Icelandic Sheepdog – PetBudget | Pet Costs & Saving Tips

As you are thinking about adopting or buying an Icelandic Sheepdog, you will want to plan your finances so that the pet does not become a financial burden to you or your family later down the line. You should account not just for the price of the dog itself, but also for training cost, food, supplies, vet fees, grooming and other miscellaneous expenses. To help with budgeting as you welcome your new dog into your home, we have designed a cost calculator that will give you an accurate estimate as to how much it would cost to raise an Icelandic Sheepdog. An Icelandic Sheepdog puppy is likely to cost between $2,000 and $2,500 with the average price being $2,250. First-year expenses are around $4,045 and will be about $1,320/year (or $110/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning an Icelandic Sheepdog is $19,885. These numbers include essentials, such as supplies, training, medical costs, food, treats, grooming expenses, licensing, and microchip. Additionally, you may incur optional costs depending on your lifestyle and personal preferences, such as spaying/neutering your dog, enrolling in a pet insurance plan, hiring a dog walker, or sending your furry friend to a boarding facility. All this could easily bring the total cost of ownership up to the $65,420 to $128,520 range. In practice, where your expenses are likely to fall within that range depends on many factors including the cost of living in your area as well as the quality of products and/or services purchased. Below we will detail these costs, share professional opinions from a licensed veterinarian, a dog trainer, a certified groomer as well as a dog walker and help you budget and save as you raise your Icelandic Sheepdog. At the very bottom of the article is a cost calculator for you to use. It will generate a much more accurate estimate as to your cost of owning and raising this breed depending on your situation, preferences, and needs. Quick Links The price of Icelandic Sheepdog puppies Buying an Icelandic Sheepdog in the US is no easy task. We were only able to find 4 while searching on the American Kennel Club, NextDayPets, breeders websites, and PuppyFind. Prices fell within the $2,000 to $2,500 range. The average cost being $2,250 for puppies under 6 months. Puppy CostRangeAverage CostIcelandic Sheepdog$2,000 - $2,500$2,250 Adoption offers a more affordable alternative, with rehoming/adoption fees typically being between $50 and $500, depending on the shelter. You would also be rescuing an abandoned animal, supporting a charity, and breaking the cycle of pet overpopulation. Whether you decide to buy or adopt an Icelandic Sheepdog, make sure to find a reputable breeder or shelter as you want your future dog to have been properly cared for and reduce the chances to get a sick or behaviorally troubled animal. The price of supplies for an Icelandic Sheepdog As you welcome your puppy or adult dog into your home, there are a few supplies you should have on hand to make things much easier for both of you! We have perused through over 250 best seller prices across multiple marketplaces, such as Amazon, Walmart, and PetSmart to give you the most accurate idea of the prices available! One will most probably spend $185 to $790 for the first year and $75 to $330 every year after that in supplies for a medium-sized dog such as an Icelandic Sheepdog. The prices will vary depending on your location, where you shop, as well as the quality of the products you will buy. Supplies PricesRangeAverage CostFood & Water Bowls$5 - $40$15Dog Collars (x2) $10 - $40 $20Leash $5 - $20 $10ID Tag with Phone Number $5 - $20 $10Dog Bed (36" or 42") $20 - $85 $50Dog Crate (36" or 42") $30 - $120 $55Plastic 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 $30 - $100 $60First-Aid Kit $15 - $50 $30Brush $5 - $45 $15Shampoo $5 - $20 $10Tooth-brushing Kit $5 - $15 $10Toenail Clippers $5 - $30 $15 In total, we found the average cost for supplies to be $410 for the first year and $185 for each subsequent year since you will probably need to renew your Icelandic Sheepdog’s bed and toys and get new plastic bags, shampoo and tooth-brushing kit. Total Supplies CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year$185 - $790$410Subsequent Years$75 - $330$185 You might require additional supplies, like a muzzle, a harness, some dog clothing, anti-chew spray, a doggy play pen, yard fences or door gates to restrict certain areas which are not included here. A useful tip to help save some extra money is to check out second-hand stores and sites. Do Icelandic Sheepdogs need professional training? Icelandic Sheepdogs are famous for being intelligent creatures. Based on her experience as a dog trainer and animal behaviorist, Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., states that private training is usually not necessary for this breed. However, as most dog, an Icelandic Sheepdog would benefit from a few group lessons to cover basic obedience, socialization, house manners, and positive leadership. These lessons usually range from $150 to $200 for five weekly one-hour sessions. Training CostRangeAverage CostIcelandic Sheepdog$150 - $200$175 A great way to get ready to welcome a dog into your house is by reading a dog training book beforehand. You can find good inexpensive ones online to find out more about dog behavior and the best ways to interact with them. Medical costs for an Icelandic Sheepdog Leslie Brooks, DVM, a licensed veterinarian estimates the medical costs to fall between $395 and $795 for the first year with an Icelandic Sheepdog puppy and $330 to $725 every year after that. These costs are based on her experience and may obviously vary depending on many factors such as location, the clinic taking care of the dog and the dog’s health itself. A one-time $50-$300 expense must be planned for spaying/neutering an Icelandic Sheepdog if the owner decides to go down that road. Most clinics would charge $100-$300 for the procedure but it is possible to find low cost alternatives that will run you as low as $50. In general spaying (female) is more expensive than neutering (male). Medical CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year Vet Cost$395 - $795$595Spay/Neuter (optional)$50 - $300$175Adult Year Vet Cost$330 - $725$530 Vet cost for an Icelandic Sheepdog puppy (first year) Through the first year, Dr Brooks suggests making at least three trips to the vet, with the first one scheduled at roughly 8 weeks of age. Each trip will cost you anywhere between $65 and $170 and they will cover exams, essential vaccines, a fecal examination as well as the first three doses of heartworm and flea prevention. Besides, she advises owners to pursue heartworm and flea prevention, each roughly accounting for $10-$15 every month for a pup. Heartworm prevention helps prevent the development of heartworm disease which is problematic in the US especially in the Southeast part of the country. Moreover, the Icelandic Sheepdog may require vaccines that depend on its owner’s lifestyle and activities: Influenza ($70-$90 including a booster shot) mostly if the daycare or kennels the dog is visiting require it due to intermittent influenza outbreaks.Lyme ($60-$80 including a booster shot) if the dog is exposed to ticks often.Leptospirosis ($15-$25) for dogs exposed to wildlife, standing water, or taken on camping/hiking trips often. If spaying (female) or neutering (male) is considered, the owner should expect a $100 to $300 bill in most clinics, depending on the area. It is also possible to find low-cost options as low as $50 in some places. Note that, generally, spays tend to be slightly more expensive. Medical expenses for the subsequent years For an adult Icelandic Sheepdog, one trip per year is recommended by licensed veterinarians like Dr Brooks. The yearly visit price should range around $125-$265 and includes a general examination, necessary vaccines, heartworm test and, for older dogs, some blood work to detect any potential hidden issues. Recommended heartworm and flea prevention will run about $65-$100 and $140-$200 for every adult year, respectively. Optional booster shots for the lifestyle vaccines (Lyme, Leptospirosis, and Influenza), could also prove to be necessary and cost $15-$45 each. In some cases, Leslie Brooks, DVM, also does a $40-$50 fecal examination, especially if the dog shows an inconsistent stool quality. Icelandic Sheepdog potential health issues Icelandic Sheepdogs can be prone to certain diseases or medical conditions like the ones listed by Leslie Brooks below. Health ProblemLikelihoodTreatment Cost EstimatePatellar LuxationMedium$300 - $2,000CataractsMedium$1,500 - $3,000Progressive Retinal AtrophyMedium$300 - $800HypothyroidismMedium$350 - $800DistichiasisMedium$1,500 - $2,000 Patellar luxation: the low end is just for pain management as needed and joint supplements. The high end is if surgery is required (if it is causing the dog a lot of pain and if it cannot get its knee back in place on its own). Cataracts: this is a cost estimate for diagnostics and surgery per eye affected. Progressive retinal atrophy would cost $300-$800 for diagnostics, but there is no treatment or cure. Hypothyroidism: the cost estimate is for blood tests and lifelong medications. Distichiasis: for cryoepilation surgery to remove the inappropriately directed eyelashes. Dog insurance cost The latest North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s State of the Industry report puts the average price of accident and illness coverage plans at $565. For accident only plans, the average yearly cost is $190. Insurance can come in handy as it is impossible to predict some medical expenses. Check with pet insurance companies to get a quote and know more about coverage. The cost to feed an Icelandic Sheepdog. Adults Icelandic Sheepdogs are 28 lb. on average (usually 25 to 30 lb.). Owners can expect to spend $75-$175/year for a puppy and $90-$270/year for an adult dog when it comes to food. In fact, a puppy will eat around 100 lb. of dry food during the first year and an adult can be expected to consume about 160 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$75 - $175$125Adult Dog$90 - $270$155 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$115 - $335$240 Four dog food brands compared The following table compares the price of 100 lb. of puppy dry food from four popular brands. Puppy Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Puppy Chow36 lb.3$27.78 (Walmart)$83.34Purina One - Smart Blend Puppy16.5 lb.7$21.98 (Walmart)$153.86Pedigree - Puppy36 lb.3$25.83 (Walmart)$77.49Blue Buffalo - Puppy30 lb.4$44.08 (Amazon)$176.32 An adult Icelandic Sheepdog owner will need to buy around 160 lb. of dry food every year. Adult Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Dog Chow50 lb.4$22.98 (Walmart)$91.92Purina One - Smart Blend40 lb.4$40.36 (Walmart)$161.44Pedigree - Adult50 lb.4$25.83 (Walmart)$103.32Blue Buffalo - Adult30 lb.6$44.98 (Amazon)$269.88 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 Icelandic Sheepdog. Example for a more expensive premium brand Royal Canin - Size Health NutritionQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PriceMedium Puppy30 lb.4$65.99 (PetSmart)$263.96Medium Adult30 lb.6$64.99 (PetSmart)$389.94 This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food. Icelandic Sheepdog Grooming Corryne Smith, certified professional groomer, thinks that Icelandic Sheepdogs' coat is easy enough to maintain that owners could groom the dog themselves if they wanted to. If they decide to hire a professional instead, she suggests that a Icelandic Sheepdog receives grooming around 6 times a year, with a session typically ranging from $45 to $65. The price will depend on the services requested as well as the dog (health, age, coat, behavior). Yearly Grooming CostRangeAverage CostIcelandic Sheepdog$0 - $390$195 Most professional groomers offer a bath, shampoo, hair removal (if needed), brushing, styling as well as nails, tooth, eyes, and ears care. DIY enthusiasts can find grooming equipment online for $75 on average. You will be able handle all your dog’s grooming needs from within the comfort of your own home, if you have the skill set and patience to do so! Additional costs to consider Additional CostsRangeAverage CostLicense$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40Dog Walking (per day)$15 - $25$20 Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 License It is recommended to license your Icelandic Sheepdog, 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 dog 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs are energetic and require daily exercise. If you are unable to take your dog outside during the day, a dog walker is recommended by professionals like Tamaria Reddick. On average, dog walkers will charge $15-$25 for 30-minute walks ($20-$50 for 1 hour), 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. If you are on a tight budget, having friends or family to host your Icelandic Sheepdog 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 to case basis. Yearly and monthly cost of an Icelandic Sheepdog How much is an Icelandic Sheepdog puppy during the first year? The average cost of raising an Icelandic Sheepdog for the first year falls within the $2,955 to $5,255 range, with an average cost of $4,045. Most of these expenses will happen early and will hardly be avoidable, as they are essential to the health and well-being of your Icelandic Sheepdog. First Year CostsRangeAverage CostPuppy$2,000 - $2,500$2,250Supplies$185 - $790$410Training$150 - $200$175Medical$395 - $795$595Food & Treats$190 - $510$365Grooming$0 - $390$195License$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40First Year Total$2,955 - $5,255$4,045 Potential additional expenses include sterilization, dog insurance and services like dog walking and dog boarding. Optional First Year CostsRangeAverage CostSpay/Neuter$50 - $300$175Insurance$350 - $780$565Dog Walking (30 minutes per day)$15 - $25$20Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 Assuming you spay/neuter your dog, require the services of a dog walker 5 days a week for 42 weeks (30-minute walks), enroll in an insurance plan and use a boarding service for 1 week of the year, your first year cost is likely to rise into the $6,680 to $12,180 range. Potential First Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$3,355 - $6,335$4,785With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$6,680 - $12,180$9,265 Adult Icelandic Sheepdog yearly and monthly costs For each adult year, an Icelandic Sheepdog will require $620-$2,070 in essential expenses, depending on your locality as well as the pet-related businesses that are accessible to you. On a monthly basis we are talking costs in the $52-$173 range or $110 on average. Adult Year CostsRangeAverage CostSupplies$75 - $330$185Medical$330 - $725$530Food & Treats$205 - $605$395Grooming$0 - $390$195License$10 - $20$15Adult Year Total$620 - $2,070$1,320Estimated Monthly Cost$52 - $173$110 Assuming you use a dog walker every weekday for 50 weeks, maintain your insurance enrollment and send the dog to a boarding facility for 1 week, you can expect to spend as high as $4,895-$9,695 every year ($408-$808 every month). Potential Adult Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Insurance$970 - $2,850$1,885With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$4,895 - $9,695$7,165 Icelandic Sheepdog cost of ownership Icelandic Sheepdogs have an average life expectancy of 13 years (usually 12 to 14 years). This puts the overall cost of ownership in the $10,395 to $30,095 range using the figures outlined above. On average, an owner can expect to spend $19,885 over the years. Total Cost of Ownership (13 years)RangeAverage CostIcelandic Sheepdog$10,395 - $30,095$19,885 Using the same additional costs scenarios introduced in the previous sections of the article (spay/neuter, insurance, dog walking and dog boarding), you will be looking at total cost of ownership range of $65,420 to $128,520, with an average overall cost of $95,245 for 13 years. Potential Total Cost of Ownership (13 years)RangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$14,995 - $40,535$27,405With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$65,420 - $128,520$95,245 Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips. PetBudget Icelandic Sheepdog cost calculator The cost of an Icelandic Sheepdog – A summary in 7 questions 1- How much is an Icelandic Sheepdog puppy? On average an Icelandic Sheepdog puppy will cost $2,250 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $2,000 and $2,500. 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 $185 and $790 in supplies when welcoming a medium-sized dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $75 and $330. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality. 3 - Does an Icelandic Sheepdog need training and how much will it cost? Having an EIcelandic Sheepdog 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, positive leadership, and socialization. 4 - What is the cost of preventive medical care for an Icelandic Sheepdog? Preventive medical care should amount to around $395 to $795 for an Icelandic Sheepdog puppy during the first year and around $330 to $725 every adult year. This does not include a spay or neuter procedure (usually between $100 and $300). 5 - How much food does an Icelandic Sheepdog eat and how much will it cost? An Icelandic Sheepdog puppy will eat around 100 lb. and an adult close to 160 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $75 and $265 for a puppy and $90 to $390 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs. 6 - How often should an Icelandic Sheepdog be professionally groomed and how much will it cost? Grooming a Icelandic Sheepdog 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 $45 to $65 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 an Icelandic Sheepdog, 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 an Icelandic Sheepdog. 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.