A dog costs $1,000-$3,000+ in the first year and $800-$2,500 annually after that. Here's where the money goes.
Purchase / Adoption
Breeder: $500-$4,000 depending on breed. Popular breeds like French Bulldogs and Bernese Mountain Dogs are most expensive.
Shelter/Rescue: $50-$400 including vaccinations and spay/neuter. Best value and you save a life.
Annual Costs by Size
- Small dogs: $800-$1,500/year (less food, smaller supplies)
- Medium dogs: $1,000-$1,800/year
- Large dogs: $1,500-$2,500/year (more food, bigger everything)
Breakdown
- Food: $300-$900/year
- Vet (routine): $200-$600/year
- Grooming: $0-$800/year (breed-dependent)
- Insurance: $300-$600/year
- Supplies: $100-$300/year
- Training: $200-$500 (first year)
Most & Least Expensive Breeds
Most expensive: French Bulldog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Great Dane (high vet costs).
Least expensive: Beagle, Dachshund, Mutt/Mixed breed.
See cost details for specific breeds on our breed pages.