Here’s What it Costs to Raise These Puppy Breeds

Avg. Weight (Adult): 65 lbs
Avg. Cost for First Year: $1200*
Avg. Monthly Food Cost: $80*
Life Span: 10-12 years 

Golden retrievers are gorgeous family pets that are loyal and loving. When it comes to getting a puppy they also aren’t the most expensive ones out there, usually costing around $500. But like most dogs, the first year can be a little hard on the wallet. 

Golden Retriever ©By StudioByTheSea / Shuterstock.com

You can expect to shell out around $1200 (on top of the cost of purchasing a pup) over the first twelve months to cover vet bills and vaccinations. Most owners advise budgeting around $100 a month to cover food expenses and other regular outgoings like wormer and flea treatment. Of course, cheaper kibble can always be purchased from grocery stores like Walmart, though we’d always recommend quality over cost.

Avg. Weight (Adult): 24 lbs
Avg. Cost for First Year: $2,530*
Avg. Monthly Food Cost: $40*
Life Span: 12-15 years

There’s a reason why cocker spaniels are such lovely pets. Not only are they pleasant to be around, but they look absolutely adorable. However, don’t be fooled – that silky hair and those floppy ears require a lot of maintenance. 

Cocker Spaniel ©VI Studio / Shutterstock.com

After shelling out between $500-$1000 for a puppy, owners can expect to pay a further $2,530 in the first year to make sure things get off to a flying start. According to Pet Budget, the lifetime cost of owning one of these floofsters is around $17,160. The good news is you’ll be able to get insurance from a company like Allianz’s PetPlan that won’t break the bank. 

Avg. Weight (Adult): 45-60 lbs
Avg. Cost for First Year: $1500*
Avg. Monthly Food Cost: $100*
Life Span: 10-13 years

Dalmatians are among the more desirable breeds of dogs, not least because they’re so attractive to look at. Their interesting spots make them unique, but their bouncy personalities are just as appealing. So, how much does one cost to keep? 

Dalmatian ©By Dora Zett / Shutterstock.com

Disney might have you believing that 101 of the little critters could be kept on a songwriter’s wage, but think again. If Roger and Anita were raising those pups in 2020, it would cost them $151,500 for the first year alone, with an average monthly food cost of $100 per dog!

Avg. Weight (Adult): 45-70 lbs
Avg. Cost for First Year: $3,000*
Avg. Monthly Food Cost: $40*
Life Span: 12-15 years 

Poodles are iconic canines for a number of reasons. Numerous famous names have owned poodles over the years, from Betty White to Charles Dickens. At one point in time, poodles were the ultimate fashion accessories, long before chihuahua’s entered the game. 

Standard Poodle ©JLSnader / Shutterstock.com

It’s no wonder that poodles would often be seen with members of high society, because they aren’t cheap to own and maintain. The first year will set you back an estimated $3,000. On the flip side, their monthly food bill isn’t all that expensive at $40 every four weeks. A range of kibble is available on Amazon and could potentially save owners a buck or two.

Avg. Weight (Adult): 85 lbs
Avg. Cost for First Year: $2,000*
Avg. Monthly Food Cost: $80*
Life Span: 10-12 years

If you’re looking for a dog to protect you and stay by your side through thick and thin, then a Rhodesian ridgeback could be your new best friend. The average adult weighs around 85 lbs, but they’re all muscle. 

Rhodesian Ridgeback ©topseller / Shutterstock.com

Often dubbed the “Navy SEAL” of dogs, a ridgeback likes to eat so expect to shell out around $80 a month for kibble and treats. Besides that, the first year is likely to cost you almost $2,000 in vet bills. Interestingly, Rhodesians have been featured in numerous Hollywood movies, including Sony’s 2007 feature The Jane Austen Book Club.

Avg. Weight (Adult): 40-65 lbs
Avg. Cost for First Year: $4,000*
Avg. Monthly Food Cost: $100*
Life Span: 13-15 years

The Australian shepherd looks like the ultimate cuddle dog. With long hair and an adorable face, it’s not hard to see why this breed is a popular family friend. As with all long-haired pooches, the maintenance can be a little costly. 

Australian Shepherd ©dezy / Shutterstock.com

In fact, owners can expect to pay around $200 a year for grooming products. Miss this vital step and you could end up with a dog that looks more like a giant tangle than a four-legged companion. These dogs like to be active so a good amount of the $4,000 first-year price tag will likely go on toys that can be bought at stores like Target.

Avg. Weight (Adult): 110-132 lbs
Avg. Cost for First Year: $2,000*
Avg. Monthly Food Cost: $90*
Life Span: 8-10 years

Rottweilers are loveable giants, even though they have a rather unfair reputation. By the time a rottweiler makes it to adulthood, it will likely weigh somewhere in the region of 110 to 132 lbs. They aren’t the smallest of dogs, which is often reflected in their monthly food bill – especially while they’re still growing during their first year. 

Rottweiler ©otsphoto / Shutterstock.com

According to various forums, rottweiler puppies like to eat a lot and put on weight quickly. Although the cost of food will eventually decrease a little, owners can expect to fork out close to $20,000 over the course of this pup’s life. Star of Disney’s The Revenant Leonardo DiCaprio is an avid rottie fan. 

Avg. Weight (Adult): 60-80 lbs
Avg. Cost for First Year: $1,000*
Avg. Monthly Food Cost: $40*
Life Span: 10-12 years

Labradors are quintessential family dogs. They’re loving, playful, and just as content sprawled out in front of the fire as they are running in loops at the park. Best of all, owning one of these incredible dogs likely won’t break the bank. 

Labrador ©Andrew Yates / Shutterstock.com

Compared to other breeds, labs are relatively cheap to own and care for. The average cost of the first year is about $1,000, while the food bill can be as little as $40 a month. Adopting one of these beloved dogs is another way to affordably do good. Just be sure to stock up on tennis balls from Dicks first!

Avg. Weight (Adult): 66-88 lbs
Avg. Cost for First Year: $3,800*
Avg. Monthly Food Cost: $60*
Life Span: 9-13 years

German shepherds have wonderful personalities, but they’re also amazing guard dogs. If you want a pooch that will alert you of danger while looking like a four-legged bear, then look no further. You may need to think of it as an investment rather than a one-off purchase. 

German Shepherd ©Israel Medeiros / Shutterstock.com

The average pup will cost around $3,800 in its first year, but the outgoings don’t stop there. All in all, it’s thought that owning a German shepherd will set you back $12,000 over its lifetime. That’s a small price to pay for the perfect companion. You can reduce costs by scouting out sites like Amazon for good deals on toys and treats.

Avg. Weight (Adult): 140-180 lbs
Avg. Cost for First Year: $2,000*
Avg. Monthly Food Cost: $80*
Life Span: 10 years

St. Bernards are popular because of their sheer size and winning character. They’re simply gigantic, with adults reaching as much as 180 lbs. You wouldn’t want to mess with one of these bad boys, but on the flip side they’re incredibly sweet. As you might imagine, one of the biggest expenses is how much they eat. 

St. Bernard @ Artush / Shutterstock.com

You can pick up a bag of dog food at Walmart for just a few bucks, but the quality could be questionable depending on the brand you get. High quality dog food will set you back somewhere in the region of $80 a month for this gentle giant, while first year set-up costs will come in at around $2,000. 

Avg. Weight (Adult): 60-88 lbs
Avg. Cost for First Year: $1,000*
Avg. Monthly Food Cost: $40*
Life Span: 10-14 years

Greyhounds are lean and fast, which is why there’s an entire sport dedicated to their athleticism. And while they look like they wouldn’t weigh much – especially as puppies – the average adult male will likely tip 60 lbs on the scales. This breed is known to be very gentle and affectionate, so spending $1,000 on the first year doesn’t seem like a bad deal. 

Greyhound ©Linn Currie / Shutterstock.com

According to owners, greyhounds are especially suited to homes with families and elderly people as they don’t get overly excited. Plus, they aren’t massive eaters – so a $40 food budget per month is likely enough. That leaves plenty of extra cash to splurge on doggie treats and toys from Costco.

Avg. Weight (Adult): 30-50 lbs
Avg. Cost for First Year: $3,500*
Avg. Monthly Food Cost: $60*
Life Span: 10-15 years

Schnauzers are full of character, but they’re also quite demanding dogs. They also demand a lot of exercise as they were originally used as guard dogs. And regardless of their age they have a way of looking like grumpy old men regardless of their mood. However, they’re also super smart and loving.

Schnauzer ©MaraZe / Shuterstock.com

For all their qualities, these pups do require a considerable investment in their upbringing during the first year. Vet bills and other set-up costs will likely see owners spend upward of $3,500 within the first twelve months – but considering what you get for that price, it seems like a bargain. 

Avg. Weight (Adult): 66lbs
Avg. Cost for First Year: $2,500*
Avg. Monthly Food Cost: $35*
Life Span: 10 years

There’s a reason why old English sheepdogs are so supremely popular. As puppies, these guys are cuter than the majority of other dogs, with soft downy fur and drooping ears that they have yet to grow into. Don’t be fooled by their cute appearance, though. These guys aren’t cheap. 

Old English Sheepdog ©Kate Grishakova / Shutterstock.com

Thanks to vaccinations to microchipping, crates, and all the other equipment you might need, you can expect to shell out over $2,500 in the first year. Sheepdogs love to be active so you need to be rich in time as well as in the wallet to ensure they get all the exercise they need. If you’re looking for a lap dog, keep looking. 

Avg. Weight (Adult): 12 lbs
Avg. Cost for First Year: $4,000*
Avg. Monthly Food Cost: $40*
Life Span: 13-15 years

Chinese crested dogs are strange looking little creatures that in some ways resemble a horse, although they’re considerably lighter. These teeny pups will grow to weigh just 12 lbs, so they are perfect for apartment living – if you can afford them.

Chinese Crested @ExtremeChineseCrested / Facebook.com

Although they are generally a healthy breed that can live up to 15 years, they can be prone to deafness later in life. According to Bubbly Pet, the majority of owners tend to be under budget when it comes to Chinese crested – so be sure you’ve got at least $4,000 spare for the first year, with another $1,000 a year tucked away after that.