Thinking about bringing a four-legged friend into your life? Owning a dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience. But it’s not cheap, by any means. According to research, new dog owners can expect to spend near about Rs 5000/- in up-front expenses. After that, caring for dog will cost an average of Rs 1000-1500/- per month, plus an extra Rs18000/- in annual expenses. Of course, these are just averages. The specific breed you choose could be much more or less expensive to own. And aside from money, you want to be sure that your dog is a good fit for your home and family, too. So to figure out what type of breed would best suit your budget and lifestyle, consider the following questions.
Do you live in a small apartment or house with a yard?
You should consider your living situation when choosing a pup. For starters, bigger dogs simply need more space. And highly active breeds often require access to a yard where they can burn off energy throughout the day. However, your home type can matter for financial reasons, too. If you’re lucky enough to find an apartment that allows pets, you might be required to pay an additional pet deposit, slightly higher rent or both. Some home insurance companies also place restrictions on the types of breeds homeowners can have. You might know that Spike is all bark and no bite, but insurance companies might not be willing to take the chance. If you own a breed that’s considered aggressive or vicious by an insurer— like a Pit Bull, Doberman or Rottweiler — you might be denied coverage or charged a higher premium.
Are you a homebody or frequent traveler?
Since dogs require regular attention, feeding and exercise, you can’t leave them home alone when you go out of town. If you don’t have a family member or friend who can take over doggy duties while you’re gone, you might need to hire a petsitter or board your dog overnight.
Can you commit to regular grooming?
“While consistent grooming and coat care are requirements for every dog, the expenses can start adding up if you have a dog that’s particularly high maintenance,” It is said that “Breeds with intensive grooming requirements, like Cocker Spaniels, Samoyeds, Bichon Frise and mixed-breed doodles, will require dedication and financial investment to maintain a healthy coat.” However, costs could be much higher if you have a particularly large dog or require show-worthy styling. If you aren’t equipped to handle a dog with extensive grooming needs, consider a more low-maintenance breed.
Do you have the time and money to spend on vet care?
Though it’s a good idea to take your dog in for regular check ups, some dog breeds are notorious for having many medical issues. Many larger breeds are prone to dysplasia of the elbow and hip, while flat-faced breeds are prone to breathing issues and skin and ear problems. Bulldogs, Boxers and Labrador Retrievers are all prone to health issues as well. “It’s important to extensively research the breed you’re interested in getting so you understand what health conditions your potential dog could develop. We should well aware of the medical expenses. “Skin irritation is very common in bulldogs because of all the wrinkles,” we have to keep special wipes on hand to treat bulldogs ’s face and paws regularly. Regardless of what type of dog you choose, you should be financially ready for any health risks or emergencies that could arise. The best way to save money is to stay on top of your dog’s medical needs and practice prevention. “Always make sure your dog is spayed or neutered, is up-to-date on shots, and consistently takes flea, tick and heartworm preventative medicine.”This, will keep your dog from developing a condition or disease that could end up requiring extremely pricey medical care.