What will your dog really cost?
The purchase price is the small part. See the first year, every year after, and the lifetime total for 112 breeds, built from real 2026 US prices.
A medium mixed-breed dog from a shelter, living 12 years. See the breakdown
Size sets the baseline
Typical yearly cost by size, across all purebreds and crosses.
Small dogs
Under 25 lb, 37 breeds
$2,540
a year at the median; $2,060 to $2,880
Medium dogs
25 to 50 lb, 23 breeds
$2,880
a year at the median; $2,470 to $3,590
Large dogs
50 to 90 lb, 36 breeds
$3,400
a year at the median; $2,890 to $4,140
Giant dogs
Over 90 lb, 15 breeds
$4,920
a year at the median; $4,000 to $5,470
Cheapest to own
- Chihuahua$2,060 a year
- Miniature Pinscher$2,090 a year
- Italian Greyhound$2,170 a year
- Jack Russell Terrier$2,190 a year
- Rat Terrier$2,210 a year
- Chinese Crested$2,250 a year
Most expensive to own
- Saint Bernard$5,470 a year
- Irish Wolfhound$5,260 a year
- Mastiff$5,240 a year
- Dogue de Bordeaux$5,040 a year
- Great Dane$5,020 a year
- Bernese Mountain Dog$4,980 a year
Before you bring a dog home
How much does a dog cost?
A typical US dog costs about $2,580 a year and $32,000 over its life. See first-year costs, how size changes the bill, and the cheapest and priciest breeds.
First-year puppy costs: a checklist with prices
A breeder puppy costs $4,100 to $10,500 in year one, an adopted dog far less. A checklist of every first-year dog cost with typical 2026 US prices.
Is pet insurance worth it for a dog?
Pet insurance costs more than it pays back on average, but it caps a $5,000 bill. Insured vs uninsured costs for 7 breeds, and when a policy makes sense.
Adopt vs buy a dog: what each really costs
Adopting saves a median $2,950 in year one vs buying the same breed from a breeder. What adoption fees include, and breeder red flags that cost you later.
How to save money on a dog
Budget food saves about $700 a year on a 68 lb Lab, DIY grooming saves $608 on a doodle. Nine sourced ways to cut your dog's yearly bill, with dollar figures.
How we estimate costs
One model, the same sourced US prices for every breed, and every assumption written down.