Click Here Also, make sure you can give a dog what they need BEFORE you get them. I have a rescue dog that never should have been owned by the first people who owned him. They didn't have the knowledge, experience, time or money for the dog. He's a sweetheart and I'll never give him up, but he has isssue know and even year later may never get over them. If you get the dog from a shelter or rescue, ask if they will take the dog back if things don't work out and you bit off more than you can chew....and DON'T expect your money back if you bring the dog back. There are wonderful site of information out there on the cost of a dog...make sure you are willing to pay it. I have three dogs and at LEAST once a year one of them will end up at the Vet for something. It averages $200.00 by the time it's said and done. Greatfully I've never had to get x-rays.
Drs. Foster & Smith have a great article on the costs of dog ownership.
If I did the link right it should be here, don't know first try if not the web site is
http://www.peteducation.com/article....articleid=1543
They do a chart cheep, normal, and expensive
Yearly you are looking at 500-6K and over a 14 yr life span 4.2 to 38K
PLEASE know what you are getting into. Their life depends on it.
PS there are other great articles on this site.