Being a dog owner can be truly wonderful. There is something special about being a pet parent in general. And when you pick the right dog breed for you, it can make a big difference. For some people, the Goldendoodle is the way to go.
Of course, when it comes to being a Goldendoodle owner, there are a few things that should be considered. Not only do you need to take into account that these are very intelligent dogs who can be highly playful, as well as affectionate, but you also want to consider how much it costs to own one.
If you didn’t know, a Goldendoodle is actually considered a designer dog as they are a cross breed between Poodles and Golden Retrievers. This actually contributes to both their intelligence and their more gentle demeanor. It also means that they tend to have a hypoallergenic coat like the Poodle. But, this also gives them a level of popularity that can increase their cost.
There are quite a few things to consider when it comes to the cost of a Goldendoodle puppy. If you are getting a puppy from a breeder you could see costs ranging between $2000 and $4000. Some of this could be related to the reputation of the breeder, the bloodline of the puppy, and also their size. In fact, it might come as a surprise to learn that a mini size is going to be more expensive than a larger Goldendoodle.
How much will that Goldendoodle cost you?
However, it also depends on where you are in the country. During our research we found puppies available in Pennsylvania ranging between $350 to $695. And these are not from a shelter or a rescue. Of course, there were also puppies available for $1495 in Ohio, and in another part of Pennsylvania a puppy was going for $2000. Location makes a difference. But it can also mean paying more if you are in an area that doesn’t necessarily have a breeder.
If you are adopting versus shopping, the cost will definitely be much lower. Typically the adoption fee for one of these puppies could range between $100 and $300 depending on the shelter or rescue. And if you are adopting an adult, they could be even less expensive. That being said, some shelters know that this is a popular dog breed, and could potentially up the price for the adoption. (We have seen adult Goldendoodles up for adoption for around $500.)
Obviously, there are other costs associated with owning this particular dog breed. And those are things you want to take into account as well. Among the cost associated with owning a Goldendoodle, we have their food which ranges in prize between $50 and $60 per month. Which equals out to about $600 to $720 per year on average. And this doesn’t even take into account treats that you might buy for your dog every month, which could range between $10 and $20 per month ($120 to $240 per year), depending on the treats chosen.
Grooming is another expense to consider. Professional grooming can run between $400 and $500 per year, depending on how many times you actually take your dog in to be groomed and where you take them.
And then we have the veterinarian costs. There are some medical expenses that should be considered when it comes to being a pet parent. And veterinary care is definitely at the top of the list when you first get your dog. You are looking at up to $300 for vaccinations, and even $70 for micro chipping when you first bring your pup home. An annual exam could run you up to $300 depending on your vet, while other tests could see an additional $300 or $400 added onto that bill.
On top of the common medical expenses, there are two other things that Goldendoodle owners should be aware of. This particular breed is more susceptible to heart disease and Addison’s disease. If your dog has heart disease, those medical fees could range up to $3000. While Addison’s disease means that your dog will have to take a monthly medication that could cost up to $200 per month. These are all things that add up and should be taken into consideration as potential pet parents.
Being a pet owner costs money. We love our pets, but we have to understand that just like us, they have needs that will require us to spend money. And certain breeds will cost more than others. But if this is the breed that works for you, knowing how much you may have to spend for them, can make all the difference going into pet ownership.
Are you at all surprised by the cost to own a Goldendoodle?