COVID-19’s Effect on Puppy Prices
Why are dogs so expensive since the pandemic? Back in March 2020, when the United States began to undergo lockdown, many assumed it would only last a couple of weeks. But then weeks turned into months and people were stuck in their homes and working alone. Children also went without any social interaction with people their age since they were taking online classes. To make up for the lack of in-person meetings and connections, people opted for dogs instead.
Dog breeders who would get an average of 10 inquiries about puppies a day began to get more than 100 a day during the pandemic. The American Pet Products Association (APPPA) reported that in 2020 alone, pet ownership in the United States rose from 67% of households to 70%. Taking up the majority of those numbers are Generation Z and Millennials, who are more likely to be pet owners and spend more money on their pets than any other generation, the APPPA also reported. The statistics don’t stop there: the percentage of people who got a pet from May 2020 to February 2022 rose from 7% to 14%.
Dog breeders who still had puppies left took advantage of the increased demand for dogs to make a larger profit. They raised their prices to compete within the dog-buying market, and people were still paying these prices due to the stress of the pandemic, which many thought puppies could help with. However, the prices didn’t go up just because breeders wanted to exploit people’s desperation for a furry companion. There was also a shortage of dogs because of the high demand for them. Des Kehoe, the vice president of Dogs West in Australia, also says that breeders have to raise their prices to make their dogs more impressionable. If breeders don’t charge their dogs at a higher price than their competitors, then people might be skeptical that they won’t be receiving a “good product.”
Breeding Is Expensive
Even before the pandemic, breeding dogs was expensive. According to Cosmopolitan Dogs, a home-based breeder for foundation-trained and allergy-friendly dogs, many factors make breeding cost more than adopting a pet from a shelter. Some of these factors are:
All of these factors must be taken into consideration when breeding and buying a dog. Breeders have continuous expenses that occur throughout the year that they need to offset in order to turn a profit.
Additional costs of different dog breeds
Without question, the biggest expenses over time for a dog will be vet bills. These could be unexpected (“My puppy ate a sock and needs surgery to remove it!”) or completely normal (“My senior dog needs a major dental cleaning.”) Embrace Pet Insurance says the five breeds with the highest vet bills, based on 2020 claims, were Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Flat-coated Retrievers, Bullmastiffs and Newfoundlands.
Karen Leslie from The Pet Fund, a nonprofit paying vet bills for those in need, tells NPR that 60 percent of their grants go to cancer treatments for pets. “The typical bill for cancer can go as high as $10,000,” Leslie says. The National Canine Cancer Foundation says in general, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, German Shepherds and Rottweilers are the breeds most prone to cancer.
No matter the dog breed, you’ll need to stock up on supplies when you first adopt or buy. Crates, leashes and everything in between will add up quickly. Luckily, these are first-time purchases you won’t have to make every year (unless your dog outgrows things or chews through them). Every few years your dog may need booster vaccinations or new medications if they develop illnesses or get colds. If you travel a lot, be prepared to spend money on pet sitters or boarding facilities. If you work a lot, paying a dog walker to get your dog enough exercise will add to your expenses.
Dogs…cost money! Starting a savings account for your future dog now, no matter what breed you end up with, is super smart.
Height: 17-23 inchesWeight: 35-60 poundsPersonality: Smart, athleticActivity Level: HighGrooming Requirements: Regular groomingLife Expectancy: 11-13 yearsAverage Initial Cost: $2,200Lifetime Cost: $22,000+
This breed is pretty rare in the U.S. (they only arrived in the 1970s) and are hypoallergenic, which makes them very popular. Grooming can also get expensive if you opt for the traditional Portuguese Water Dog look (shortly trimmed tail and hindquarters). Their athleticism also means tons of outdoor activity time. Doggy daycare is a must if you own a Portuguese Water Dog and go to the office every day.
Height: 17-20 inchesWeight: 45-70 poundsPersonality: Serious, loyalActivity Level: ModerateGrooming Requirements: Regular brushingLife Expectancy: 8-12 yearsAverage Initial Cost: $2,250Average Lifetime Cost: $21,000
Say hello to one of the fluffiest breeds in town. The Chow Chow is a Chinese breed that requires frequent brushing (and many brushes) to ensure a healthy coat. While dignified and reserved with strangers, they stick by their humans through thick and thin. Training sessions or puppy classes early on will help Chow Chows adapt well to new situations.
Height: 25-27 inchesWeight: 50-60 poundsPersonality: Independent, proudActivity Level: Moderate to HighGrooming Requirements: Daily brushingLife Expectancy: 12-18 yearsAverage Initial Cost: $2,250Average Lifetime Cost: $27,000
Known for being cat-like and independent, Afghan Hounds are stunning canines with long, flowing coats. Though hypoallergenic, these dogs require daily brushing to keep their coats tangle-free. Afghan Hounds are sighthounds that began as hunters in the Middle East thousands of years ago. Perhaps this is why they hold their heads so high (and cost so much).
Height: 7-10 inchesWeight: 8-10 poundsPersonality: Sensitive, loyalActivity Level: ModerateGrooming Requirements: Regular grooming and hand-strippingLife Expectancy: 12-15 yearsAverage Initial Cost: $2,300Average Lifetime Cost: $17,000
With a face like this, who cares what they cost! Brussels Griffons are known for their big personalities and charming expressions. Native to Belgium, they make excellent companion pets and will bond quickly to their favorite person. Don’t plan on leaving a Brussels Griffon home alone for long stretches (they’ll act out!).
Height: 20-28 inchesWeight: 40-65 poundsPersonality: Gentle, independentActivity Level: Moderate to HighGrooming Requirements: Regular BrushingLife Expectancy: 10-17 yearsAverage Initial Cost: $2,400Average Lifetime Cost: $24,000
Salukis are used to being ogled for their mystical beauty. They’ve been admired since 7000 B.C.! Native to the Middle East and Asia, Salukis were the preferred pet of royalty. Today, they make even-tempered pets. Don’t be fooled though. Salukis love to run and need plenty of outdoor time. As with other sighthounds, these dogs can develop bloat if they eat too quickly or exercise right after mealtime.
Height: 25-32 inchesWeight: 90-170 poundsPersonality: Intelligent, goofyActivity Level: Moderate to HighGrooming Requirements: Daily brushing, weekly groomingLife Expectancy: 7-10 yearsAverage Initial Cost: $2,400Average Lifetime Cost: $25,000
The Leonberger Club of America highly recommends puppy training classes for young Leos so they can socialize and absorb commands early. These large, bear-like dogs love their families and need lots of living space. A yard is ideal. The best way to bond with your Leonberger? Grooming! Brush their thick coats daily to avoid mats.
Height: 23-29 inchesWeight: 85-140 poundsPersonality: Affectionate, socialActivity Level: Moderate to HighGrooming Requirements: MinimalLife Expectancy: 8-11 yearsAverage Initial Cost: $2,500Average Lifetime Cost: $22,000
This is a big breed with (as mentioned above) large vet bills. Similar to big breeds like their cousins the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Saint Bernard, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can develop joint issues over time. The American Kennel Club also says severe spleen issues occur more often in this breed than in other breeds. Beyond that, get ready for a dog who can be stubborn, but at the end of the day just wants to play and frolic with its people.
Weight: 40-50 poundsPersonality: Protective, sweetActivity Level: Low to ModerateGrooming Requirements: Regular brushing and cleaning between foldsLife Expectancy: 8-10 yearsAverage Initial Cost: $2,500Average Lifetime Cost: $16,000
One of the most recognizable faces in all of dogdom is the English Bulldog. Like other short-nosed breeds, Bulldogs shouldn’t be overexercised (they could have trouble breathing) or left out in the heat. As the Bulldog Club of America says, these pups should always be brought to a vet well-versed in bulldogs. The fact that this is a “highly specialized, man-made breed” could contribute to its high price.
Height: 9-10 inchesWeight: 8-14 poundsPersonality: Sweet, playfulActivity Level: ModerateGrooming Requirements: Regular brushing and trimmingLife Expectancy: 10-12 yearsAverage Initial Cost: $2,500Average Lifetime Cost: $14,000
Make sure to check your English Toy Spaniel’s ears often to ensure they are clean! Regular brushing and trimming is also necessary to keep their coat and skin healthy. Beyond that, these are relaxed, cheerful dogs who are excited just to be near you. English Toy Spaniels also have sensitive dispositions and pick up easily on their owners’ energies.
Average Height: 25.5 inchesAverage Weight: 70 poundsPersonality: Friendly, obedientActivity Level: ModerateGrooming Requirements: Hand-strippingLife Expectancy: 12-16 yearsAverage Initial Cost: $2,500Average Lifetime Cost: $34,000
Over the course of a lifetime, Giant Schnauzers may be one of the more expensive dogs on our list. These are powerful dogs from Germany who are smart enough to learn many commands but just proud enough to take matters into their own hands if they feel it necessary. This is an example of a dog who may cost you more if you leave them home alone (they can become destructive if bored).
Height: 10-14 inchesWeight: 18-28 poundsPersonality: Spirited, goofyActivity Level: Low to ModerateGrooming Requirements: MinimalLife Expectancy: 11-13 yearsAverage Initial Cost: $2,500Average Lifetime Cost: $17,000
Miniature Bull Terriers are simply smaller versions of their Bull Terrier cousins. These dogs are known for plenty of antics and constantly wanting to play. Their muscular build and energy levels could lead to joint issues in puppyhood, so don’t overdo it on the exercise. Mini Bull Terriers also have territorial and protective streaks, so socialize them early to prevent aggression.
Why Pedigree Dogs Are So Expensive | So Expensive
People love showering their dogs with toys, clothes and fancy meal plans. Frankly, the doggy gift options just keep getting better. Spending money on our pets is part of the deal when adopting, fostering or buying a dog. The thing is, the tab grows very quickly. Some dog breeds cost a lot more to care for than others. Everything from bedtime to bathtime and beyond can be more expensive depending on the breed. The most expensive dog breeds tend to be rare, purebred dogs who come from show-winning bloodlines. Expensive dog breeds also require more grooming, training and medical visits over the course of their lifetimes. If you’ve got your heart set on one of these breeds, start saving now.
Some dog breeds are very expensive to purchase initially, while others cost more over the long term. For example, a French Bulldog is pretty pricey when you buy one from a certified breeder, but costs less on average than, say, a Bernese Mountain Dog after a decade or so. It’s hard to calculate the lifetime cost of a dog before you have it, because you can’t predict specific health issues or unexpected events. But, we can estimate.
Dog owners typically spend between $1,500 and $3,200 in the first year of pet ownership. From there, annual costs range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Depending on your income and coupon cutting skills, these numbers can fluctuate drastically.
Pet Budget does a great job of researching the costs of grooming sessions, supplies, vet bills and more to predict both the initial and lifetime costs of different breeds. Since all these things vary greatly in price—and we’d need a psychic to predict what happens with your pup—we focus primarily on initial costs in this list. The pups you’ll find here are the most expensive dog breeds when it comes to how much you’d pay for a puppy.