Owning a dog is one of the best decisions you can make. They’re affectionate, smart, and fun. It’s also one of the costliest decisions you can make, depending on which breed you choose of course.
That’s because dogs, whether purebred or mixed, aren’t sold cheap. Plus, they incur a lifetime of costs when taken care of properly.
From breeding and dog food costs to grooming and health fees, having a dog can dig into your pocket. These are all factors you should consider before getting your furry friend so that you can provide them the life they deserve.
Even with their expenses, these precious canines are a worthwhile investment thanks to the years of joy they provide families and kids.
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1. Golden Retriever
Loving, playful, affectionate, and friendly are some of the words used to describe this incredible large dog. Their docile nature makes them popular with families and does great with kids and other dogs.
As popular purebred dogs, they cost between $1 000 and $4 000 when purchased from quality breeders. Their grooming costs total $70 per session on average thanks to their thick and messy coat.
Their healthcare costs are one of the most expensive here as they’re prone to cancer, entropion, hip dysplasia, and more.
2. St. Bernard
Despite its appearance, this massive hound, originally used as a guard dog, is affectionate, obedient, friendly, and great for families.
As one of the cheapest canines (on this list), it costs between $1 000 and $2 000. An average grooming session of their thick coats will set you back $65 per visit.
St. Bernards are prone to health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions, epilepsy, and more. Ensure you’re ready for lots of drooling before you get this dog.
3. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are true gentle giants as they’re affectionate and friendly, and their high-intelligence makes them easy to train.
On average, they cost between $1 000 and $2 000 from a good breeder. Due to their large coat, they require a lot of grooming and an average session costs around $65.
They suffer from health conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, gastric torsion and more. Although rare, they can also suffer from von Willebrand’s disease.
4. Lakeland Terrier
Lakeland Terriers are a great breed that’s confident, intelligent, bold, independent, and friendly. They’re easy to train and make for great companions to families with dogs, although not other terriers as they seem to think of themselves as “better”. They’re also one of the hounds that don’t shed a lot, meaning they’re perfect for dog lovers with allergies.
This breed generally costs at least $1 000 when bought from a reputable breeder, making them one of the more affordable breeds here. As one of the lesser-known terrier hounds, finding a knowledgeable groomer can be challenging. An average grooming session costs $65.
The most common health issues affecting this breed are eye conditions, including lens luxation, cataracts, and microphthalmia.
5. Spinone Italiano
This Italian breed is an affectionate, docile, gentle, loyal, and friendly hound that was originally used for hunting. Despite its love to please, it can be independent at times and requires a firm but loving owner.
Spinone Italianos cost between $1 300 and $2 000 to purchase from a genuine breeder. A visit to the groomer will cost around $55 due to its thick coat.
Potential health concerns for this breed include hip dysplasia, skin conditions, eye problems, epilepsy, bloat, and more.
6. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds have a large heart that matches their stature. This gentle giant is a loyal and dignified hound that loves nothing more than spending time with its family.
On average, the breed costs between $1 500 and $2 500 from quality breeders. Grooming sessions will cost at least $65 per visit.
Common health concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, heart issues, and more.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are fearless dogs that are sociable, affectionate, gentle, and love playing. These small dogs are perfect additions to families with young kids or novice dog owners.
On average, you can expect to pay between $1 500 and $2 500 to a quality breeder. Being small sized, their grooming costs are relatively cheap at just $45 per session.
They’re prone to several conditions including hip dysplasia, cataracts, syringomyelia, and allergies. Mitral valve disease, a heart condition, develops in nearly 50% of all Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
8. Dogo Argentino
The Argentinian Mastiff is a muscular dog that’s normally affectionate, friendly, and loyal. This isn’t extended to strangers though as they’re also protective and have a mean bark.
Due to the breeding standards adhered to for this large, white breed, they can cost between $1 500 and $2 500 to purchase. Because they aren’t too demanding for grooming, they can be taken care of at home with weekly brushing or a grooming session which costs $35.
The breed is prone to issues such as hip dysplasia, deafness, skin conditions, and more.
9. French Bulldogs
French bulldogs are cute canines with pointy ears and an affectionate and loyal personality. They’re perfect for loving families and enjoy nothing more than being showered with love and hugs.
On average, this adorable canine can cost between $1 500 and $3 000. Their short hair isn’t too demanding when it comes to maintenance, and grooming sessions can cost around $30.
Unfortunately, Frenchies can suffer from many ailments that are expensive to treat. This includes thyroid problems, spinal issues, cherry eye, and von Willebrand’s Disease.
10. English Bulldog
Much like its French counterparts, this English canine is a gentle companion perfect for families with kids. They are determined and courageous, even bordering on the side of stubbornness. They can also be a bit aggressive towards dogs they aren’t familiar with.
Similar to the Frenchies, you can expect to pay between $1 500 and $4 000; with pricing increasing for popular colors. They’re low maintenance too, with grooming costs starting from around $35.
Like the Frenchy, the breed is plagued by issues such as gip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, eye problems, and more.
11. Bedlington Terrier
The sheep-like Bedlington Terrier is an intelligent, affectionate, courageous, and attention-loving dog originally used for hunting. They prefer being the only dogs in the house and love playing.
To own this breed, expect to pay at least $1 500 to a reputable breeder. Their grooming needs aren’t too demanding, with an average session costing around $55.
Per their health, they normally suffer from liver conditions, eye disease, and kneecap problems during their lifetime.
12. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are a breed of assertive, brave, confident, and devoted dogs most often used as guard dogs. While they are great companions, they do tend to be aggressive and aloof towards strangers. As such, they need a firm owner who’ll be able to tame their wild side.
On average, you’ll find this breed being sold for $1 500 to $2 500. Thanks to their short coat, their grooming needs aren’t too demanding and an average session can cost around $40.
Their most prevalent health issues are related to their eyes and they need frequent eye testing to ensure they’re still well.
13. Pharaoh Hound
Pharaoh Hounds have been used historically for hunting rabbits and similar animals on the Maltese islands. Today, these intelligent and loyal canines make for great family companions that can be easily trained.
Prices range from $1 500 to $5 000, and may be higher if you’re getting them as show dogs. Grooming costs are relatively low thanks to their short hair, with sessions costing around $25 on average.
Generally healthy, they can suffer from stress that leads to digestive and neurotic issues which can be costly to treat.
14. The Old English Sheepdog
The majestic-looking Old English Sheepdog (OES) dons a beautiful grey and white fluffy coat that feels great to hug. The gentle giant is an affectionate companion that’s smart, playful, and sociable with humans and canines alike.
On average, this breed costs between $1 800 and $3 000 to purchase and the average grooming session costs at least $60.
Common health conditions for this breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, eye issues, deafness, and more.
15. Saluki
Salukis are essentially one-family dogs due to their aloof and reserved nature. Originally used for scent hunting, they’re quiet and intelligent.
They’re one of the most expensive breeds in the world thanks to their regal appearance. On average, expect to pay between $1 800 and $2 700 for the breed. To maintain their majestic appearance you’ll have to pay $45 per grooming session.
Salukis are most prone to heart issues as well as hip dysplasia which can lead to arthritis.
16. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are an elegant breed that looks amazing with model-like long limbs and incredible silky hair. This breed is dignified, aloof, and independent thanks to its history as a hunter, although it’s got a happy side reserved for its owner.
The breed costs between $2 000 and $2 500 when bought, and grooming costs average out to around $80 per session.
Common health concerns include the von Willebrand disease, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye issues, and so on.
17. Azawakh
This relatively new breed is a hunter dog known for its aloof yet affectionate and playful nature, coupled with a fierce and rugged personality.
This exotic mutt gets sold on average for between $2 000 and $2 500, although it can be hard finding a breeder. Thanks to their short coat, they just need a good brushing which can be done at home weekly.
They’re relatively healthy but can suffer from common conditions such as hypothyroidism, spinal problems, and more.
18. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Despite their fierce appearance, the staffy breed are loving companions that are intelligent, protective, and playful – perfect for families. It’s been nicknamed the “Nanny Dog” due to its love for kids.
On average, they cost between $2 000 and $4 000 and you can expect to pay $50 per grooming session.
The greatest health concerns for the Staffies include hip dysplasia, eye issues, skin problems, and more.
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Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud parent of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is passionate about understanding cats and different cat breeds.