Briard – PetBudget | Pet Costs & Saving Tips

The cost of getting a new dog can be hard to predict and if you are in the market for a Briard, you will need to take into consideration many expenses like buying a puppy or adult dog, veterinary services, training, food, grooming, 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 one. A Briard puppy is likely to cost between $2,000 and $2,300 with the average price being $2,150. First-year expenses are around $4,775 and will be about $2,200/year (or $183/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Briard is $26,775. 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 Briard could climb between $61,410 and $125,870, with an average of $90,845. 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 Briards. 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 Briard puppy! Quick Links Briard puppy prices Briard puppies are rare in the US. After reviewing 6 ads from reputable sources such as the American Kennel Club, NextDayPets, breeders websites, and PuppyFind, Briard puppies were found to fall within the $2,000 to $2,300 range, with an average cost of $2,150. We only considered newborn to 6 months old puppies in the research. Puppy CostRangeAverage CostBriard$2,000 - $2,300$2,150 Adoption is a much more affordable option, with rehoming fees typically ranging from $50 to $500. If you are planning on adopting or purchasing a Briard, we strongly recommend doing some research and finding a shelter or breeder with a good reputation. This will contribute to the wellbeing of your dog. Supplies for a Briard Briards and other dogs of this size in general require their owner to have many supplies. Through the course of the first year, one can expect to spend $245-$925 depending on product quality, store choice and location. We have analyzed 250 products, mostly best sellers from PetSmart, Walmart, and Amazon, to come up with these figures. 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 Briard starts to grow, the price of supplies eases up considerably. Each subsequent year entails expenses ranging from $105-$410, with an average cost of $225. This accounts for all the things that you will need replenishing of stock, such as toys, a bed, shampoo, poop bags, tooth brushing kit. 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/shoes, a play pen, fences, muzzles, harnesses, etc. These items are bound to push your expenses higher, so keep that in mind when planning your finances. A commonsense tip for saving would be to check second-hand websites or stores for cheap equipment. Should Briard be professionally trained? According to expert animal behaviorist Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., Briards do not require private training lessons. Group lessons for basic obedience, socialization, and house manners, however, are recommended. These typically range from $150-$200 for five 1-hour weekly sessions. Training CostRangeAverage CostBriard$150 - $200$175 If you are keen on training your Briard 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. Medical expenses for a Briard According to our consulting licensed veterinarian, Leslie Brooks, DVM, first year medical expenses for a Briard puppy should be around $630. Even if the number of visits to the clinic are lower for each adult year, the cost of medication as the dog gets bigger drives the annual price up close to $675. Spay/neuter and gastropexy procedures could add between $250 and $900 to the medical bills (more details below). Medical CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year Vet Cost$425 - $830$630Spay/Neuter (optional)$50 - $500$275Gastropexy (optional)$200 - $400$300Adult Year Vet Cost$425 - $925$675 Vet cost for the first year When it comes to prices, Dr Brooks estimates that a dog owner will pay $65-$170 for each of the three recommended visits for a puppy, with the first one being scheduled at about 8 weeks of age. This will cover the exams, essential vaccines including rabies, the first doses of heartworm and flea prevention as well as a fecal examination. Most of her clients also follow her advice to purchase heartworm and flea prevention medication for the rest of the year. They cost $75-$120 and $85-$125. Some dogs may also need additional vaccines depending on activities and lifestyle: Leptospirosis if the dog is exposed to wildlife, goes camping often, hikes, plays in puddles, lakes, or ponds ($15-$25 and sometimes already included in the visit). Influenza if the dog goes to doggie daycare or is kenneled/boarded often and if the daycare or kennels require it due to intermittent influenza outbreaks ($70-$90 for two doses).Lyme if exposed to ticks often, such as if the dog goes camping or hiking, or if it lives in a wooded area or on a farm ($60-$80 for two doses). Some owners will also decide to spay/neuter their dog. Vet clinics usually charge $150-$500 to perform this procedure on a Briard. It is even possible to find low-cost sterilization clinics that will do it for as low as $50 to $100 depending on your location. Generally, the procedure is more expensive for female dogs (spays). For large, deep-chested dogs like Briards, Leslie Brooks, DVM, also advises performing a gastropexy at the time of their spay or neuter to help prevent the possibility of GDV (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus) later in life. GDV is a life-threatening condition that must be corrected with surgery. A gastropexy procedure typically adds between $200 and $400 to the spay/neuter bill. Briard veterinary expenses for the following years Leslie Brooks expects dog owners to bring their adult Briard to the clinic for an annual checkup. Yearly visits are usually priced between $125-$265 which includes the exam, vaccines, and a heartworm test (as well as blood work for middle aged and senior dogs to detect any potential issue). Additionally, Dr Brooks suggests continuing flea and heartworm prevention medication, which usually fall in the $100-$200 and $200-$300 ranges respectively for a dog this big. Annual booster shots for the optional lifestyle vaccines presented above will add $15-$45 each to the medical bill. Finally, some dogs may require a fecal examination costing an extra $40-$50. This is mainly if the pet is exposed to wildlife and/or other dogs or shows inconsistent stool quality. Health problems to be aware of Not all Briard will have the following health problems listed by Dr Brooks, but it is important to be aware of them when considering this breed. Health ProblemLikelihoodTreatment Cost EstimateCancerHigh$500 - $10,000Hip DysplasiaMedium$500 - $13,000AllergiesHigh$80 - $2,000 per yearHypothyroidismMedium$350 - $800Gastric Dilatation and VolvulusMedium$1,500 - $3,000 Cancer: the cost depends on the type of cancer and whether an owner pursues aggressive therapy and all the recommended treatments versus electing to keep the pet comfortable with medications. 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 dog at any age. Allergies: this depends if the pet has allergies throughout the year or just 1-2 flare-ups per year. It would also depend on the owner's decision to proceed with allergy testing and injections. Note that the pet may also need to be fed prescription food, which can easily be as high as $75 per month. Hypothyroidism: the cost estimate is for blood tests and lifelong medications. Dog health insurance One might consider enrolling their dog in a health insurance plan as a safety net against unexpected costs, making budgeting much easier. As per the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry report, the annual price for accident and illness coverage plans round out at about $565 on average. For accident only plans, the average price is $190. Contact pet insurance companies to know more and get a quote. What is the cost to feed a Briard? Briards are big dogs, with large ones growing over the average of 80 lb. (usually 55 to 100 lb.). As a result, puppies tend to consume 260 lb. of dry food on average during their first year. This puts food expenses in the $205-$395 range. Adults typically eat more, close to 340 lb. a year, and therefore will require $160-$540 worth of food every year. This is based on the recommendations and costs of four popular brands: Purina, Purina One, Blue Buffalo and Pedigree. Yearly Food CostRangeAverage CostPuppy$205 - $395$295Adult Dog$160 - $540$310 You may also want to have some additional treats on hand to help with obedience training or simply please your dog. This can add $125-$715 to your food-related expenses based on prices seen on Amazon, PetSmart, and Walmart. Treats CostRangeAverage CostYearly Treats$125 - $715$345 Keep in mind that prices are largely related to the quality of food and treats you buy – if you opt for premium grade products, your expenses are bound to be higher by quite a considerable margin. Four dog food brands compared A Briard puppy can be expected to eat around 260 lb. of dry food during its first year. Puppy Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Puppy Chow36 lb.8$27.78 (Walmart)$222.24Purina One - Smart Blend Puppy16.5 lb.16$21.98 (Walmart)$351.68Pedigree - Puppy36 lb.8$25.83 (Walmart)$206.64Blue Buffalo - Puppy30 lb.9$44.08 (Amazon)$396.72 An adult will need close to 340 lb. of food depending on its actual weight, age, and level of activity. Adult Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Dog Chow50 lb.7$22.98 (Walmart)$160.86Purina One - Smart Blend40 lb.9$40.36 (Walmart)$363.24Pedigree - Adult50 lb.7$25.83 (Walmart)$180.81Blue Buffalo - Adult30 lb.12$44.98 (Amazon)$539.76 Additionally, dog food is perishable, but can be stored for extended periods of time. This means that bulk purchases are a viable option and will give you the best bang for buck on the market. So, consider bulk-purchasing food for your Briard after consulting with your vet to decide which type of dog food would best suit your dog. Example for a more expensive premium brand Royal Canin - Size Health NutritionQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PriceLarge Puppy35 lb.8$73.99 (PetSmart)$591.92Large Adult35 lb.10$68.99 (PetSmart)$689.90 This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food. Briard Grooming According to our dog groomer, Corryne Smith, one visit at a grooming salon should cost anywhere between $75 and $120 for a Briard. The owner can expect 4 to 8 sessions every year to keep the dog happy and healthy, meaning an average yearly cost of $630. Yearly Grooming CostRangeAverage CostBriard$360 - $960$630 Professional dog grooming services usually include the following: bath, shampoo, hair removal (if needed), brushing, styling, nail trimming, teeth brushing, eye and ear cleaning. Rates will vary depending on the actual grooming time which is determined by the services requested as well as the dog (age, size, health, behavior, coat condition). If you would like to try to do the grooming at home anyway, you will need some equipment on hand to make the process effective and easy. This entails a $25-$290 expense, as grooming kits are available online and typically cost $75 on average. Additional costs that comes with a Briard Additional CostsRangeAverage CostLicense$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40 Dog Walking (per walk) $15 - $25 $20 Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 License Licenses usually fall in the $10-$20 range in the USA, depending on your location. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, the cost is likely to be a little bit higher. We strongly recommend licensing your dog, as it can be illegal, depending on local regulations, to own an unlicensed dog. Moreover, it makes identification and locating in the case of emergencies much easier. Microchip Microchips play a crucial role in the identification of your dog. Many states require pets to be microchipped, making it a necessity depending on where you live. This can run you $25-$50 on average. Dog walking If you cannot walk your dog during the day, Tamaria Reddick, a well-reputed dog walker and dog sitter with over 10 years of experience, highly recommends hiring a dog walker for a 30-minute daily walk. Briards need regular exercise and outdoor time. This service is affordable. A 30-minute walk usually costs between $15 and $25 ($20 to $50 for 1 hour) depending on your location. But you must be aware that those costs add up very quickly if you need a dog walker five days a week all year long. To find a dog walker in your area and validate the price, you can use apps like Rover or Wag. If the dog is not properly socialized, it might need private walks which are more expensive. Traveling In the case of extended travel plans, you can leave your Briard in the care of a dog boarding service. Budget $25 to $85 a day, depending on location, services, and time of year. During particularly busy stretches of the year, such as the holidays, you will need to book dog boarding services in advance, as you are likely to get much better rates when doing so. If you are on a tight budget, checking with any friends or family to see if they would be willing to host your dog is a good idea. Apart from these types of services, taking your dog with you is also an option. These days, many airlines and train companies can make provisions for dogs provided you submit a request ahead of time. That being said, the cost varies drastically and can only be assessed on a case-by-case basis, as it depends on several variables such as location, destination, mode of transport, etc. Yearly and monthly cost for a Briard The cost of a puppy during the first year On average, the first-year cost associated with buying and raising a Briard puppy is around $4,775 and you can expect your costs to fall anywhere between $3,485 and $6,395. Moreover, most of your major expenses will be necessary early on during the puppy’s first year. First Year CostsRangeAverage CostPuppy$2,000 - $2,300$2,150Supplies$245 - $925$495Training$150 - $200$175Medical$425 - $830$630Food & Treats$330 - $1,110$640Grooming$300 - $960$630License$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40First Year Total$3,485 - $6,395$4,775 Additionally, you may incur some of the optional costs listed 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 With additional services, including medical procedures such as a spay or neuter procedure, pet insurance and other miscellaneous services, such as dog walking (five times a week for 42 weeks) and boarding services (assuming the dog is boarded for a week), these amounts can add up easily, putting your expenses in the $7,410-$13,920 range through the course of the puppy’s first year. Potential First Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$4,085 - $8,075$5,915With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$7,410 - $13,920$10,395 Briard yearly and monthly cost after the first year The costs that come with raising a Briard do go down after the first year. For each subsequent year, supplies, medical expenses, food, treats, grooming services, and license renewal will run you anything between $1,125 and $3,570, with an average cost of $2,200. This comes down to a monthly cost range of $94-$298, with an average of $183. Adult Year CostsRangeAverage CostSupplies$105 - $410$225Medical$425 - $925$675Food & Treats$285 - $1,255$655Grooming$300 - $960$630License$10 - $20$15Adult Year Total$1,125 - $3,570$2,200Estimated Monthly Cost$94 - $298$183 With insurance and additional services included, such as dog walking (five times a week for 50 weeks) and boarding (assuming the Briard is boarded for a week), the average cost rises to $8,045. This puts the yearly cost in the $5,400-$11,195 range. Potential Adult Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Insurance$1,475 - $4,350$2,765With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$5,400 - $11,195$8,045 Total cost of owning a Briard On average a Briard lives 11 years (usually 10 to 12 years). Using the figures and factors explained above, we can estimate the total cost of owning and raising a Briard to fall between $14,735 and $42,095, with the average cost being $26,775. Total Cost of Ownership (11 years)RangeAverage CostBriard$14,735 - $42,095$26,775 Adding spay/neuter and gastropexy procedures as well as a pet insurance the average cost of ownership will be around $33,565. Finally, with 30-minute professional walks five times a week all year long (except for two weeks) and a week of dog boarding, the total cost of ownership can be as high as $61,410 to $125,870, averaging $90,845 for the 11 years spent with the Briard. Potential Total Cost of Ownership (11 years)RangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$18,835 - $51,575$33,565With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$61,410 - $125,870$90,845 Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips. PetBudget Briard cost calculator The cost of a Briard – A summary in 7 questions 1- How much is a Briard puppy? On average a Briard puppy will cost $2,150 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $2,000 and $2,300. 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 Briard need training and how much will it cost? Having a Briard professionally trained is usually recommended (group training) and should cost around $150 to $200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience, house manners, and socialization. 4 - What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Briard? Preventive medical care should amount to around $425 to $830 for a Briard puppy during the first year and around $425 to $925 every adult year. This does not include spay or neuter and gastropexy procedures (usually $150 to $500 and $200 to $400 respectively). 5 - How much food does a Briard eat and how much will it cost? A Briard puppy will eat around 260 lb. and an adult close to 340 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $205 and $595 for a puppy and $160 to $690 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs. 6 - How often should a Briard be professionally groomed and how much will it cost? A Briard should be professionally groomed 4 to 8 times every year. Most dog owners will not be able to groom the dog themselves. Each visit to a grooming salon should cost from $75 to $120 for this breed depending on the dog and the services offered. 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 Briard, 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 owning a Briard. 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.