog

Frenchies are adorable, carefree, friendly dogs that require little upkeep but can cost you anything between $1,500 to $3,000.

The French Bulldog is an easy-going dog and perfect for first time pet owners. Breeders could charge a high price for a puppy since it’s one of the more popular breeds. 

7. Black Russian Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier is an exception to the stereotype that Terriers are small, cuddly dogs. They can weigh up to 140 pounds and measure 30 inches tall at the shoulder when all four paws are on the scales. To keep them content and out of trouble, they require a lot of physical activity and cerebral stimulation. 

Their price tag falls in between $3,000- $5,000.

8. Samoyed

One of the pricier dog breeds, expect to pay up to $5,000 for this lovely, fluffy Russian dog. Even the cheaper ones can cost more than $2,000. But the Samoyed’s contagious smile and sweet disposition is well worth the price tag. 

That smile not only warms our hearts, but also serves a useful function. The canines’ perpetually turned-up lip corners stop them from drooling, which prevents icicles from forming on their faces.

They make adoring playmates for children and adults of all ages since they are gentle and affectionate with people of all ages. However, they can get bored easily; therefore, those who have the time to give them plenty of mental and physical stimulation will get along with them the best.

9. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog, often known as a Berner, is a large dog who commands your heart and is the enormous ball of affection we can’t get enough of. Berners are one of the most costly dogs since they meet several requirements for customers looking for a big, lovable dog.

But the Bernese has one of the shorter lifespans in the dog universe, living only 6-8 years.

10. Treeing Walker Coonhound

Although the two breeds are significantly different, people frequently mistake these tri-colored dogs for an overgrown Beagle.

The quick and competitive Treeing Walker costs between $400 to $800 on average, and the starting price for basic healthcare for common problems is only $1,500. The average lifespan of this breed is 12 to 13 years.

11. Plott Hound

A persistent hunter, the Plott Hound will try to hunt any animal, from a raccoon to a bear. The breed is one of the most economical to own dog breeds, with an average purchase price of $500–$700 and a lifespan of 12–14 years.

Common ailments it can suffer from include stomach torsion (often known as bloat). Expect to pay an average of $3,000 for medical costs during its lifetime. 

12. Pharaoh Hound

Pharaoh hounds are vicious dogs that have existed for roughly 6,000 years.

Pharaoh Hounds, like Greyhounds, Salukis, and Afghan Hounds, are sighthounds, although they differ significantly from these other breeds in a number of ways. For instance, in contrast to many of their sighthound relatives, Pharaoh hounds are quite loud. 

Pharaoh hounds are undoubtedly stunning dogs, but their high price ($3,000-7,000) is largely due to their scarcity in both the United States and Europe. In reality, this breed was not well known in the West until the 1930s, and the AKC only recognized them in 1984.

13. Otter Hound

If you like goofy, then the Otter Hound is for you. With one of the greatest levels of energy of any breed, the Otterhound is a silly and affectionate dog. This shaggy dog  is generally amiable and loving with everyone, including strangers, children, and other animals.

This breed has actually been recognized as a vulnerable breed and there are fewer than 600 of them around the world. Their price tag is between $1,500- $2,500.

14. Rottweiler

In addition to being among the most handsome dogs around, Rottweilers are also intelligent, devoted, and affectionate with their owners. 

They are a bit more dog than many people desire, and aren’t a suitable choice for first-time owners. In some locations, they are also the focus of breed-specific laws. Expect to pay between $1,500- $2,500 for this dog.

Additionally, Rottweilers are prone to a number of health issues and need a lot of room, care, and food.

15. German Shepherds

The second most popular breed of dog in the U.S. according to the AKC, German Shepherds are well known for their sharp minds and excellent skills. All the traits that most people look for in a dog are present in them: affection, friendliness, loyalty, and protection.

This popularity has some interesting effects on German Shepherd dog prices. German Shepherds can fetch quite high rates, but you can also buy them for rather affordable costs. $200 to $7,000 are the price ranges.

16. Schipperke

Due to their restless and vivacious nature, these small canines, weighing just 10 to 16 pounds, are frequently referred to as “little black devils.” Schipperkes often cost between $1,200 and $2,000.

Schipperkes are prone to the risk of developing eye issues, patellar luxation, and autoimmune thyroiditis. Expect to pay $7,000 on average for medical costs during its lifetime. 

17. German Wirehaired Pointer 

German Wirehaired Pointers are considered one of the perfect dog breeds. These dogs are regal looking and full of energy. Costs for these medium-sized hunting dogs often range from $800 to $1,200.

German Wirehaired Pointers are typically in good health, with lifetime healthcare expenses of roughly $1,700 at the very least.

18. Canadian Eskimo

With less than 300 canines left in 2018, the Canadian Eskimo dog is one of the rarest breeds in the world and is in danger of going extinct. They were introduced to North America from Siberia more than a thousand years ago, and since the 1960s, their numbers have been declining. They cost around $8,750.

19. Ibizan Hound

The Ibizan Hound has an average price of $1,300. The breed has a smooth and wiry coat which is simple to maintain. Their lifespan is about 12-14 years.

Purebred Ibizan Hounds have a low chance of getting hip dysplasia and a medium chance of turning deaf, which could result in average medical bills of $1,600 for common ailments.

20. Chow Chow

A Chow Chow will set you back about $900. And the average cost of grooming this medium-sized dog is an exorbitant $90. Chow Chows typically live eight to twelve years, and annual healthcare expenses can reach a staggering $11,000.

In Conclusion

There are some expenses that go hand in hand with dog ownership. This covers both one-time charges like adoption fees, food, vaccination, and purchasing all of their supplies.

These expenses could easily reach tens of thousands dollars during the course of your pet’s life. Before bringing a pet into your home, you must be certain that your budget can endure the demands of doing so.

That said, dogs are wonderful companions and loyal friends and well-worth the time, effort and money spent in caring and loving them.