The prospect of raising a Boston Terrier is an exciting one! As you bring a new dog into your home, however, there are a few things you should know about, particularly when it comes to planning your finances. The dog should never be a financial burden on you or your family, so we have developed a cost calculator to help you get a personalized estimate as to how much it should cost to raise a Boston Terrier! This accounts for things like supplies, food, medical expenses, training costs, grooming costs, and other essentials as well as the cost of the puppy or dog itself.
A Boston Terrier puppy is likely to cost between $550-$1,400 with the average price being $850. First-year expenses are around $3,455 and will be about $1,015/year (or $85/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Boston Terrier is $14,620.
This covers all the essentials, including supplies, training costs, medical expenses, food and treats, grooming expenses, licenses, and a microchip. Additionally, optional costs include medical expenses such as a spay/neuter procedure and additional services, such as dog walking and dog boarding, as well as pet insurance.
With all these included (assuming you hire a dog walker five times a week for 50 weeks and use a boarding service for one week every year), we estimate the total cost of owning a Boston Terrier to fall between $58,040 to $113,520, with an average cost of $84,135 for 12 years.
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 Boston Terriers. 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 Boston Terrier puppy!
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For general information about the cost of puppies and dogs, you can read The True Cost of a Dog (50 breeds compared) on our blog. If you are serious about adopting or buying this breed, keep reading this article. To compare the cost with other ones, visit our All Breeds page. You can also read our New Dog Owner Guide to learn everything about welcoming a dog home.
Quick Links
- Puppy Cost
- Supplies Cost
- Training Cost (dog trainer’s opinion)
- Medical Cost (veterinarian’s opinion)
- Food Cost
- Grooming Cost (groomer’s opinion)
- Other Costs (dog walker’s opinion)
- Total Cost
- PetBudget Cost Calculator
Boston Terrier puppy price
After reviewing almost 900 ads from sources that include the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind, we have found that the price of a Boston Terrier puppy (6-month-old and younger) ranges from $550-$1,400. This puts the average cost at $850, with 80% of the prices found falling within the previous range.
Puppy Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Boston Terrier | $550 – $1,400 | $850 |
For a purebred with documents, expect to pay as high as $3,000. On the other hand, adoption prices are considerably lower, with rehoming or adoption fees typically falling between $50 and $500 across the board. Always give your business to reputable breeders and shelters to increase your chances to raise a healthy and happy dog. Also, keep in mind that prices vary according to location, so you might be able to save money if you locate a shelter or breeder in a cheaper locality.
WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A BOSTON TERRIER PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 26 best places to find your perfect pet.
Puppies Price Range | Ads Reviewed |
$250 – $750 | 318 |
$751 – $1,250 | 442 |
$1,251 – $1,750 | 119 |
$1,751 – $2,250 | 16 |
$2,251 – $2,750 | 1 |
$2,751 – $3,000 | 1 |
Total | 897 |
This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget’s team.
“As a veterinarian, I think it is ideal for a Boston Terrier breeder to either evaluate or test the breeding dogs prior to and throughout their breeding years for the following conditions: patellar luxation, eye examination by an ophthalmologist, congenital deafness (BAER test). Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed.”
Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
If you want to know more about the price of puppies in the US or compare this breed with 150 others, check our puppy prices article based on the analysis of close to 50,000 ads (for 151 different breeds).
Factors affecting the price of puppies and why prices vary for the same breed.
Purebred or mixed. Usually, mixed-breeds are sold at a lower price than purebred dogs.
Bloodline and breeder’s reputation. If the parents are purebred show quality dogs from a reputable breeder, the price will be substantially higher. These breeders also tend to invest more money than others to take care of their breeding dogs and puppies.
Registration papers/pedigree. Some breeders are members of kennel clubs, the most famous being the American Kennel Club (AKC). They can also have their breeding dogs and puppies registered which would also add to their fees.
Health screenings and medical expenses. Serious breeders will have their breeding dogs and/or puppies evaluated/tested for different medical conditions. Moreover, some will take their puppies to the vet for an exam, deworming, vaccines, and/or microchip implantation prior to selling them. This drives the price higher but also reduces the risk to get an unhealthy dog.
Training and socialization. Some breeders sell their dogs after they are trained and socialized. It will increase the puppy’s price but generate savings as you most probably won’t have to invest in more training and also gives a better chance to get a well-behaved dog.
Breed popularity in the buyer’s location. Local supply and demand will have an impact on puppy prices. For example, small dogs tend to be more popular in metropolitan areas where people live in smaller spaces. Some breeds are more in demand in colder climates, others where hunting is popular, etc. It is worth looking for prices in different locations, but it is risky to buy a dog without having seen it before or at least have met with the breeder and visited the kennel.
Age. As most people want to get their puppy as young as possible, prices tend to be lower when the dog gets older. For example, on average a 6-month-old pup is likely to be less expensive than an 8-week-old one.
Coat color and markings. Coat color trends can change quickly. For any breed, some colors are more popular than others, sometimes temporarily. When the interest for a specific coat color grows, puppies get more expensive as an increase in demand leads to a higher market price. Also, for purebred dogs, only specific colors and color combinations are accepted by kennel clubs. Finally, puppies with rare colors can be very expensive as well.
The cost of supplies for a Boston Terrier
Having the right supplies can make welcoming your new Boston Terrier into your home that much easier. After sorting through more than 250 items across the best seller lists on Amazon, Walmart and PetSmart, the initial cost of supplies is likely to fall anywhere between $150 and $650. On average, your first-year cost should be around the $345 mark for a small dog.
Supplies Prices | Range | Average Cost |
Food & Water Bowls | $5 – $20 | $15 |
Dog Collars (x2) | $5 – $40 | $20 |
Leash | $5 – $20 | $10 |
ID Tag with Phone Number | $5 – $20 | $10 |
Dog Bed (24″ or 30″) | $15 – $65 | $35 |
Dog Crate (24″ or 30″) | $20 – $80 | $40 |
Plastic Poop Bags (900-1080) | $15 – $110 | $55 |
Pooper Scooper | $10 – $30 | $20 |
House Training Pads (75-100) | $15 – $45 | $25 |
Stains and Odors Removal Spray | $5 – $20 | $10 |
Toys | $15 – $50 | $30 |
First-Aid Kit | $15 – $50 | $30 |
Brush | $5 – $45 | $15 |
Shampoo | $5 – $20 | $10 |
Tooth-brushing Kit | $5 – $15 | $10 |
Toenail Clippers | $5 – $20 | $10 |
Things do get cheaper as your dog grows, with the cost for each subsequent year falling between $55 and $260. This puts the average cost for each year after the first one at $140. This includes the cost for items that need to be bought again, such as toys, a bed, shampoo, plastic bags, and a tooth-brushing kit.
Total Supplies Cost | Range | Average Cost |
First Year | $150 – $650 | $345 |
Subsequent Years | $55 – $260 | $140 |
Other equipment, such as a muzzle, clothing, play pens and fences are not included here. Rather, it accounts for essential supplies. To help save on some of these items, second-hand stores, local pet shops and popular websites might be worth considering.
Check our Dog Supplies Guide and get tips to choose the right items for you and your dog (bowls, collar, leash, bed, and crate size, etc.). Learn everything about costs, and find the best products available.
If you are on a budget check our special selection and buy everything new for less than $200.
Leave your email at the top or bottom of this article to get our free supplies checklist with tips to select the right size for each product.
Training a Boston Terrier
According to dog trainer and animal behaviorist, Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., professional training is recommended for a Boston Terrier. Private lessons will help with house manners, potty and crate training. Additionally, group classes for basic obedience and socialization purposes should also be considered. You will be looking at anywhere between $900-$1,200 for 7-9 private lessons and $150-$200 for 5 group lessons, depending on your locality.
Training Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Boston Terrier | $1,050 – $1,400 | $1,225 |
Reading a dog training book and educating yourself on dog behaviors and psychology before welcoming the pet will also ease up the process.
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If you want to know whether to train your dog yourself or hire a professional and learn about the cost of training classes and supplies, check our article written with a certified dog trainer.
“Bostons are good family dogs for people who like a small dog with lots of energy. Boston’s do best in a highly active household.”
Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
All about Boston Terriers medical costs
According to Dr Leslie Brooks, licensed-veterinarian, medical expenses for a Boston Terrier should amount to close to $590 for the first year of life (plus a potential $50 to $300 one-time fee to spay/neuter the dog) and around $465 every year after that. Of course, these figures vary according to location and highly depend on the clinics accessible to you.
Medical Cost | Range | Average Cost |
First Year Vet Cost | $385 – $795 | $590 |
Spay/Neuter (optional) | $50 – $300 | $175 |
Adult Year Vet Cost | $280 – $645 | $465 |
Vet cost for a Boston Terrier puppy
Leslie Brooks, DVM, recommends a minimum of three visits to the vet during the first year of the Boston Terrier puppy, with the first appointment coming in at 8 weeks of age. Each trip ranges from $65-$170 and accounts for physical checkups, fecal examination, basic vaccines including rabies, heartworm, and flea prevention.
Dr Brooks also suggests following through with heartworm and flea prevention after the initial trips to the vet, resulting in expenses ranging from $5 to $15 per month each for the puppy’s first year.
Moreover, your dog may require additional vaccines that depend on lifestyle and activities.
- Leptospirosis is a common problem if the dog is exposed to wildlife, taken on camping/hiking trips often or regularly plays in puddles, lakes, or ponds ($15-25).
- Influenza medication is recommended if the dog is boarded or kept in a daycare for extended periods of time. Doggy daycare or kennels can also require it ($70-90 for two doses).
- Lyme vaccination is necessary if the dog is exposed to ticks when outside especially on farms and/or in the woods. This typically costs $60-80 for two doses.
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.
Boston Terrier veterinary expenses for subsequent years
Each subsequent year should entail at least one annual trip to the vet. Usually, these cost $125-$265, depending on the clinic and locality. According to Dr Brooks, DVM, it will most probably include a physical examination, vaccinations, a heartworm test, and blood work for middle aged and senior dogs (to detect any hidden medical conditions).
It is also recommended to follow through with heartworm and flea prevention medications, which usually fall in between the $55-70 and $100-$150 ranges respectively for the year.
Additionally, the optional vaccines introduced before may also command annual booster shots ($15-$45 each), and a fecal examination may be required if the pet has inconsistent stool quality or is regularly exposed to other animals, adding another $40-$50 to the total cost.
Some common health issues for Boston Terriers
Below is a list provided by licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM, introducing some of the probable medical issues a Boston Terrier and its owner could have to face.
Health Problem | Likelihood | Treatment Cost Estimate |
Brachycephalic Syndrome | High | $250 – $3,000 |
Corneal Ulcers | High | $100 – $200 each time |
Patellar Luxation | High | $300 – $2,000 |
Collapsing Trachea | High | $250 – $4,950 |
Intervertebral Disc Disease | Medium | $250 – $4,000 |
Brachycephalic syndrome is a combination of different abnormalities associated with the breathing apparatus. The following ones can be corrected surgically: elongated soft palate ($1,000-$2,000), stenotic nares ($250-$800, low end of price range is applicable when done when a puppy as a preventative measure before it develops problems breathing), everted laryngeal saccules ($1,000-$3,000).
Corneal ulcers could be a recurring cost throughout the dog’s life.
Patellar luxation: the low end is just for pain management as needed and joint supplements. The high end is if surgery is needed (if it is causing the Boston Terrier a lot of pain and if it cannot get its knee back in place on its own).
Diagnostic x-rays and medications to control symptoms will be around $250-$450 for collapsing trachea. Budget $3,000-$4,500 for surgery if the condition is severe enough. Surgery is usually not recommended due to many severe complications post-surgery.
Intervertebral disc disease: $250-$500 for conservative treatment and basic diagnostics, such as x-rays. $2,000-$4,000 for surgery (some dogs may need surgery more than once).
“While Boston Terriers can have a very long lifespan, they also can suffer from many reoccurring health conditions that can add up over time to treat, so it is good to keep some money set aside every month for their unexpected or expected health costs.”
Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
Dog health insurance
One might consider enrolling their Boston Terrier 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. For accident only plans, the average price is $190. Contact pet insurance companies to know more and get a quote.
It is also possible to get complete health coverage with some insurance companies but it gets much more expensive.
If you wonder whether or not you should get pet insurance, we have a simple step by step guide to help you make the decision. This could save you thousands of dollars.
As mentioned, some medical conditions can be expensive to treat. Although purebred dogs may have a higher incidence of some inherited disorders, mixed breed dogs are also likely to develop health conditions, such as cancer and heart disorders. No dog owner should have to make critical decisions about their pets based on their ability to afford care. That’s why pet insurance is more popular every year in the US.
When comparing pet insurances, price is a significant factor, but it is also essential to consider:
– Deductible type (per incident or per year) and amount
– Reimbursements percentage and limits
– Services included (emergency visits, hospitalization, surgery, medications, specialists, cancer treatments, pre-existing conditions, etc.)
– When coverage will start
The price will vary depending on multiple factors, including the dog’s breed, age, location, and the plan chosen. You can compare pet insurance prices on comparison websites like PetInsuranceReview.
Read our article titled a veterinarian explains medical costs for a dog to learn more and get tips to save on vet expenses.
The cost to feed a Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are small and grow to be 19 lb. on average (usually 12 to 25 lb.). Owners can expect to spend $75-$130/year for a puppy and $70-$180/year for an adult dog for food. In fact, adult Boston Terriers can be expected to consume about 120 lb. of dry food annually. These cost estimations were made using prices of some of the most popular brands including Purina, Pedigree and Blue Buffalo.
Yearly Food Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Puppy | $75 – $130 | $105 |
Adult Dog | $70 – $180 | $110 |
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 Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Yearly Treats | $40 – $240 | $150 |
This cost estimation for treats is based on the premise that the dog gets one big treat every day. If you give your dog a treat every other day, you can divide these amounts by two. If it is once a week, divide them by seven, and so on. Enter the relevant information in the calculator at the end of the article to get your personalized cost estimate.
Four dog food brands compared
The following table compares the price of 90 lb. (average quantity needed for the first year) of puppy dry food from four popular brands.
Puppy Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
Purina – Puppy Chow | 36 lb. | 3 | $27.78 (Walmart) | $83.34 |
Purina One – Smart Blend Puppy | 16.5 lb. | 6 | $21.98 (Walmart) | $131.88 |
Pedigree – Puppy | 36 lb. | 3 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $77.49 |
Blue Buffalo – Puppy | 30 lb. | 3 | $44.08 (Amazon) | $132.24 |
An adult Boston Terrier owner will need to buy around 120 lb. of dry food every year.
Adult Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
Purina – Dog Chow | 50 lb. | 3 | $22.98 (Walmart) | $68.94 |
Purina One – Smart Blend | 40 lb. | 3 | $40.36 (Walmart) | $121.08 |
Pedigree – Adult | 50 lb. | 3 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $77.49 |
Blue Buffalo – Adult | 30 lb. | 4 | $44.98 (Amazon) | $179.92 |
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 Boston Terrier.
Example for a more expensive premium brand
Royal Canin – Size Health Nutrition | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
Small Puppy | 13 lb. | 7 | $44.99 (PetSmart) | $314.93 |
Small Adult | 14 lb. | 9 | $41.99 (PetSmart) | $377.91 |
This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.
Grooming a Boston Terrier
Our certified groomer, Corryne Smith, suggests that a Boston Terrier receives professional grooming around 6 times every year, with a session typically ranging from $30 to $45. The price will depend on the services requested as well as the dog (health, age, coat, behavior).
But she also states that a Boston Terrier’s coat is easy to maintain and most owners will be able to groom their dog themselves at home and by doing that could drastically reduce their grooming expenses.
Yearly Grooming Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Boston Terrier | $0 – $270 | $135 |
Professional grooming generally includes a bath and shampoo, hair removal if necessary, brushing and styling, ear, teeth, and eye cleaning as well as nail trimming.
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 that comes with a Boston Terrier
Additional Costs | Range | Average Cost |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
Dog Walking (per walk) | $15 – $25 | $20 |
Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
Licensing
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 create a unique identification to your dog, allowing them to be on medical and emergency databases. Microchips are required in many U.S. states and will range from $25-$50.
Dog walking
If you cannot take your dog outside 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 daily 30-minute walk. It is best that a Boston Terrier gets some sort of exercise as well as outdoor time. On average, these are 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. An owner might need to pay for private walks if the dog is not well socialized. These are obviously more expensive.
Traveling
In the case of extended travel plans, you can leave your Boston Terrier 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, especially since small dogs are more likely to be taken in by relatives for a few days than bigger ones.
Finally, you might be able to take your dog with you, as many airlines and train companies offer special provisions to help move your pets. You will probably have to submit a formal request ahead of time. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on several variables such as location, destination, mode of transport, etc.
Yearly and monthly cost of a Boston Terrier
The first year with your Boston puppy
On average, the first-year cost that comes with a Boston Terrier puppy ranges between $2,285 and $4,955. This comes down to an average cost of $3,455, with the bulk of the major expenses taking place within the first few weeks.
First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Puppy | $550 – $1,400 | $850 |
Supplies | $150 – $650 | $345 |
Training | $1,050 – $1,400 | $1,225 |
Medical | $385 – $795 | $590 |
Food & Treats | $115 – $370 | $255 |
Grooming | $0 – $270 | $135 |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
First Year Total | $2,285 – $4,955 | $3,455 |
You might also want to consider some of the additional costs listed below.
Optional First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Spay/Neuter | $50 – $300 | $175 |
Insurance | $350 – $780 | $565 |
Dog Walking (30 minutes per day) | $15 – $25 | $20 |
Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
If you choose to neuter/spay your dog and get pet insurance, the cost rises to $4,195 on average for the first year. Add to that a week of dog boarding and a dog walker five days a week for 42 weeks and it will cost you around $8,675.
Potential First Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $2,685 – $6,035 | $4,195 |
With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $6,010 – $11,880 | $8,675 |
Yearly and monthly cost of a Boston Terrier for the following years
The costs that come with owning a Boston Terrier 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 $455 and $1,615, with an average cost of $1,015 (if we break it down further, this comes down to a monthly cost in the $38-$135 range and averages $85/month).
Adult Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Supplies | $55 – $260 | $140 |
Medical | $280 – $645 | $465 |
Food & Treats | $110 – $420 | $260 |
Grooming | $0 – $270 | $135 |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Adult Year Total | $455 – $1,615 | $1,015 |
Estimated Monthly Cost | $38 – $135 | $85 |
With insurance, 30-minute dog walks five days a week for 50 weeks and dog boarding for seven days, the average cost climbs to $6,860 for the year (or $572 every month)!
Potential Adult Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
With Insurance | $805 – $2,395 | $1,580 |
With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $4,730 – $9,240 | $6,860 |
Cost of ownership of a Boston Terrier
In total, the cost of owning and raising a Boston Terrier for 12 years boils down to the $7,290-$22,720 range, with the average cost being $14,620.
Total Cost of Ownership (12 years) | Range | Average Cost |
Boston Terrier | $7,290 – $22,720 | $14,620 |
With additional expenses tacked on, such as spay/neuter, insurance and dog-based services as described in the previous sections, the price of raising a Boston Terrier falls in the $58,040 to $113,520 range through the course of its lifetime, which on average will be 12 years (usually 11 to 13 years). The average price of raising a Boston Terrier can then be estimated to be $84,135.
Potential Total Cost of Ownership (12 years) | Range | Average Cost |
With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $11,540 – $32,380 | $21,575 |
With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $58,040 – $113,520 | $84,135 |
Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips.
PetBudget Boston Terrier cost calculator
The cost of a Boston Terrier – A summary in 7 questions
1- How much is a Boston Terrier puppy?
On average a Boston Terrier puppy will cost $850 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $550 and $1,400. 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 $150 and $650 in supplies when welcoming a small dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $55 and $260. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.
3 – Does a Boston Terrier need training and how much will it cost?
Having a Boston Terrier professionally trained is usually recommended (both private and group training) and should cost around $1,050 to $1,400. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience, socialization, potty training, crate training, and house manners.
4 – What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Boston Terrier?
Preventive medical care should amount to around $385 to $795 for a Boston Terrier puppy during the first year and around $280 to $645 every adult year. This does not include a spay or neuter procedure (usually between $100 and $300).
5 – How much food does a Boston Terrier eat and how much will it cost?
A Boston Terrier puppy will eat around 90 lb. and an adult close to 120 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $75 and $315 for a puppy and $70 to $380 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.
6 – How often should a Boston Terrier be professionally groomed and how much will it cost?
Grooming a Boston Terrier 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 $30 to $45 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.
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Other breeds you might like
Are you living in an apartment? Please read our article about the cost of 32 popular apartment dog breeds.
Or learn more about the cost of owning a dog. This article is THE reference when it comes to budgeting for your pet.
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 Boston Terrier, 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 Boston Terrier. 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 Behaviorist
- Corryne Smith – Dog Groomer
- Tamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet Sitter
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
- The American Kennel Club
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers
This article is original content from PetBudget.