Another Newbie Question - Costs Associated With Owning A Boxer?

[BlueAngel25]

Hi All,

I'm not sure if this question belongs in this forum, but I couldn't find a "perfect" place for it.

I'm looking into getting a boxer, and I've been reading information on this board and in books to gain as much knowledge as I can. One question that I've not been able to get a handle on is this:

In general, what are the monthly expenses for maintaining a boxer? I am in love with the breed, and am interested in getting a male puppy, however I've never had a dog before therefore I don't know what to expect. Any light that you could shed on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all for your usual help!

 

[Angie K]

Well here are just a few standard things:

Puppy shots: check with local area vets on $
Spay or Neuter: Check with vet
Monthly flea meds: varies on brand can be as low as a few dollars if you use
BioSpot or higher with other brands
Monthly Heartworm: varies with brand and weight of dog, check online at
kvvet.com or drsfostersmith.com to get an idea.
Food: varies with brand / good food will be about $30 a month or month 1/2
for one dog.
All the rest is up in the air, I mean you need toys, a bed, collar, leash, cleaning supplies for stains, etc. and then their is training classes that I think all dogs should have so they can be good citizens and taken with you everywhere. And if your puppy gets into something and needs a vet visit or has an allergy etc. their are those emergency situations. Good luck and I'm glad you are taking the time to do your research before jumping into boxer ownership. And if the initial puppy expense is too much you can always look into Boxer Rescue and get a dog over that stage and who is already fixed.

 

[Poetic_thing]

Check out this link: http://www.reddeerspca.com/DogCosts.htm Kind of gives you an idea of what to expect. Costs will be higher / lower depending on where you live and of course what services you get for your dog. Also purchase price will need to be adjusted should you go with a breeder and so on. Good luck with your research.

 

[tesster]

You've come to the right place! Welcome and I commend you for doing your research AHEAD of time. Many people don't do this and get a boxer because they are so darn cute w/out realizing what a HUGE commitment it is to own this kind of dog - especially a boxer puppy. I love to see potential owners like you! It gives me faith in humankind! Thanks for that!

It's hard to give you a monthly average, because most of the expenses either aren't monthly or they aren't predictible. I estimate I spent $3000 on Tess's first year, so that's $250/month if you look at it that way. However, there were months when all I spent was $100 and months I spent over $500, but $250 is my first year average.

Here are a list of things that you might not have though of that cost you a lot of money (based on est. yearly cost):

Spay/Neuter - $100 - 200
Preventative Vet Care - $250 (heartworm meds, shots, exam, flea prev)
Other Vet - $300+(Low est - Tess was a relatively healthy puppy)
Food - $360 (Canidae - $30/month)
Training - $200-$1000+ (dep on owner experience and temperment of dog)
Supplies - $500+ (Crate, toys, bones, bed, leash, collar, bowls...)
Pet Sitter - $400 ($40/day)

I've heard that the average cost/year of a dog is about $1000. But, the first year is much more.

If I had it to do over again, I'd probably have allocated $200/month for Tess-related expenses. If I didn't spend it in that month, I'd have saved it for when I needed it down the line (i.e. when she got sick or I had a trip).

I hope this gives you some idea. I'm not sure it's what you were looking for, but there you go!

Good luck!!

Julie

***Let me note that I live in ridiculous Northern California where everything costs twice as much as everywhere else in the country, so these estimates might be totally off for where you live. Hope it helps anyway.***

 

[BlueAngel25]

Wow! Thanks everyone for providing such detailed responses, this is perfect.

I'd rather aim high, and find out that my biggest problem is that I've allocated too much money, rather than find out that I don't have enough money and that I won't be able to properly support the dog. Again, this is exactly what I was hoping to find out.

Thanks again and best regards!

Keith

 

[magoo's_mama]

I don't think owning a boxer is that more expensive then owning another breed, except you may be tempted to spoil him rotten with toys!
we allocate a portion of the monthly budget for Magoo, some months we won't spend any of it, some months we will.

 

[owen's mum]

If I could do it over again, I'd have saved more for vet bills. In the first/last year Owen has:

eaten fire starter pine cones ($100)
Stomach thing ($100)
followed by
Allergic reaction #1 ($200)
reoccuring penis infection ($75)
Allergic reaction #2 ($100)
Eye infection ($50)

I'm sure I've forgotten something, but you get the point :D . I wouldn't trade my boy for anything, but man do I wish he'd get a job! Oh, two tips for new dog owners #1 Do not feed or water your dog at all for four hours after he/she vomits-they'll just do it again. #2 Dogs can take Peptobysmol-talk to your vet about the dosage. I'd have saved about $200 if I'd know this :D !

You are doing the right thing with all this research. You might want to think about a rescue boxer. Not only are you doing a great thing for a needy dog, but you save a lot of money too!

 

[NikatNCSU]

Don't forget earcropping costs if you decide to that too. I paid 400 at my vet.

I brought Lilly home the weekend before Thanksgiving. Since then I have easily spent over 2,000 bucks (not all at once of course and she really is spoiled rotten as far as the best medical care, food, toys etc. I guess if your the minimalist type then you could spend less than I did) on start up costs. Thankfully there is an end is sight and she is having her spay done today so that should get us through next year as far as vet bills are concerned.

Goodluck with your decision. I say go for it if you have the money and TIME. Boxers are a fun and loving breed but I know for sure they demand full attention as puppies.

 

[SoleilBxrs]

don't forget the cost of the pup!!! a well-bred "pet" pup from a reputable breeder who health tests will probably run $700-$1000 depending on your region, and a "show potential" pup will run $1000-$1500+. good luck!

-Kat

 

[jlynnholt]

Your first year with any puppy is going to be your most expensive. You can also check into puppy/animal insurance. The costs are relatively low and cover a numerous problems anywhere from monthly shots and visits to surgery. The average price I believe is around $20-$40 depending how much coverage you choose. There is a $50 deductable in most situations howevr $50 is better than $2,000.