Extra Large Dogs (Over 75 lbs) Cost Archives - Page 5 of 5

The cost of getting a new dog can be hard to predict and if you are in the market for a Saint Bernard, you will need to take into consideration many of the costs like buying a puppy or adult dog, veterinary services, training, food, etc. Fortunately, our team has designed a cost calculator that will give you an accurate estimate as to how much it would cost to buy and raise your dog. A Saint Bernard puppy is likely to cost between $550-$2,000 with the average price being $1,000. First-year expenses are around $3,655 and will be about $2,225/year (or $185/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Saint Bernard is $21,455. This covers all the essentials, including supplies, training costs, medical expenses, food and treats, grooming expenses, licenses, and a microchip. Additionally, optional costs could include medical expenses such as a spay/neuter procedure, and additional services like dog walking, dog boarding, as well as pet insurance. With all these extras included (assuming you hire a dog walker five times a week for 50 weeks and use a boarding service for one week every year), the total cost of owning a Saint Bernard could climb between $48,214 and $104,790, with an average of $73,835! In this article, prices in the higher range apply for people willing to buy high-end products and services and/or living in an expensive area, while the lower range will probably be more relevant if using cheaper products and services and/or living in a less expensive area. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of the expenses, see what applies to you and get experts' opinions on Saint Bernards. At the bottom of the article, we have also added a cost calculator that will allow you to assess your personal situation and get a much more accurate estimate as to how much it should cost you to buy and raise a Saint Bernard puppy! Quick Links What is the price of a Saint Bernard puppy? Our team has combed through more than 270 ads from sources like the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind, to find the average price of purchasing a Saint Bernard puppy to be $1,000, with 80% of prices ranging from $550 to $2,000. For a purebred, the price can go up to $3,500. Puppy CostRangeAverage CostSaint Bernard$550 - $2,000$1,000 Adoption might be a more affordable alternative, with rehoming fees ranging from $50-$500. And you would be saving an animal. If you are actively looking for a dog, we strongly recommend doing some research and finding a reputable breeder or shelter. This will make a big difference in terms of your Saint Bernard’s health and well-being. WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A SAINT BERNARD PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 25 best places to find your perfect pet. Puppies Price RangeAds Reviewed$400 - $950130 $951 - $1,500 113 $1,501 - $2,050 8 $2,051 - $2,600 1 $2,601 - $3,150 23 $3,151 - $3,500 1Total 276 This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget's team. "As a veterinarian, I think it is ideal that Saint Bernard breeding dogs be either evaluated or tested for the following conditions prior to breeding and throughout their breeding years: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye examination by an ophthalmologist, cardiac evaluation, degenerative myelopathy (DNA test). Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed."Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian The cost of supplies when welcoming a Saint Bernard As with any dog, you will need several products on hand to make raising a Saint Bernard easier. This includes items like bowls, collars, toys, beds, shampoo, sanitary equipment to name just a few. Based on prices of over 250 Walmart, Amazon, and PetSmart best sellers, essential supplies add up to anywhere between $245-$925 for the first year depending on the quality of the items purchased and location. Supplies PricesRangeAverage CostFood & Water Bowls$10 - $40$20Dog Collars (x2) $10 - $40 $20Leash $10 - $30 $15ID Tag with Phone Number $5 - $20 $10Dog Bed (48" or 60") $30 - $110 $60Dog Crate (48" or 60") $50 - $165 $90Plastic Poop Bags (900-1080) $15 - $110 $55Pooper Scooper $10 - $30 $20House Training Pads (75-100) $15 - $45 $25Stains and Odors Removal Spray $5 - $20 $10Toys $50 - $155 $90First-Aid Kit $15 - $50 $30Brush $5 - $45 $15Shampoo $5 - $20 $10Tooth-brushing Kit $5 - $15 $10Toenail Clippers $5 - $30 $15 As your Saint Bernard grows, the price of supplies eases up considerably. Each subsequent year entails expenses ranging from $105 to $410, with an average of $225. This includes replenishing your stock of some aforementioned items (toys, bed, poop bags, shampoo, toothbrush). Total Supplies CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year$245 - $925$495Subsequent Years$105 - $410$225 Additionally, you may require things that are not accounted for here, such as clothing, play pens, fences, muzzles, harnesses and other cosmetic or maintenance items. These items are bound to push your expenses higher, so keep that in mind when planning your finances. Looking to save on pet supplies? Check second-hand stores and websites to find great deals. Should Saint Bernards be professionally trained? According to expert dog trainer and animal behaviorist Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., Saint Bernards usually do not require private training lessons. Group lessons for basic obedience and socialization, however, are recommended. These typically range from $150-$200 for five 1-hour weekly sessions. Training CostRangeAverage CostSaint Bernard$150 - $200$175 If you are keen on training your Saint Bernard yourself, picking up a training book will help you familiarize with the basics. This presents a very affordable option and can be an enjoyable process, particularly with these dogs. "Saint Bernards are fun, sweet and are good family dogs. They like to snuggle but are also ready to run."Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist Medical costs to consider for a Saint Bernard Licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM, shared her knowledge and experience to establish the medical expenses related to raising a Saint Bernard. The following figures can obviously vary depending on many factors such as location but still give a reliable and trustworthy picture of what a Saint Bernard owner should expect. Medical CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year Vet Cost$440 - $885$665Spay/Neuter (optional)$50 - $500$275Gastropexy (optional)$200 - $400$300Adult Year Vet Cost$525 - $1,075$800 Vet cost for a Saint Bernard puppy According to Leslie Brooks, DVM, a Saint Bernard puppy will require three vet visits through their first year ($65-$170 each time), with the first visit being at 8 weeks of age. This will include all the essential: physical exam, essential vaccines, fecal examination to make sure no deworming is needed as well as heartworm and flea prevention first three doses. She would also advise purchasing heartworm and flea prevention medication for the rest of the year. They should cost $75-$150 and $100-$150, respectively for a puppy. Moreover, your Saint Bernard puppy may require some additional vaccines that depend largely on lifestyle and activity. If your dog spends a ton of time camping or hiking and is generally exposed to wildlife and standing water a lot, Leptospirosis vaccine ($15-25) can be recommended. If your dog is boarded or kept in a kennel for extended amounts of time, Influenza vaccines may be necessary ($70-$90 including a booster shot). Additionally, if your dog goes camping, hiking or lives in a wooden area or on a farm, it will be more exposed to ticks, and Lyme shots are strongly recommended ($60-$80 including the booster shot). The yearly costs will therefore range from $440-$885. A neuter (male) or spay (female) procedure on a Saint Bernard, generally costs $200 to $500. Depending on the location, it is possible to find low cost clinics that will charge as low as $50-$100. As Saint Bernards tend to be large, deep-chested dogs, Leslie Brooks recommends a Gastropexy procedure, which usually costs $200-$400 when performed at the time of sterilization. It is an efficient way to help prevent the stomach to twist on itself (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus or GDV) which is life threatening and would require an expensive surgery to be corrected. Medical expenses for the following years According to veterinarians like Leslie Brooks, DVM, for each subsequent year, you should make an annual trip to the vet for an exam, vaccines, heartworm test and blood work (for middle aged and senior dogs) to find potential hidden problems. This should run you $125-$265 depending on location. Leslie also recommends following through with heartworm and flea prevention medication, which usually cost around $150-$250 and $250-$400 for the year, respectively for a Saint Bernard. The lifestyle vaccines, Leptospirosis ($15-$25), Influenza ($35-$45) and/or Lyme ($30-$40) may also require annual booster shots. Finally, if your Saint Bernard is regularly in contact with other pets or shows inconsistent stool quality, a fecal examination ($40-$50) will be recommended. Saint Bernard potential health issues The table below introduces some of the potential health problems a Saint Bernard owner might have to deal with during his dog’s life according to licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks. Health ProblemLikelihoodTreatment Cost Estimate Hip DysplasiaHigh $500 - $13,000Developmental Joint AbnormalitiesMedium$1,000 - $3,500CancerMedium$500 - $10,000EntropionHigh$800 - $1,500CardiomyopathyMedium$600 - $2,000 This price range for hip dysplasia is very wide because of the variety of treatment options an owner may pursue. Conservative treatment including pain management and physical therapy is usually the cheapest alternative ($500-$2,500 per year), while total hip replacement costs about $5,000-$6,500 per affected hip. Hip dysplasia can affect a Saint Bernard at any age. Developmental joint abnormalities: $2,000-3,500 for surgery per elbow in the case of elbow dysplasia. $1,000-$3,500 for diagnostics (and surgery, if needed) for osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD of the shoulder). Cancer: The cost really depends on the type of cancer and if an owner pursues aggressive therapy and all the recommended treatments, versus if they elect to just keep the pet comfortable with medications. Entropion (inward rolling of the eyelids): the cost estimate is for surgical correction per eye. Cardiomyopathy treatment costs include diagnostics (x-rays, ECG, echocardiogram) and heart medications, which can be expensive for large dogs. "Saint Bernards have the potential to develop severe bone and joint abnormalities, including bone cancer, and since they are such large dogs, any treatment or medications will be very expensive for them."Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian Pet insurance price Some dog owners will get pet insurance for their dog. Know that the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry report put the average price of accident and illness coverage plans for dogs at $565. If you opt for an accident-only plan, expect to pay $190 per annum on average. These prices will obviously vary a lot depending on many factors and you will need to contact insurance companies or brokers to get a more precise estimate. The cost to feed a Saint Bernard Saint Bernards are very large and can grow to be about 150 lb. (usually 120 to 180 lb.). They will need a lot of food and owners can expect to spend $385-$750/year for a puppy and $255-$810/year for an adult dog. In fact, a puppy will eat around 510 lb. of dry food during the first year and adult Saint Bernards can be expected to consume about 540 lb. annually, so take this into account to chart out your expenses. These cost estimations were made using prices of some of the most popular brands including Purina, Pedigree and Blue Buffalo. Yearly Food CostRangeAverage CostPuppy$385 - $750$560Adult Dog$255 - $810$480 Most dog owners will also feed their furry friend treats daily. They can be as expensive if not more than dog food itself. Once again, this is based on prices from PetSmart, Amazon, and Walmart best sellers. Treats CostRangeAverage CostYearly Treats$125 - $715$345 With food and treats, you must be ready to pay much more if you opt for premium grade products compared to regular ones. Four dog food brands compared The following table compares the price of 510 lb. of puppy dry food from four popular brands. Puppy Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Puppy Chow36 lb.15$27.78 (Walmart)$416.70Purina One - Smart Blend Puppy16.5 lb.31$21.98 (Walmart)$681.38Pedigree - Puppy36 lb.15$25.83 (Walmart)$387.45Blue Buffalo - Puppy30 lb.17$44.08 (Amazon)$749.36 An adult Saint Bernard owner will need to buy around 540 lb. of dry food every year. Adult Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Dog Chow50 lb.11$22.98 (Walmart)$252.78Purina One - Smart Blend40 lb.14$40.36 (Walmart)$565.04Pedigree - Adult50 lb.11$25.83 (Walmart)$284.13Blue Buffalo - Adult30 lb.18$44.98 (Amazon)$809.64 Additionally, dog food is perishable, but can be stored for extended periods of time. So, consider bulk-purchasing food for your dog to save money. You should also consult with your veterinarian to decide the most appropriate diet for your Saint Bernard. Example for a more expensive premium brand Royal Canin - Size Health NutritionQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PriceLarge Puppy35 lb.15$73.99 (PetSmart)$1,109.85Large Adult35 lb.16$68.99 (PetSmart)$1,103.84 This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food. Saint Bernard grooming Typically, Saint Bernards do not require a ton of upkeep. Most owners should be able to groom their dog at home according to Corryne Smith, certified dog groomer. This would save them a lot of money if they have the time and patience to do so. The alternative would be to take the dog to a grooming salon. She would suggest doing that 6 times a year. With prices ranging from $65 to $120 for each visit (because of how large they are and their furry coat), the annual cost would be between $390 and $720. Taking the dog to a professional groomer is the owner’s decision but could benefit the dog’s health and well-being even for low-maintenance breeds. Yearly Grooming CostRangeAverage CostSaint Bernard$0 - $720$360 Professional dog grooming usually includes a bath and shampoo, hair removal (if needed), brushing and styling, nail trimming, teeth brushing and eye and ear cleaning. Prices will vary depending on multiple factors, such as dog size, coat condition, health and age, dog behavior and the services requested. If you do not want to take your dog to a groomer, DIY grooming kits can be found online for $75 on average and ship with all the tools and equipment you will need to handle your Saint Bernard’s grooming at home! Additional costs that comes with a Saint Bernard Additional CostsRangeAverage CostLicense$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40 Dog Walking (per walk) $15 - $25 $20 Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 Licensing It is recommended to license your dog, as it can be illegal, depending on state and territory legislation, to own an unlicensed dog. Moreover, it makes identification much easier. Licenses usually fall in the $10-$20 range. It could be more expensive if the Saint Bernard is not spayed or neutered. Microchip Microchips are a great way to identify a dog and are required in many U.S states. Costs will range from $25-$50. Microchip implants make it easier to identify a lost or stolen animal and quickly notify its owner. They also allow dogs to be on some medical and emergency databases. Dog walking Saint Bernards are big dogs but only require a moderate amount of exercise. If you are unable to take your dog outside during the day, a dog walker would be recommended by professionals like Tamaria Reddick. On average, dog walkers will charge $15-$25 for 30-minute walks ($20-$50 for 1 hour but 30 minutes should be enough for this breed), depending on your location, and can be found on apps like Rover and Wag. If you are planning on hiring a dog walker on a regular basis, make sure to include this expense into your budget. An owner might need to pay for private walks if the dog is not well socialized. These are obviously more expensive. Traveling Dog boarding services are a good option in the case of extended travel plans. Budget $25 to $85 a day, depending on location, services offered and time of year. Make sure to book in advance especially during holidays to increase your chances of finding an available spot for your dog and get the best rates. It is not always the easiest thing when it comes to extra-large dogs, but if you are on a tight budget, having friends or family to host your Saint Bernard while you are away will help you save. Taking your dog with you is also a possibility, as some airlines and train companies offer this option. Planning is essential as you will have to submit a formal request in advance and availability can be limited. The cost of traveling with your pet will vary depending on so many factors that it is almost impossible to estimate it and can only be calculated on a case by case basis. Yearly and monthly cost for a Saint Bernard The cost of a Saint Bernard puppy during the first year On average, using the metrics explained above, we have estimated that the cost of raising a Saint Bernard puppy for the first year falls in the $1,930 to $6,265 range, with an average cost of $3,655. Most of these expenses will have to be accounted for before welcoming the dog or early during the year. First Year CostsRangeAverage CostPuppy$550 - $2,000$1,000Supplies$245 - $925$495Training$150 - $200$175Medical$440 - $885$665Food & Treats$510 - $1,465$905Grooming$0 - $720$360License$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40First Year Total$1,930 - $6,265$3,655 Some owners will also want to consider the other costs introduced below. Optional First Year CostsRangeAverage CostSpay/Neuter$50 - $500$275Gastropexy$200 - $400$300Insurance$350 - $780$565Dog Walking (30 minutes per day)$15 - $25$20Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 If you choose to spay/neuter your Saint Bernard, buy insurance, board your dog for a week and hire a dog walker every weekday for 42 weeks, your expenses go up quite significantly, rising in the $5,855 to $13,790 range. Potential First Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$2,530 - $7,945$4,795With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$5,855 - $13,790$9,275 Yearly and monthly cost for an adult Saint Bernard After the first year, the costs of raising a dog do go down. The yearly cost for maintaining a Saint Bernard falling within the $1,020-$3,750 mark ($85-$313 monthly). Adult Year CostsRangeAverage CostSupplies$105 - $410$225Medical$525 - $1,075$800Food & Treats$380 - $1,525$825Grooming$0 - $720$360License$10 - $20$15Adult Year Total$1,020 - $3,750$2,225Estimated Monthly Cost$85 - $313$185 Once again, if you choose to hire a dog walker 50 weeks during the year and board your dog for another week, your costs are likely to grow significantly. If you add insurance, the cost for each subsequent year ends up being in the $5,295-$11,375 range. Potential Adult Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Insurance$1,370 - $4,530$2,790With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$5,295 - $11,375$8,070 Total cost of ownership of a Saint Bernard On average, Saint Bernards live close to 9 years (usually 8 to 10 years). This puts total expenses, using the figures outlined above, between $10,090 and $36,265, with an average cost of $21,455 through the course of the dog’s lifetime. Total Cost of Ownership (9 years)RangeAverage CostSaint Bernard$10,090 - $36,265$21,455 With optional services and procedures mentioned earlier the average total cost of ownership could rise as high as $73,835 over 9 years. Potential Total Cost of Ownership (9 years)RangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$13,490 - $44,185$27,115With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$48,215 - $104,790$73,835 Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips. PetBudget Saint Bernard cost calculator https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt7HPvXhyxg The cost of a Saint Bernard – A summary in 7 questions 1- How much is a Saint Bernard puppy? On average a Saint Bernard puppy will cost $1,000 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $550 and $2,000. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things. 2 – How much are dog supplies? A new owner can expect an initial investment between $245 and $925 in supplies when welcoming an extra-large dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $105 and $410. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality. 3 - Does a Saint Bernard need training and how much will it cost? Having a Saint Bernard professionally trained is usually recommended (group training) and should cost around $150 to $200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience and socialization. 4 - What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Saint Bernard? Preventive medical care should amount to around $440 to $885 for a Saint Bernard puppy during the first year and around $525 to $1,075 every adult year. This does not include spay or neuter and gastropexy procedures (usually $200 to $500 and $200 to $400 respectively). 5 - How much food does a Saint Bernard eat and how much will it cost? A Saint Bernard puppy will eat around 510 lb. and an adult close to 540 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $385 and $1,110 for a puppy and $255 to $1,105 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs. 6 - How often should a Saint Bernard be professionally groomed and how much will it cost? Grooming a Saint Bernard is easy enough that most owners should be able to do it themselves. Those who prefer having their dog professionally groomed can expect up to 6 visits to a salon every year. Each session should cost from $65 to $120 depending on the dog and services needed. 7 – Are there any other expenses to expect? In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere. A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans. Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive. A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things. To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog's well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a Saint Bernard, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with raising a Saint Bernard. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision. References and Resources Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal BehavioristCorryne Smith – Dog GroomerTamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet SitterOrthopedic Foundation for AnimalsThe American Kennel ClubNorth American Pet Health Insurance AssociationAssociation of Professional Dog Trainers This article is original content from PetBudget.