Cost of Owning a Dog by Breed
The real cost of dog ownership goes far beyond the purchase price. Our breed-specific cost guides break down monthly expenses, one-time setup costs, vet bills, grooming, and lifetime cost estimates — so there are no surprises.
Average first-year cost
$1,500–$4,500
Includes purchase price, setup & vet
Average monthly ongoing
$80–$250
Food, vet care, grooming, supplies
Average lifetime cost
$15,000–$45,000
Based on breed lifespan & monthly costs
Choose a Breed
Labrador Retriever
11-13 years lifespan · $18,000-$35,000
Golden Retriever
10-12 years lifespan · $19,000-$38,000
French Bulldog
10-12 years lifespan · $25,000-$55,000
German Shepherd
9-13 years lifespan · $18,000-$35,000
English Bulldog
8-10 years lifespan · $28,000-$60,000
Poodle (Standard)
12-15 years lifespan · $22,000-$45,000
Beagle
12-15 years lifespan · $12,000-$22,000
Rottweiler
8-10 years lifespan · $20,000-$40,000
Yorkshire Terrier
13-16 years lifespan · $14,000-$28,000
Boxer
10-12 years lifespan · $17,000-$33,000
Dachshund
12-16 years lifespan · $13,000-$30,000
Siberian Husky
12-14 years lifespan · $18,000-$35,000 + fencing costs
Great Dane
7-10 years lifespan · $25,000-$55,000
Doberman Pinscher
10-12 years lifespan · $20,000-$40,000
Shih Tzu
10-18 years lifespan · $14,000-$30,000
Australian Shepherd
12-15 years lifespan · $17,000-$32,000
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
12-13 years lifespan · $14,000-$28,000
Chihuahua
12-20 years lifespan · $8,000-$18,000
Border Collie
12-15 years lifespan · $18,000-$35,000 + sport costs
Miniature Schnauzer
12-15 years lifespan · $14,000-$27,000
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
9-14 years lifespan · $20,000-$45,000
Bichon Frise
14-15 years lifespan · $16,000-$30,000
Cocker Spaniel
12-15 years lifespan · $17,000-$32,000
Saint Bernard
8-10 years lifespan · $28,000-$60,000
Bernese Mountain Dog
7-10 years lifespan · $22,000-$50,000
Pug
12-15 years lifespan · $18,000-$38,000
Maltese
12-15 years lifespan · $15,000-$30,000
Havanese
14-16 years lifespan · $15,000-$28,000
Boston Terrier
11-13 years lifespan · $15,000-$28,000
Pomeranian
12-16 years lifespan · $14,000-$28,000
Shetland Sheepdog
12-14 years lifespan · $16,000-$28,000
Australian Cattle Dog
12-16 years lifespan · $14,000-$26,000
Weimaraner
11-13 years lifespan · $18,000-$32,000
Vizsla
12-14 years lifespan · $16,000-$28,000
Greyhound
10-14 years lifespan · $14,000-$26,000
Irish Setter
12-15 years lifespan · $18,000-$32,000
English Springer Spaniel
12-14 years lifespan · $16,000-$28,000
Alaskan Malamute
10-14 years lifespan · $20,000-$40,000
Belgian Malinois
12-14 years lifespan · $20,000-$45,000
Cane Corso
9-12 years lifespan · $22,000-$50,000
English Mastiff
6-10 years lifespan · $25,000-$55,000
Samoyed
12-14 years lifespan · $20,000-$38,000
Chow Chow
8-12 years lifespan · $16,000-$30,000
Newfoundland
8-10 years lifespan · $25,000-$55,000
Akita
10-15 years lifespan · $20,000-$42,000
Whippet
12-15 years lifespan · $13,000-$24,000
Portuguese Water Dog
11-13 years lifespan · $18,000-$34,000
Shiba Inu
13-16 years lifespan · $15,000-$27,000
Basenji
13-14 years lifespan · $14,000-$26,000
The biggest wildcard: unexpected vet bills
Monthly costs are predictable — emergency vet bills are not. A single ER visit for a swallowed object or toxin can run $2,000–$6,000. Pet insurance premiums typically run $30–$80/month and can cover 70–90% of unexpected costs.