Ongoing costs depending on the dog breed: care requirements and costs
Whether they are couch potatoes or highly active runners, nobody can deny that dogs are fantastic companions. But before deciding to bring a dog into your home as a loyal friend, you should consider one question: „How much will it cost me in the long term?“ This is all about the running costs depending on the breed of dog, especially in terms of care requirements and costs.
The cost factor: dog breed counts!
The choice of dog breed has a significant impact on monthly and annual expenses. From nutrition to grooming to medical needs, all of these factors vary greatly between breeds. Below, we take a look behind the scenes of dog finances and discover what you might face depending on which furry friend you choose to bring home.
1. feed costs: size makes the difference
Clearly, the size of the dog not only determines the portions, but also the price. Here are a few examples:
- Small breeds: Yorkshire Terriers or Chihuahuas require smaller amounts of food, which limits the monthly food costs to around 20 to 30 euros.
- Medium-sized breeds: Cocker Spaniels or Bulldogs, which are in the „middle class“ of the dog food industry, can expect to pay around 50 to 70 euros a month.
- Large breeds: Great Danes or Bernese Mountain Dogs devour large quantities, which can lead to monthly costs of up to 150 euros.
A real food insider tip: online subscriptions often offer discounts and are convenient for busy dog owners!
2. healthcare: prevention is better than cure!
Expenses for veterinary care - vaccinations, check-ups, dental care - are unavoidable, but also vary depending on the breed.
- Breeds with special health needs: Purebred dogs such as the Pug or the English Bulldog often have congenital health problems. The annual veterinary costs can be staggering.
- Robust breeds: Mixed breeds or Labrador Retrievers are generally considered to be healthier. At the same time, the annual health costs often remain manageable.
One Health insurance can be unexpectedly advantageous in such cases. Better safe than sorry, right?
3. care and comfort: from the shampoo prince to the outdoor fairy
A well-groomed dog is a happy dog. But how much does it cost to keep your dog's hair in check?
- Lots of fur, lots of work: Dogs such as Afghans and poodles require regular brushing or even professional grooming, which costs around 50 to 100 euros per month.
- Easy-care types: Short-haired breeds such as Dobermans or Dalmatians are less demanding when it comes to grooming, and a very large towel and a good shampoo are often sufficient.
Whether at home or in the salon, grooming is an area where you either have to invest time or money - or both!
4. accessories and other necessities: From the lead to the toy
Every dog needs accessories, but how deep do you really have to dig into your pocket?
- Lead, collar and harness: Depending on the material and functionality, they cost between 20 and 100 euros.
- Toys: Buy high-quality and durable Dog toy, you can expect a one-off payment of 50 euros spread over the year.
- Sleeping places and retreats: A high-quality dog bed could start at around 80 to 150 euros.
A little tip on the side: many dog owners turn to DIY projects time and again to save costs and be creative!
5. dog school and leisure: for the well-behaved dog!
Once you have decided on a dog school, it is definitely an investment in the future - both for the bond and for the dog's behaviour.
Prices vary depending on the provider and the intensity of the training, but can easily range from 150 to 500 euros per course. Regular participants often save money through memberships.
Leisure activities such as dog sports or agility training also offer both physical and mental exercise for the dogs and can cost between 20 and 100 euros per month.
Final thoughts: A dog is priceless, but not for free
Running costs can vary greatly depending on the breed of dog, but one thing remains clear: dogs enrich life in many ways. Whether a tiny teacup dog or a stately Molosser, every dog has its own needs - and the associated costs should be carefully considered before purchasing a dog.
But whether the most important dog issue has been resolved or not, in the end one thing is certain: the feeling of being greeted by your furry friend after a long day is simply priceless!
FAQs
What are the monthly costs for a dog?
For a small dog, the costs start at around 30 euros per month, while for a large dog the sum can be up to 200 euros per month. For a small, healthy dog, you can expect to pay an average of 360 euros per year.
How much does the dog tax cost per month?
The Dog tax varies depending on the municipality, but averages between 2 and 13 euros per month. Owners of so-called „listed dogs“ must expect to pay higher amounts.
How much does a dog cost on average per year?
The annual cost of a dog depends on many factors, such as breed and state of health. On average, however, you can expect total costs of between 500 and 2500 euros per year.
Are regular veterinary examinations a must?
Yes, regular check-ups are important to ensure your dog's health. These can cost between 50 and 200 euros per year, depending on the treatment and vaccinations required.
Is it possible to save on dog food without compromising on quality?
Yes, that is possible. Many brands offer good quality at lower prices, compare prices and ingredients. It can also be helpful to buy in bulk or take advantage of food subscriptions.
