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How Much Does Buying a Dog Cost?

$ Adopting a Dog: $50 - $300 $ $ Buying a Dog: $200 - $600 $ $ $ Buying a Rare Dog Breed: $7K - $14K

Getting a dog is a wonderful and fulfilling experience.

It doesn’t matter if this is the first time you’re getting a dog or if you’ve had dogs before: that feeling of having one, that adventure, love, and responsibility you’ll have towards your dog, is something delightful and unique.

But there are many factors you should consider before getting a dog, especially if this is your first time as a pet owner or if it’s been years since the last time you were one.

We’ll discuss some of these aspects next.

Is A Dog The Right Pet For Me?

Dogs could be described as high-maintenance pets: they need a lot of care and attention to have long, healthy, and happy lives.

That’s why one of the first things that you should consider is whether you and your family have enough time in your daily routine to take care of a dog.

This means having time to feed it, going outside for walks several times a day, playing with it, going to the veterinarian when necessary, and of course, having enough time to give your dog all the love it needs!

Should I Get A Puppy Or An Older Dog?

It does matter if you get a puppy or an adult dog.

Keep in mind that puppies will need a lot more attention and training in the first few months.

An adult dog might need some training, depending on its needs, but it will usually be more manageable than training a puppy.

Adopting A Dog

In the last few years, adoption has become one of the most popular options when getting a dog.

There are a lot of dogs that have been abandoned by previous owners or that have never had a home before, and this could be the chance for you to help and provide them with love, care, and a stable home.

You can adopt a dog in shelters, rescue groups, or pet stores, and there will have a variety of breeds there to choose from if you don’t have a particular breed in mind.

In most cases, you’ll have to pay an adoption fee, which generally includes initial vaccinations, deworming treatment, and even neutering or spaying, if the dog is old enough.

Adopting a dog can cost from $50 to $300.

Buying A Dog

This would be the best option if you want your puppy to be of a particular dog breed.

You should always try to find reputable dog breeders since they can provide you with all the details and advice you’ll need about your dog’s breed, and your puppy will also have less chance of having serious health conditions.

Dog breeders tend to include initial vaccinations and deworming treatment, as well.

Most Affordable Dog Breeds

Some of the most affordable dog breeds are mixed-breed dogs -or mutts-, Rat Terriers, Dachshund, Chihuahuas, and Border Collies.

These can all go from $200 to $600.

Most Expensive Dog Breeds

On the other hand, some of the most expensive dog breeds are Afghan Hounds ($7,000), Rottweilers ($9,000), Tibetan Mastiffs ($10,000), Löwchens ($12,000), and Samoyeds ($14,000).

The price of a dog will also vary if the dog has a pedigree, which will considerably elevate the price.

Not Ready To Own A Dog?

If you’re still indecisive about getting a dog, there is the alternative of fostering a dog that needs it for a certain amount of time.

Sometimes shelters or rescue groups don’t have enough space to take in any more dogs or a particular dog has a special need that must be attended to.

This could mean a dog that has had surgery, that needs to be socialized before being adopted, or a puppy that needs to be looked after properly.

With this option, you can give a dog a temporary home until it gets adopted and, at the same time, you can try for yourself what it is to own a dog.

Alessandra Spaziani Lara
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