When im 18, do you think i could aford 3 dogs?

Question

Ok, i have been wanting a Yorkie for a LONG LONG LONG LONG time, like 6 years... but anyways thats not the point, the point is is that im probley getting a Yorkie this summer, and in a couple of years i want a Chow CHow, and a Doberman... do you think i could afford it? What would be the better choice for a guard dog? a chow chow or doberman? i mean i love them both and i can't decide? but i defintley want a Yorkie!!!!

Answer 1

I don't think so.

I'm 31, married, and my husband I both have decent professional jobs. I wouldn't call us affluent but we are not poor. We have two dogs and definitely could not afford a third.

The older dog has had over $1000 in vet bills in 2006 alone. No serious problems, but his annual exam and shots is $300. Frontline and Heartgard run about $15/each per month. Then he got fleas and is very allergic to flea dirt. $200 later (for a cortizone shot, antibiotics, steroids, and an anti-itch cream) we were sent home from the vet. Then he broke his toe at the dog park. He was in extreme pain so we took him to the vet. The vet did some X-Rays and set and soft-cast his toe. He got pain medication and we went home, after a $300 vet bill. Well, this particular dog doesn't much like bandages, and managed to rip them off. So over the next two weeks, we returned to the vet 5 more times, trying to help his foot injury. The first two return visits were solely because we truly believed the toe could still be repaired. The last three return trips were because, even with an Elizabethan collar, he managed to rip off the bandages, in the process tearing apart his leg. Each time he created/re-opened bloody wounds which required medical attention, to the tune of (a total of) another $200.

Since, we've had one more recurrence of fleas, even though he's on Frontline monthly. That's when the vet upped the frequency of his medication.

You have to be prepared for the worst -- and there's no way we could possibly afford three times Jack's 2006 vet bills. We'd have it rough if Succotash had had vet bills like Jack's let alone adding a third dog to the mix. Sure, we could charge it if we had to, but that's a last resort for things we can't afford...

Answer 2

dobermans are great guard dogs but i dont really think it would be a good choice with the yorkie since some of them are pretty aggressive so i suggest you get the Chow Chow and i think if you have a job and get paid pretty good just about anybody can afford 3 dogs. But if they get sicknesses and stuff, then that's a lot of money. =]

Answer 3

Well, yorkies are very expensive and are high maintenance. But are very adorable. If you get a yorkie I wouldn't get a guard dog because there is a big chance that a big dog will hurt a yorkie or even kill it. Plus a yorkshire terrier can't put up a big fight if it was in a tough situation. If you do decide to get a guard dog and a yorkie get the guard dog at a young age and have them introduced. Never leave them alone together though.

Answer 4

I have a doberman and they make great guard dogs and are very loyal. not to mention, the stigma attached to them makes them even better. (someone is less likely to mess with a doberman than say a lab-- which is why i got one)

The real question is, at 18 will you have the money for unexpected vet bills and, if you do have the money (through a job) will you have enough time to take care of them- play with them and walk them?

I wanted a dog my entire life as well and finally got one but only when I could for sure take care of it both financially and emotionally. A lot of potentially pricey behavioral problems stem from not getting enough attention especially if you dont have a fenced yard for them to burn energy.


Some pure bred dobermans have seriouse medical problems later in life.

Answer 5

It's not just about money at this point - it's about time and housing. I got my first dog at 14 and it made it very difficult for me to move out when I got older - most appartments do not allow big dogs, and if they do, there is no yard for them to go potty, so that means coming home every couple of hours to walk the dog. It is a lot of time and effort when you are trying to work and/or go to school. At 18, I think I'd stick with the yorkie since they are smaller and more "portable". When you are financially stable and own a home with a yard, I'd think about the other dogs. I know it sucks, but at your age life is busy and the future is still unknown, so finish going to college, etc. first. :)

Answer 6

Well I don't know about your financial situation but I know I couldn't have afforded three dogs when I was 18. I had one dog and that was plenty of responsibility, time and money. You have to take into account basic vet costs, food, supplies, crates, toys, training and other costs just from a financial standpoint. Also housing can be an issue. Renting can be difficult with dogs, particularly multiple or large dogs, not to mention trying to find a house with a fenced in yard, and pet deposits. Oh and don't forget emergencies, my dog needed over $4,000 in emergency surgery and follow up care, it took me a long time to pay off my credit cards after that. And that's just money. At 18 I was often busy with college, work and friends. The rest of my time was devoted to my dog and particularly his training. I don't think I would have had time for more dogs.
I wouldn't rush getting multiple dogs at this point, enjoy the one on one time with the dog you get and take time to prepare for getting multiple dogs. You may consider starting a savings account for future pet costs or buy supplies like a large kennel when you find them at reallly discounted costs in anticipation of adding more dogs.

Answer 7

really we wont know if u will have enough money to raise 3 dogs. most likely NOT, but it depends on if u have a job, thats gunna be the ONLY way u would be able to have 3 dogs is if u have a GOOD job. but other than that theres really no way anyone can tell if you'll have enough money. dog food is A LOT for 3 dogs, and u'll probly be getting it food about every 3weeks maybe even 2 weeks. hope this helps God Bless♥

Answer 8

I am not sure. my brother is 19 and he has two dogs. dog food is expensive so be careful.personally, I would start by keeping one dog. then if you feel comfortable with that dog by giving it enough attention, you could get another one. then if you think you can handle a third one, go for it. but if you cannot handle it, do not make your life a dister by getting too attached.

I also believe that a doberman would be better. I always thought that they were very alert and cutious.

Good luck!

Answer 9

Maybe, if you have enough money. Getting a job or 2 would help.