A Chow Chow comes with several expenses that a future owner will want to budget. This includes vet fees, training costs, food-related expenses, supplies, grooming and much more. To help with financial planning as a family welcomes a Chow into their home, we have designed a detailed cost calculator.
A Chow Chow puppy is likely to cost between $850 and $3,800 with the average price being $2,250. First-year expenses are around $5,505 and will be about $1,795/year (or $150/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Chow Chow is $21,660.
These figures account for essential expenses, such as supplies, training, medical costs, food, treats, grooming costs, license, microchip, and the like. Additionally, optional costs like insurance or dog walking services are not included. If you spay/neuter your dog, enroll in a pet insurance plan, use a boarding facility for one week every year and require a dog walker for 50 weeks of the year, the total cost of ownership is likely to rise to the $51,975 to $112,800 range.
The higher end of the price range is applicable for better quality products and services, particularly if you are living in expensive areas, with the lower end of the spectrum indicating prices in less expensive areas.
Below, we delve into these different costs, offer professional opinions from a dog trainer, a veterinarian, a certified groomer as well as a dog walker and share tips on saving as you raise your Chow Chow. At the bottom, you will also find a cost calculator that lets you apply your unique situation and requirements to generate a much more accurate, personalized estimate of the cost of owning and raising a Chow Chow.
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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
How much are Chow Chow puppies?
After reviewing over 30 ads across numerous sources that include the American Kennel Club, NextDayPets, and PuppyFind, our team found the cost of a Chow Chow to range from $850 to $3,800, with over 80% of the puppies under 6 month of age for sale falling within this range. This puts the average cost at $2,250, with the higher end of the spectrum being $4,000 for registered purebreds from reputable breeders.
| Puppy Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| Chow Chow | $850 – $3,800 | $2,250 |
Adoption, on the other hand, is a much less expensive ordeal, with rehoming fees typically ranging from $50-$500. If you are actively looking to raise a Chow Chow we strongly recommend doing some research and finding the most reputable vendors and/or shelters possible. This will make a big difference in terms of your dog’s health and wellbeing.
WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A CHOW CHOW PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 23 best places to find your perfect pet.
| Puppies Price Range | Ads Reviewed |
| $650 – $1,250 | 8 |
| $1,251 – $1,850 | 6 |
| $1,851 – $2,450 | 3 |
| $2,451 – $3,050 | 6 |
| $3,051 – $3,650 | 3 |
| $3,651 – $4,000 | 6 |
| Total | 32 |
This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget’s team.
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 when welcoming a Chow Chow
As with any dog, you will need several products on hand to make raising a Chow Chow 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 $215-$855 for the first year depending on the quality of the items purchased and location.
| Supplies Prices | Range | Average Cost |
| Food & Water Bowls | $10 – $40 | $20 |
| Dog Collars (x2) | $10 – $40 | $20 |
| Leash | $10 – $30 | $15 |
| ID Tag with Phone Number | $5 – $20 | $10 |
| Dog Bed (36″ or 42″) | $20 – $85 | $50 |
| Dog Crate (36″ or 42″) | $30 – $120 | $55 |
| 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 | $50 – $155 | $90 |
| First-Aid Kit | $15 – $50 | $30 |
| Brush | $5 – $45 | $15 |
| Shampoo | $5 – $20 | $10 |
| Tooth-brushing Kit | $5 – $15 | $10 |
| Toenail Clippers | $5 – $30 | $15 |
As your Chow Chow grows, the price of supplies eases up considerably. Each subsequent year entails expenses ranging from $95 to $385, with an average of $215. This includes replenishing your stock of some aforementioned items (toys, bed, poop bags, shampoo, toothbrush).
| Total Supplies Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| First Year | $215 – $855 | $450 |
| Subsequent Years | $95 – $385 | $215 |
Additionally, you may require things that are not accounted for, 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.
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 Chow Chow
According to dog trainer and animal behaviorist, Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., Chow Chows are “a one-person breed that usually don’t do great around kids”. She would highly recommend a lot of professional training.
Private lessons will help with crate training, potty training, house manners, barking, jumping, and positive leadership and will also be a good opportunity to troubleshoot any training issue that the Chow can exhibit. Additionally, group classes for basic obedience and socialization (outside the home) are also necessary.
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 |
| Chow Chow | $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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You will learn everything you need to know to raise, train, and care for your dog: from choosing the right puppy, training techniques, picking supplies, finding a vet, selecting the right food, handling behavioral issues, and much more. You can listen and learn so much about raising a dog while going to work, running errands, exercising, etc. This audiobook can definitely make a difference.
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.
The medical costs for a Chow Chow
Experts like licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM, agree that dog owners should account for medical expenses in their pet budget. On average, a Chow Chow owner can expect first-year medical expenses to be around $595. Additionally, spay/neuter and possibly, a gastropexy procedure might be considered. These cost $50-$450 and $200-$400, respectively.
For each subsequent year, expect to spend about $605 to cover trips to the vet, as well as some of the additional medication that may be required, such as heartworm or flea prevention.
| Medical Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| First Year Vet Cost | $395 – $795 | $595 |
| Spay/Neuter (optional) | $50 – $450 | $250 |
| Gastropexy (optional) | $200 – $400 | $300 |
| Adult Year Vet Cost | $380 – $825 | $605 |
Vet cost for a Chow puppy during the first year
Dr Brooks recommends a minimum of three visits to the vet over the course of the puppy’s first year under your care, with the first session at roughly 8 weeks of age. Each trip ranges from $65-$170 and takes care of the puppy’s overall health (physical exams, essential vaccines, fecal examination, flea, and heartworm prevention).
Additionally, she also suggests pursuing heartworm (to prevent development of heartworm disease, especially in the Southeast US where this disease is rampant) and flea prevention medication for the rest of the year, which are likely to cost $60-$105 and $70-$105 for a puppy.
Moreover, your dog may require vaccines that depend on lifestyle and activities. Leptospirosis is a common problem if the dog is exposed to wildlife or taken on camping/hiking trips often. ($15-$25 but is sometimes already included with essential vaccines). Influenza medication is required if the dog is boarded or kept in a daycare for extended periods of time ($70-$90 for two doses). Finally, Lyme vaccination is necessary if the dog is exposed to ticks when hiking, camping or being in the woods or on a farm ($60-$80 for two doses).
As the Chow Chow begins to grow older, a neutering or spaying procedure may be considered, with the price being $150-$450 depending on the clinics in your locality (some charge as low as $50-$100 for the procedure). Generally, spays (female) are slightly more expensive.
Dr Brooks would also recommend a gastropexy procedure for large, deep-chested dogs such as Chow Chows. It usually costs $200-$400 and should be performed at the time of their spay or neuter. Gastropexy reduces the risks of Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) later in life. GDV is life-threatening and must be corrected with surgery.
Chow Chow veterinary expenses for subsequent years
Each year after the first one requires one annual trip to the veterinarian. They usually range from $125-$265 at Leslie Brooks’ clinic and include a physical exam, vaccinations, and heartworm test. Blood work could be recommended for middle aged and senior dogs to detect any hidden medical condition and make sure nothing is wrong with the Chow Chow.
Dr Brooks also recommends continuing heartworm and flea prevention medicine, which usually fall in the $80-$150/year and $175-$250/year respectively for a dog of this size.
Booster shots for optional vaccines (Lyme, Influenza, Leptospirosis) could also prove to be necessary and cost $15-$45 each. Finally, fecal examinations may be required in some cases, adding another $40-$50 to the total cost.
Some known Chow Chows potential health issues
The table below sums up some conditions that may affect a Chow Chow during its life as well as an estimate of the costs to treat them. The information was provided by licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM.
| Health Problem | Likelihood | Treatment Cost Estimate |
| Diabetes Mellitus | Medium | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Distichiasis | High | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| Pemphigus Foliaceus | Medium | $500 – $1,800 |
| Allergies | High | $100 – $2,000 per year |
| Glaucoma | Medium | $300 – $1,500 |
| Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture | Medium | $150 – $3,900 |
Diabetes mellitus: the cost range varies, depending if the dog was diagnosed, had no complications and was able to be started on regular insulin injections, given special food, etc. or if they were sick and had to be hospitalized one or multiple times and needed more expensive insulin for the rest of their life.
Distichiasis: for cryoepilation surgery to remove the inappropriately directed eyelashes.
Pemphigus foliaceous: the low end of the range applies if basic diagnostics and medications are effective. It will cost more if a referral to a dermatologist is needed along with biopsies and more expensive immunosuppressive meds.
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-$100 per month.
For glaucoma, the price varies between $300 and $1,500 depending if medications alone are sufficient for treatment or if the affected eye needs to be removed.
Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is most common for middle to older aged dogs, but it can also happen to younger dogs (1-3 years old). The ideal treatment recommendation is usually surgical repair which can come to $2,000-$3,500 on top of diagnostics prior to surgery, such as x-rays and blood work that cost between $200 and $400. Also know that 50% of dogs who tear a ligament in one knee, will eventually tear the ligament in their other knee, which would double those costs.
If the owner elects to avoid surgery, and just provide pain management, physical therapy, and rest instead, one can expect to pay $50 to $300 per month for 3 or 4 months. In such cases, it takes longer for the dog to get back to his normal activity level and it could develop more severe arthritis in the knee later, with associated costs.
Pet insurance price
The North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report states that the average price of insurance for both accident and illness coverage is $565 per year for a dog, while accident only plans cost $190.
Getting a pet insurance is totally up to the dog owner and can help mitigate the financial risk coming with unplanned medical expenses. Contact pet insurance companies to know more about the coverage and prices.
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 Chow Chow?
Chow Chows are big dogs, with large ones growing over the average of 60 lb. (usually 45 to 70 lb.). As a result, puppies tend to consume 190 lb. of dry food on average during their first year. This puts food expenses in the $155-$310 range.
Adults typically eat more, close to 280 lb. a year, and therefore will require $140-$450 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 Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| Puppy | $155 – $310 | $225 |
| Adult Dog | $140 – $450 | $255 |
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 Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| Yearly Treats | $125 – $715 | $345 |
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.
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 Chow Chow puppy can be expected to eat around 190 lb. of dry food during its first year.
| Puppy Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
| Purina – Puppy Chow | 36 lb. | 6 | $27.78 (Walmart) | $166.68 |
| Purina One – Smart Blend Puppy | 16.5 lb. | 12 | $21.98 (Walmart) | $263.76 |
| Pedigree – Puppy | 36 lb. | 6 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $154.98 |
| Blue Buffalo – Puppy | 30 lb. | 7 | $44.08 (Amazon) | $308.56 |
An adult will need close to 280 lb. of food depending on its actual weight, age, and level of activity.
| Adult Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
| Purina – Dog Chow | 50 lb. | 6 | $22.98 (Walmart) | $137.88 |
| Purina One – Smart Blend | 40 lb. | 7 | $40.36 (Walmart) | $282.52 |
| Pedigree – Adult | 50 lb. | 6 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $154.98 |
| Blue Buffalo – Adult | 30 lb. | 10 | $44.98 (Amazon) | $449.80 |
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 Chow Chow 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 Nutrition | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
| Large Puppy | 35 lb. | 6 | $73.99 (PetSmart) | $443.94 |
| Large Adult | 35 lb. | 8 | $68.99 (PetSmart) | $551.92 |
This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.
Chow Chow Grooming
Typically, Chow Chows could be groomed at home by their owner according to our dog groomer, Corryne Smith.
Otherwise, she suggests taking the dog to a professional up to 6 times a year, with prices ranging from $75 to $120 for each visit. Taking the dog to a professional groomer is the owner’s decision but will benefit the dog’s health and well-being even for low-maintenance breeds.
| Yearly Grooming Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| Chow Chow | $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.
A home grooming kit can be found for $75 on average on Amazon or at Walmart and PetSmart for example.
Additional costs to consider
| 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 |
License
Licenses usually fall in the $10-$20 range in the USA, depending on 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 state, to own an unlicensed dog. Moreover, it makes identification and locating in the case of emergencies that much easier.
Microchip
Microchips create a unique identification for 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
Chow Chows need regular exercise. Dog walkers like Tamaria Reddick would recommend hiring a professional to take the dog out at least once a day if owners do not have the time to dedicate themselves. Thankfully, finding a good dog walker is easy thanks to apps like Rover and Wag.
Expect to be charged $15-$25 for 30-minute group walks and $20-$50 for 1-hour ones. 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, dog boarding services are available, provided you plan. They usually cost between $25-$85 a day, depending on location and time of year. During particularly busy stretches of the year, such as the holidays, you will need to book a dog boarding service in advance, as you are likely to increase your chance to find availability and get better rates.
If you are on a tight budget, checking with friends or family members to see if they would be willing to host your dog is a good idea, as bills can add up very quickly.
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 have to submit a formal request ahead of time. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on several variables.
Yearly and monthly cost for a Chow Chow
The cost of a Chow Chow puppy during the first year
On average, using the metrics explained above, we have estimated that the cost of raising a Chow Chow puppy for the first year falls in the $2,825 to $8,665 range, with an average cost of $5,505. Most of these expenses will have to be accounted for before welcoming the dog or early during the year.
| First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
| Puppy | $850 – $3,800 | $2,250 |
| Supplies | $215 – $855 | $450 |
| Training | $1,050 – $1,400 | $1,225 |
| Medical | $395 – $795 | $595 |
| Food & Treats | $280 – $1,025 | $570 |
| Grooming | $0 – $720 | $360 |
| License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
| Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
| First Year Total | $2,825 – $8,665 | $5,505 |
Some owners will also want to consider the other costs introduced below.
| Optional First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
| Spay/Neuter | $50 – $450 | $250 |
| Gastropexy | $200 – $400 | $300 |
| Insurance | $350 – $780 | $565 |
| Dog Walking (30 minutes per day) | $15 – $25 | $20 |
| Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
If you choose to spay/neuter your Chow, 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 $6,750 to $16,140 range.
| Potential First Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $3,425 – $10,295 | $6,620 |
| With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $6,750 – $16,140 | $11,100 |
Yearly and monthly cost for an adult Chow Chow
After the first year, costs of raising a dog do go down. The yearly cost for maintaining a Chow Chow falling within the $750-$3,115 mark ($63-$260 monthly).
| Adult Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
| Supplies | $95 – $385 | $215 |
| Medical | $380 – $825 | $605 |
| Food & Treats | $265 – $1,165 | $600 |
| Grooming | $0 – $720 | $360 |
| License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
| Adult Year Total | $750 – $3,115 | $1,795 |
| Estimated Monthly Cost | $63 – $260 | $150 |
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 $5,025-$10,740 range.
| Potential Adult Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| With Insurance | $1,100 – $3,895 | $2,360 |
| With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $5,025 – $10,740 | $7,640 |
Total cost of ownership of a Chow Chow
On average, Chow Chows live close to 10 years (usually 8 to 12 years). This puts total expenses, using the figures outlined above, between $9,575 and $36,700, with an average cost of $21,660 through the course of the dog’s lifetime.
| Total Cost of Ownership (10 years) | Range | Average Cost |
| Chow Chow | $9,575 – $36,700 | $21,660 |
With optional services and procedures mentioned earlier the average total cost of ownership could rise as high as $79,860 over 10 years.
| Potential Total Cost of Ownership (10 years) | Range | Average Cost |
| With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $13,325 – $45,350 | $27,860 |
| With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $51,975 – $112,800 | $79,860 |
Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips.
PetBudget Chow Chow cost calculator
The cost of a Chow Chow – A summary in 7 questions
1- How much is a Chow Chow puppy?
On average a Chow Chow puppy will cost $2,250 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $850 and $3,800. 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 $215 and $855 in supplies when welcoming a large dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $95 and $385. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.
3 – Does a Chow Chow need training and how much will it cost?
Having a Chow Chow 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, house manners, barking, jumping, potty training, crate training, and positive leadership.
4 – What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Chow Chow?
Preventive medical care should amount to around $395 to $795 for a Chow Chow puppy during the first year and around $380 to $825 every adult year. This does not include spay or neuter and gastropexy procedures (usually $150 to $450 and $200 to $400 respectively).
5 – How much food does a Chow Chow eat and how much will it cost?
A Chow Chow puppy will eat around 190 lb. and an adult close to 280 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $155 and $445 for a puppy and $140 to $555 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.
6 – How often should a Chow Chow be professionally groomed and how much will it cost?
Grooming a Chow Chow 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 $75 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.
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What is the next step? Check our New Dog Owner Guide. It’s a 5 minutes read packed with useful information for future and new dog owners.
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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 Chow Chow, 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 Chow Chow. 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.
