Owning a dog involves several types of expenses. The tables below compare 50 different dog breeds in terms of initial one-time costs, ongoing annual costs, optional expenses, and an estimated lifetime cost over the breed’s average lifespan. Lower ranges generally reflect adopting a dog (with lower or no purchase cost) and using budget-friendly care options, while upper ranges reflect buying from a breeder and using premium products and services. All costs are in Australian dollars (AUD).
Initial Costs (One-Time Expenses)
This includes the purchase or adoption fee, microchipping, first-year vaccinations, desexing, and essential accessories like bed, collar, leash, bowls, etc. Adoption fees (if applicable) are typically on the lower end (often around $200–$500), while purebred puppies from breeders are on the higher end
. Microchipping, vaccinations, and desexing are often included in adoption fees; otherwise typical costs are shown (microchip ~$60–$80, initial vaccination course ~$180–$250, desexing ~$200–$500 depending on size). Essential accessories can cost a few hundred dollars (up to ~$500 in the first year, more for large-breed equipment).
Small Breeds (up to ~10 kg)
Breed | Purchase/Adoption | Microchip | Vaccinations | Desexing | Accessories |
Cavoodle (Cavalier × Poodle) | ~$70 | ~$200 | $250–$400 | $300–$500 | |
Chihuahua | ~$70 | ~$200 | $200–$300 | $200–$400 | |
Yorkshire Terrier | ~$70 | ~$200 | $200–$300 | $200–$400 | |
Maltese | ~$70 | ~$200 | $200–$300 | $200–$400 | |
Shih Tzu | ~$70 | ~$200 | $200–$300 | $200–$400 | |
Pomeranian | ~$70 | ~$200 | $200–$300 | $200–$400 | |
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | $300–$4,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $200–$400 | $200–$400 |
Bichon Frise | $300–$4,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $200–$300 | $200–$400 |
West Highland White Terrier (Westie) | $300–$5,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $200–$300 | $200–$400 |
Miniature Schnauzer | $300–$4,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $200–$300 | $200–$400 |
Dachshund (Miniature) | $300–$4,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $200–$300 | $200–$400 |
Italian Greyhound | $300–$3,500 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $200–$300 | $200–$300 |
Jack Russell Terrier | $300–$3,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $200–$300 | $200–$300 |
Boston Terrier | $300–$3,000 (est.) | ~$70 | ~$200 | $200–$300 | $200–$400 |
Pug | $300–$5,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $200–$300 | $200–$400 |
Sources: Adoption fees range from ~$29 up to $800 depending on the organisation.Breeder prices vary widely by breed rarity and pedigree (e.g. Cavoodle ~$2,500–$5,000; French Bulldog ~$5,000+; Golden Retriever ~$3,500–$5,000). Microchipping costs about $70 on average. Initial vaccination series for puppies costs ~$180–$250. Desexing surgery averages $200–$500. Basic setup (bed, bowls, leash, etc.) can cost up to $500 in the first year
Medium Breeds (approx. 10–25 kg)
Breed | Purchase/Adoption | Microchip | Vaccinations | Desexing | Accessories |
French Bulldog | ~$70 | ~$200 | $250–$400 | $300–$500 | |
Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy) | ~$70 | ~$200 | $250–$400 | $300–$500 | |
Beagle | $300–$3,500 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $250–$400 | $300–$500 |
Pembroke Welsh Corgi | $300–$7,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $250–$400 | $300–$500 |
Border Collie | $300–$2,500 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $250–$400 | $300–$500 |
Australian Shepherd | $300–$3,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $250–$400 | $300–$500 |
Australian Cattle Dog (Blue/Red Heeler) | $300–$4,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $250–$400 | $300–$500 |
Australian Kelpie | $300–$2,500 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $250–$400 | $300–$500 |
English Springer Spaniel | $300–$4,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $250–$400 | $300–$500 |
English Cocker Spaniel | $300–$6,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $250–$400 | $300–$500 |
Whippet | $300–$3,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $200–$400 | $300–$500 |
Shar Pei | $300–$4,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $250–$400 | $300–$500 |
American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff) | $300–$5,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $250–$450 | $300–$500 |
Bull Terrier | $300–$3,500 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $250–$450 | $300–$500 |
English Bulldog | $300–$10,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $250–$500 | $300–$500 |
Chow Chow | $300–$9,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $250–$500 | $300–$500 |
Large & Giant Breeds (25 kg and above)
Breed | Purchase/Adoption | Microchip | Vaccinations | Desexing | Accessories |
Labrador Retriever | $300–$5,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $300–$500 | $400–$600 |
Golden Retriever | $300–$5,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $300–$500 | $400–$600 |
German Shepherd | $300–$4,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $300–$500 | $400–$600 |
Rottweiler | $300–$6,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $300–$500 | $400–$600 |
Boxer | $300–$6,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $300–$500 | $400–$600 |
Siberian Husky | $300–$4,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $300–$500 | $400–$600 |
Samoyed | $300–$10,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $300–$500 | $400–$600 |
Doberman Pinscher | $300–$5,500 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $300–$500 | $400–$600 |
Bernese Mountain Dog | $300–$4,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $300–$500 | $500–$600 |
Dalmatian | $300–$3,500 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $300–$500 | $400–$600 |
Greyhound | $200–$1,000 (mostly adoption) | ~$70 | ~$200 | $300–$500 | $400–$500 |
Bullmastiff | $300–$4,000 (est.) | ~$70 | ~$200 | $400–$600 | $500–$700 |
Great Dane | $300–$5,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $400–$600 | $500–$700 |
St Bernard | $300–$5,000 (est.) | ~$70 | ~$200 | $400–$600 | $500–$700 |
Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff) | $300–$4,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $350–$600 | $500–$700 |
Poodle (Standard) | $300–$4,500 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $300–$500 | $400–$600 |
Rough Collie | $300–$2,000 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $300–$500 | $400–$600 |
German Shorthaired Pointer | $300–$3,500 | ~$70 | ~$200 | $300–$500 | $400–$600 |
Labradoodle (Labrador × Poodle) | $300–$4,000 (est.) | ~$70 | ~$200 | $300–$500 | $400–$600 |
Initial costs are often lower for adopted pets since shelters commonly include microchipping, initial vaccinations, and desexing in the adoption fee
. Higher purchase prices reflect sought-after breeds or those with high demand (e.g. French Bulldogs and Chow Chows can cost many thousands
).
Recurring Annual Costs
These are ongoing expenses per year for each breed, including food, routine vet care, preventative treatments, grooming, and pet insurance. Food costs are given as a range from budget (generic brands or homemade diets) to premium brand feeding. Vet costs assume one annual check-up and vaccination booster. Preventatives include regular flea, tick, and worm treatments. Grooming costs vary greatly—some breeds need regular professional grooming while others only require basic home grooming. Pet insurance costs are shown for basic accident coverage vs. a comprehensive policy (including illness); premiums vary by breed and risk.
Small Breeds (up to ~10 kg)
Breed | Food (Annual) | Vet (Annual) | Preventatives | Grooming | Insurance (Basic/Comp) |
Cavoodle | $400–$800 | $250–$500 | $120–$200 | ~$500 (high – regular haircuts) | ~$250 / $800 |
Chihuahua | $300–$600 | $200–$400 | $100–$150 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$200 / $600 |
Yorkshire Terrier | $300–$600 | $250–$500 | $120–$200 | ~$400 (high – grooming needed) | ~$250 / $800 |
Maltese | $300–$700 | $250–$500 | $120–$200 | ~$500 (high – regular grooming) | ~$250 / $800 |
Shih Tzu | $300–$700 | $250–$500 | $120–$200 | ~$500 (high – regular grooming) | ~$300 / $900 |
Pomeranian | $300–$600 | $250–$500 | $120–$200 | ~$300 (moderate – periodic trim) | ~$250 / $800 |
Cavalier King Charles | $400–$800 | $250–$500 | $120–$200 | ~$300 (moderate) | ~$300 / $900 |
Bichon Frise | $400–$800 | $250–$500 | $120–$200 | ~$500 (high – regular grooming) | ~$300 / $900 |
Westie | $400–$800 | $250–$500 | $150–$200 | ~$300 (moderate – stripping/trim) | ~$300 / $800 |
Mini Schnauzer | $400–$800 | $250–$500 | $150–$200 | ~$400 (high – regular clipping) | ~$300 / $800 |
Dachshund (Mini) | $300–$600 | $250–$500 | $120–$180 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$250 / $700 |
Italian Greyhound | $300–$500 | $200–$400 | $100–$150 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$200 / $600 |
Jack Russell | $300–$600 | $250–$500 | $120–$180 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$250 / $700 |
Boston Terrier | $400–$700 | $250–$500 | $120–$200 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$300 / $800 |
Pug | $400–$800 | $300–$600 | $150–$200 | ~$100 (moderate – wrinkles care) | ~$300 / $1,000 |
Medium Breeds (approx. 10–25 kg)
Breed | Food (Annual) | Vet (Annual) | Preventatives | Grooming | Insurance (Basic/Comp) |
French Bulldog | $500–$1,000 | $300–$600 | $150–$250 | ~$100 (low – short coat) | ~$500 / $2,000 |
Staffy (SBT) | $500–$900 | $250–$500 | $150–$250 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$300 / $1,000 |
Beagle | $500–$900 | $250–$500 | $150–$250 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$300 / $800 |
Corgi | $500–$900 | $250–$500 | $150–$250 | ~$100 (moderate – shedding) | ~$300 / $900 |
Border Collie | $600–$1,000 | $300–$600 | $150–$250 | ~$100 (moderate – shedding) | ~$350 / $1,000 |
Australian Shepherd | $600–$1,000 | $300–$600 | $180–$300 | ~$200 (moderate – double coat) | ~$350 / $1,000 |
Cattle Dog (Heeler) | $500–$900 | $250–$500 | $150–$250 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$300 / $900 |
Kelpie | $500–$900 | $250–$500 | $150–$250 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$300 / $800 |
Springer Spaniel | $600–$1,000 | $300–$600 | $180–$300 | ~$200 (moderate – occasional trim) | ~$350 / $1,000 |
Cocker Spaniel | $600–$1,000 | $300–$600 | $180–$300 | ~$400 (high – regular grooming) | ~$350 / $1,200 |
Whippet | $500–$800 | $250–$500 | $150–$250 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$250 / $800 |
Shar Pei | $500–$900 | $300–$600 | $180–$300 | ~$100 (moderate – skin folds care) | ~$400 / $1,200 |
Amstaff | $600–$1,000 | $300–$600 | $180–$300 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$350 / $1,000 |
Bull Terrier | $600–$1,000 | $300–$600 | $180–$300 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$350 / $1,000 |
English Bulldog | $600–$1,000 | $300–$600 | $180–$300 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$500 / $1,500 |
Chow Chow | $700–$1,200 | $300–$600 | $180–$300 | ~$300 (high – heavy coat) | ~$400 / $1,200 |
Large & Giant Breeds (25 kg and above)
Breed | Food (Annual) | Vet (Annual) | Preventatives | Grooming | Insurance (Basic/Comp) |
Labrador Retriever | $800–$1,500 | $300–$600 | $240–$320 | ~$100 (moderate – shedding) | ~$400 / $1,200 |
Golden Retriever | $800–$1,500 | $300–$600 | $240–$320 | ~$150 (moderate – shedding) | ~$400 / $1,000 |
German Shepherd | $800–$1,500 | $300–$600 | $240–$320 | ~$150 (moderate – shedding) | ~$400 / $1,200 |
Rottweiler | $900–$1,800 | $300–$600 | $240–$320 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$450 / $1,300 |
Boxer | $700–$1,500 | $300–$600 | $240–$320 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$400 / $1,000 |
Siberian Husky | $800–$1,500 | $300–$600 | $240–$320 | ~$200 (moderate – heavy shed) | ~$400 / $1,000 |
Samoyed | $900–$1,800 | $300–$600 | $240–$320 | ~$300 (high – prof. grooming) | ~$450 / $1,200 |
Doberman Pinscher | $800–$1,500 | $300–$600 | $240–$320 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$450 / $1,200 |
Bernese Mountain Dog | $1,000–$2,000 | $400–$700 | $240–$320 | ~$300 (high – heavy coat) | ~$500 / $1,300 |
Dalmatian | $700–$1,200 | $300–$600 | $240–$320 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$350 / $1,000 |
Greyhound | $600–$1,000 | $300–$600 | $200–$300 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$300 / $900 |
Bullmastiff | $1,000–$2,000 | $400–$700 | $300–$400 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$500 / $1,500 |
Great Dane | $1,200–$2,400 | $400–$700 | $300–$400 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$500 / $1,500 |
St Bernard | $1,200–$2,400 | $400–$700 | $300–$400 | ~$300 (moderate – heavy coat) | ~$500 / $1,500 |
Cane Corso | $1,000–$2,000 | $400–$700 | $300–$400 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$500 / $1,300 |
Poodle (Standard) | $800–$1,500 | $300–$600 | $240–$320 | ~$600 (very high – regular clipping) | ~$400 / $1,000 |
Rough Collie | $700–$1,200 | $300–$600 | $240–$320 | ~$200 (moderate – long coat) | ~$350 / $1,000 |
German Shorthaired Pointer | $700–$1,200 | $300–$600 | $240–$320 | ~$0 (low – short coat) | ~$350 / $1,000 |
Labradoodle | $800–$1,500 | $300–$600 | $240–$320 | ~$500 (high – regular grooming) | ~$400 / $1,100 |
Notes: Food is a major ongoing expense and scales with the dog’s size – a large dog can cost over $2,000/year on premium food,whereas a toy breed might be a few hundred dollars. Australian dog owners spend ~$2,024 per year on food on average. Budget diets for a large dog can be as low as ~$1.50–$2.00 per day, whereas premium diets can be $5+ per day for giants. Annual vet care (check-up, vaccines) can run a few hundred dollars (up to ~$630/year) .
Preventative meds for fleas, ticks, and worms are essential (up to ~$320/year)
Grooming needs vary: breeds like Poodles, Bichons, or Shih Tzus need regular professional grooming (hundreds per year), while short-haired breeds need minimal paid grooming (owners might bathe them at home). Pet insurance also varies significantly by breed: smaller mixed breeds may cost around $800–$1,000 per year for comprehensive cover, whereas brachycephalic or purebred dogs prone to issues (e.g. French Bulldogs) can exceed $2,000+ in premiums. Basic accident-only plans cost less (often under $30/month). Owners who forego insurance should budget extra for potential vet bills.
Optional Costs
These expenses depend on the owner’s choices and the dog’s needs: training and socialization classes, doggy daycare or boarding kennels, and additional accessories or services.
Training: Puppy obedience classes or socialisation courses typically cost about $150–$300 for a series of group sessions.Private training can be higher. Ongoing training or dog sports can add to annual costs, though many owners only pay for training in the first year.
Daycare/Boarding: Dog daycare in urban areas is around $30–$50 per day, while boarding kennels range roughly $25–$100 per night depending on facilities. For example, boarding for a week’s holiday could cost a few hundred dollars. These costs multiply if used frequently.
Additional Accessories: Toys, treats, clothing, and miscellaneous gear are often optional but common expenses. It’s easy to spend $100 or more per year on toys and chews, depending on the dog’s needs (e.g. heavy chewers may go through toys faster). Some owners also buy winter coats for short-haired or thin dogs (e.g. Greyhounds), or booties and specialty items, which can add another $50–$100 occasionally.
Example: A busy owner might spend $20–$40 per week on a one-day daycare, totaling ~$1,000+ per year, which is optional. Training classes (say $200) in the first year, and perhaps $100/year on new toys and accessories, would be typical optional expenditures for many dogs. These are not strictly necessary but can greatly benefit the dog’s behavior and well-being.
Lifetime Cost Estimates
Considering all the above, the total lifetime cost of owning a dog can be substantial. It depends on the breed’s average lifespan and the level of spending. Below is an estimated range for each breed’s lifetime cost, from a “budget” scenario (adopting the dog, feeding basic food, minimal extras) to a “premium” scenario (buying an expensive puppy, feeding premium food, full insurance, etc.). Most owners will fall somewhere in between. These estimates illustrate the potential long-term financial commitment:
Estimated Lifetime Cost by Breed
Breed | Avg Lifespan | Lifetime Cost (Low–High) |
Cavoodle | ~14 years | $15,000 – $35,000 |
Chihuahua | ~14 years | $12,000 – $30,000 |
Yorkshire Terrier | ~13 years | $13,000 – $30,000 |
Maltese | ~13 years | $13,000 – $32,000 |
Shih Tzu | ~13 years | $13,000 – $32,000 |
Pomeranian | ~12 years | $12,000 – $28,000 |
Cavalier King Charles | ~12 years | $14,000 – $30,000 (higher vet possible) |
Bichon Frise | ~14 years | $15,000 – $33,000 |
West Highland Terrier | ~12 years | $13,000 – $28,000 |
Miniature Schnauzer | ~13 years | $14,000 – $32,000 |
Dachshund (Mini) | ~14 years | $15,000 – $30,000 (disc disease risk) |
Italian Greyhound | ~14 years | $12,000 – $25,000 |
Jack Russell Terrier | ~14 years | $12,000 – $27,000 |
Boston Terrier | ~11 years | $11,000 – $25,000 |
Pug | ~12 years | $12,000 – $30,000 (possible vet costs) |
French Bulldog | ~10 years | $15,000 – $40,000 (can be higher vet) |
Staffy (SBT) | ~12 years | $14,000 – $33,000 |
Beagle | ~12 years | $13,000 – $30,000 |
Corgi (Pembroke) | ~12 years | $14,000 – $32,000 |
Border Collie | ~13 years | $15,000 – $35,000 |
Australian Shepherd | ~12 years | $14,000 – $33,000 |
Australian Cattle Dog | ~13 years | $13,000 – $28,000 (very robust) |
Australian Kelpie | ~12 years | $12,000 – $27,000 (very robust) |
Springer Spaniel | ~12 years | $14,000 – $32,000 |
Cocker Spaniel | ~12 years | $15,000 – $35,000 |
Whippet | ~13 years | $13,000 – $28,000 |
Shar Pei | ~10 years | $15,000 – $35,000 (skin vet costs) |
Amstaff | ~12 years | $14,000 – $30,000 |
Bull Terrier | ~11 years | $13,000 – $28,000 |
English Bulldog | ~8 years | $15,000 – $40,000 (high vet likelihood) |
Chow Chow | ~10 years | $15,000 – $35,000 |
Labrador Retriever | ~12 years | $20,000 – $45,000 |
Golden Retriever | ~12 years | $20,000 – $45,000 |
German Shepherd | ~11 years | $18,000 – $40,000 |
Rottweiler | ~9 years | $18,000 – $38,000 |
Boxer | ~10 years | $15,000 – $35,000 |
Siberian Husky | ~12 years | $18,000 – $40,000 |
Samoyed | ~12 years | $20,000 – $42,000 |
Doberman Pinscher | ~10 years | $18,000 – $40,000 |
Bernese Mountain Dog | ~8 years | $15,000 – $30,000 |
Dalmatian | ~12 years | $16,000 – $36,000 |
Greyhound | ~10 years | $10,000 – $25,000 (often lower upkeep) |
Bullmastiff | ~8 years | $18,000 – $35,000 |
Great Dane | ~8 years | $20,000 – $40,000 |
St Bernard | ~8 years | $20,000 – $40,000 |
Cane Corso | ~10 years | $18,000 – $38,000 |
Poodle (Standard) | ~12 years | $20,000 – $40,000 |
Rough Collie | ~12 years | $16,000 – $34,000 |
German Shorthaired Pointer | ~12 years | $16,000 – $34,000 |
Labradoodle | ~12 years | $18,000 – $40,000 |
As shown, most dogs will cost at least $15,000–$25,000 over their lifetime, and many will cost significantly more – often $25k–$40k on average when including quality food and vet care. Larger dogs with shorter lifespans may accumulate slightly fewer total years of expense, but their annual costs are higher, so their lifetime expenses often rival those of smaller dogs. For example, a Labrador living ~12 years might incur around $30k–$45k in total, while a Chihuahua living 14+ years might also reach $25k+ over its life.
Remember: these figures are estimates. An individual dog’s actual cost can be lower or higher. Unforeseen health issues can dramatically increase costs (with or without insurance). Conversely, owners who are frugal and whose pets stay healthy will spend less. It’s wise to budget on the higher side to ensure you can comfortably afford the dog’s needs for its entire life. Owning any dog is a long-term financial commitment – but being prepared for the expenses means you can focus on enjoying many happy years with your furry friend.
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