How much money is to much for a new dog.?

Question

I would like to get a new puppy but some of them are so high I dont want to spend money on something that I dont like or cant train. I also have kids and other pets and want to be sure its the right one.

Answer 1

Purebreds cost a lot because of all the breeder costs for running health clearances on their dogs and paying stud fees to produce the healthiest best matches possible, and they breed rarely. Most will take the dog back if it doesn't work out for you. That said, I got my puppy at a PetSmart adoption day. She cost $65, and turns out, looks and acts like a pure breed Aussie. I used a book to help me figure out some breed traits I liked, then looked at a site now defunct, but like PetFinder, to find mixes of those types. I also, found on the web, a guide to temperament testing pups. That said, I got the one that I kind of thought failed what I wanted in temperament, and she turned out to be challenging, but a total blast!!! It's not foolproof, as you can be fairly certain of traits of purebreds, but it's a guess and hope with a mix. Be careful of getting a rescue with your kids. Puppies have less baggage, in general. I got lucky!

Answer 2

Adopt, don't buy. Save the money for the vet bills. If you do decide to buy, go with a liscenced registered breeder. The dogs will be more money, but most good breeders have a "return policy" that is good for life, meaning that if at any time you can no longer care for the dog, you can relinquish it to them. Avoid "bargain" dogs you see advertised. They are often from people who don't know what they are doing and are breeding defective dogs prone to behaivor problems, or possibly from puppy mills. Always meet the dogs parents and where they live. NEVER meet someone in a parking lot with a puppy.

That said, reconsider a puppy unless you have LOADS of time and patience. We have an 8 week old boxer/sharpei mix right now, and he is a handful. Sure, they are cute and cuddly, but they are also a real PITA sometimes....:) A mellow, already trained adult might work out just as well.

Answer 3

If you want to cut down on costs a lot and save a puppy/dog, then go visit your nearest shelter or check out petfinder.com. However, if you have a specific breed in mind, then I would say look around your area for reputable breeders and get a range of prices. Another good place to look in puppyfind.com, where you can look at various breeders/ dogs. If you are buying for a breeder, I would say the range should be about 300-500, unless you are looking for a highly rare/special breed, in which case the price can be much higher. Good luck!

Answer 4

Don't buy a dog from a breeder or animal store they buy their dogs from puppy mills. Puppy mills are horrible places where the dogs are severely neglected and are continuously impregnated. They live with several other dogs in small cages and have to eliminate themselves right there. They never go for walks or get hugs and kisses. Go to your local animal shelter and buy a dog who has been lost or neglected or may even have come from a puppy mill. That's really the best place. Don't make the breeder/puppy miller rich. Send a message to them.

Answer 5

So what about foster a dog from rescue group? You can try before you buy.
But if u like a little puppy and you never know what it looks like when it grow up.
I think a young dog between 6 to 12 months old will be great. You can see their nearly fully grow size and their temperment.

Answer 6

Check with your local animal shelter. Sometimes someone there can help you select a dog that will closely match your lifestlye (active, slow-paced, apartment/house, kids...) They will help evaluate your situation, and choose a suitable pet for you. It will be cheaper than a breeder, you will be saving a life too.

Also: Remember not to rush things, the right one may not be there at this very moment. You will not regret waiting!!!
Best of luck in your search!!

Answer 7

I would get a mixed breed there the best anyway.The money is all in how much you want that pet or dog in specific and sometimes you can get a full breed dog for no more than300. if they are paperless but mixed breeds are healthier because they are not breed to close .Its the dog or puppy not the breed or the money.

Answer 8

Then perhaps your question should be what is a good breed of dog that is easy to train and likes kids? How much is too much? Easy. More than you're willing to spend.

Answer 9

Make sure you dont fall for "Free" dog adds in the newspaper. They might have deseases that will be very costly to medicate. Also, dont get a dog above about $1,500 because the expensive dogs are show dogs or rip offs.

Answer 10

I would suggest that you get a lab because they are easy to train, they are very good and protective of children and they are usually good dealing with other pets. I wouldn't spend more than $300 on it though.