Whether you want a guard dog to protect your house or other assets or simply to get a sense of security, the cost is an important question to ask yourself. Some breeds naturally have this protective instinct and intuition to recognize danger, making them more likely to be good guard dogs.
This article will detail the cost for 19 of the most popular breeds that can potentially make good guard dogs (according to the American Kennel Club). Like any other dog, there are many expenses to consider, like the cost of the dog itself, supplies, food and treats, training, grooming, vet, license, and microchip.
When getting a guard dog, an owner can expect to spend $1,500 on average for the puppy. Throughout its lifetime, the dog should cost around $25,000. On top of that, if the dog needs specific training, private lessons with a certified dog trainer can easily cost $100 to $200 an hour.
Additionally, costs like insurance ($565 per year on average), spaying or neutering ($100 to $500), dog walking ($15 to $50 per walk), or boarding services ($25 to $85 per day) would increase the cost of ownership as well. It is also essential to know that cost can vary significantly depending on products and services quality and the area you live in.
Below, we detail each breed’s cost based on professional recommendations and estimations from a dog trainer, two licensed veterinarians, a certified groomer, and a dog walker from the US. If you are interested in a specific breed, check the related cost article to learn everything there is to know and find professional tips. You will also find a cost calculator that will enable you to establish a budget based on your needs and preferences.
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Essential costs to consider for a guard dog
Before going into details about the cost for 19 guard dog breeds, here is a quick explanation of the expenses considered essentials in this article.
Puppy or dog
We have accounted for the cost of acquiring a dog. In the US, a puppy will cost $1,300 on average ($1,500 for the guard dog breeds below), and most will fall in the $500 to $2,500 range. It could be much more for quality show purebred dogs with a prestigious bloodline. On the other hand, adoption is much cheaper and generally costs $50 to $500.
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).
Supplies
Any owner will need to purchase dog supplies for their dog. The bigger the dog, the more expensive it gets. We have considered prices for the following items in this research: bowls, leash, collar with ID tag, bed and crate, poop bags and scooper, training pads, odor removal spray, toys, first-aid kit, brush, shampoo, tooth-brushing kit, and toenail clippers. Some owners could need more supplies. Although the initial investment is higher, some items will need to be replenished or replaced, and an owner will have to buy dog supplies every year.
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.
Basic training
Every dog would benefit from training. Although some breeds tend to be more docile, each dog is very different, and training needs must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Whether the owner trains the dog himself or hires a professional for group or private lessons, a dog should always be properly socialized, know basic training commands, be potty and crate trained. Even for a guard dog, positive reinforcement training methods will give the best results.
A guard dog that will work for a few years for security or protection should follow some extra professional training to learn more advanced commands and how to react in different situations.
Medical costs
It is recommended that a puppy goes to the vet at least three times during the first year and an adult dog at least once every year. These appointments are for a physical checkup, necessary vaccines, and any recommended examination or test. Veterinarians like Dr. Brooks, DVM, also recommend using heartworm, flea, and tick prevention medication to increase the chances to avoid some dangerous diseases. The bigger the dog, the more expensive it gets.
Read our article titled a veterinarian explains medical costs for a dog to learn more and get tips to save on vet expenses.
Food and treats
There are so many food types, diets, and brands that it can be overwhelming. To establish the costs in this article, we have considered some of the most popular dry food brands as it remains the most common type of dog food. In general, bigger dogs will need to eat more, but other factors such as age and activity level will also have an impact.
Treats can easily be more expensive than food if given daily. There are many reasons to give a dog treat: to supplement his diet, stimulate him, help with training, etc.
When it comes to food and treats, prices are all over the place. Some brands are very accessible, while some premium quality products can be considerably more expensive.
Grooming
Most guard dogs from the following lists could be groomed at home with basic supplies. Visiting a grooming salon could be avoided if the owner is willing to do the essential grooming himself. Brush the dog regularly (ideally daily), cut his nails once every 2 to 6 weeks, brush his teeth at least once a week (ideally more), and bathe him once every one to three months. Clean the eyes with cotton and water and the ears with an ear cleaning solution when necessary. And if needed, remove any extra hair under the paws, around the eyes, and in the ears.
This is true except for the following breeds that will most likely need to be professionally groomed multiple times every year on top of that: Briards, Giant Schnauzers, Bouviers des Flandres, Black Russian Terriers, and Tibetan Mastiffs.
License and microchip
Licenses are mandatory almost everywhere and usually are between $10 and $20 yearly in the USA, depending on your location. A microchip is also required in most states and usually costs from $25 to $50. Both are useful to identify the dog if he gets lost and make locating you much easier.
Costs for 19 popular guard dog breeds
Staffordshire Bull Terrier – $130/month on average
Average Puppy Price: $2,000
Average First Year Expenses: $2,455 (plus the dog’s cost)
Average Adult Year Expenses: $1,315
Average Cost of Ownership: $20,235
Cost of Ownership Range: $9,950 – $30,655
Average Monthly Cost: $130
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are relatively inexpensive to own. Puppies are rare and expensive, and professional training is usually recommended, but they can be considered low maintenance. Medical expenses, including parasite prevention, food, and treats, will be the most significant expenses.
It is very hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 82
Weight: 25 to 40 lb.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Breed Personality: Clever, Brave, Tenacious
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Staffordshire Bull Terrier or learn Where to Find a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
Australian Shepherd – $136/month on average
Average Puppy Price: $800
Average First Year Expenses: $1,925 (plus the dog’s cost)
Average Adult Year Expenses: $1,545
Average Cost of Ownership: $22,810
Cost of Ownership Range: $10,770 – $35,990
Average Monthly Cost: $136
Australian Shepherds are low maintenance dogs and won’t cost a lot to maintain in most cases. Even puppies are usually not that hard to find at a reasonable price.
It is very easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 13
Weight: 40 to 65 lb.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Breed Personality: Smart, Work-Oriented, Exuberant
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own an Australian Shepherd or learn Where to Find a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
Boxer – $148/month on average
Average Puppy Price: $900
Average First Year Expenses: $2,045 (plus the dog’s cost)
Average Adult Year Expenses: $1,665
Average Cost of Ownership: $19,595
Cost of Ownership Range: $9,075 – $33,390
Average Monthly Cost: $148
Boxers are also easy to maintain. They will probably cost a bit more than the two previous breeds, mainly because they tend to be bigger and therefore eat more and need more expensive parasite prevention medication.
It is very easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 14
Weight: 40 to 80 lb.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Breed Personality: Bright, Fun-Loving, Active
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Boxer or learn Where to Find a Boxer Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
Belgian Malinois – $155/month on average
Average Puppy Price: $1,000
Average First Year Expenses: $3,125 (plus the dog’s cost)
Average Adult Year Expenses: $1,695
Average Cost of Ownership: $27,855
Cost of Ownership Range: $13,070 – $47,410
Average Monthly Cost: $155
Belgian Malinois are intelligent, athletic, and make for amazing guard dogs. With proper training, they can accomplish things that would blow anybody’s mind. They are also a low-maintenance breed and are cheap to maintain, considering their size. No wonder why these dogs are used in K9 units in the police and military.
It is hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 41
Weight: 40 to 80 lb.
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
Breed Personality: Confident, Smart, Hardworking
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Belgian Malinois or learn Where to Find a Belgian Malinois Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever – $163/month on average
Average Puppy Price: $1,000
Average First Year Expenses: $3,175 (plus the dog’s cost)
Average Adult Year Expenses: $1,750
Average Cost of Ownership: $23,425
Cost of Ownership Range: $11,545 – $38,405
Average Monthly Cost: $163
According to our dog trainer, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers will benefit from professional training (group and private lessons). This will impact the first-year budget but other than that; they are not considered expensive dogs to raise for their size.
It is very hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 46
Weight: 55 to 80 lb.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
Breed Personality: Affectionate, Bright, Sensitive
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Chesapeake Bay Retriever or learn Where to Find a Chesapeake Bay Retriever Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
Doberman Pinscher – $165/month on average
Average Puppy Price: $1,000
Average First Year Expenses: $3,225 (plus the dog’s cost)
Average Adult Year Expenses: $1,750
Average Cost of Ownership: $21,725
Cost of Ownership Range: $10,835 – $36,645
Average Monthly Cost: $165
Like Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers do not require extravagant expense besides a good amount of initial training (group and private lessons). They are one of the most popular guard dogs all over the world.
It is easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 19
Weight: 60 to 100 lb.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Breed Personality: Loyal, Fearless, Alert
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Doberman Pinscher or learn Where to Find a Doberman Pinscher Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
German Shepherd Dog – $166/month on average
Average Puppy Price: $800
Average First Year Expenses: $3,015 (plus the dog’s cost)
Average Adult Year Expenses: $1,765
Average Cost of Ownership: $17,935
Cost of Ownership Range: $8,850 – $30,295
Average Monthly Cost: $166
Here is another large but low-maintenance breed. German Shepherds are one of the most popular dogs in the US. They will cost a reasonable amount of money considering their size and shouldn’t need substantial expenses besides good initial training.
It is very easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 2
Weight: 50 to 90 lb.
Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
Breed Personality: Confident, Courageous, Smart
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a German Shepherd or learn Where to Find a German Shepherd Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
Beauceron – $169/month on average
Average Puppy Price: $1,350
Average First Year Expenses: $2,240 (plus the dog’s cost)
Average Adult Year Expenses: $1,875
Average Cost of Ownership: $22,340
Cost of Ownership Range: $11,130 – $36,915
Average Monthly Cost: $169
A Beauceron could make for a relatively inexpensive large guard dog, but they are very hard to find in the US.
It is very hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 121
Weight: 70 to 110 lb.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Breed Personality: Gentle, Faithful, Obedient
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Beauceron or learn Where to Find a Beauceron Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
Cane Corso Italiano – $179/month on average
Average Puppy Price: $1,500
Average First Year Expenses: $3,000 (plus the dog’s cost)
Average Adult Year Expenses: $1,910
Average Cost of Ownership: $23,600
Cost of Ownership Range: $11,730 – $38,905
Average Monthly Cost: $179
Cane Corsos are beautiful, popular, and easy to maintain dogs. Because of their size, food and medical expenses can be significant as most dogs from this list, but they remain an affordable guard dog alternative.
It is easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 30
Weight: 90 to 115 lb.
Life Expectancy: 9 to 12 years
Breed Personality: Affectionate, Intelligent, Majestic
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Cane Corso Italiano or learn Where to Find a Cane Corso Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog – $180/month on average
Average Puppy Price: $900
Average First Year Expenses: $3,285 (plus the dog’s cost)
Average Adult Year Expenses: $1,975
Average Cost of Ownership: $25,910
Cost of Ownership Range: $12,675 – $43,435
Average Monthly Cost: $180
Anatolian Shepherds are not very common in the US. But if you find one, they could make for an impressive and yet not very expensive guard dog except for the initial investment to buy the dog and get him professionally trained.
It is very hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 94
Weight: 80 to 150 lb.
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Breed Personality: Loyal, Independent, Reserved
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own an Anatolian Shepherd Dog or learn Where to Find an Anatolian Shepherd Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
Akita – $180/month on average
Average Puppy Price: $1,000
Average First Year Expenses: $3,415 (plus the dog’s cost)
Average Adult Year Expenses: $1,955
Average Cost of Ownership: $25,920
Cost of Ownership Range: $12,885 – $43,080
Average Monthly Cost: $180
Akitas can be big dogs and could be an impressive guard dog with the right amount of training. Then, expect to pay hundreds of dollars every year in food, treats, and preventive medical care.
It is hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 47
Weight: 70 to 130 lb.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
Breed Personality: Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own an Akita or learn Where to Find an Akita Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
Rottweiler – $181/month on average
Average Puppy Price: $1,150
Average First Year Expenses: $3,240 (plus the dog’s cost)
Average Adult Year Expenses: $1,920
Average Cost of Ownership: $21,670
Cost of Ownership Range: $10,935 – $35,885
Average Monthly Cost: $181
As any big dog, Rottweilers comes with significant expenses in terms of food, treats, preventive care, and parasite protection. But with a good initial investment in training, they can make for an excellent guard dog. And they are low-maintenance.
It is easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 8
Weight: 80 to 135 lb.
Life Expectancy: 9 to 10 years
Breed Personality: Loyal, Loving, Confident Guardian
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Rottweiler or learn Where to Find a Rottweiler Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
Bullmastiff – $201/month on average
Average Puppy Price: $1,500
Average First Year Expenses: $3,500 (plus the dog’s cost)
Average Adult Year Expenses: $2,040
Average Cost of Ownership: $19,280
Cost of Ownership Range: $9,995 – $31,175
Average Monthly Cost: $201
Like the Rottweiler, with proper professional training, a Bullmastiff will make for an impressive guard dog. Weighting usually over 100 lb. it’s never cheap to have one, but considering their size, they are not regarded as expensive dogs.
It is very hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 52
Weight: 100 to 130 lb.
Life Expectancy: 7 to 9 years
Breed Personality: Affectionate, Loyal, Brave
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Bullmastiff or learn Where to Find a Bullmastiff Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
Briard – $203/month on average
Average Puppy Price: $2,150
Average First Year Expenses: $2,625 (plus the dog’s cost)
Average Adult Year Expenses: $2,200
Average Cost of Ownership: $26,775
Cost of Ownership Range: $14,735 – $42,095
Average Monthly Cost: $203
Briard puppies are rare and expensive. Although they tend to be easier to train than many other breeds, which could potentially compensate for the high price to get a puppy, in most cases, they will need to be professionally groomed 4 to 8 times a year, according to our certified groomer. This won’t be cheap considering their size and coat. This is the main reason one even though they aren’t the biggest dogs on this list, they are one of the most expensive to own.
It is very hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 135
Weight: 55 to 100 lb.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Breed Personality: Confident, Smart, Faithful
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Briard or learn Where to Find a Briard Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
Giant Schnauzer – $205/month on average
Average Puppy Price: $2,500
Average First Year Expenses: $3,440 (plus the dog’s cost)
Average Adult Year Expenses: $2,190
Average Cost of Ownership: $34,410
Cost of Ownership Range: $18,435 – $53,985
Average Monthly Cost: $205
Expensive puppies and the fact that professional training and grooming are recommended, no wonder why Giant Schnauzer is a costly breed to maintain. They are reasonably large dogs, but training and, more importantly, grooming will add many expenses on top of preventive care, food, and other essential costs.
It is very hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 71
Weight: 55 to 85 lb.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Breed Personality: Loyal, Alert, Trainable
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Giant Schnauzer or learn Where to Find a Giant Schnauzer Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
Boerboel – $208/month on average
Average Puppy Price: $2,000
Average First Year Expenses: $3,295 (plus the dog’s cost)
Average Adult Year Expenses: $2,180
Average Cost of Ownership: $24,915
Cost of Ownership Range: $12,770 – $40,260
Average Monthly Cost: $208
If you are looking for an impressive guard dog and are patient enough to find one, a properly trained Boerboel will make anyone with bad intentions think twice. They are expensive to own, mainly because they are usually huge.
It is very hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 127
Weight: 150 to 200 lb.
Life Expectancy: 9 to 11 years
Breed Personality: Confident, Intelligent, Calm
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Boerboel or learn Where to Find a Boerboel Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
Bouvier des Flandres – $210/month on average
Average Puppy Price: $1,800
Average First Year Expenses: $2,620 (plus the dog’s cost)
Average Adult Year Expenses: $2,330
Average Cost of Ownership: $27,720
Cost of Ownership Range: $15,300 – $43,835
Average Monthly Cost: $210
Besides the fact that Bouviers puppies are rare and expensive, this breed needs to be professionally groomed 4 to 8 times a year, according to our certified groomer. They tend to be docile and easier to train than most breeds, but these economies cannot compensate for the hundreds of dollars that an owner will have to spend to maintain the dog’s coat. Being a giant dog, expect to pay quite a lot in other essential expenses such as food and parasite prevention.
It is very hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 92
Weight: 70 to 110 lb.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Breed Personality: Affectionate, Courageous, Strong-Willed
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Bouvier des Flandres or learn Where to Find a Bouvier des Flandres Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
Black Russian Terrier – $229/month on average
Average Puppy Price: $2,000
Average First Year Expenses: $3,750 (plus the dog’s cost)
Average Adult Year Expenses: $2,445
Average Cost of Ownership: $30,200
Cost of Ownership Range: $15,970 – $47,160
Average Monthly Cost: $229
Black Russian Terriers are expensive to own for the same reasons as the Bouvier des Flandres. But add to that the fact that they also tend to need more professional training and are slightly bigger dogs, and the cost difference can be easily explained.
It is very hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 114
Weight: 80 to 130 lb.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Breed Personality: Intelligent, Calm, Powerful
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Black Russian Terrier or learn Where to Find a Black Russian Terrier Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
Tibetan Mastiff – $246/month on average
Average Puppy Price: $2,500
Average First Year Expenses: $3,735 (plus the dog’s cost)
Average Adult Year Expenses: $2,625
Average Cost of Ownership: $32,485
Cost of Ownership Range: $19,440 – $50,330
Average Monthly Cost: $246
Last but not least, the Tibetan Mastiff. Probably one of the most beautiful dogs anyone could have, but also one of the most expensive. There is no doubt that a Tibetan Mastiff barking at someone would be impressive. But puppies are very expensive, and finding one is no easy task. They will also need to be professionally trained (group and private lessons ideally), and their beautiful coat will cost a lot of money to be maintained by a professional groomer. If you are looking for a beautiful, rare, and impressive guard dog, this breed could be perfect for you, but many others could do the job for a much lower budget.
It is very hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 128
Weight: 70 to 150 lb.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Breed Personality: Independent, Reserved, Intelligent
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Tibetan Mastiff or learn Where to Find a Tibetan Mastiff Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
Other breeds could also make good guard dogs. If you couldn’t find the one you were looking for in this list, check our breeds page to see more options and get all the information on your favorite dogs.
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Additional costs to consider for a guard dog
Advanced training
Working dogs will need extra training lessons to learn the appropriate commands and behaviors required while they are doing their job. A dog used for security or protection must understand how to react appropriately to the situations he will face and develop a strong relationship based on positive leadership and trust with his owner to be responsive to every order.
Private training lessons with a certified dog trainer can easily cost $100 to $200 an hour. The number of sessions needed will depend on the dog and the quantity of information he will have to learn.
Pet insurance
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, the average premium for accident and illness insurance is close to $49 monthly. This will vary a lot depending on your location, the dog’s breed, and age.
Some medical conditions can be expensive to treat (hundreds or even thousands of dollars). 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.
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. Also, be aware that there is an alternative to traditional pet insurance available on the market.
Spaying or neutering
Most specialists recommend that every dog should be spayed or neutered. It remains the owner’s decision in most cases, but know that the procedure could cost $100 to $500 depending on the clinic and the dog’s size.
Dr. Brooks, DVM, would recommend a gastropexy procedure for most breeds on this list if they are large, deep-chested dogs. It usually costs $200 to $400 when performed at the time of sterilization. It is an efficient way to help prevent the stomach from twisting on itself (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus or GDV) which is life-threatening and would require expensive surgery to be corrected.
Dog walking
If you cannot take your dog outside during the day, a dog walker is essential to prevent the dog from getting bored and potentially develop behavioral or health issues. Dog walking usually costs $15 to $25 for a 30-minute walk and $20 to $50 for a one-hour walk. You must be aware that those costs add up very quickly if you need a dog walker five days a week all year long.
Dog boarding
If you are traveling and cannot leave your dog in the care of a family member or friend, dog boarding will usually cost between $25 and $85 per day. It could be more expensive depending on the time of the year.
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Conclusion
Five of the cheapest guard dog breeds anyone could own are Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Australian Shepherds, Boxers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and Doberman Pinschers. On average, these dogs should cost $165 or less per month to own when considering essential expenses.
Five of the most expensive guard dog breeds anyone could own are Tibetan Mastiffs, Black Russian Terriers, Bouviers des Flandres, Boerboels, and Giant Schnauzers. On average, these dogs should cost $205 or more per month in essential expenses only.
WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A 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.
Summary for the most popular guard dog breeds
An Australian Shepherd puppy is likely to cost between $400-$1,500, with the average price being $800. First-year expenses are around $2,725 and will be about $1,545/year after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning an Australian Shepherd is $22,810.
A Boxer puppy is likely to cost between $500-$1,500, with the average price being $900. First-year expenses are around $2,945 and will be about $1,665/year after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Boxer is $19,595.
A Doberman Pinscher puppy is likely to cost between $500-$2,250, with the average price being $1,000. First-year expenses are around $4,225 and will be about $1,750/year after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Doberman Pinscher is $21,725.
A German Shepherd puppy is likely to cost between $450-$1,900, with the average price being $800. First-year expenses are around $3,815 and will be about $1,765/year after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a German Shepherd is $17,935.
A Cane Corso Italiano puppy is likely to cost between $700-$2,500, with the average price being $1,500. First-year expenses are around $4,500 and will be about $1,910/year after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Cane Corso is $23,600.
A Rottweiler puppy is likely to cost between $600-$2,000, with the average price being $1,150. First-year expenses are around $4,390 and will be about $1,920/year after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Rottweiler is $21,670.
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This article is original content from PetBudget.