The cost of bringing a puppy home has risen sharply. For some popular breeds, the purchase price alone can easily reach several thousand dollars, if not more.
While the emotional bond still drives most decisions, the financial commitment starts long before the food bowls and vet visits. The general costs of pet care are outdated increase in essential income, with annual expenses ranging from $1,390 to more than $5,000, depending on the breed.
And the sticker price is just the first payment. From weight-based medications to specialized insurance premiums, total lifetime costs for certain breeds can exceed $50,000. Vet bills in particular can add up. Protect yourself and your furry friends with pet insurance.
Here are 12 popular breeds ranked from expensive to most budget-friendly.
1. Samoyed
The Samoyed holds the title for the most expensive entry price of all the breeds on this list. A puppy from a reputable breeder now averages between $4,000 and $14,000, with elite show-quality bloodlines commanding the highest premiums.
These dogs are a huge long-term commitment. Their thick double coat requires professional grooming about every two months to prevent skin infections. When you take into account their predisposition to heart and autoimmune problems, their lifetime costs could easily exceed $35,000.
2. French bulldog
Small in size but huge in cost, French Bulldog puppies typically command prices between $3,500 and $6,000. Because they often require artificial insemination and C-sections to give birth, these medical costs are factored into the puppy’s price tag.
The financial drain continues after you bring them home. Their flat structure makes them prone to respiratory problems, leading to some of the highest insurance premiums in the industry. Owners of this breed can expect to pay more than $1,300 annually just for coverage.
3. English bulldog
The English Bulldog follows closely behind with an initial puppy price averaging $4,300. Like their French cousins, they are medically intensive to breed and maintain.
They are often flagged for rising costs due to their laundry list of potential health problems, including joint problems and skin fold infections. They remain one of the most expensive breeds to insure, making them a luxury companion for those on a flexible budget.
4. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a gigantic breed with a gigantic price tag. Puppies from reputable breeders typically cost between $1,500 and $3,000, but it’s the maintenance that is really worth it.
Due to their enormous size, food alone can cost hundreds of dollars per month. When combined with veterinary care and grooming, the lifetime cost for a large breed like the Saint Bernard can amount to approximately $52,000 over their lifetime.
5. Tibetan mastiff
A Tibetan Mastiff puppy typically costs between $2,000 and $6,000. Although the price of the stickers is high, the true cost lies in their sheer size.
Everything for a Mastiff is super big – from hundreds of dollars spent monthly on specialized large breed food to medications dosed by weight. Their lifetime care is estimated at as much as $40,000, putting them firmly in the more expensive large animal category.
6. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are powerful working dogs with an initial price between $1,500 and $3,500. However, champion lines from top breeders can reach much higher.
Their size requires a significant food budget and they are prone to hereditary joint diseases. Monthly costs typically run into the hundreds, and they are known to be the most expensive to insure, making them an expensive large breed to maintain.
7. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman puppies typically cost around $3,000. Although they are a popular working breed, they come with significant hidden insurance costs.
Because they are prone to hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia and heart problems, their annual insurance premiums are almost twice as high as those of stronger breeds. Lifetime costs for this breed often reflect these high medical requirements, with premiums alone easily exceeding five figures.
8. Great Dane
Great Danes have a purchase price that is typically between $1,500 and $3,000. However, their short lifespan is offset by extremely high annual costs.
Their size makes everything more expensive: food, crates, and bedding are all more expensive. Even with a shorter life expectancy, their total lifetime costs can be significant given the intensity of their physical needs and medical predispositions.
9. Beagle
The Beagle is a classic mid-range option, with puppies costing between $1,000 and $1,500. They are generally hardy, but if not managed carefully they are prone to ear infections and obesity.
Annual care for a Beagle is relatively moderate, with insurance premiums typically lower than those of giant or flat-faced breeds, making them considered a solid mid-range financial choice.
10. Miniature dachshund
The miniature dachshund is a more accessible option, with puppies costing around $1,450. Their smaller size makes food and basic maintenance costs manageable for the average household.
The main financial risk for this breed is spinal health. Although their lifetime care costs are significantly lower than those of large breeds, owners should budget for preventive equipment to avoid back surgeries that can cost thousands of dollars.
11. Greyhound
Greyhounds are surprisingly affordable, especially when you consider their size. A puppy typically starts around $700 to $1,500.
They have minimal grooming needs and are generally healthy, although they require coats in cold weather. Ongoing annual expenses are relatively low for a large dog, making them a worthwhile choice for those who want a larger companion without the typical large dog price tag.
12. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua remains the most budget-friendly breed on this list. A healthy puppy can be found for around $1,200 to $1,800. Their small stature is their greatest economic advantage, as they require very little food and minimal care.
Because they are naturally hardy and long-lived, they often cost as little as $43 per month to maintain. For many, they are the most sustainable way to enjoy dog ownership without risking a big hit to their retirement budget.
Plans for your new companion
The most effective way to control these costs is to strive for total breeder transparency regarding genetic testing. A slightly higher price today for a health-screened puppy could save you five figures in emergency surgeries down the road.
As veterinary prices continue to rise, choosing a breed that fits your monthly cash flow is the best way to ensure a high level of care. Whether you choose a low-maintenance Samoyed or a budget-friendly Chihuahua, the goal is to enjoy the company without the shadow of pet inflation hitting your household.
If you’re looking for a new credit card, The Nibbles credit card is the one offers $10,000 in pet insurance for one pet, built into the card. This covers 80% of vet bills after deducting the deductible – typically $30-$50 per month with other insurers. Plus, earn 3X points on pet spends for more treats. Save more today while caring for your beloved pet. Nibbles is not a bank. The Nibbles Card is issued by Lead Bank. Fees and terms and conditions apply. See nibbles.com for more information.
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