How Much Should I Put In?

Question

At the end of the summer, I will be geting a show - quality puppy. I am starting a bank account to save up for it. How much money sould I put in? These are the factors that need to be considered right now:
cost of pup including shipping
Importation fees
Registration fees with the AKC, Canadian KC, KC, or Austrailian Kennel Council
Food and Water Bowls
Collar and Leash
Crate and dog bed
Ex - pen (playpen)
Grooming Tools
Toys
Dog Food
Grooming Table
What do these things cost? What else needs to be considered?

Answer 1

A lot of that depends on the size/breed of dog you get.

For example, a nice wire crate for a smaller dog will be around $50-$70 US. If you have a large dog, it could be up to $200+ US.

Registration fees are normally included in the purchase price of the dog.

For a show quality dog, you will spend somewhere between $1500-$5000 (or more, if the dog has very desirable bloodlines).

Shipping is usually around $250-300 US if shipping to and from locations are both inside the US.

Food & Water Bowls: $15 for both

Collar and leash: $15-20 for both (standard nylon collar & leash) I recommend Lupine brand for your day-to-day collar and leash because they are guaranteed; free replacements even if they are chewed up. Of course, if you are showing, you need the appropriate show leash in addition to your day-to-day equipment.

Grooming tools: Depends on the breed what tools you need.

Dog food - Depends on the size of the dog how much it eats. (Go with a quality food though, like one of these: Merrick, Solid Gold, Canidae, Timberwolf, Orijen, Wellness, Chicken Soup brand, Innova/EVO, etc..)

Toys - average $2-5 US each

Don't forget to budget for vet bills, flea preventative, heartworm preventative, etc.. I recommend budgeting at around $750 for the first year. (If you are showing your dog, then you won't be spaying/neutering it, so you can subtract that from the $750.)

Answer 2

I"m assuming that you're new to the sport of dog showing since you're unfamiliar with basic costs. That's ok - it's a great sport and I'm glad you're interested in it.

Perhaps you should apprentice yourself under someone with experience in the ring - so you can learn about showing first hand - and THEN get the puppy.

At the very least, find a mentor willing to teach you.

You will not win every match despite the fact that His Magesty is truly a wonderful dog - and it's definitely a case of "same judge, different day, different winner."

Costs can be higher than you think.

Other costs you might consider:
Travel and Lodging - either a motor home or hotel fees
Feed - both of you
Vaccinations & vet care
Insurance - A show dog was lost during transport from the Westminister this past year.
Show entry fees
Handler/trainer fees
Grooming fees

Despite your plans of grooming/showing His Magesty yourself, you might be more successful if you hire professionals to do this.

Answer 3

One very important thing needs to be considered - if you buy this "show quality" dog and it doesn't develop into the "show quality" specimen you were hoping for, what will you do? Some dogs take a "left turn" during adolescence and end up with structural faults that couldn't be perceived earlier. I assume a Bedlington is your breed. What if the teeth are overshot? What if the dog becomes timid? What if the ears are too short, dog is too high on leg, straight stifles, gay tail, or weaves when gaiting? Ready for copper toxicosis?

Answer 4

Go to your local pet smart or other animal store and price check. You can buy things a little at a time. EBay also is a way to check this out. They sell everything. Having a show dog is very expensive hobby. Be prepared. You need to also check out your local vets to see if any specialize in the specific breed you want to purchase. Good luck!

Answer 5

Sky is the limit as far as cost goes.. IT NEVER ENDS. I show Chihuahuas. and for a goood quality dog your looking at minimum 1500.00 Anything less I would be wondering about. Make sure it's a very well known SHOW BREEDER. As far as how much to save up for. I wouldn't know where to begin. flying usualy costs 250.00 and up. Not much help on this one.. I have spend THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.

Answer 6

i don't understand the need of people to have dogs with papers the dog with papers isn't any better than the dog with them there are to many dogs and cats in shelters and on the streets for you to be worried about paying for a SHOW QUALITY animal. that dog isn't going to love you more than a dog that you rescue from abuse or neglect. dint waste your money high maintenance dogs are a lot of work unless you are going to show it i would go to the local shelter and save a life or take the money you save and donate it to the shelter

Answer 7

What breed are you looking at? They are all so different. Some are easier to maintain while others have alot of tricky coat. Some are easier to show while others take alot of skill to handle. And some breeders will help you and others will not.

Do you have a breed in mind??

Answer 8

Have you been in touch with a breeder?
The cost of the dog is you single biggest cost. What other things will cost depends on size/breed of dog.

Answer 9

$700-$750

Answer 10

1000 dollars