Running costs of dogs: An overview of regular expenses

A dog can truly be man's most loyal companion - always cheerful, always ready for an adventure and always up for a cuddle. But wait! Before you hack into those soft eyes and spontaneously rush off to the animal shelter, you should perhaps take a moment to pause and think about how much such a clumsy friend actually costs. We know: The love of a dog is priceless. But the running costs of dogs, i.e. the regular expenses, are definitely something to reckon with. Let's delve into this world of finance together and look at everything from food to insurance.

The basics: What should you expect?

Every dog owner - or those who want to become one - should have a rough idea of the monthly and annual costs they will incur. These regular expenses can vary depending on whether you own a Yorkshire Terrier or a Great Dane.

• Feed costs: The largest and most important category! A small dog nibbles away perhaps 20 to 50 euros a month, while a large dog can easily cost 80 to 150 euros. And we haven't even got to the gourmet menu yet!
• Healthcare: The vet costs - and not too little. Annual vaccinations, regular check-ups and perhaps the inevitable worming. You should budget around 30 to 50 euros per month, but this can of course vary.
• Care and cosmetics: Yes, now it's getting exciting! Whether you need a groomer or simply plan for occasional nail care, on average you could expect to pay around 10 to 30 euros per month.

Daily luxury: toys, treats and co.

And then there are the invisible costs that you only realise when you're standing in the middle of a toy shop holding a squeaky rubber chicken in your hand. Long story short: daily or monthly luxury items also contribute to the running costs of dogs. Depending on the frequency of pampering, this can mean another 10 to 40 euros a month. Oh, and treats - of course, a must! - are also included. How else is a dog supposed to know he's been good?

A point not to be underestimated: insurance costs

Let's not forget the insurance! Because there are also insurance policies for our furry friend. There's liability insurance, which is compulsory in some federal states, and dog health insurance, which pays off quickly, especially for breeds with frequent health problems.

Here is an overview of some insurance options:

• Animal owner liability insurance: Protects you in case your dog causes minor damage. This costs around 5 to 10 euros per month - depending on the level of protection you need.
• Health and OP insurance: This ranges from 20 to 60 euros per month, depending on the breed and scope of services.

Tax and other municipal expenses

Last but not least: you should Dog tax Do not forget. The amount of this tax varies from place to place, but can be between 30 and 160 euros per year. Although this tax is not a monthly expense, it must be included in your overall planning.

Total costs by dog breed: a brief insight

Well, the thing with breeds is quite tricky. Not every tail wags the same, not every muzzle has the same appetite. For example:

• Yorkshire Terrier: Small, manageable and generally cheaper. The running costs of dogs of this breed can be estimated at around 50 to 100 euros per month.
• Labrador Retriever: Known to be greedy and active, the costs here stabilise at around 150 to 250 euros per month.
• Great Dane: With her huge heart (and appetite), things get a little more expensive: you can expect to spend between 200 and 300 euros a month.

Conclusion: The costs are varied and individual

Yes, yes, a dog is a financial commitment and the running costs of dogs can be considerable. But every expense is worth it as soon as you get a warm kiss on the snout or are rewarded with a loyal look. With a rough plan of expected costs, the dream of having a dog can be realistically realised. So, what are you waiting for? Ready to become a four-legged household?