my boyfriend wants a dog...?

Question

ok so my boyfriend wants a dog... a saint bernard to be exact. puppies are cute but idk how much they cost pure and non pure bred. he just likes the look and personality of a saint bernard. how much do puppies or older dogs cost both pure bred and non pure bred? and about how much do they cost a month? what else should i get to get him started and about how much would that cost? like a collar, a leash, ... what else?

Answer 1

You're looking at $500 - $1000 for the dog, unless you get a rescue, then all the initial supplies... Collar and leash... bowls... toys... Another $50-$100 or so. Add a couple hundred more for crate training if you get a puppy or a dog who is already crate trained. Plan for the initial vet care... spay or neuter... first year vaccines, etc. That's another couple hundred.

Oh, and don't forget food costs. St. Bernards can eat up to 8 cups of food per day. That's a HUGE expense if you feed a good quality food. Say, $30 or so per week. Vet bills are a few hundred per year, as long as it's a healthy dog. A sick or injured dog can easily rack up $1000 per incident. Each time you go away, you'll need to pay for care for the dog. That can drastically vary in price, depending on where you live. Figure a couple hundred each time you travel for a few days.
Oh, and don't forget flea control and heartworm prevention. Those are monthly, too. Hmm... I'd say you can do that for $15/month.

St. Bernards drool a LOT, and it's some seriously slippery, sticky drool. You're going to be doing a lot more laundry and cleaning. You'll probably need a carpet cleaner if you have carpet. It's probably cheaper to buy than to rent one of those too often.

There really is SO much more to consider than just the initial cost of a dog. I'm not trying to discourage you, but I think it's critical to go into it knowing that it's a big expense for a long time.

Answer 2

ANY purebred dog is going to cost at LEAST $600 and most will cost about $1000.

Feeding a St. Bernard is VERY expensive. Plus they need a LOT of room and exercise. LOTS of exercise.

Dogs require a TON of care. Making sure he's been outside, had enough to eat and drink, had enough exercise, been groomed... all that stuff will have to become your PRIORITIES.
He will have to come straight home after work to let the dog out, every single day. Plus, puppies need to be housebroken and they CHEW CHEW CHEW CHEW. A puppy will CHEW for close to TWO years. You will not BELIEVE the damage a chewing dog can do...

Don't forget about vet bills. Vets are VERY expensive. No matter what type of dog -- or pet -- you get, you must consider vet bills.

But by far the most difficult thing about owning a St. Bernard is their extremely short lifespan. Giant breeds like that usually only live to be 8 or 9 years old. You will love this dog more than you can IMAGINE and losing him so soon will be devastating.

If you both think you can handle all this -- well, have fun with your puppy!!

Answer 3

Places to find a dog:

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/searchcategories.htm
http://www.find-a-dog.com/
http://www.petfinder.com/
-Your local pet shop/shelter
-Puppy mills

The cost of a pure bred Saint bernard(estimate, some prices may be higher or lower)

-They can range from $500.00 to $1500.00
Don't spend more than $1500.00 on purebred.
Try looking on http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/dogs/sale/1100227/Default.aspx it has lots of good info on purchasing Saint Bernards.

Mixed breed estimate:

Usually around $500.00 or less (sometimes more)
Don't spend more than $500.00 on a mixed breed.

You should start off with:

-Dental Kits (for Dogs)
-Dog Beds
-Dog Brushes
-Dog Collars
-Dog Dishes
-Dog Food
-Dog Leashes
-Dog Shampoo
-Dog Toys
-Dog Training Leashes/collars
-Nail Clippers For Dogs

The Saint Bernard, with its large head and big powerful body, is as friendly and loving as its size. It comes from the Tibetan mastiff, and with its keen sense of smell and ability to withstand cold weather, the Saint Bernard has been used as a rescue dog in the snowy Swiss Alps. But this dog isn't for everyone. Although it is sweet and obedient, the Saint Bernard requires much training and takes much physical strength to handle, due to its massive size.

Remember that a Saint Bernard is a family dog and very playful, loving and watchful with children. However, should you decide to get one, it must be supervised with children so that it doesn't knock them over.

Note that a Saint Bernard will reach an impressive size. Males grow to heights of 27 inches and weigh between 110 and 180 pounds. Females will reach heights of at least 25 inches and will also weigh between 110 and 180 pounds.

Expect a Saint Bernard to live 8 to 10 years.

I hope this helps!

Answer 4

If you buy from a breeder, it is really expensive. I recommend trying too look in your local shelters and human societies.

Supplies(leash, collar, toys, bowls, etc.) will be about $50-$100 depending on what quality you buy. Shots can be about $20 each depending on the vaccine. You should always be prepared(financially) if your dog were to be injure/have heal problems.

Food is a big one. Try to stay away from foods with corn in it. the food I buy is Nature's Balance and it's about $40(lasts about a month for a doberman).

You both should do some research on the breed.

It would help too, to think about. what if you ever broke up? Who would keep the dog?

Good luck!!!

Answer 5

My boyfriend has a St. Bernard. Does he know what comes with a St. Bernard?! :) It costs a fortune to feed him, that's for sure. And to clean up that slobber when it has dried to a surface....you'll spend a lot in 409 trying to clean it off your cabinets.

Dogs are expensive animals to care for, if you don't think you can afford it, don't do it. It's not fair to the animal.

My boyfriend paid $800 for his pure-bred Bernard.

Answer 6

You can go to a St. Bernard Rescue shelter and adopt an adult dog...all you pay is an adoption fee, basically its for vaccines and spay/neuter...
[give 'em a chance they need a good home too,not just pups.]

St. Bernards require a lot of maintenance.. grooming, and their feeding is nuts! They eat a lot!

You should get him:
Leash, collar, bed, feeding bowl, water bowl, chew toys...

LETS JUST SAY: ITS VERY EXPENSIVE FOR A DOG THAT SIZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

Contact this person for information. She is a responsible breeder of champion saints and can tell you all that is required in caring for them. She can also help you find a breeder or rescue if you're still interested in one after learning about them. Be forewarned, she won't sugarcoat the breed. You'll hear the good AND the bad about them. http://users.adelphia.net/~stbernard11/index.html Contact information is at the bottom of the page.

Answer 8

Why even consider buying a non purebred St Bernard? People who don't register their dogs, whose dogs aren't registered, shouldn't even be breeding their dogs. Don't support backyard breeding.

Answer 9

my husband wants a dog to but their so expensive