COSTS OF OWNING A DOG

Dogs, like children, need love, training, food, medical care and some miscellaneous items during their lifetime. Before you commit yourself to the responsibilities of a pet, please take into consideration the long-term costs. Costs include:

Initial
Lifetime*
Total
Veterinary Bills
150
880
 1030
Training
50-100
550-2200**
600-2300
Registration fee (license) 15 -- 15
Food -- 4400 4400
Preventative medication -- 2200 2200
Grooming Supplies 130 1100 1230
Leash, collar, toys 100 1100 1200
Flea and pest treatment 880 880
Total 445-495 11,110-12,760 11,555-13255
*Based on 11-year lifespan
**If you continue training

These are estimates provided there are no health problems, but if yur dog destroys or damages your possessions or a neighbor's, or if your dog develops health problems, you may have to add hundres of dollars to these costs.

Note: costs don't include the purchase price of the dog which can range from $300 to $5,000. Figures are based on a study done in January 1990.

TO BREED OR NOT TO BREED

So you think you have the most dynamite dog on earth and you want to breed it -- and you think you can make money? Well here is a list of your expenses for that "special litter" that you hope will bring you top dollar. Veteran breeders of quality dogs do not consider a breeding unless they have a waiting list of cash deposits in advance for an average-sized litter. Dog breeding for first-time breeders that have no reputation and no referrals to help them find buyers is not a money-making proposition. And what happens if your puppies don't sell? Do they get dumped at the shelters -- that are already over-crowded with unwanted dogs and puppies? Please think carefully before embarking on this type endeavor and take a visit to a local shelter. Then ask yourself, do I need to produce more puppies?

Cost of female $500 & up
Cost of male, or his stud fee 1,500 & up
Veterinary expense (excludes a C-section delivery) 1,500 & up
Extra food while female is pregnant/nursing 150
Food for pups (average little of 6 pups) 300 & up
Equipment for delivery & housing pups 600 & up
Salaries lost because of absence from work 300 hours+
Advertising & other costs to sell pups 1,000 & up
Expenses to raise one litter 5,250 & up

How to find a good breeder

Phonel:650-324-1708 (8am to 8pm)
E-mail: donnasue@paws4art.com