Comparison of dog costs: cost factors and financial considerations by dog breed

When it comes to buying a dog, there are many factors to consider - and if we're honest, a lot of it ultimately comes down to money. From the purchase price to insurance costs and everyday expenses, the financial commitment can vary enormously. A thorough comparison of dog costs is therefore essential in order to make informed decisions.

Acquisition costs: The first big bite of the budget

Let's start with the purchase costs, the first big step on the road to dog ownership. Prices vary greatly depending on the breed and origin:

• Pedigree dogs: Depending on popularity, pedigree and breeding conditions, a purebred dog can cost between €800 and €2,500 or even more. Breeds such as the French Bulldog or the Australian Shepherd are often more expensive because they are frequently featured on social media and are therefore in high demand.
• Mixed breed dogs: Mixed breeds often come from animal shelters or private owners and are cheaper to buy, often for a nominal fee of €300 to €600.
• Rescue Dogs: Dogs from abroad or from difficult backgrounds vary greatly in cost, depending on transport and organisation; expect to pay around €150 to €350.

Not to forget the first necessities such as collar, lead, dog bed and food - these additional costs can also quickly reach €200 to €300.

Insurance costs: safety first

For many dog owners, this is a compulsory task that should not be underestimated: planning insurance costs reliably. But what exactly does the cover cost?

A distinction is often made between liability and surgery insurance:

• Liability insurance: Required by law in some German federal states, it offers protection against damage caused by your dog. Depending on the breed, annual premiums can range between €30 and €150.
• OP insurance: A somewhat tricky point, but one that makes perfect sense. Costs for operations can quickly run into the thousands. Insurance premiums here range from €100 to €400 per year.

It is worth comparing different providers and keeping an eye on the sums insured and additional benefits.

Running costs: the everyday madness

Now that the dog and insurance are sorted out, the running costs come into play. And these can easily be underestimated!

• Lining: Depending on the size and specific needs of the animal, this can be between €30 and €100 per month.
• Veterinary costs: Regular vaccinations, worming and check-ups are a must. Expect to spend around €100 to €400 per year.
• Toys and accessories: Dogs need something to do too! This can cost an additional €10 to €50 per month.
• Dog tax: An often overlooked point that can vary depending on the municipality. In Germany, the dog tax varies between €30 and €180 per year.

Comparison of dog costs by breed: The big differences

Financial requirements vary significantly by breed. Let's take a closer look at some of the most popular dog breeds:

Golden Retriever

• Purchase: € 1,000 to € 1,500
• Liability: Around €60 per year
• Food: approx. 60 € per month
• Total running costs: Around €1,500 in the first year and around €800 per year thereafter.

Dachshund

• Purchase: 800 to 1,200 €
• Liability: Around €50 per year
• Food: Around €40 per month
• Total running costs: One-off expenses of around €1,300 and a further €600 per year.

Chihuahua

• Purchase: 400 to 900 €
• Liability: €30 to €40 per year
• Food: approx. 20 € per month
• Total running costs: A total of around €1,200 in the first year and around €400 per year thereafter.

Conclusion: It's worth taking a look at the long-term costs

At the end of the day, all dog lovers have one thing in common: the desire to offer their four-legged companions the best life possible. A comparison of dog costs is essential to ensure that the financial aspect does not become a stress factor. What may seem cheap at first glance can be expensive in the long term - or vice versa. Therefore, conscientious research and planning are the be-all and end-all!

But don't lose sight of the essentials - the joy and happiness that a dog brings to your life are priceless. With the right preparations and a well-thought-out choice of breed, you can prepare and enjoy a trouble-free life together.

FAQs on the topic of dog costs

Where do you pay the least dog tax in Germany?

In a comparison of the top 8 cities, dog owners in Hamburg and Leipzig are the cheapest at 90 and 96 euros per year respectively. In other major cities such as Munich, you pay around 100 euros, in Frankfurt am Main 102 euros and in Stuttgart the dog tax amounts to 108 euros.

Will the dog tax be increased in 2024?

Yes, there are predictions that the dog tax could be increased by up to 100 per cent in 2024, depending on the municipality in question. Dog owners should therefore inform themselves in good time to avoid surprises with the annual tax rate.

Who has the highest dog tax in Germany?

The exact figures may vary depending on the region and additional taxes. We therefore recommend that you check the current regulations in the respective city or municipality to ensure that you are always well informed.