How much does a puppy cost?
Before you decide to expand your family with a puppy, you are surely considering the question of costs and financing of a puppy. Assuming you do not choose one of the →most expensive breeds in the world, the acquisition costs are not the biggest financial burden of a puppy. Many future dog parents wonder how much a puppy actually costs and what expenses will arise over its lifetime.
Overview of puppy purchase costs
Costs at a glance
In addition to the → initial equipment, the first expenses for your puppy are those you incur when purchasing the puppy from breeders or shelters. Depending on the breed, this price varies significantly - while a puppy from a shelter usually costs between €250 and €450, the price range from reputable breeders starts at about €700 and ends at €2,500-3,000.
However, there is no guarantee that you can acquire a specific breed at the shelter. Also, papers or other information about breeding and origin are only available in rare cases. If you decide on a mixed-breed puppy, the shelter, along with animal welfare organizations, is the best point of contact.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Klein und süß sind sie alle, doch sie kosten ein Leben lang Geld! Informiere dich vorher gut über die Kosten für einen Hund, bevor du dein Herz an einen Welpen verlierst.
The breed makes the difference
Are you wondering how much a Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Pomeranian, or Maltese puppy costs? Especially for →popular dog breeds, price patterns can be recognized. However, reputable breeders do not jump on "trends" and do not charge exorbitantly high prices just because a breed is currently in high demand. So, do not let sellers take advantage of you and take your time to find a good placement for your dog.
You can read more about the costs, food, and training of puppies of specific breeds in the following articles:
- →Maltipoo puppies
- →Rottweiler puppies
- →Golden Retriever puppies
- →Jack Russell puppies
- →German Shepherd puppies
- →Maltese puppies
- →Chihuahua puppies
- →Labrador puppies
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Vor allem sehr beliebte Hunderassen wie der Australian Shepherd werden gern höher gehandelt. Einfach, weil er so beliebt ist. Seriöse Züchter*innen versuchen aber keinen Profit aus Trends zu schlagen!
Reputable vs. disreputable breeding: Why the price is so important
Why is it important to know how much a specific breed will cost you at the breeders?
This cost indication helps you primarily to recognize →disreputable breeders; here, puppies are sold for low amounts and without papers. Those who save in the wrong place not only support uncontrolled and unhealthy breeding, but also often face higher veterinary costs. Cheaply sold puppies often come without vaccinations or health checks.
Reputable breeders, on the other hand, charge fair prices - because responsible breeding involves work. Not only the costs for vaccinations, veterinary examinations, and food costs need to be covered. The corresponding space, training, breeding associations, and the time that such breeding takes must also be financed. This way, you can be sure that your little four-legged friend comes from a controlled breeding. The same applies to a →puppy from a shelter or foreign animal protection!
Gesunden Welpen kaufen:
Darauf solltest du achten!
How much does a dog cost per year?
Once your puppy is with you and starts literally eating you out of house and home, chewing on your furniture, or the first real →visit to the vet is due, you will realize: The costs from the breeder are only a fraction of what a dog costs in its lifetime.
Accessories such as cozy sleeping places, sufficient healthy food at home, regular vet visits, and unexpected costs in case of illness, grooming, dog training, etc. must be financed - and these expenses will certainly exceed the acquisition price in a short time. In the first year alone, your four-legged friend, including the purchase price, can cost up to €5,300. This includes food costs (€300-1,200), liability insurance (about €50), optional health insurance (€130-800), and tax contributions, which can range from €100 to €900 annually, depending on the breed.
On average, keeping a dog costs about €1,200 per year - that is the average. If you value high-quality food, this figure will increase. Additionally, unexpected costs can arise at any time.
