How much does a dog cost? The budget to plan

Can you really afford to buy a dog? Know your limits before taking action and make the right decision: expenses for the well-being of your dog are a great responsibility for the owner.

First, know that the cost of a dog (over its entire lifespan, 15 years on average) depends on many factors and can vary by a factor of two depending on several criteria. However, to make an approximate calculation, we can take into account: the purchase price of the dog, the costs related to its acquisitionTHE veterinary care (which depend on each dog), thedog foodand the leisure costs.

The cost of purchasing a dog

A purebred dog that has a pedigree is registered in the LOF: French Book of Origins. A “lofted” dog is more expensive than an “undocumented” dog.

• What is the dog's pedigree?

If the parents had prices for beauty, work, etc. this increases the price of the offspring.

• Has the dog ever won a prize?

If the dog has won a prize at an exhibition, even as an adult the price remains higher than another purebred dog.

• How old is the dog?

Becoming tall doesn't only have advantages. The older the puppy gets, the lower the stock price! As an adult, it loses more than half of its starting price.

• The phenomenon of fashionable dog breeds

Fashion highlights breeds every year, there was the year of the sled dog, then that of the Shar-pei, the Jack Russell, the Chihuahua and now the Australian Shepherd and/or the miniature American Shepherd for which the prices fly away!

• How much does a purebred dog cost?

– A common breed dog (Labrador, Poodle, etc.) without extraordinary origin: 200 to 500 euros.
– A fashionable dog: around 1,500 euros.
– A very rare breed dog: up to 2000 euros.

But beyond the purchase price, what budget should we plan for during the life of our dog?
To answer this question, we established a list of typical expenses and then asked teachers to delve into their “accounting” to share their experience with us.
Some purchases are essential, others are not necessarily a priority.

Costs related to acquiring a dog

It will only be useful for dogs weighing less than 5 kilos so that they can only be transported on the bus… The transport basket is in this case compulsory.

It is important that the dog has a specific place to sleep with a blanket, the basket is not essential.

They are both essential for training your dog, learning to walk on a leash.

They allow so-called positive education based on reward; this being said, the treats can be replaced by a caress.

• The chewing bone: from 3 euros

For puppies who are changing their teeth (4 to 7 months), this avoids exercising on the bars of chairs or corners of furniture.

• The dog brush: from 10 euros

It is essential even for short-haired dogs.

• Dog shampoo: from 7 euros

You must use a product specifically intended for dogs, otherwise it may remove oil from the skin and irritate it.

• The muzzle: from 5 euros

It is compulsory for category 1 and 2 dogs to walk in public places. Of course, this price will change depending on the type of your dog (small, medium, large or very large dog)

• The dog bowl: from 25 euros

It is not essential that your dog has a “dog” bowl, he can have a plate but be careful, it will only be used for him.

• Dog toys: from 10 euros

They are essential for your dog's balance but a piece of fabric “of his own” that he shakes in all directions may be enough.

Please note that the prices we indicate to you are entry-level prices. The price will vary depending on several criteria: the size of your dog, the origin of the object. In fact, you will not pay the same thing if you order your leash, your food bowl or your harness from a small designer for example.

Food cost

• Household food

It is composed of rice or pasta, vegetables and meat. The following proportions must be respected: 1/3 of each ingredient and 30 gr per kilo for each.

The price will therefore depend on the quality of the raw materials you buy (cans or fresh vegetables), and the weight of your animal.

• Industrial food

These are the boxes or dog food. Prices vary enormously. Be careful, the boxes have a very high percentage of water!

So-called “low-end” products can allow you to feed a dog for less than one euro per day but they are not targeted to the specific needs of your dog.

• Dietetic food

These are so-called premium foods or health food. Their price is around 20 to 30 euros for a 1 kg bag. The quantity eaten depends on the weight of your animal.

A 1 kg package feeds a 5 to 6 kg dog for a month. On your calculators!

The price of veterinary care

• The electronic chip: from 70 euros

It is the only identification system recognized abroad.

• The tattoo: from 60 euros

The identification of a dog by tattoo or microchip is obligatory, it is therefore normally ensured by the “seller”.

• Passport: from 10 euros

It is now compulsory for travel abroad and if you wish to vaccinate your dog against rabies. The anti-rabies certificate (pink or blue) no longer exists.

• CHPLR vaccines : It is necessary to count 140 euros the first year since there are two injections.

C= distemper
H = hepatitis
P = parvovirus
L= leptospirosis
R= rage

• Castration: from 200 euros

It is not obligatory for a dog.

• Sterilization according to size: from 300 euros

She avoids heat twice a year. The price will be very different depending on the size of your dog and depending on the location of your veterinarian. A Norman will not pay the same amount as a Ile-de-France resident.

• Dewormer: from 7 euros

To be done once a month for up to 6 months then twice a year. Deworming protects your dog from digestive worms and you and those around you from possible contamination.

• The anti-flea product: from 20 euros

It is best to apply it at least once a year.

• Descaling: from 70 euros

To be done from the age of 7 for small breeds. Tartar gives very bad breath to old dogs.

It is also necessary to take into account some veterinary visits for illnesses: count between 50 to 200 euros consultation.

Wamiz tip: some veterinary costs can be covered by a pet insurance.

Finally, there are the death-related costs of your pet:
– Individual cremation: 140 euros
– Treatment of the body by the veterinarian: 80 to 200 euros depending on the size of the dog.

To help you

Having a dog costs money, this is no surprise: a young puppy requires a lot of time and quite a bit of investment and, generally speaking, a dog requires expenses for food, veterinary fees, toys and much more. other things, throughout his life.

However, if certain expenses cannot be reduced, others can be carried out intelligently, exactly like those of humans. You just need to know where to look to take advantage of attractive prices, particularly on the Internet, where many sites display interesting pet store sections.

To help you with your purchases, consult our purchasing guides for essential products for dogs !