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Dogs birthday party ideas: 160 Dog Birthday Party ideas

Опубликовано: October 28, 2022 в 3:00 am

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Категории: Dog

The Ultimate Guide for Throwing Your Dog a Birthday Party

Dogs like humans deserve to celebrate their birthdays. After all, who doesn’t love delicious cake? In fact, nearly 11% of Americans have thrown birthday parties for their dog and 30% treat them to a special birthday present each year!

If you thought celebrating your dog’s birthday might be weird – it’s not! It’s time to get on board and throw a party for your pup, and it doesn’t have to be a fancy affair.

Not sure where to start? How is a birthday party for your dog different than a human party? We can help. Here at Dope Dog, we’ve compiled a great guide to throw a fun birthday party for your dog. Read on to learn more:

 

Who to Invite?

All party planning needs to start somewhere and the most natural first step is determining whom to invite. When planning a birthday party for your dog, knowing who’s coming can help you figure out where to have the birthday party for your dog and what theme to choose.

Fellow Dog Invites

As it’s a dog’s birthday party, start by listing other dogs that are good friends with your dog. Be careful and only invite dogs that have already met and familiarized themselves with your dog. Dogs that are not well socialized make bad party guests. If dogs that aren’t acquainted with your dog come to the party, this can create a stressful time for both the dogs and their owners.

When it comes to creating a list of invitees, an excellent place to start is by brainstorming other dogs your dog has played with either at the dog park, at a friend’s home, or at family gatherings. If it’s unavoidable and you need to invite dogs that haven’t been introduced to your own, then be sure to carry out introductions outside the venue rather than inside to avoid any initial territorial issues. You want the birthday party for your dog to be enjoyable for all the dogs and not become a territorial dispute.

Related: 10 Ways to Help Your Nervous Dog

Inviting Humans

When inviting your friends and family, check to make sure they will be comfortable having many dogs around them. Also ensure there aren’t any medical conditions, like allergies, that might make it impractical to have them there. 

And finally, when or if you invite children make sure they are comfortable with being around a lot of dogs. Or if you have medium to large dogs, have the parents prepare their children for being around larger dogs. Kids may need supervision when near the dogs at the party and very young children may not be comfortable or may get scared easily by the many dogs present.

Choosing a Theme

Now that you have an idea of who will be attending, you can start brainstorming an appropriate theme for the party. There are various themes you can choose from such as:

  • A princess theme
  • A leopard theme
  • A jungle theme
  • A super hero theme
  • A generation theme (like the 70’s or 80’s)
  • A movie theme (like Star Wars) 

The possibilities are only limited by your imagination and don’t have to be creative – even a simple idea such as a backyard barbecue can work! Go with a theme that sounds fun and fits with your dog’s personality. Need some inspiration? Here’s a list from The Dog People that may spark some ideas!

Picking a Venue for Your Dog

With a theme in mind, you can now start looking for an appropriate venue. Our recommendation is to keep it simple and in a familiar place that your dog is used to and feels comfortable. 

We recommend a good-sized backyard. Picking an outdoor space allows you to have plenty of pups around without worrying too much about what they may do. Make sure the invited dogs are well trained if you decide to choose an indoor venue such as your house.

If you don’t have a spacious backyard or in a city, then inquire with your local doggy daycare on whether there are other appropriate venues pet owners may be allowed to rent out for special occasions. With the growing popularity of owning a dog, there are now more venues that cater to dogs. You may be surprised to find several places or businesses available to host a birthday party for your dog. Also, we’ve heard the next best option has been your local dog park or dog beach and it’s a great way to meet new pet owners who might be at the dog park during the party!

If this isn’t feasible, explore a friend or family member’s place that may have a spacious, fenced backyard you can use. 

Related: Top 5 Dog Beaches in Los Angeles and Orange County

Invitations for Your Dog’s Birthday Party

Once you’ve got a list of invitees for the party, a theme, and venue. The next step is sending out invitations.

The easiest way to do this is digital invites and there are plenty you can choose from online. In your invitation, be sure to list out the details of the event beyond the when, where and theme. Let your guests know if other dogs will be in attendance and that they’ll need to let you know if they’ll be bringing their children along.

Give Your Dog a Birthday Makeover

Now that the invitations have been sent out, your pup needs to look his or her best for all their canine pals. Plus, a little puppy pamper here and there is always greatly appreciated by your dog—birthday or not!

Give your dog a fresh wash and shampoo using Dope Dog’s CBD shampoo. The shampoo is made specifically for dogs and fights against inflammation, itching, and any dryness your dog may be experiencing. Soothing Suds will have your dog smell great and be birthday-ready, leaving their coat and skin soothed and moisturized.

If you’re short on time and can’t pamper your dog yourself, you can always take him or her to a dog salon before their big day!

Don’t have time to take your dog to the salon? Check out our post with a lot of great tips on Pet Grooming at Home for Special Occassions.

Related: 10 Best Dog Shampoos Brands of 2019

Food & Drinks for the Pups

All the best parties serve great food. And a birthday party for your dog is no exception. Here are a few suggestions to elevate your dog’s birthday party.

A Birthday Cake is always fun.

It’s not a birthday party without a delicious dog birthday cake for him/her. You can either choose to bake the birthday cake for your dog or pick one up from a bakery known to make pet treats.

If you’re thinking of baking a cake yourself, there are plenty of online recipes you can follow. Here’s a great one to check out. 

Dogs love a variety of different dog treats.

In addition to baking a cake for your dog, you should have extra treats around for your dog and other dogs in attendance. Not all dogs have the same taste in treats, so get a couple different treats for variety or dietary needs. Try to stock up on quick treats that are smaller in size and save the more ‘rewarding’ treats, such as chewy bones, as a departing goodie bag item.

Treats are great but also let your guests know to use them sparingly with their dogs. It’s an easy way for dogs to get territorial and aggressive if they see other dogs snagging lots of treats they’d like. If any of the pups get too anxious, consider giving them a CBD treat, with their owner’s permission, of course!

Drinks are essential.

When it comes to drinks, place plenty of water bowls around so that water is readily accessible for all the dogs. Be mindful of topping them off should they run out. In a backyard on a sunny day, this can happen quite often, especially depending on how many four-legged pals arrive.

Now that we have the dogs covered, make sure you plan to have a nice spread of food and drinks for the humans too! 

Related: Asian Carp: 5 Facts You Should Know About This Sustainable Fish

Activities for Dogs

Another critical element needed to throw a dog-themed birthday party is having some fun activities for the puppers in attendance. This will minimize the chaos and keep the dogs busy in a constructive way. You know your dog best, select some of their favorite things to do. Not quite sure what to do with a bunch of dogs? Here are a few suggestions:

Swimming

Swimming is a great activity that most dogs enjoy. If your dog’s birthday falls during the spring or summer, then cooling off by the pool will be a welcome activity. If you have a pool or are near the beach, let the dogs swim and play to their delight. Another option is to put out several kiddie pools and let the dogs have a splash party.

Do you live in Southern California? If so, check out our list of The Top 5 Dog Beaches in Los Angeles and Orange County. 

Spa Treatment

Some dogs just love to be pampered. If your dog and her friends love to be groomed, then invite them to a total spa treatment. This can include:

  •  Doggy Yoga
  •  Pup Pedicures
  • Massages and Belly Rubs
  • Coat Grooming and Doggie Hairstyles

Your dog will love the extra attention and look great afterwards. Who doesn’t want a day at the spa?

Obstacle Courses

One easy activity that the dogs will love is to build a small obstacle course in your backyard. You can get creative and build some tunnels and jumps out of PVC pipe and sturdy storage boxes lying around, or you grab some pre-made obstacle courses. This is a great activity for everyone as it lets the guests get engaged, play with their dogs, and it creates some funny, hard to forget memories. Don’t get discouraged if the dogs don’t quite understand how to navigate the course, remember this is just for fun.

Clean Up

Now with all these treats, cakes, and excitement comes a lot of clean up. Prepare yourself mentally, a birthday party for your dog can be messy depending on what you serve or do with the dogs. Also, you’re going to want plenty of poop bags around so owners can pick up after their pets during the party. It’s also a smart idea to have scheduled breaks where the dogs in attendance can be taken for walks in case they’d like to relieve themselves.

In addition to all these, it’s good to have a few general cleaning supplies around such as pet stain and odor removers, lots of paper towels, and some lint remover for the human guests.

Throwing a great birthday party for your dog requires a bit of planning and effort. But follow our handy guide and you’ll be well on your way to creating lasting memories with your special dog! Be sure to check out our shop for all your CBD dog treats needs.

Now that your party is planned, don’t forget the presents. Check out our list of 25 Best Gifts for Dog Lovers.

Related: 10 Best Apps for Dog Owners

How to Throw the Ultimate Dog Birthday Party

More than 69 million households across the United States have at least one dog as a pet, which makes them the most popular type of animal for families. Many families treat these pups like the important members they are! So, that means special outings, toys, and even a special way to celebrate their birthdays, like a dog birthday party.

Throwing a dog birthday party is becoming more and more popular and it’s easy to see why. It’s fun to plan and dogs are pretty easy to please. If you are thinking about putting together a fun celebration for your four-legged family member, we’ve got a bunch of information in this article to help you. We’ve got a checklist of the important things to consider and even a fun list of 12 theme ideas for the milestone moments. Read through these before you start to ensure that you have everything you need to prepare, plan, and enjoy the doggy party.


Let’s Roam Custom Birthday Events

Planning parties is one of our specialties, and our birthday scavenger hunts can be personalized for any guest of honor! Let us put together an event for your pooch, and we’ll make sure it’s exciting enough for the dogs and their puppy parents. We promise that it will be epic! All you’ll need to worry about is how you’ll keep the birthday hat on your dog’s head while you race to the finish line. Contact our guides today!

FIND OUT MORE


Planning a Dog Birthday Party for Your Pup

Nothing says “Happy Birthday” like a party thrown in your honor. And even for the adopted pups who didn’t come with a specific birth date, there is a simple option to celebrate their Gotcha Day, which is the day they joined your family. First, we are going to cover a few of the main points you should think about when planning a party for your animal best friend. can be customized

Where To Throw Your Birthday Bash

When you begin the party planning process, the first thing to think about is where you’re going to have the party. If you have a bunch of small dogs, you can easily choose a dog-friendly place, like a brewery, where they can mingle and so can the humans. If you have a group of larger dogs, you might want to have more space for them to run, like a dog park. 

Many people choose to throw the party in their own backyard, especially if it’s fenced in because then you don’t have to worry about disrupting others. Consider the number of people you would like to invite when you decide on the place because you want to make sure it can comfortably accommodate the guests you are inviting.

Your Dog Birthday Party Guest List

Once you’ve got your spot picked out and you know the number of guests you want to attend, you can start putting together the guest list. List out both the human guests and the dogs so you can plan for the right amount of attendees. This is especially important for food and party favors, since you’ll probably offer items for the dogs and not just the dog owners.

Since dogs don’t come home and tell you all about their friends, you might be struggling to figure out who to invite. Check with the doggy daycare to see if there are any dogs that your pup plays with all the time. You could then reach out to the pet parents and see if they are interested in coming to the birthday party. This could be a fun way to meet more people with dogs like yours. Otherwise, you can stick with neighborhood families and friends that have or love dogs. The guest list is totally up to you and your pup will most likely be happy to see anyone that shows up.

Party Supplies for Your Doggy Party

Party decorations and supplies for your dog’s birthday party can be very simple. Puppies of any age aren’t going to have any demands on certain characters or themes, so it is completely up to you how much effort you want to put into it. There are lots of great DIY ideas and party games you can put together with little effort. Etsy is another great option to order something fun and personalized (plus you’ll be supporting a small business.) 

One popular idea that costs very little is party hats. Have you ever seen a dog in a party hat? It’s wonderful. A photo booth is another easy party activity to set up. Hang a backdrop and set up a few photo booth props that match your theme and invite people to take selfies or use a phone stand and self-timer to take some pictures. For some special photos of the birthday pup, you can also utilize a chalkboard to let everyone know how old they are, some of their favorite things, and maybe a funny habit they have.

Special Dog Treats to Serve Up

Food is the central focus for any party planner. You have to prepare snacks of some kind for both your human guests and the four-legged attendees. Plan for some finger food that is easy to grab and snack on because it’s not always easy to sit down and enjoy a meal with a bunch of dogs running around and playing. Chips, veggies, fruit salad, cheese, and other similar items are simple and work as crowd-pleasers. 

And of course, you need a dessert. Standard cupcakes or cookies work for people, but you can’t just use a normal cake mix for a dog cake. Check to see if there is a dog bakery in your area that does dog birthday cakes or pupcakes. You can also find some cake recipes that are dog friendly and include their favorite flavors, like peanut butter and pumpkin. In addition to dessert, make sure you have lots of water bowls out to rehydrate while playing. Maybe include some small dog treats on the tables so that the pet parents can easily reward their pups for good behavior while playing.

It’s important to remember that, like humans, some dogs have dietary restrictions, so make sure to label the items in case there’s a dog or two who needs to stay away from any of the treats. 

Ideas for Doggo Party Favors

Party favors can be a fun way to thank your guests for coming to celebrate your birthday boy or girl. If you are sticking to a theme for your party, you can find a party favor that goes along with the theme. Dog toys are popular… because what dog doesn’t love a tennis ball or squeaky toy? You could also put together little goody bags with treats. Bandanas and bow ties that attach to the collars are adorable and can be used by all dogs. 

Don’t go overboard on the party favors, but have some fun picking out some small gifts for the other attendees of your party. If you put them out at the beginning of the party, you’ll be able to let the whole group enjoy the toys as well. 


A Dozen Party Themes for Your Dog’s Birthday

When it comes to themes and dog birthday party ideas, you have tons of options. You can ask yourself “does my dog have a favorite toy” and then build the theme around that. Did you name your dog after a character or something that you could build a theme around? Do you have children that can help you come up with a theme? This should be a fun process with very little pressure.  

1. An Ice Cream Party (Complete with Doggy Cones)

Many ice cream shops offer a smaller version of the basic vanilla ice cream for dogs because it’s one of their favorite treats (always in small doses). So why not bring that concept to your pup’s party? Especially if you are hosting an event in the summer heat, this is a perfect dessert to serve that is fun for the dogs and the humans.

You can set up two separate sundae stations, one for dogs and one for humans. Include a variety of toppings that you can set out ahead of time. For the dog side, think of things like kibble, shredded carrots, bananas, coconut, and other dog-friendly options. Once it’s time to let people start dishing up. Bring out the ice cream from the freezer. 

If you want to simplify the dog ice cream treats a bit, you can find Ben & Jerry’s dog ice cream, as well as other brands like Frosty Paws. These can be found at many large grocery stores around the country as well as pet food stores.  

2. A Puppy Pool Party

Another great idea for warm weather celebrations is to incorporate water. Does your dog love to spend some time hanging out in the kiddie pool? Have a pool party. If you don’t have access to a pool, you can collect as many kiddie pools as you can from neighbors and friends and set them up in your yard for the dogs to splash and play. 

You can also incorporate water toys that kids love like a slip and slide or a sprinkler to run through. Make sure to leave out some old towels so your party guests can be toweled off before getting back in their cars to drive home.

The water theme could be incorporated into the decorations by getting some fish balloons or handing out some cool water bowls for the party favors. 

3. Tennis, Anyone?

If your dog can’t get enough of his tennis balls, build that into the theme for your party. You can visit a party store and find balloons and decorations with tennis rackets and tennis balls. Maybe you show old rounds of Wimbledon on screens in your yard for the humans and enjoy the signature drink from the U. S. Open that year.

You can also find great tennis-themed printables that will be perfect for the photo booth. Each dog can take home their own fresh pack of tennis balls as a party favor. If you’re really creative in the kitchen, you can make some tennis ball cookies and cake pops for the event as well. 

For a unique event location, you can check with the local parks and recreation department to see if it’s possible to rent out the tennis court at the local park for your dog’s birthday party.

4. A Fancy Function

Give the pups a chance to put on their fanciest outfits by hosting a fancy doggy dinner party. Imagine all the cute dogs running around wearing bowties and ear bows. You could put out a red carpet (or green turf to be more on brand) for the pups to show off their outfits. Many dog owners have purchased ridiculous outfits over time, so why not invite them to dress in their Sunday best and take photos with all their canine buds.

You can serve champagne to your human guests to include them in the glamorous event. You can find little steak-shaped treats for the dogs. Put together little swag bags for favors and have fun with the party decorations using gold and silver balloons and some confetti if you’re feeling ambitious enough to vacuum it all up later.

5. Puppy’s First Birthday

Puppies are a treat, but they are also a ton of hard work because you spend the first year trying to potty train them and work on obedience. You’ve survived the first year with a lot of middle-of-the-night potty breaks and lots of chewing. So, having a puppy birthday party to celebrate your dog’s first birthday is a fun way to say goodbye to the puppy phase and usher in the “teenage” years.

Think about all the things that parents typically do for a one-year-old’s birthday party and alter them to work for a dog. Work with a dog bakery to make a smash cake that you can give to your pup while you are holding a camera and get some great photos of them just crushing it. Hand out party hats and have everyone sing along and celebrate this special milestone birthday.

6. A Breed-Specific Bash

Incorporate the breed of your pup with their party. There are many ways to do this. One way is to think about where the breed originated. For example, if you have a German Shorthaired Pointer, you pay homage to the country that the breed comes from and have a German birthday party. There is dog beer that you can find and you can serve pretzels and make it an Oktoberfest theme. 

Each dog breed has a special skill and you can incorporate that in the party. Herding dogs are able to round up a field full of farm animals, so you could throw them a farm-themed party. Another option is to celebrate famous dogs of the same breed, so if you have a Dalmatian, you could have a 101 Dalmatians themed party. 

Many dog trainers say you should lean into the things that each specific breed is known for because it provides great engagement and works their brains and bodies in a way that feels natural for the dogs. Have some fun with that when celebrating their birthday.

7. Pup Pampering With a Spa Pawty

Do you want to really spoil the pups for your event? Host a pampered pooch party for your dog and some of their pupper friends. Hire a mobile groomer to come to the party. These services are available now in most cities and the groomers arrive with all the supplies and tools. This can be a big benefit for the other pet parents who might struggle to find time to bring their pups in to get their nails trimmed or get a nice bath. 

Have some fun with dog-friendly hair dye or nail polish if you want to give everyone the chance to do something a little funky and unique for their pets. Make sure that, if you want them all to have playtime, you do that ahead of time so everyone can get their energy out and relax during their pampering session. 

If you want to do something special for the people who come, you can lay out face masks, have a masseuse come to do quick shoulder or foot massages, or just serve some great detox juices and healthy snacks.  

8. Canine Cinema

Some of the best movies that have come out of Hollywood center around dogs, so why not throw a movie-themed birthday party? Some dogs even tend to perk up and pay attention to the screen when they hear dogs barking and playing. Choose between classics like Lady and the Tramp, Scooby-Doo, or Homeward Bound and put it on a big outdoor screen in the backyard. 

Make sure to serve popcorn and some puppy treats to the guests during the show. Lay out blankets and set up chairs in the backyard for everyone to sit back and relax. For many Disney movies, you can easily find party decorations with those characters on them if you want to really stick to the theme.

9. Doggo Games and Obstacle Courses

High energy dogs will need a high energy party. Consider setting up an agility course for your pups. Some dog parks already have these obstacles set up, but you can also DIY them in your own backyard. Using treats, you can invite each pet parent to guide their pup through the obstacle course. The common items include bars to jump over, hoops to jump through, or tunnels to crawl through. 

You can make it into an Olympics theme or even feature your favorite professional sports team with your decorations. Make up some awards, like the most creative maneuver in the course or the fastest time. Have fun with it and, hopefully, you’ll all leave the party with worn-out and happy dogs.

10. A Canine Costume Party

Do you have a drawer in your home somewhere filled with Halloween costumes for your dog? You are not alone, so why not give everyone a chance to use those costumes for an event other than Halloween. Invite your friends and their pets over and ask them all to dress up. You can serve classic birthday cake and have fun playing and mingling.

To really encourage participation, hand out some awards for things like the best dog costume, best human costume, and even the best pair—so people can dress up to match their pup!

11. Over the Hill

Many adults have big milestone birthdays for their 40th (or even 50th) birthday party where they have an “Over the Hill” theme. This is a funny play on the fact that they are over the hill of their life and are in the second half of their lifetime. Black is usually the color of choice and there are all kinds of silly gag gifts that come along with these parties. 

Any theme you can do for people, you can make a few changes and put it together for pups too. If your dog is reaching their later years in life, it doesn’t mean they can’t have some fun. Throw your pup an Over the Hill party and take advantage of all the fun decorations they have for people and make it work for the pup. Give out joint supplements for dogs as party favors and include party activities that involve lounging around and being a little lazy instead of high-energy activities. 

Birthdays can be celebrated at any age, so have some fun with your event! We promise, your dog can take the joke and won’t be upset with you. They will love getting extra attention and ear scratches for the day.

12. Laid-Back Hawaiian Luau

Hawaiian-themed parties are always a blast. There are Hawaiian shirts for people and dogs of all sizes and shapes, so it’s easy to help people get in the mood. You can make shaved ice treats for all attendees and even serve up a roasted pig if you’re having a huge party (with tiny bits that the dogs can sample). 

Set up a Limbo game for humans to try and lead your dogs through. Put on a nice soundtrack of music that you would listen to at the beach or next to the pool in a tropical location. Mix up some fruity, ice-cold drinks for the people and maybe some simple frozen fruit treats for the dogs as well. 

Start Planning a Fun Dog Birthday Party!

Remember, this process should be fun and never stressful or overwhelming. Dogs don’t know when it’s their birthday, so they definitely aren’t going to notice if you skip a year or only do this once in their life. But the parties are a time to make some great memories, take some great photos, and surround yourself with dogs having fun which is the greatest gift itself.


Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I celebrate my dog’s birthday?

Looking for a venue for your dog’s birthday party? Organize a meet-up at a dog park, head to the beach, check out a nearby grooming spa, or just put together an entire event at your house!

Do a lot of people throw their dogs a birthday party?

If you are considering throwing a dog birthday party, you are not alone. One recent survey shows that about 7% of pup people throw birthday parties for their pet so have some fun with it!

What are the best themes for a dog birthday party?

Celebrate your dog with one of these puppy party themes! From a day at the spa to a canine costume party, any one of them will be perfect for your furry friend’s special day.

Are there any fun dog-friendly activities I can do with my friends?

More and more places are becoming dog-friendly, especially places with outdoor patios. You could even try an outdoor activity with the pups, like a scavenger hunt from Let’s Roam!

10 Fun Ways to Celebrate Your Dog’s Birthday

Last updated on By Puppy Leaks 17 Comments

Looking for some nice and simple ways to celebrate your dog’s birthday? You’ve come to the right place.

Our dogs are part of the family, so when it comes to their birthday we want to make it special. The good news is there’s plenty of fun and easy ways to make your dog’s birthday memorable.

So if you’re not sure what to do to celebrate your dog’s birthday don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. From hosting a doggie birthday party to having a special movie night, here’s 10 fun ways to celebrate your dog’s birthday.

1. Host a Doggie Birthday Party

If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate your dog’s birthday you can host your own doggie birthday party. Invite some of your friends and family over (along with their friendly dogs) to celebrate.

If you’ve never had a bunch of doggie guests over to your home before I recommend starting small. When it comes to doggie birthday parties there’s nothing wrong with keeping it intimate; having a few doggie friends over will be more than enough to make it a memorable day for your dog. You can serve dog friendly cake, give out “doggie bags” filled with treats & goodies, and play some fun doggie games.

If you’re going to be holding your dog party outside remember to make sure that all of the dogs have access to fresh water and shade at all times. And remember to keep an eye on things and make sure the dogs are supervised at all times.

2. Let Your Dog Pick Out a Gift

If you’re looking to get your dog an extra special gift for their birthday try letting them pick it out themselves. Take your dog to your local dog-friendly pet store and have them browse the aisles and pick out their own gift.

3. Make a (Dog Friendly) Cake or Treats

You can show your dog some extra love on their birthday by making them a special treat. You can make your dog a pupcake (dog friendly cake) by using some puppy cake mix, or you can make one of these homemade dog cake recipes:

  • Doggie Birthday Cake
  • Mini-Berry Almond Cake
  • Grain-Free Peanut Butter Apple Cake
  • Dog Friendly Cake

If you prefer treats over cake check out these 25 easy homemade dog treat recipes.

4. Explore a New Trail With Your Dog

How much does your dog love their daily walk? You can make your walk extra special on their birthday by taking them somewhere brand new. Explore a new hiking trail together or take your dog to a new park. To make it even more fun for them remember to give them some extra time to sniff around and take in all those new and exciting smells.

5, Pamper & Spoil Your Dog On Their Birthday

If you want an easy way to make your dog’s birthday extra special make it like a doggie spa day by pampering them. Spoil them and give them some extra love and attention on their special day. Give them a nice homemade meal, an extra long walk, a stuffed Kong, a relaxing doggie massage, and some nice cuddle time on the couch.

6. Turn It Into a Game Day

Another fun way to celebrate your dog’s birthday is by turning it into a game day. Rather than celebrating your favorite team together set aside some time to play some extra games with your dog. Our dogs love to play, and engaging in some extra games on their birthday is a simple way to ensure it’s a fun day for them. Some of my favorite doggie games include:

  • Fetch/Frisbee
  • Hide & Seek
  • Tug of War
  • Food Dispensing Toys
  • Find The Treats

7. Let Your Dog Unwrap a Present

My dog Laika gets a fun new toy on her birthday, and I make the unveiling process a little more exciting for her by letting her unwrap it. If your dog doesn’t have unwrapping experience keep it simple by using a gift bag. Remember to watch them closely — some dogs have a tendency to eat anything in sight, including wrapping paper and shredded bags.

8. Set Up a Doggie Playdate

Another simple way to make your dog’s birthday extra fun is by setting up a doggie playdate for them. Invite your dog’s best dog friend over for some play time. It may seem rather simple, but that one on one play time is really fun (and exhausting) for your dog. Just remember to keep an eye on things, and make sure the dogs have access to fresh water at all times.

9. Take Your Dog For a Swim

Most dogs love to swim, so if you want to make their birthday a fun one turn it into a swim day. You can take your dog to the local beach, or search for any dog friendly pools in your area. Just remember to keep an eye on your dog at all times, and follow the basic swimming safety tips for dogs such as bringing along fresh water and cleaning them off afterwards.

10. Have a Doggie Movie Night

One of my favorite ways to celebrate my dog’s birthday is by having a movie night. Put on your pajamas, make some popcorn, and cuddle up with your dog on the couch and watch some movies together. Bonus points if you watch dog movies.

How Do You Celebrate Your Dog’s Birthday?

How do you celebrate your dog’s birthday? Have you ever hosted your own doggie birthday party? Do you wrap your dog’s presents? Does cuddling up on the couch with your dog watching movies sound like a perfect evening, or is it just me?

Please share with your friends 🙂

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Recommended Reading:

Dog’s birthday – TOP-7 ways to celebrate

Contents

  1. How to celebrate a dog’s birthday?
  2. 1. Treat your pet with an entertaining gift
  3. 2. Organize a play day
  4. 3. Trust the birthday person to choose a present
  5. 4. Go to the “amusement park”
  6. 5. Take a walk along the new route
  7. 9005 Organize a dog party 6.005 7. Help other animals

How to celebrate a dog’s birthday?

When organizing a celebration, an individual approach is important – so you can please your four-legged pet as much as possible. Draw on your pet’s key qualities, habits, and preferences when designing your dog’s birthday party concept.

Let’s remember the main points, without which the festive atmosphere is unthinkable:

Among the many fun and easy ways to organize a dog’s birthday in a special way, we suggest taking note of the seven most interesting congratulation ideas.

1. Treat your pet with an entertaining gift

Do you want to give your dog maximum pleasure on his birthday? Start with gift wrapping. Wrap a toy or other item prepared for the occasion in special paper, and let the dog try to unfold it on its own. To rustle, turn over, gnaw – how interesting it is! Make sure the birthday person does not accidentally swallow a piece of gift wrapping.

2. Organize a game day

A dog’s birthday will be special for him if he spends it actively: frolicking, running, jumping, sniffing and looking for hidden things. Use interesting games:

Take a break between games, allowing your pet to quench his thirst and hunger. End the play marathon on your dog’s birthday with a special treat to help replenish their lost energy.

3. Trust the birthday boy to choose a present

An excellent way to make your dog’s birthday unforgettable is to let him choose a present himself. Find a pet store that you can go to with your pets and go there with the birthday boy. Let your dog walk around the store and choose the most attractive toy, and maybe several.

4. Go to the “amusement park”

Today there are many specialized places where you can have fun and usefully spend a dog’s birthday. Take your pet to one of these establishments or organize leisure activities yourself, for example:

  • set up a massage parlour;

  • fill the dog pool;

  • equip an obstacle course;

  • fill the room with tennis balls;

  • hang dog bones at different heights;

  • arrange a photo shoot in dog costumes.

5. Walk a new route

Take an unusual and uncharted route on your dog’s birthday. You can take your pet to a large park that you have not visited together and let him sniff all the paths, benches, and bushes. So the pet will show his instincts and satisfy curiosity, enjoy new exciting smells.

6. Organize a dog party

Invite your friends and relatives to a party along with their friendly pets. The presence of a few dog friends will suffice.

The dog’s birthday will be fun and easy if the guests have something to do all the time. To do this, make a holiday program, for example:

  • welcome guests;

  • handing out festive caps;

  • taking out the dog cake;

  • sing a song for the birthday boy;

  • handing out bags of dog treats;

  • play games.

In warm weather, you can have an outdoor party for your dog. The main thing is that pets have free access to drinking water and the opportunity to hide from the sun in the shade.

7. Help other animals

Make the most of your dog’s birthday by asking invited guests to donate to an animal welfare fund or any dog ​​shelter in need of financial assistance to keep their pets. A donation is a wonderful alternative to a gift.

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How to organize a dog’s birthday and what to give a pet

How to celebrate a dog’s birthday? This question is often of interest to owners of four-legged pets. Undoubtedly, with the appearance of a furry critter in the house, each of us understands that he used to live an incomplete life and can no longer imagine life without a little fluffy “robber”.

We forgive them any pranks: chewed up new expensive shoes, “eaten” sofa, sleepless nights due to the fact that your dog ate some disgusting thing on the street and he is sick and weak.

We suffer and find no place for ourselves when they are sick and sick, and we just rush about, not knowing how to help them.

And, in the end, we rejoice in each of their achievements, each new command executed the first time. We are glad that the baby pooped on the diaper, ate well, did not bark when you left for work.

And all this because we love them boundlessly. We love not for something, but we love for the fact that it is they who, with their boundless devotion and faith in us, make us be a little kinder and more responsive. We are everything to them, we are the whole world to them.

Therefore, a dog’s birthday for a four-legged owner is no less significant event in life than all other holidays. But your beloved dog will not be able to say what gift he would like to receive and how he would like to celebrate his birthday. Therefore, you will have to think for yourself how to please your faithful friend and celebrate the dog’s birthday.

Choosing a place to celebrate

Let’s try to think not like a human, but like a dog. So, I am a dog.

How do I want to spend my holiday? At home, in an uncomfortable cardboard cap that keeps slipping off and scratching your ears? Or maybe I want to dance around me and sing songs?

No, it’s not for me. Of course, you can put on a cap, like that for 2-3 minutes, but only in order to take good photos. Well, then – get out of the house, into the street, run, jump, frolic!

So, the best way to celebrate a dog’s birthday is a trip to nature:

  • A few hours in the fresh air, carrying tasty sticks, frolicking and chasing pigeons and ducks, wallowing in fragrant grass, or swimming in a warm pond – that’s it dog happiness.
  • And in winter – in winter you can swim in the snow, dig tunnels in it, eat snow and jump after fluffy snowflakes – unforgettable impressions.
  • Yes, you can just lie in the shade in the fresh air, enjoying various smells, listen carefully to every rustle, basking under the owner’s barrel.
  • And you can gather all the yard four-legged friends and arrange crazy games with catching flying saucers and tennis balls.
  • Or even just chase the neighbor’s cat in the country, catch a frog and dig a huge hole, trying to get a mole.
  • Well, in the evening, after returning home, munch a delicious congratulatory treat and fall asleep, cozying up in your soft and warm couch.

Well, how do you like this dog’s birthday? Really great?!

What to give your pet for his birthday

Choosing a gift for a dog’s birthday is easy and difficult at the same time. I want to give everything to my beloved prankster. You go to the pet store – your eyes just run up. Beautiful collars, fashionable outfits, goodies, luminous medallions. But does your furry need all this? He doesn’t care what collar he wears, what bowl he eats from, or whether he’s wearing a jumpsuit from the new collection and not from last year’s collection.

Better buy your favorite prankster a toy. But one he really likes. You must know what he likes.

Well, the best gift for a dog’s birthday is to spend the whole day with his beloved owner. Yes, not just lazily sitting at home on the couch, but so that the owner runs, has fun and jumps along with the tail. I would throw sticks and toys to him, swim with him in the lake, lie on the grass.

How to make a delicious birthday treat

Some pet owners allow their pets to swallow a piece of sausage or a delicious candy to celebrate their birthday. Under no circumstances should this be done. Otherwise, the dog’s birthday may end up going to the veterinary clinic.

Do not disturb your usual diet. You can only pamper your pet a little with small pieces of delicacies, the recipes of which I want to offer you today.

Cottage cheese casserole

You will need:

  • 2 tsp. butter.
  • 200 gr. cottage cheese.
  • 2 yolks.
  • 2 tbsp. l. oatmeal.

Mix everything well until smooth and steam for 10-15 minutes. Or pour into a mold and bake for 10-15 minutes in a preheated oven.

Cabbage cutlets for the dog’s birthday

You will need:

  • 500 gr. meat (beef heart, poultry meat, chicken liver – all in equal proportions).
  • 100 gr. cauliflower.
  • 1 egg white.
  • 5 tbsp. l. buckwheat porridge (not cereals, but ready-made boiled porridge).
  • Some milk.
  • 2 tbsp. l. bran.
  • Bone meal and dried seaweed, half a tablespoon each.

Mince meat and cauliflower. Add buckwheat porridge, protein, milk, bran, flour and dried cauliflower to this mixture. We make flat cutlets and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. A great treat for a dog’s birthday is ready.

Sweet biscuits

You will need:

  • 3 cups of flour.
  • 1 cup applesauce.
  • 100 gr. butter.
  • Half glass of water.
  • Olive oil and honey, 2 tbsp each l.

Mix everything except flour until smooth. Add flour, mix thoroughly. Form cookies, put on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Turn over and leave in the oven for another 10 minutes.

Chicken balls

You will need:

  • 300 gr. chicken liver or any other chicken meat.
  • 2 eggs.
  • 200 gr. flour.
  • Some milk.
  • Greens.

Grind the chicken in a meat grinder, add eggs, milk, flour. If the mass turned out to be liquidish, then you can add more flour.

You can also experiment and add zucchini, carrots, grated on a coarse grater to the balls. You can add some boiled rice and greens.

Shape into small balls with your hands. Boil them in boiling water until they float, or bake them in a preheated oven. Let them cool slightly to room temperature. You can serve your pet!

Liver cake

You will need:

  • 300 gr. liver.
  • 150 gr. zucchini.
  • 1 carrot.
  • 2 eggs.
  • 100 gr. milk.
  • 150 gr. sour cream.
  • 100 gr. flour.
  • 1 tsp vegetable oil.

Scroll the liver and zucchini through a meat grinder, add milk, 2 eggs, flour, vegetable oil and mix everything thoroughly. Divide the resulting mass into 4-5 equal parts.

Spread each part in an even layer on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Remove from the oven, cool and turn the resulting liver pancake onto a cutting board. We also bake the rest.

Boil carrots, rub them on a coarse grater. We put the first pancake on a plate, grease it with sour cream, then put the grated carrots, and then the next pancake. And according to the same scheme, we lay all the other layers.

Top the cake with sour cream. You can boil another egg and grate it on top on a grater. We remove the cake for 1-2 hours to the side so that it soaks. I think that such a tasty treat will be a great gift for a dog’s birthday.

The liver cake can be made even easier:

  • We twist the liver in a meat grinder, add an egg, milk, a little flour.
  • We bake liver pancakes in the oven.
  • Lay on a dish, soaking each layer with kefir.
  • Top with grated cheese and grated boiled carrots.

You can watch the video recipe for making beef liver meat cake.

And in this video, see what a jelly cake we made for Jack on his ninth bone day!

Well, today I told you about how to celebrate a dog’s birthday so that your beloved pet is happy.

Love your furry and take care of them. Well, if someone is ready to share their recipes, we will always be glad to see new dishes that you can pamper your four-legged friends with.

How to celebrate a dog’s birthday?

Celebration, gifts, congratulations to the dog on his birthday – this is not at all stupid, as it may seem from the outside. Dear dogs, we are the happiest people, because we always have devoted, infinitely loyal friends who do not notice shortcomings and forgive any insults! Why not celebrate the day on which the irreplaceable tailed miracle was born?

It’s a pity that you can’t ask your pet what he would like. Rather, you can ask something, but getting an answer, to put it mildly, is problematic. You will have to think for yourself: what to give a dog, how to please a pet, where and with whom to celebrate a significant date? You can do like most: read happy birthday poems to the dog, feed the pet with ice cream and sweets, dress him up in a cap and a funny costume, call a bunch of guests.

Only now, an uncomfortable cap and an elaborate outfit hinder movement, sweet things make eyes water and stomach itch, noisy guests annoy, and happy birthday poems make a dog neither cold nor hot. No, you can wear a cap, for example, when meeting guests or taking pictures. And inviting friends, four-legged and two-legged, is also a great idea if the pet is sincerely happy about their arrival (although dogs don’t know how to rejoice in another way, for which we love them). But still, it’s better to try to think like a dog than like a human. After all, it’s the dog’s birthday, and the main goal is to make the pet happy.

Contents

  • 1 Home comfort or new experiences?
  • 2 What can I give you, not my dear man?
  • 3 Treats

Home comfort or new experiences?

How wonderful that all dogs have a unique disposition! Only give one free will – they will wind up kilometers from morning to night. Others are absolutely happy, lying next to their beloved owner on their own sofa. What is your pet’s personality?

The best birthday greeting for a dog is a trip to nature. Spending a few hours outdoors chasing squirrels and carrying delicious sticks, chewing juicy grass and basking in the sun is unforgettable! What if it’s winter? Well, many dogs love to dig in the snow, dig tunnels and, pretending to be deaf (Spit, who do I say?!), stuff their mouths with snow.

Your dog doesn’t like running and fuss at all? Grab a blanket and goodies for guests of all stripes, sit in the shade. And let a clumsy fat man or a venerable dog slowly explore the surroundings, smells and sounds of nature. Even just lying around and breathing fresh air, not hurrying home after “peeing” is already happiness. And if the dog’s birthday fell on absolutely unacceptable weather for such outings?

You can sit at home and arrange crazy games. The pet is not very athletic and likes to take a nap? For such a dog, the height of pleasure is to spend the whole day in the company of a loved one, “talking”, basking in affection and looking into the eyes of his best friend. It seems to you that such a pastime is a little like a holiday. But the doggie, who sees the owner in the morning and in the evening, considers every weekend a holiday.

Does your pet love meeting new people and craving new experiences? Then how to celebrate the dog’s birthday depends only on your financial capabilities. If your pet does not have enough communication with their own kind, go to the exhibition. As a spectator, of course, in the ring – this is not a vacation. You will definitely like the audience there. And the birthday boy will have plenty of fun with well-mannered, non-aggressive, healthy and clean dogs. Why not a birthday present for your beloved dog? If the pet prefers to communicate with bipeds, go to the spa for dogs, where the attentive staff will kiss on the nose and massage, and bring beauty. Dog, not you. Dreaming!

On the way, you can look into the dog cafe, where the hero of the occasion will certainly be fed with various goodies and useful things. And without risk to the stomach – no “hangover” in the form of heaps and puddles in the morning. Maybe your friend likes to swim? Then to the lake, and in winter – to a rented cottage with a swimming pool. Expensive, of course, but you will rest with the whole family.

What can I give you, not my dear man?

Choosing a gift for a dog’s birthday is both simple and difficult at the same time. You go to the pet store – your eyes run wide. Shiny bowls, collars with rhinestones, trendy jumpsuits, luminous key chains, cosmetics, combs! But answer honestly, does the dog need it? Affectionate fool doesn’t care what bowl she eats from and what collar to wear, a new shampoo will not touch a furry soul, a haute couture dress will only excite a dog neighbor.

Buy a toy for your pet. Yes, not simple, but … No, you don’t need gold – this is again human aspirations. Buy a toy that is interesting, interactive or logical, something that will really captivate your pet. Sonya can be pleased with a warm lounger with comfortable sides. In general, sit next to the dog, but look into her eyes. You will see how an excerpt from a children’s song sounds in them: “Finally, all dreams come true! My best gift is you! The attention of a loved one is the best gift for a dog’s birthday, and no material values ​​\u200b\u200bcan replace it.

Treat

Many owners allow their pets to “in honor of the holiday” eat a piece of fatty sausage and sip a chocolate bar, and some (“some”, if you are reading this, hit yourself lightly on the forehead) even pour a glass! A kind of fun: first we think about how to celebrate the dog’s birthday, and then we wonder how to pump out the birthday boy and which clinic to run to, because the unfortunate man returned a half-digested treat a couple of hours ago, but continues to stain the furniture with liquids of a cheerful color.

If your pet has health problems, don’t think about deviating from the usual menu. If a happy gourmet easily tolerates a change in diet, we offer several recipes for dishes for dogs. Compared to the “human” ones, they may seem modest, but you are preparing for the dog’s birthday, and here the main thing is taste and safety, and not the pretentiousness of the ingredients. And to add solemnity, you can give the treat a thematic form.

Tasty morsels:

  • butter 2 tsp;
  • non-sour curd 200 gr.;
  • 2 yolks;
  • oatmeal 2 tbsp;

Mix well, stick on heart bows, steam for 15 minutes.

Cutlets “Cabbage Delight”:

  • kidneys, beef, poultry meat in equal proportions;
  • cauliflower 100 gr.;
  • protein 1 pc.;
  • buckwheat porridge (not cereal, already prepared porridge) 5 tbsp;
  • some milk;
  • bran 2 tbsp;
  • bone meal and dried seaweed, half tbsp.

Turn the meat in a meat grinder, mix everything. Milk is needed to give the minced meat a consistency (buckwheat and flour take moisture, minced meat will turn out dry without milk). We make flat cutlets of a festive shape, and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.

Cookies “Sweet moment”:

  • flour 3 cups;
  • half glass of applesauce;
  • butter 100 gr.;
  • half a glass of water;
  • olive oil and honey, 2 tbsp each

Mix everything except flour until smooth. Add flour, mix thoroughly. Form cookies, put on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Turn over and leave in the oven for another 10 minutes.

Layered Surprise Cake:

We bake cakes according to the recipe for cabbage cutlets (layers of any shape and in any quantity). For the filling, we take meat or fish, turn it through a meat grinder and mix with mashed boiled or raw vegetables (potatoes, carrots, the same cabbage – the taste of the birthday man).

Caring for a blind dog: Caring for a blind pet

Опубликовано: October 27, 2022 в 10:20 pm

Автор:

Категории: Dog

Caring for a Blind Pet

The great majority of companion animals that have visual deficits, or have lost sight completely, can still have wonderful, happy and healthy lives as long as their human caregivers recognize their pet’s limitations and take steps to ensure the animal’s safety and comfort and quality of life.

* For additional resources, click on the orange “Resources for Pet Owners” link on the left.

Get a Diagnosis

It is important to recognize that many of the conditions that result in loss of vision are painful. When vision is lost, there may still remain the need to continue treatment and monitoring of the eyes to control or restore the patient’s comfort. For example, most glaucoma patients, once their vision has been irreversibly damaged, still have elevated intraocular pressure without therapy.  This pressure is described by human sufferers as equivalent to a migraine headache. Dogs with retinal degeneration, especially those diagnosed with an inherited retinal disorder such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), may over time develop cataract, which can result in lens-induced uveitis (intraocular inflammation). Inflammation, too, can be painful and can lead to secondary glaucoma. Many, if not most, of the ophthalmic conditions that can lead to blindness can have an impact on a patient’s comfort and quality of life. A proper diagnosis can inform decisions about maintenance, treatment and monitoring.

Playing it Safe

Once it has been determined that a pet is blind, the primary consideration beyond comfort is the pet’s safety. The environment must remain, or be made, safe for an unsighted pet. It is critically important that the environment be examined for dangers that are at pet-level and that sharp edges and other hazards be removed or cushioned to prevent injury. Baby gates may be employed to block access to swimming pools, stairs, fireplaces or hazards that cannot be removed. The floors should be kept free from flotsam. Objects that are left out of place make for a perilous landscape for the pet with opportunities for collisions that are potentially injurious or disorienting. In less confident pets, this uncertainty may contribute to generalized anxiety.

Particularly in early days for acutely blind dogs, supervision is important. Watching out for hazards and being a calm, steady presence can help the pet relax and be reassured. Dogs that are crate-trained often appreciate a sense of safety and security in their own space. The crate can serve as a safe haven when direct supervision is not possible. Dogs unused to crates may be confined to a room or a small area of the home when unsupervised. Nighttime confinement is often advisable to ensure all members of the household enjoy a restful sleep.

Stairs can be a particular challenge to the blind pet and may require a re-introduction of sorts. It can be helpful to carpet stairs or provide some other form of non-slip surface, such as adherent non-slip strips, on the treads will help the dog determine where stairs begin and end and improve footing. Training sessions with stairs should be performed with patience and supervision should be provided until the dog regains his/her confidence. Placing a treat on each stair tread, slightly out of the pet’s reach encourages exploration. Stand in front of the dog and speak with encouragement without pulling on his collar or harness. If s/he is still reluctant to move forward, place a hand beneath his/her abdomen and provide gentle support while at the same time encouraging forward momentum. Take one step at a time and repeat the process in both directions (up and down). Using a verbal cue when the dog makes the step, such as “step,” “up,” or “down,” will help the dog know what to expect in unfamiliar environments, such as when a curb is encountered on a walk outside.

It is important to make others aware that the pet is visually impaired. A person or another animal that approaches the blind pet without foreknowledge of the vision deficit may startle or frighten the pet and initiate a fight or flight reaction. Have an approaching person speak to the pet and offer a hand for olfactory inspection before making physical contact. A collar tag that states, “I’m blind,” is a good idea. Vests and bandanas can be purchased or made that state the same.

For exuberant individuals or those that persist in bumping into things once a reasonable acclimation period has passed, there are some devices that can be worn by the dog that allow the pet to detect a physical object or obstruction before coming into direct contact with it. Halo or bumper vests are worn like a harness and provide a lightweight bumper of sorts. Homemade vests or harnesses that have extensions or other “feelers” may be helpful to these pets. Whiskers and the other vibrissae of the face are nature’s feelers. These should be allowed to persist in their full and natural state and not be trimmed or removed during a trip to the groomer.

Adjusting and Acclimating

Just as with human beings, each dog is an individual and reacts to loss of a special sense differently. Some dogs, particularly if they are aged or have been used to being the alphas of their “packs,” have a harder and longer transition phase. Older dogs that have dominant personalities or are beginning to exhibit some cognitive dysfunction are more prone to difficult adjustments. Younger dogs, particularly those with congenital deficits, may adjust quickly and without too much hassle or distress. Initial reactions may range from minimal changes in demeanor and behavior to severe depression or fear.

If the newly blind dog begins to act aggressively or displays an uptick in aggressive behavior (snapping, biting or growling) above baseline, it is important to recognize that this may be a manifestation of fear rather than overt and simple aggression. Care should be taken to speak calmly and move slowly around these dogs and do what is necessary to minimize stress and avoid situations that incite aggression. Aggressive behavior should not be accepted or encouraged, however. The dog should never be petted, soothed or in any way rewarded for an aggressive reaction.

Dogs that exhibit the opposite response to vision loss, withdrawal or depression, may lose interest in play and exercise, and even food in extreme instances. They may seem lethargic, appear to have aged abruptly or become increasingly needy. These dogs need encouragement to engage in their environments and regain their confidence. Patience and consistency are key to their recovery, however they should not be coddled or relieved of their responsibility to interact with the world.  Human caretakers should try to act as normal as possible around these pets and maintain a positive attitude. Offer treats, toys and touch and try to maintain the once normal routine of walks and play and refrain from expressing overt sadness at the companion’s deficit.

With a period of adjustment, visually impaired animals will acclimate to their environments and compensate with their other senses. Consideration of the pet’s environment and senses of smell, hearing and place are important when learning to live with a visually-impaired pet. Dogs that cannot see will “map” their environments if given time and support. In many cases, they will develop such a sense of place and the confidence necessary to negotiate in such a way that visitors unfamiliar with the pet’s deficits may not even recognize the lack of sight. If the pet is reticent or if the environment is novel, leading the pet on a short leash around and from room to room and providing treats and positive reinforcement will facilitate adjustment. Picking up small dogs and carrying them around the house should be avoided as it prevents the pet from mapping the home and can be confusing to the pet if they are set down in another part of the home. A somewhat heightened level of supervision may be necessary to ensure the blind pet’s safety, however, it is important that the caretaker refrain from “hovering” and take care not to become a crutch for the visually impaired dog. The pet must be allowed to negotiate the surroundings and make mistakes for him/herself in order to learn and regain a sense of self and confidence.

For dogs, the leash should become an important safety tool. Keeping the pet on a short leash whenever outside of his/her home range will impart some degree of confidence and keep the pet within reach if an unexpected danger presents itself. If they are not already a part of the dog’s repertoire, teaching commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” “heal,” and “down” will provide a sense of structure and safety for the pet and may help considerably with confidence levels. Training the pet with new commands such as “watch,” “step up,” “step down,” “left,” “right,” “hold,” “slow down,” and “stop,” may improve the pet’s engagement and safety as well. Verbal direction is reassuring to the visually impaired pet and may also help enhance the relationship between the dog and its human companion. Clicker training may be helpful for some pets as well. Continue to walk the dog to keep him or her physically and mentally fit. It is advisable to exchange a collar for a harness that provides somewhat more control and permits greater guidance. Remember that when presented with another animal, the visually impaired pet will not be able to read the body signals and visual cues that animals usually give to one another. Supervision is necessary when introducing new animals until a hierarchy and understanding has been established. It is advisable to be cautious around new dogs. Once accustomed to one another, sighted and blind companions often interact very well. Some sighted dogs become a great help to the impaired pet and will act as a form of “seeing eye” guide.

Keeping the pet’s bowls and bedding in the same place can be helpful for orientation. If the pet becomes confused but can return to his/her personal effects and home-base, re-orientation will be easier. If the crate is a home-base or the pet uses it as a resting area when not being confined within it, the door should be tied back in the open position to prevent inadvertent door closure and disorientation. Refraining from moving the furniture, or recognizing that that will require the pet to re-orient him/herself, and keeping the house picked up and things in their normal places is helpful as well. Carpet runners or non-slip pads, especially on slick surfaces or in doorways can provide landmarks, as can different textures (mulch, pebbles, varied surfaces).

Many blind pets will have heightened senses of hearing and smell. It is possible take advantage of this to help the pet’s security. Talk to the pet often and let him/her know when you are approaching or about to touch him/her. Walking with heavy footfalls when approaching a visually impaired pet may alert the pet to your presence. Keeping a radio on and in the same place will provide the pet with a landmark and provides some level of comfort and security when a human caretaker is absent. Placing wind charms on the porch, by the outside door or in a particular area of the yard may help a dog keep its bearings outside. Other pets may wear jingling tags or bells to alert the impaired pet to their presence and location. This can be particularly useful to avoid bites or other defensive behaviors that may manifest if the visually-impaired dog is startled, which is often the case when he/she is woken abruptly. Children should be cautioned and counselled about approaching a blind pet in order to ensure everyone’s safety. They should be supervised when they interact with the pet, particularly during an introduction.

Water fountains for drinking work very well for blind pets since the burbling sound of the water helps the pet locate the water source. Employing scents or pheromones in different parts of the home may be helpful for placing, particularly if used and corners or junctions in the home. Toys and blankets that have a familiar smell may provide comfort during stressful times or travelling.

Enjoying Life

It is helpful if the human companion maintains an upbeat and positive attitude with their visually impaired pet, especially if the vision loss is recent or acute. A human that feels sorry for themselves or their pet will transmit that sense of sadness or despair and may cause or increase a pet’s anxiety. Speaking to the pet in a normal, cheerful voice and providing positive reinforcement will ease the pet’s transition.

Visually impaired dogs can and should still play and interact with their environments. Play and socializing are an important part of a fulfilling life and contribute to good physical and mental health. Switching to or adding toys that have bells or squeakers, or otherwise make noise, may encourage or permit a pet to continue active play which is important to both physical and mental health. Pets can and do learn the names of certain toys. This may be a way to engage the pet in play. Toys that are scented or have holes for treats can engage and keep a pet’s interest and often become favorites.

In addition to auditory and olfactory cues, tactile sensation is another way the blind pet can interact with the environment and his/her caretakers. Massage is an excellent way to provide reassurance and relaxation for the blind pet. It is also helps strengthen the bond between the pet and his/her caretakers.

Learning to cope with the blind dog takes patience and dedication, but it is extremely rewarding when the dog achieves acclimation. The dog’s ability to cope and adjust to sensory deficits is remarkable and often enviable to humans in the same condition. The human caregiver of the blind dog must learn to vocalize everything and adapt to the dog’s new needs and abilities. A variety of resources, including books, websites and support groups, are available to provide insight and guidance.

Thank you to Caryn E. Plummer, DVM, Diplomate ACVO, University of Florida for preparing this information.

7 Strategies to Care for a Blind Dog

For humans who value their independence, blindness is devastating. Dogs, on the other hand, are fortunate in that humans can take their responsibilities as pet owners. There are many things you can do for your blind dog to make their life easier.

If you’re thinking about adopting a dog with vision loss or impairment it is important to understand how your pet’s care will need to change and be, as well as how you can help them.

Dogs can become blind for a variety of reasons, including medical conditions or simply old age. 

If your dog’s vision isn’t likely to be restored, your veterinarian can also assist you.

They can give you tips on how to help your dog adjust to their new senses and provide you with the information you need to change your lifestyle to properly care for your dog. 

Here are some things to think about and do to help your blind dog live a happy and healthy life.

Effective Communication

Blind pets may feel more vulnerable in unfamiliar situations or around strangers and other animals as well. Because blind pets are easily startled, you should speak with them first before touching them. 

You can help your dog know where they are by using different sound techniques to help your blind pet compensate in this situation as well. Sound therapy can help your dog greatly in knowing and understanding the environment well.

You can develop certain vocal cues to guide them better in scenarios like if they are approached by a stranger or they are approaching danger. Hearing certain commands and voices can help your dog calm down during anxious situations. It can help with their vision loss greatly. 

Creating a predictable environment

Because a dog who has lost or is losing their vision may feel vulnerable and anxious, it’s important to establish a daily routine as well as a safe, comfortable home environment for them. 

You can reduce the risk of injury by blocking off stairs and covering sharp corners on furniture. 

You can properly arrange your home environment, such as not leaving work tools, utensils, or your children’s toys in the middle of the house. 

This way you can remove the potential hazards from the interior of your home.

Keeping their food and water bowls in the same place and not moving them around too much can greatly assist them.

Your pet will eventually develop a mental map of their territory and may learn to safely navigate stairs and other obstacles, but it’s best to be cautious because an injury can break their confidence.

Dangers posed by external environments

If your dog is blind they are more vulnerable to incoming traffic or any hazards like tripping over the blocks of footpath, etc.

Follow the same routine for your dog while you take them out for a walk so they become familiar and experienced and they don’t bump into something. 

A blind harness that has a written text  telling strangers that your dog is blind can help with the situation as well. 

You can also buy a blind dog halo. It is a circular device that sits on top of your dog’s head and assists them in navigating. If they accidentally bump into something like a pole or a fire hydrant, they can learn and navigate better with this device. 

Over time, their confidence will improve, and they will be able to walk around more confidently, without injuring themselves.

Bells and scents

While it may sound tiresome, it is important that we do everything possible to make sure that our visually impaired dog has its best life.

We can put forth our own efforts in addition to those of our dog, who is also trying to settle in.

While at home, you can wear a bell around your wrist or on your feet to give your dog a sense of where you are.  

You can put a drop of scented oil on your door so that your dog can know where home is. Other animals in the house can also benefit from the use of bells.

Protect your dog from other animals and pets

While on a walk interacting with other dogs can cause some trouble for your dog. 

Your dog will be blind to the aggressive and intimidating signs displayed by other dogs, which can be concerning because it may provoke unwanted fights.. Always keep your dog safe from other pets, and if you see another dog approaching, create a diversion or change paths.

Special toys and activities

Who said that blind dogs can’t play? There’s always a way out, there are all sorts of toys available for your dog to exercise and play with you. 

There are scented toys and balls with whistling and barking sounds that can help your dog navigate and find its own toys while playing. 

These toys also have scents like lavender and chamomile that can help calm and destress the dogs. It can help your visually impaired dog perform the same activities they did before losing their vision. 

Hiding treats and making them find it is also a good activity that can make your dog’s routine life more interesting and happening.

Experiment with clicker training and shaping as well.

Be patient

While caring for a blind dog will require more time and effort, it will be well worth it in the end.

Your dog’s clumsiness may confuse you at times, but remember that  they are doing  their best. 

Most dogs adjust to their new normal quickly and thrive in a familiar environment. Patience and love go a long way toward making sure they live happily and fulfilled lives, and these special pups are well worth the effort.

Scent and hearing, even when only considering the physical senses, play a larger role in how your pet dog perceives the world. Helping and motivating your dog to use his senses of hearing and smell will allow him to live a normal life.


About the Author: Pet expert Jackie Brown has spent 12 years following her passion for animals as a writer and editor in the pet industry. Her expertise includes dog and cat health, care, nutrition, feeding, grooming, behavior, and training.

Caring for a Blind Dog

Speaking from experience, to first hear that your best friend will soon be totally blind is a bit of a jolt and causes an immense feeling of sadness.  A million questions come to mind.  Will her personality change?  Will she still enjoy her life?  Will she still be happy?

Now that I reflect back on my first conversation with the vet, I find that my concern was almost certainly unnecessary and even more interesting is the realisation that both the vet and I were actually well behind the eight ball on this news.  Lucy, my golden cocker spaniel, had been coping with her loss of sight and still enjoying her life for months without me even knowing it.  There was really no need for me to worry.

Vision loss may be caused from severe corneal disease, cataracts, retinal disorders, glaucoma, nerve damage or injury and is not always related to issues associated with age.

Acute (sudden) blindness may be difficult to pinpoint because dogs are blessed with exceptional hearing and smell which are, to a great extent, able to compensate for loss of vision.  Dogs that lose their vision slowly will memorize their surroundings and it’s often only once their environment changes and they start to bump into things that their owner realises that something is wrong.

Dogs that are losing their sight or are totally blind will occasionally appear clumsy and trip over objects. They may sleep more and perhaps not play the same games as they did.  They may even appear inattentive, no longer following you everywhere.  They may look a little fearful or become easily startled or, as for Lucy, occasionally get themselves lost if they lose their bearings around the home.

Lucy has always been my shadow.   She came to work with me for many years and where I went, she would follow.  And, I have to admit, that if she wasn’t right behind me I would soon go looking for her to make her tag along. For me, life is never as good without my shadow.

So, when the vet told me a few years ago that she had problems with her retina and was already partially blind and would soon be totally blind, I was stunned and saddened.  She was so important to me and the thought of her not being happy and not enjoying her life was heart breaking.  I was, for the first time in my life, lost for words.

At the time, the vet explained that blindness in dogs is not uncommon and that most that are affected by blindness continue to lead contented and enjoyable lives because their other senses simply take over.  They will settle into new routines and in most cases, any difference in them is not even obvious.  Of course, I didn’t believe him!

As soon as I got home, I got on to the internet to find out everything that I could about how to help my little girl. There were some terrific tips which I tried and some worked and some didn’t but now, three years later, I realise that I shouldn’t have worried so much.  Lucy had everything under control and she, in fact, taught me how to get on with life as if nothing had happened.  I had to admit it but I was the old dog that learnt new tricks.

Routines are important for all dogs but for blind dogs, they are essential.

Routines allow dogs to feel confident that although their eyesight is gone, nothing has really changed. Many dog owners aren’t fully aware of all of the routines and habits that are in place, but for me, these became very apparent and very useful.

Keeping a blind dog’s food and water bowls in the same spot and feeding them at the same time as always is essential to their peace of mind.  We keep extra water bowls throughout our home and garden just in case Lucy gets lost around the house while we were out or at night time.  And when I feed Lucy, I talk (and often sing really badly) to her as I carry her bowl to where she is fed. This gets her excited about her dinner and she knows where to head to before I even get there.  Even the cat follows along now which is fun to see.

A “safe spot” gives a blind dog a place to relax and feel safe knowing that they won’t be in the way or tripped over whilst still being close to the family.

When I watch Lucy, she seems to have a few “safe spots”.  It reminds me of when we played Tag as kids and always had a pole or tree that was “baleeze” – the spot where no one could tag us.  Lucy’s bed is her favourite safe spot. I move the bed in to the same spot in the lounge room in the morning and next to my bed in the evening and she always follows, carrying her fluffy toy which she places on to her bed to keep safe.  She obviously knows that no one trips over her when she is on her safe spot but she is still close enough to us to be part of the family.

I have always had a routine with Lucy where I would “hide” a trail of treats around the house when I was leaving. I always thought it turned a negative time for her in to a fun time plus kept her busy for a few minutes while I got out the gate. This routine has become even more useful now that she can’t actually see me leave the house and this is my signal that I am leaving but will be back soon. I imagine that it could cause a dog to fret if they suddenly found themselves in the dark and alone, not knowing whether their owner is coming back.   Signals like this help to settle any fears they might have.  The only change that I have made to my routine with Lucy is that I have switched to treats that are a bit smellier so that she can find them more easily.

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell which is said to be a thousand times more sensitive than humans.  This must be how Lucy manages to find and then steal my husband’s socks or locate bones that she buried a month ago even though she can’t see them.  And in many ways, this is how Lucy finds her way around our home.  Every morning she goes for a wander in the garden sniffing every tree and making sure her bones are still safe where she left them.   She has obviously memorized the garden and the smells of the paths, parked cars and garden beds. To watch her, you would never guess that she is now totally blind.

As we move through a house all of us leave trails of our scent which is how blind dogs manage to find us a few minutes later.  But, they also identify other scents throughout a house that we aren’t even aware of. This can be useful to remember if introducing a new piece of furniture or moving in to a new house with a blind dog.  Self-adhesive foam pads that are available at hardware stores and often used on the bottom of furniture are a terrific way of marking glass doors, corners of hard furniture or steps. Spray them lightly with your favourite perfume (or rub them on your husband’s socks) and place them at “nose” height in the danger spots then walk your dog around the house so that she becomes aware of the perfume and learns to associate it with a piece of furniture or door.

For me, the hardest things about having a blind dog are the occasions when she bangs her head and pulls back in shock.   My heart does a little somersault as I always try to rub the pain away. I feel especially bad if it is caused by me leaving a cupboard door or low level drawer open but I have trained myself to be more careful and have established “safe spots” for Lucy where she can still be around me without ending up with a massive headache.

All dogs love to get out for a walk and just because a dog loses its’ sense of sight doesn’t reduce its’ enthusiasm for a trip to the park. Now, I have to admit that I don’t let Lucy off the lead for a free run and we certainly don’t play fetch any more but I have invested in an extendable lead which gives her a bit of freedom to sniff every single tree in the park whilst feeling safe knowing that I am going to keep her from stumbling over branches and kerbing.  It is quite interesting to watch her lift her feet more than she normally would as she walks on rough ground. She still walks on footpaths in exactly the same way as she did before and I have learnt to pull her up before kerbs or any trip hazards. One of the advantages of her blindness is that she is now oblivious to any other dogs in her vicinity so is easier to control.

We even take Lucy camping with us and she copes very well even though she is in completely unknown environments.  The key is to always have her bed available as her “safe spot” with her water bowl next to it and never let her out without her lead attached.  Of course, we might not play in the same way as before but we still wrestle and she does get excited when we play tug of war with her stuffed toy.  And of course, she doesn’t need her sight to know that we are having a barbecue and that there is a sausage close by!  She is still as playful and fun as she ever was.

Without realizing it, Lucy and I have developed little tricks so that we still interact in much the same way as before.

When giving Lucy a treat I gently tap her on the nose so that she knows where the treat is and doesn’t have to “bite the air” hoping that she finds it.  I touch her back or her head often so that she knows that I am near and when we walk together she stays so close to me that I can feel her fur against my leg. And I always put her in a “safe spot” when I am in different rooms of the house, tell her when I am leaving a room and talk to her constantly as I move around the home.

I am always amazed when I see Lucy barrel down the steps and path out the front of our house always missing the poles and stopping just inches from the next set of steps.  How does she do it? She can’t possibly be counting her steps like humans might.  She has four legs!  Who could count that fast?  And I am amazed when she looks straight in to my eyes just like she used to with that look of love and adoration. How does she even know where my eyes are?  And yet, even though she can do these things, she still manages to stumble over the cat when he is asleep on the carpet.  Perhaps she does this on purpose just for a bit of fun!

Lucy is still my shadow and in many ways, nothing much has changed.  I have always loved my little girl but I do wonder whether our incredible closeness now is due, in some way, to our reliance on each other.   Speaking from experience, I would certainly say without hesitation that caring for a blind dog is both fulfilling and heartwarming and not one to cause any concerns or trepidation.

Written by:
Kath Bafile
Better Pets and Gardens
Marketing Coordinator

How to care for a blind dog – Hidogs.ru

Home Diseases How to care for a blind dog

Blindness occurs in many animals, including dogs. Some dogs are born blind, while others lose their sight over time. But regardless of how and why a dog became blind, such an animal needs special care, which is different from caring for a sighted animal. Knowing how to care for a dog that can’t see can help prevent many misunderstandings, frustrations, and injuries as owners must learn to cater to the special needs of their special pets.

The most important thing is to monitor the health of the pet and prevent it, especially in the summer when heat stroke in dogs is possible.

Causes of blindness in dogs

Blindness in dogs is congenital and acquired .

Congenital blindness can be due to missing eyes (anophthalmia), small eyes (microphthalmia) and other causes.

Acquired loss of vision can occur due to injury, age or various diseases.

  • Cataract. This is a clouding that occurs on the inside of the eye, which is called the lens. Cataracts are common in older animals, but can also develop due to diabetes. In some dogs, this disease is congenital, in some it develops during adolescence.
  • Glaucoma. Occurs when intraocular pressure increases. If the pressure remains too high for a long time, it can damage the optic nerve inside the eye and cause blindness.
  • Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome is a rather rare disease that deteriorates the condition of the retina inside the eye. The disease leads to blindness. Experts do not know why the animal develops this disease.
  • Progressive retinal atrophy is a disease in which cones and rods die inside the retina of the eye. Because of this, the dog loses its sight. The disease is hereditary and can have two forms: one of them is manifested in puppies, the second – in older animals.
  • Retinal detachment. It may start for various reasons. If the detachment occurs inside the eye, it leads to loss of vision.
  • Corneal ulcers. Happens quite often in dogs. If this disease is left untreated, treated incorrectly, or slipshod, it can lead to blindness. Loss of vision can occur due to damage to the cornea or if the eye ruptures due to a deep ulcer.
  • Blindness can be caused by various mechanical damage to the eyes.
  • Diseases of the nervous system can cause blindness (eg meningitis). That is, the animal may lose sight due to disturbances in the functioning of some parts of the brain.

Training a blind dog

In principle, a blind dog can lead a normal life. But teaching such animals basic commands requires a different approach compared to sighted pets.

It is easier for a dog born blind to adapt and learn to lead a normal life than for an animal that initially saw the world and lost its sight over time.

When working with a blind pet, learning commands and tricks with him, avoid gestures. Instead, use verbal cues, a clicker, and tasty treats. Enter warning words that can prevent unpleasant situations. For example, teach your pets the word “attention”, which will be able to stop the animal before it crashes into an obstacle. And teach your four-legged friend to walk on command “next” – so you will be sure of the safety of his surroundings.

Do not rearrange the furniture at home, do not change the environment familiar to a blind dog. A blind animal remembers the layout of its home and this helps it avoid collision with interior items.

Use bells – hang them on the collars of other pets and on people (on a bracelet, on a belt, on shoes). This will allow the blind pet to understand where other members of the pack are at this time.

Feed a blind animal in the same place. Do not move the water bowl. In this case, the blind pet will know exactly where to go if he wants to drink or eat.

To make it easier for a blind dog to understand where he is in the house, use different textures. Carpeting in one place and tiles in another demarcate space for a special pet and allow you to better navigate the environment.

Think of a sighted friend for your blind dog. Some blind dogs feel much better when they have a sighted dog around them who has become a guide for his special companion.

And remember! If you suspect that your pet is ill, call your veterinarian without delay. For questions related to the health of your dog, always consult with a professional. Your doctor knows your animal’s health history and will be able to give the best recommendations for its well-being.


Source: thesprucepets.com
Author: Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, LVT

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    Blindness occurs in many animals, including dogs. Some puppies are born blind, while others go blind as they grow up. But regardless of when blindness sets in, blind pets require special care that is different from that of sighted dogs.

    Regardless of where your blind dog came from – you picked one or she became blind from eye diseases, care for her will be about the same.

    Knowing how to care for a blind animal can help prevent many problems and injuries, so owners should be aware of the special needs of their blind pet.

    01. Causes of Blindness in Dogs

    While in some dogs blindness is congenital due to missing eyes (anophthalmia), small eyes (microphthalmia) or other developmental problems in the womb, in other pets the loss of vision may be associated with age-related problems or trauma.

    • Cataracts: The inside of the lens of the eye may become cloudy, leading to cataracts. White spots are common in older dogs, but can also develop in younger dogs due to diabetes. Some dogs are born with visual impairment or blurring develops during adolescence
    • Glaucoma: Glaucoma occurs when the normal pressure in the eye increases. If this pressure remains too high for a long period of time, it can damage the optic nerve inside the eye and lead to blindness.
    • Sudden Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS): This rare condition can cause sudden blindness due to damage to the retina inside the eye. Nobody knows what causes SARDS.
    • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Dogs with PRA lose their sight as a result of bilateral retinal degeneration. This is a hereditary disease that has two forms: one form appears in puppies and the other does not appear until the dog is older.
    • Retinal Detachment: This can happen in dogs for a variety of reasons, but if the retina detaches inside the eye, the pet will lose sight.
    • Corneal ulcers: Ulcers are very common in dogs, but if left untreated or do not heal properly, they can cause blindness. Blindness can occur because the cornea is damaged or because the ulcer is so deep that it causes the eye to rupture.
    • Trauma: Proptosis, punctures and other eye injuries can cause blindness.
    • Nervous System Diseases: If a dog has problems in certain areas of the brain, meningitis or other nervous system diseases can develop, which can also lead to blindness.

    02. Blind Dog Training

    In general, blind dogs can lead quite normal lives, but learning basic commands requires different methods than those normally used to train sighted animals. A dog born blind will have an easier time learning and adjusting than a pet that has been sighted, it may take him longer.

    • Avoid Hand Gestures: Instead of gestures, use verbal cues, tasty treats and clicker training to teach tricks and commands to a blind dog. Warn your dog when he is in danger of colliding with something or someone. Hints will help your pet feel safe and give him a sense of confidence in his surroundings.
    • Don’t rearrange furniture: Moving furniture makes it difficult for a blind dog to explore its surroundings. A blind animal often remembers the layout of the house and can avoid collision with furniture if it is not rearranged.
    • Use bells: Putting bells on the collars of other pets, jingling bracelets, loops or laces helps a blind dog know where you and other animals in the house are.
    • Feed in the same place: avoid moving food and water containers so that a blind dog knows exactly where to go if he is hungry or thirsty. If you put these dishes in the same place every day, it will be easier for a blind pet to navigate.
    • Use textures: different surface textures can help a blind dog know where he is in the house. Carpeting or rugs in one room feel different than tiles in another, and this can help a blind animal learn more easily.
    • Get a sighted friend for your blind dog: Some blind pets do well when they have a sighted guide dog. If your blind pet has a friend whom he already knows and trusts, this will help the adaptation of the blind animal. Some friendly dogs may also be willing to welcome a new friend into the home for this purpose.

    How to take care of a blind dog?

    Posted on by Alena Gerasimova (Dalles)

    Blindness is a condition that occurs in dogs of all ages. There are many reasons why blindness occurs. Among them are age-related changes. Some dogs are born completely blind, while others develop partial vision loss over time.

    Caring for a blind dog requires patience from dedicated owners, and one must be ready to help the animal.

    Contents:

    How can you tell if a dog is blind?

    In some cases it is obvious that the dog is blind or has poor eyesight. The pet crashes into walls and other objects. It is difficult for the animal to see toys or a bowl of food.

    When the light is on, a dog with poor eyesight changes behavior and moves unsteadily. With complete or partial loss of vision, a four-legged friend usually lowers his muzzle lower to the ground.

    Blind dogs with poor eyesight are often reluctant to jump from heights. Often the pet is vulnerable and shows signs of fear or even aggression to protect itself. The dog refuses active games and offering toys, shuns other dogs.

    In other cases, especially when blindness develops gradually, dogs learn and adapt to the loss of vision. Therefore, blindness in some dogs is not noticeable until vision is reduced to a minimum.

    It is important to take your dog to the veterinarian regularly for regular health checks to detect small changes in the pet’s eyes.

    Causes of blindness in dogs

    Blindness in dogs is associated with many diseases and pathologies.

    There are several diseases that cause blindness in dogs:

    • Cataract. Causes gradual loss of vision as clouding develops in the lens of the eye. Sometimes a veterinary ophthalmologist removes the disease surgically.
    • Glaucoma. Painful increase in pressure in one or both eyes. With glaucoma, treatment is ineffective, and the eye is removed surgically.
    • Sudden retinal degeneration syndrome. Is a rare disease in dogs that causes sudden blindness.
    • Progressive retinal atrophy. A hereditary disease that causes retinal degeneration and gradual loss of vision. Unfortunately, there is no known cure.
    • Retinal detachment. Most commonly occurs as a result of fluid accumulation between the retina and choroid. Sometimes laser therapy and surgical treatment are required, but in some the disease is not treatable.
    • Corneal ulcers . Develop after damage to the upper epithelial layer. Left untreated, the affected eye develops vision loss or blindness.
    • Anophthalmia. A congenital disorder in which dogs are born without eyes.
    • Microphthalmia. A disease in which a dog is born with small, underdeveloped eyes, resulting in impaired or no vision.
    • Brain tumor. Affects the optic nerve and impairs vision.
    • Macular degeneration. Is a common cause of gradual loss of vision in aging dogs.

    Living with a blind dog

    Dogs with gradual visual loss usually adapt to their environment over time, often without much input from the owner.

    Many owners do not even notice that their pets are going blind. Whether your dog is suffering from acute blindness or a gradual loss of vision, steps must be taken to ensure that the adjustment period is as smooth as possible.

    Home Safety

    • Check your home and yard for hazards. Remove all sharp, brittle and dangerous objects that the dog will encounter.
    • Keep food and water bowls in one place to help your dog navigate the rest of the house.
    • Avoid moving furniture or placing new items near aisles.
    • Place rugs of various textures in front of steps, bowls, and other obstacles to alert your dog.
    • Remove heavy vases, flower pots, electrical wiring from the floor.
    • Keep stairs and other danger areas closed.

    Command knowledge

    Take walks in familiar places whenever possible. Stick to straight pavements and trails without rugged terrain.

    Don’t let your dog run too far on walks. Walk on a long leash and use a specific signal to stop or keep moving.

    Walk slowly in unfamiliar places, especially if there are steps up or down. The “wait” command can be very useful if the dog is approaching an obstacle. Also, consider teaching your pet commands like “step forward” and “step down”.

    Such an animal must not be left alone on the street or in an environment unfamiliar to the pet.

    Constant monitoring

    • Do not allow your dog to scratch his eyes, this will cause injury or infection.
    • It is advisable that owners of other animals know that you have a blind dog and show increased attention and caution. Consider teaching your dog the phrase “say hello” so that the pet knows that a person is approaching.
    • Before going out, put on a collar with contact phone numbers on the animal. Some owners prefer to have their dogs wear a harness or collar that says “blind dog”.

Best dog for protecting family: Which Are Top Guard Dogs?

Опубликовано: October 21, 2022 в 10:20 pm

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Категории: Dog

Which Are Top Guard Dogs?

Dogs perform a wide variety of services for their humans.

Some perform amazing feats of agility to entertain us, while others assist handicapped people, help those who struggle with anxiety and depression, or offer support to children with special needs.

Others use their incredible sense of smell to find hidden items or monitor blood sugar levels!

But the ones that we’re talking about today hold a special place in my heart – today, we are going to talk about guard dogs.

These dogs have an unrivaled love for their humans, and they are willing to do just about anything to keep their people and home safe.

7 Best Guard Dog Breeds: Top Dogs For Protection

Even dogs of unknown ancestry may perform admirably in a protective context, but if you want a dog that will instinctually protect your family, you should consider the following breeds at the outset. They’ve proven over time that they’re willing and able to guard that which you hold dear.

It’s worth pointing out that the first three breeds on our list – German shepherds, Rottweilers and Doberman pinchers — probably combine to represent the bulk of the guard dog niche.

This is not exactly surprising; after all, these breeds are the 2nd, 9th and 14th most popular in US homes. Additionally, they all three exhibit the traits you’d want in a good guard dog.

There is no guarantee that any dog will act in a protective manner unless he or she has been explicitly and professionally trained to do so. While the following breeds typically exhibit the traits that are important for a good guard dog, wise owners will obtain professional evaluation and counsel before relying on their dog for protection of any sort.

1. Rottweiler

Originally developed to herd cattle and accompany soldiers into battle, Rottweilers check off every box on the guard dog checklist: They are one of the most intelligent breeds in the world, they love their families in a way that is truly difficult to convey and they are ready to face down any threat – be it a bear, nefarious human or vacuum cleaner – without a moment’s hesitation. And most are ready to back up their bluster if need be.

Rotties are not ideal for inexperienced dog owners, as they require a calm, confident “alpha.” While intellectually independent, they’re emotionally dependent and quite sensitive to their owner’s emotions. Rotties require very high levels of both attention and exercise, so they are not well suited for spending lots of time alone.

Rottweilers are on the shorter side by guard dog standards, but their physical power is both impressive and immediately obvious.

2. German Shepherd

German shepherds have been used by military and police organizations for decades. They exemplify most of the traits found in good guard dogs, as they’re intelligent, loving and brave.

Shepherds are also physically imposing, despite their modest body weight (relatively few shepherds exceed 100 pounds).

In part, this is due to their long, fluffy coat, which exaggerates their size, but they also have very broad, deep chests and a set of ears large enough to pick up basic cable.

German shepherds, like most other affectionate, sensitive breeds, require plenty of time with and attention from their people, otherwise they can develop behavioral problems. You’ll also have to spend a lot of time grooming your shepherd and cleaning up the ridiculous amounts of hair they shed.

3. Doberman Pinscher

Originally bred to accompany tax collectors, Dobermans excel in most protection-oriented applications. Dobermans are very loving, sensitive dogs, who also possess the bravery, size and imposing appearance to make them one of the very best guard dogs available.

Dobermans are in the same size class with Rotties and shepherds, but they make the most of their size with their tall build and pointed ears. Dobermans are a bit lighter on their feet than these other breeds, and they probably require a little more space and exercise too.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Dobermans – like shepherds and Rotties – are sensitive, loving, loyal, intelligent and brave dogs who are instinctively compelled to protect their homes and families.

4. Bull Mastiffs

Photo from Flickr user Maja Dumat.

Originally conceived to deter poachers, bull mastiffs have provided protective services to their humans since their inception.

Bull mastiffs exhibit most of the same traits the “big 3” do: They’re loving, affectionate and unquestionably protective. However, they aren’t as clingy as these other breeds often are, and they require less exercise too.

Bull mastiffs are very large, powerful dogs, who often exceed 110 pounds in weight. Given the combination of their size and independent nature, they are a poor choice for first-time owners. Additionally, while these are perfectly lovable, handsome dogs, they tend to drool a lot and produce copious quantities of gas, which slightly offsets their otherwise-significant appeal.

5. Giant Schnauzer

Giant schnauzers are sensitive, but lack the intensity of some of the other good guarding breeds. These dogs are affectionate and loving with their families, needing plenty of attention from their humans to remain happy.

Giant Schnauzers are proud, territorial dogs, whose size helps make up for their refined appearance. They are actually quite powerful dogs, capable of effectively defending their family.

Schnauzers are somewhat mischievous and very intelligent, so while they can be a joy for experienced dog owners, they are not ideal for beginners.

6. Great Pyrenees

While they are not a prototypical breed for personal or family protection, Great Pyrenees are well-suited for a number of protective contexts. They were developed to protect livestock from coyotes and wolves, and nearly everything about their personality and appearance points to this history.

Great Pyrenees are independent, loyal and brave dogs, with an apparent size that will intimidate just about anything short of a polar bear. They’re loving and gentle with their flock (be it comprised of humans or sheep), but their aloof nature can make them challenging for first-time dog owners.

Great Pyrenees may not have the sensitivity and need for human interaction that some other dogs do, but they are generally sweet and loving, if somewhat aloof.

7. Great Dane

Great Danes are massive, sensitive and gentle beasts, who bond strongly with their humans.

They are not especially territorial, defensive or protective, but they are ready to act in order to protect the safety of their family. While most are “only” in the 100- to 150-pound range, exceptionally large Danes reach 200 pounds.

While loving and reasonably well-suited for guard work, Great Danes are not a good choice for beginners, given their combination of size and intelligence. However, for those with the time, love and experience necessary, Great Danes are remarkable dogs, who provide protection via their appearance alone.

8. Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is likely the favorite breed of professional protection dog trainers, and they’re likely the most common breed working for police and military units in the US.

Belgian Malinois superficially resemble small German shepherds, but these dogs have even more intensity and energy than their more common counterparts do. But while this makes them very well-suited for full-time work, it can make them a bit of a handful for typical families.

These are not great dogs for couch potatoes, nor are they suitable for families who spend lots of time away from the home.

But when matched with a good owner or family, Belgian Malinois make loving, loyal and capable companions. And because they rarely exceed 80 pounds or so in weight, they’re a bit easier to house and feed than some of the other breeds commonly used for guarding work.

9. Dutch Shepherd

Dutch shepherds have a lot in common with their Belgian and German cousins, but they’re often regarded as being easier to train. They’re a bit rare by shepherd standards, which is a shame, as they often suffer from fewer health-related problems than the others.

Standing around 2 feet high at the shoulder and reaching only 75 pounds or so, Dutch shepherds are smaller than most German shepherds. But while they may be a bit on the small side, they have all of the intelligence, strength, and courage needed for guard-dog or protection work. They’re also well-suited for working in a variety of climates.

Dutch shepherds can be a bit suspicious of strangers, so early training and socialization are imperative for owners. Fortunately, most Dutch shepherds take well to training and enjoy practicing with their owner.

10. Cane Corso

Although their owners typically know just how sweet and lovable Cane Corsos are, few people would care to stand toe-to-toe with one of these giant canines. These dogs have an incredibly intimidating appearance, and they exude a calm confidence that is impressive to behold.

Cane Corsos are big dogs, who typically weigh around 100 pounds or so, but some reach even larger sizes. They also stand up to 27 inches at the shoulder and have large, impressive heads, which combine to dissuade many would-be threats based on appearance alone.

Cane Corsos are not a good choice for novice owners or families who lack the time to provide as much exercise as these energetic dogs need. And unlike some other large breeds who can adapt to apartment life, Cane Corsos need a big home and fenced yard.

11. American Bulldog

The American Bulldog is a sensitive and affectionate breed who is typically fiercely protective of his family.

Originally developed to help control cattle, these dogs are as brave as they are energetic, and they really require a regular job (even if it is simply patrolling the neighborhood with you on your daily jog) to remain happy and well behaved.

American bulldogs vary quite a bit – they come in several different “styles” and combinations thereof, and they vary greatly in size. Small individuals hover around the 50-pound mark, but big boys and girls may exceed 120 pounds. Most are around 2 feet tall, but some stand 28 inches at the shoulder.

American bulldogs are not the most intelligent breed in the world, but they are usually pretty easy to train. They do need a ton of stimulation and training, so they aren’t a good choice for owners who don’t want to dedicate plenty of time and attention to their pup.

12. Boxer

If you’ve ever seen a happy boxer greeting friends and family, it’s hard to imagine that such a pile of wiggly joy could be an effective guard dog. However, that is exactly what these dogs were originally bred to do.

Boxers are a bit on the small side by guard-dog standards, as few weigh more than 75 pounds or so. However, their impressive physiques and energy levels help to make them quite intimidating when they deem such a posture necessary. They’re also smart, easy to train and loyal, so they really are well-suited for guard dog work.

Boxers have a well-deserved reputation for being fantastic with children, and many families find that they make great pets – whether they’re expected to guard the home and family or simply provide love and companionship.

13. Bouvier des Flanders

The one-of-a-kind-looking Bouvier des Flanders was originally developed as a herding dog, but they make fantastic watch dogs too. Covered in a fluffy, wiry coat and more facial hair than a lumberjack, the Bouvier des Flanders is also blessed with a thick, muscular build that helps them back down would-be foes.

Often considered one of the finest working breeds in the world, these dogs need an experienced owner with a strong, yet loving and fair, approach. They excel at just about every task you could want, and they’re just as comfortable in the show ring as they are working livestock in the fields.

The Bouvier des Flanders is a very loving family dog, who is generally very gentle with children. However, they are a bit suspicious of strangers and require early socialization and obedience training.

14. Beauceron

A guarding and herding breed originating in France, the Beauceron is an 80- to 100-pound dog who looks a bit like a three-way cross between a lab, Doberman, and Rottweiler. Like these breeds, the Beauceron is intelligent, affectionate and loyal, although they keep strangers at a greater distance than most labs do.

But while these dogs have plenty of great traits, they’re notable for being quite stubborn. This, combined with their inexhaustible energy reservoirs, can make them difficult to train – particularly for novice dog owners. Beaucerons also have strong prey drives, so caution is warranted around smaller pets.

Most Beaucerons will make fantastic watchdogs without much training at all, but they’ll require a patient and dedicated owner if they’re expected to perform higher levels of guarding or protection work.

As mentioned before, these are not the only breeds that can excel in a protective context. There are plenty of mixed-breed dogs who perform well in these contexts, as well as other pure-bred dogs, whose individual personality lends themselves to these kinds of tasks.

As always, dogs are individuals, who exhibit varying aptitudes and abilities.

Do You Really Need a Guard Dog? Or Will Any Dog Do?

A dog that is intentionally bred and trained for protection is quite different from your average family dog.

A reliable, trustworthy dog trained in protection requires a very experience and skilled trainer.

It’s essential you do plenty of due diligence if you’re planning on purchasing a dog trained in protection, as there are plenty of amateurs out there who will say their dogs are “trained in protection” simply to ask for a higher price.

Poorly trained or poorly bred protection dogs are incredibly dangerous. A large dog who has been encouraged to bite without proper guidance or training is huge liability.

The truth is that the vast majority of owners probably don’t need or want a dog that’s truly trained in protection. If you’re just looking for a theft deterrent, nearly any dog will do.

For example, most dogs – whether 5-pound Chihuahua or 150-pound mastiff – will bark when a stranger knocks on the door. And this is likely more than enough to frighten off opportunistic criminals or teenagers who are up to no good.

If you’re looking for something a bit more intimidating, any of the dog breeds listed above will deter a determined criminal with malicious intent – even if they aren’t a trained protection dog.

Guard Dog vs. Watch Dog: What’s the Difference?

Just for quick reference, here are some of the leading terms used to describe dogs involved in different types of guarding or protection work.

Note that the breed is not what distinguishes the label applied to the dog – the training regimen provided to the dog is the important thing.

  • Watch dogs keep an eye out and bark when strangers approach or anything unusual happens – it’ll be your job to deal with the problem. Many dogs naturally behave this way, so advanced training is rarely necessary for these pups. And because they aren’t expected to get physical with a perceived threat, they needn’t be large. Chihuahuas, for example, can often make great watchdogs.
  • Guard dogs also keep an eye out for danger, but they’re ready to get physical and defend their home or family from threats. Typically, this means they’ll start by barking at the perceived threat, but they will bite if necessary. Guard dogs must, therefore, receive specific training to excel in such roles. Guard dogs are typically expected to guard a confined area, such as your home.
  • Sentry dogs are akin to guard dogs, except that they’re also trained to patrol a given area, such as a large yard or property. Because they’ll be required to work with less human direction, such dogs must be very confident, self-reliant and intelligent.
  • Personal protection dogs are like guard dogs who are tasked with protecting a moving target – typically a person or family. These dogs must receive a ton of specialized training, as they’ll need to learn to distinguish between friends and foes and work safely in crowded situations. Most dogs that excel in this role bond very strongly with their people.
  • Attack dogs are typically only used by police or military outfits. They are not only trained to perform all of the skills the previously mentioned dogs are, they receive additional training to unleash their potential as an offensive weapon too. Such dogs can be extremely dangerous in improper hands.

While most dogs can provide watchdog-like protective services that involve alerting you to intruders, only a handful are reliably willing to provide more advanced levels of protection that involve biting or attacking a stranger.

Guard Dogs and Families: Are They Safe to Mix Together?

It is always important to deliberately consider the implications of adding any dog to your life, but would-be owners that have families must consider these issues even more carefully. This is especially true of those seeking large breeds, such as those often used as guard dogs.

Large dogs of any type can easily injure small children — even perfectly playful pups can inadvertently hurt kids while goofing around. Dogs that are deliberately bred to be as robust, as most good guarding breeds are, can be even more capable of inadvertently hurting your youngin’s.

However, while it is important that you ensure any dog you introduce to your family is provided with plenty of love, affection, proper training and socialization, most guard dog breeds are naturally loyal and loving with their families. 

Despite assigning your guard dog the job of protecting your home, balanced dogs from properly selected bloodlines are likely to become beloved family members, who treat your children with kid gloves.

Just be sure that you teach your children the proper ways of interacting with the dog (no teasing, no rough-housing), and that you supervise all interactions until you are convinced that all of the kids – both two-legged and four – know the rules for playing nicely.

Qualities to Look for in a Good Guard Dog

It’s important to understand that the breeds listed above typically make good guard dogs because they exhibit the traits you’d expect from a dog tasked with watching over their humans.

Some of the most important qualities a good guard dog can possess include:

  • Intelligence – Good guard dogs must be obedient and respond to at least the most basic of commands, such as sit, lay down, stay and heel. Additionally, canine intelligence helps your dog distinguish between threatening and merely unusual stimuli.
  • Loyalty – To ensure that your guard dog won’t turn into a welcome committee, you’ll need him to be exceptionally loyal. His allegiance to your family must be clear.
  • Courage – Your dog must be brave enough to face any danger that presents itself. Consider that your garden variety criminal is probably about twice the size of even a 100-pound Doberman or shepherd – only a brave dog will be willing to stand up to such threats.
  • Territorial Instincts – Dogs that strongly identify with their home and are willing to guard it from intruders are obviously better suited for guard work than those who do not mind trespassers.
  • Affectionate Nature – All good guard dogs are fearless in the face of danger, but the best guard dogs melt into a wiggly pile of face-licking love when they are with their humans or trusted friends. You want a dog that loves when it is time to love, and protects when it’s time to protect.

Most Popular Guard Dogs in Various U.S. States

To the best of our knowledge, there isn’t any hard data available regarding which guard dog breeds are most common in different states. However, Your Local Security has tried to provide some information about this question by utilizing Google search trends data for each state (just click that link to learn more about their methodology).

Check out the results of their analysis in the infographic below!

FAQ About Protection Dogs

What is the #1 guard dog in the world?

There is no hard data available, but the Belgian Malinois is generally the most popular guard and protection dog in the world.

Will my dog protect me from an intruder?

Most dogs will cause some kind of commotion if an intruder breaks in, with plenty of barking and possibly some growling. However, not all dogs will get physical. Most family dogs have not been bred to react with physical violence to fear, as that can make them more difficult to manage around humans.

Which dogs make the worst guard dogs?

Generally, dogs that are known for being especially friendly, like Labrador Retriever, Golden Retrievers, and King Charles Cavalier Spaniels, make the worst guard dogs.

***

Do you rely on a dog to help protect your family? My Rottie seems to fit the bill and then some, but I’d love to hear how your Dobbie, shepherd or magnificent mutt helps keep you safe. Share your stories with us in the comments below.

7 Best Guard Dogs for Personal Protection

These 7 breeds are some of the best guard dogs you’ll find

By

BethAnn Mayer

Most dogs are loyal and loving animals. That’s why we know them as humans’ best friends. They’d do anything for us.

Contents

  • What is the most protective breed of dog? 
  • What breed makes the best guard dog for a family?
  • What are some other protective dog breeds I should know about?

For some dogs, “anything” means protecting us with their lives. Some of these breeds make for the best guard dogs. For many of them, it’s instinctual. They’ve evolved to protect the family they love. You’ll notice these pups keeping a watchful eye on your property. They may bark to alert you when your company arrives or the mail gets delivered.

Remember, these animals mean well. They aren’t trying to be vicious but instead want to keep you and your home safe and sound. Some prospective pet parents want this quality in a dog. If that’s you, consider these breeds that make the best guard dogs.

What is the most protective breed of dog? 

There’s no conclusive list of most protective dog breeds in ranked order. However, Akitas are famously protective of their families and very loyal. The American Kennel Club (AKC) says Akitas are “highly vigilant,” meaning they are excellent watchdogs who are protective in nature. They’re a bit reserved with strangers, too. You’ll want to be patient with an Akita when introducing them to someone new — their wariness is partially because they want to make sure the person is good to you.

What breed makes the best guard dog for a family?

There’s no definitive list to help us answer this question, either, but German shepherd dogs (GSDs) make some of the best guard dogs for families. These big pups can grow up to 26 inches tall and weigh up to 90 lbs. Yet, somehow, they manage to have even bigger hearts. German shepherds are usually highly affectionate with their family, and they’re also typically great with little kids.

German shepherds are vigilant and protective dogs. They’re courageous animals who will stop at nothing to defend you. GSDs are trainable and adaptable, though. Pet parents can teach them the difference between “threat” and “friendly stranger.” GSDs have even shown courage and a willingness to protect others as members of the U.S. military.

What are some other protective dog breeds I should know about?

Akitas and German shepherds make some of the best guard dogs, but other breeds are also very watchful and protective.

Rottweilers

Rottweilers are known for being very protective of their loved ones and vigilant. That said, these dogs, which can weigh up to 135 pounds, have also gotten a reputation for being imposing and aggressive. Experts say they are playful, loving family dogs if trained properly, which can be true of any pup. The good news: Rotties are so eager to please that they are generally one of the easier breeds to train.

Boxer

Boxers are naturally very protective and relish their roles as the family watchdog. These pups aren’t serious all the time, though. They’re very loving towards their family, young children included. They love to play. Though Boxers are pretty vigilant, they’re also open to strangers. They’ll warm up to your guests fairly quickly, so it’s one less issue to worry about when you are hosting.

Cane Corso

The name Cane Corso comes from the Latin for “bodyguard dog,” and these muscular and alert pups live up to their name. They are intensely loyal to their forever family. These dogs also look every bit the part of a guard dog. They have a muscular stature and weigh more than 100 pounds as adults. That said, Cane Corsos are also playful and affectionate animals. With patience and early training, they’ll learn to use their loyalty for good.

Bullmastiff

Another large breed, bullmastiffs, are natural protectors with plenty of physical strength. At 27 inches tall, these pets look intimidating, and they’re generally fearless. They’re also incredibly loving towards their family and eager to please. Bullmastiffs take well to training, which is a good characteristic. Training and socializing them young can help them accept new people and pets more easily and adapt to different situations without getting defensive.

Doberman pinscher

These brave dogs are alert and loyal, making them ideal watchdogs. Their protectiveness stems from a deep love for their families. Doberman pinschers are extremely affectionate towards their family and great with young children. They’re even open to strangers. Training and socializing them at an early age can harness their guard-dog tendencies.

There’s a difference between protectiveness and aggression. Barking or acting socially — not physically — standoffish with strangers is natural for some dogs. However, dogs who growl, snap, or lunge at another person or pet may have aggression issues. Some dogs have protective aggression, which happens when they think a loved one is in danger. Though the dog means well, it can be a problem if the animal hurts another person or animal. If you notice aggressive behavior in your pet, speak with a vet. They can give you advice and refer you to a qualified behavioral specialist who can help you work through these issues with your pet.

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The Most Protective Dog Breeds

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It’s easy to get overwhelmed by watching the daily news. Carjacking, robbery, burglaries, and kidnappings seem to top the rotation of hourly news stories. It’s no wonder that more people are turning to one of the best protection devices and bodyguards there is. Do you want something to keep you safe at night, during the day, when you travel, and when you’re home? Then you, too, might want to purchase a dog for protection. If you’re looking into the best protection dogs for your family, we suggest looking into a dog from one of the breeds below.

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois are brilliant dogs, highly capable, and love to work. They can be trained to do nearly anything and are the up and coming favorites for trained executive protection dogs. These dogs are fiercely loyal to their pack – your family – and will defend you at all costs. Belgian Malinois are highly adaptable to your needs and can mingle with other dogs, pets (including cats!), adults, and children. They also travel well, making them the ideal protection dog to take with you on the road whether you’re on vacation or just traveling for business.

German Shepherds

German Shepherds are classically known for their roles in classic western movies – and for a good reason! These loyal and protective dogs love to work, defend their families, and please their owners. They are intelligent and affectionate around adults and children, alike, but will stand up to threats from strangers. German Shepherds are commonly used by the police force as executive protection dogs and perform tasks such as bomb and drug detection. These lively dogs love to work and need plenty of physical exercise, making them an excellent dog for families who love to get outside and go on adventures.

Rottweilers

Rotties are wonderfully loving and attentive to their families, while simultaneously wary of strangers and people they haven’t met. These dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for aggression, but this can be a benefit if you’re looking for a protection dog. One look at your family pet and attackers will think twice about messing with you. Rottweilers need to be trained and handled by dog owners who know how to work with this breed, but if done right, they can be an excellent addition to a family.

Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature. They are natural guard dogs who will defend their pack and act aggressive or attack if needed. Dobermans are loving and gentle toward their families and love playtime. They need plenty of space to run around and enjoy accompanying their families on trips to the park or vacations. These are wonderful and versatile dogs who are known to defend their families at all costs, taking down threats, and being gentle around babies all at the same time. If you’re interested in a Doberman, it’s essential to learn about the lineage of your dog and ensure yours hasn’t been bred from fighter lines.

Bullmastiff

Bullmastiffs are known for their intense protection instincts, physical strength, and unending family loyalty. These dogs will love your family, other pets, and small children. They enjoy playtime and are incredibly docile when enjoying time with their “pack.” If their family is threatened by an attacker, intruder, or stranger to appears unsafe, Bullmastiffs will stand up for its pack and defend you at all costs. Not known for biting or displaying extreme aggressive behavior, they will easily knock over an intruder or block their movements due to their ferocity and size.

Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzer’s earned their name due to their miniature pony-like sizing. They are extremely intelligent, powerful, and fiercely loyal dogs. Schnauzers do need plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation, so they’re best suited for a home with large backyards or families who love going to the dog park. These loving dogs are gentle enough for small children to ride on their backs, but fierce enough intruders will be warned off at first sight. They will protect you at all costs, making them a perfect family guard dog.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

This breed has historically been used for hunting lions and large animals, so they have an incredibly strong prey drive. While loving and gentle around family, they won’t hesitate to confront an intruder who approaches your home. They are highly intelligent and enjoy having a role in your family. These dogs need plenty of exercise and especially enjoy homes with plenty of ground to protect. They can be socialized to be around large families, children, and other pets, making them an excellent all-around dog.

Cane Corso

Cane Corsos are intelligent, trainable, and confidents protectors. The history of Corso’s go back to Ancient Roman Times which the breed name translates to “bodyguard dog” in Latin. An adult, fully grown Cane Corso will weigh in above 100 pounds. Their intense stature is the first line of defense. They are eager to please and loyal yet intensely assertive and could end up owning an unwitting owner. Cane Corso’s need socialiation, training, and an owner ready for a professional bodyguard.  

Which Breed is Your Favorite?

The cost of a protection dog scares most people away, but they are loving, intelligent, and capable companions who will defend your children and your home. They will protect you at all costs and can be versatile enough to travel with you on vacation and business. With some extra training, you can even own one of the world’s elite executive protection dogs. Now that you know a little more about the most protective dog breeds, which one will you choose?

Written by Guest Writer Adrian Brito. 

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What breed of dog to choose for the protection of the house?

Guard is a real profession for a four-legged friend, and not every dog ​​can cope with it. Most often, representatives of service breeds are taken to the role of defender. Security is in their blood. The best qualities of character have been fixed by breeders at the genetic level for years.

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@lil.tom
Maincoon, Moscow
I am a new family member and my new friend Sharik didn’t want to be friends with me. 😿 Fortunately, the hostess quickly noticed the problem and bought us insurance. Now we go to couples consultations with our zoopsychologist. World. Friendship. Gum.

@barney_goodboy
Dobermann, Saratov
I accidentally ate my owner’s sock and my stomach hurt. 💩🤢😭 The day was ruined. It’s good that my insurance covers the consultation and treatment at the clinic. Mood and family budget did not suffer!

@mini_ralf
Labrador, Tula
I’m still just a puppy, and big dogs constantly bully me in the yard. I return home beaten and bitten 🤕. But I do not lose heart, because in any incomprehensible situation my online veterinarian helps me 💫🩺

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Take care of your pet’s health

  1. German Shepherd
    Active, cheerful and devoted to the whole family, the German Shepherd can confidently carry the title of the best home guard dog. She is smart, disciplined, calm, but at the same time energetic and playful. The advantages of this breed are valued all over the world: shepherd dogs serve in the army and the police, they search for people, help herd livestock and protect classified objects.

  2. Alabai
    Another ideal dog for a private home is the Alabai. This strong and powerful dog will become an excellent watchman and true friend to the whole family. When purchasing an Alabai, keep in mind that it recognizes only respect and partnership. In no case should you scream and use physical force in the process of raising him, this can ruin his character, and then serious difficulties may arise with the dog.

  3. Giant Schnauzer
    Shaggy nanny – so one could call a Giant Schnauzer. This is an amazing dog breed that combines protective qualities and incredible friendliness, especially towards children. He is ready to spend hours fiddling with them and playing, patiently enduring whatever the kids want. At the same time, the Giant Schnauzer is an excellent watchman and defender who will not offend any member of the family.

  4. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
    The intelligent Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a worthy candidate for the role of a family guard. Representatives of this breed, as a rule, have a strong character, so the upbringing of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog should be carried out under the supervision of professionals. The Caucasian Shepherd is prone to dominance, and the task of the owner is to show the dog who is the leader. But, as soon as the dog understands this, you will get the most loyal and devoted protector.

  5. Cane Corso
    Powerful and calm Cane Corso are also excellent defenders and are well suited for guarding a private home. They do not tend to show aggression for no reason, get along well with other animals and are very devoted to all family members. Cane Corso show special love for children.

  6. Moscow watchdog
    As the name of the breed suggests, the Moscow Watchdog is a service dog that specializes in guarding. Representatives of this breed have a strong character, a balanced psyche and are not inclined to show aggression for no reason. An interesting fact: the Moscow watchdog does not choose a single owner, it is equally devoted to all family members.

  7. Dobermann
    Another contender for the role of watchman, guard and protector is the Doberman. Fearless, energetic and active dog is ready to stand for his master to the last. True, you will have to try to show the dog who is in charge here. Without proper education, the Doberman becomes uncontrollable. Therefore, if you are a beginner breeder or you do not have a similar experience in training animals, it is better to contact a specialist.

These are the best dogs for protecting a private home, but there are other breeds that are also suitable for protecting family and property. Most importantly, remember that the best service dog is a well-mannered and trained pet that will protect its family from uninvited guests. It doesn’t really matter what breed he is. To make the watchman happy, take care of the conditions of his detention. Not all dogs can live in an outdoor enclosure, especially during the cold season. Many can only spend the winter at home, in warmth. This should not be forgotten when choosing a pet.

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The best breed of dogs for a private house and protection

Mi vpevnenі, є speech vіchnі, like friendship between a man and a dog. Over 16,000 years, from the moment of taming tsі chotirilapі win the role of not only companions, helpers, but also defenders. Even though after an hour the remaining function has become not so relevant, the prote will be deprived of the requested one. Who, if not a true friend, saves you from the sight of unfortunate guests, like to become a threat to you and your lane? It seems that, behind the legend, the geese vryatuly Rome, but we are told that there were dogs (taking to the respect the Romans’ orders before them, for addition). Obviously, a dog, whether it be a breed, can become an arrogant guardian, even if it is a tribute to one’s loving master, is characteristic of the rice of all dogs. However, representatives of the singing porod for a century became famous for their zahisnymi and sentry zdіbnosti. Do not call on them would be stupid. On the basis of this criterion, we have formulated for you an expert rating of the best breeds of dogs to protect a private house, it is clear to the death of tails, but I entrusted you with your chotirilapim zahisnik, you felt safe.

❕ Usi in the rating of the breed of dogs is nonsense for siM’i, Zokrema, for Khokhovny Vikhovanni Tnfarini ❕

Great Dogs for Okhotnoni Budinka

Caucasus, Caucasus

The same you can’t help guessing the booth. Specially bred for the protection of cattle and budinkiv in wild huts, in the house caused by instinct to defend the damp territory, natural distrust to strangers and other creatures, with a dazzling outward look and rozmіrom vikoristovuvalis navit for polyuvannya on vedmedіv!) tsya breed of dogs really dodzhe vіddana to its master, behaving kindly, madly, coping with its tasks. In the list of dozens of the best guard dogs in the world, broken up by the American Electronic Security Company, the Caucasian vivcharka proudly sits for 1 month. Representatives of the tsієї nature mayut vperty, independent character, which complicates their training, it is not for the sake of newcomers to become masters of Caucasian vіvcharok. Prote for diligent training and socialization of dogs to become invisible members of the motherland, on which you can swear if you wish.

Turkmena Alabai, Abo Serednoiazka vivcarka

Bezrashni (Naviga in front of the Great Hizhaaks), Vitrivali, Prazelubni, Non -Love, Rosumni, with the natural tie -rustic – all about the representation of the thoroughly Alabay, the Robraits of the Blacks. The peculiarity of these dogs is those that are active outside the yards, as well as in the occupied area – to calm and quiet. Alabai are loving and tied to the family, and they can also be gracious, to work as miraculous companions for the smallest members of the homeland. Representatives of this breed get along with other domestic creatures (and cats). Alabai are shaken by the guard dogs of the great rozmir tim, which, in spite of their similarity to the polar bear and wolf at once, fall easily, like to cats. Like Caucasian vivcharok, these dogs, it is easy to train them through their character, the stench will require an informed master. But wait a minute, without these special features, Alabai would not be so unique;)

Rottweiler

Bronze medalist in the list we have already made of American electronic security company. Why? Nasampered, rich evil-mongers lakaє zvnіshnіshnіshnіshnіshnіshnіshnіshnіshі vglyad representativesіv ієї spawn, scho scho vіdіvіdі frightful reputation. Even more pack, even the Rottweilers look superbly ugly, even before they show their work! Take a bite of that energy struggle at times of threat, that you can pardon the damage about these dogs, like not safe ones, the stench is really good-natured, more importantly calm, navit deshcho striman. Because of their temperament, there is no need to be nervous. Rottweilers are characterized by hearing, self-indulgence, good-naturedness, stubbornness and habit, good defense instinct, which may cause aggressiveness, as it may manifest itself under an hour of insecurity. Dogs tsієї give birth to your own sim’s, as if it’s right to vihovuvat them, for which these dogs should be valued and loved.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Looking for a calm and wise dog for a private booth, and what’s more, who doesn’t threaten you? Pokirny, but with willpower? Reasonable and faithful? Rhodesian Ridgeback – the one you need. Ancestors of these dogs vikoristovuvalsya pіd polyuvannya levіv (that hour tsikh dogs are called “left dogs”), wild boar and vedmedіv – hardly any zahisnik can be chimos zlyakat. The wild nature of Pivdenny Africa is definitely not a paradise. To the unknown, as a rule, the stench is streaming, trembling aside, and not showing aggression like rubbish. Dogs are attached with all their souls to their families, including children. They also love those who they trust. Rhodesian Ridgebacks require a lot of activities and physical adventures, so a private booth in the wetlands is the best day for them.

Dogs for a private house of medium size

German vivcharka

A breed of super-intelligent dogs, bagatma bred. Ї Representatives of an irreplaceable character, supervisory nude health, and a vision of the same Poris, I, іnstinka of the Zakhist Teritori (prepare to have a sort of sort of lands, has not been bounced up to vice. Їhnyu reputation, zokrema, litter and in the ten best guard dogs in the world – 2nd month. Rich and good German vivcharki – those who you can rely on. One of the main rices, for yaku to love this breed, is hearing, it is easy to train these dogs. The very zavdyaks of such characteristics of the German vivcharka often play the role of not only watchdogs, but also service dogs (poshuk, cordon, sappers, mitniki, rozvіduvachi-ryatuvalniks, too). Lagidna vdacha tsієї bred to rob dogs with miraculous companions, especially for children, and їhnya brilliance to the point of spontaneity – therapeutic. Nameless dogs! How can you not adore them?

Dobermann

Fast and furious…Ni, we are not talking about the usual series of action films we see. Superb serenity, athleticism, energy and fearlessness, like a hoot and bewitch, call out the association with Dobermans in quiet, who even know a little bit of them. Aby pіdtremuvati ts_ characteristics on the flat level, such dogs need a lot of space and training. That’s why you have an active way of life, sufficient free time and a strong character (such a vihovanets will require authority), you are friends with a Doberman. Dogs tsієї spawn more tied to their own sim’ї, to that protect її to the rest. It’s unlikely that one would dare to stand up to the creature, with such a dazzling look. Dobermans, yak stereotyped as aggressive, evil, really lower and loving dogs, who do not forget about their function of protection, are quiet, whom they trust. Hiba not darlings?

Malinois, or Belgian vіvcharka

Shepherd’s trips of both German and Belgian vivdogs to kill them one by one, especially the name, which often causes straying in those who do not know dogs in detail. Among the typical characteristic rices of both breeds – vpevnіnіst, vіrnіst sіm’ї, vigilance, vіdchuzhenіst vіd neznayomtsіv. What does it look like malinois from German vivdogs? Drinking, drunken, energetic, with a swedish reaction, strong and muscular little malinois with a powerful link with their master, they are worthy of the mustache, which is necessary for the defending dogs, for which they are rewarded. Pragnennya to serve people is clearly seen by these dogs. Aggressiveness and suppression during the day in chotiripapih tsієї breed. Chuynіst, zhittєradisnіst, empathy to shy away їh vіrnimi friends for the little ones, whom you already love. Give special respect, that the Belgian vivcharkas need a lot of activities and respect, otherwise the stench will not waste their form, but become unhappy.

Small dogs to protect a private house the most popular breeds of dogs in Ukraine for the last few years. Appealing to tsієї spawn zovsіm is not daremna: smart, zhittєradisnі, lyublyachі, vіddanі, nevgamovnі, even energetic and active. Tse chotirilapі, yakі love rich rich, stribati and gratisya, which is entirely logical, even if the breed is wise. Jack Russell Terriers – even know that recognition, which is also caused by their adventures. If the dog is to voice its voice, then it’s not safe to bark at times, and even threaten to show aggression. You definitely won’t see your ruler on the sweat! If you yourself want to bark a little rosemary, then you may have a great fearless heart and a powerful willpower. To the character and temperament of such a dog, we need to cook! Navit for the confirmed master, the dog tsієї breed can become a reference weekly.

Are you ready for the new one?

Dachshund or daxgund

The first attack is often tempting. And in vipadku dachshunds are not rare. Miles and sweats, at first glance, a taxi with a chewing gum may be chiming, for example, barking like a great dog that loves the stench. Shock? That’s not all! An independent and something stuck in character, molded by the ancestors of the fates, is not seen among the representatives of this breed. Tsі nevtomnі, pilnі, razumnі і horobrі pіsіki, prіs small rozmіr, well protect their lords that їkhnu territory. Call taxis are strongly attached to their uninterrupted masters, and they can make them defiantly jealous of their marriage, but it’s not exactly;) Dachshund is a lover, which makes you smile a smile, and that will make your day shorter.

Beagle

Appearing, enchanting cute beagle, like they stole the hearts of the rich, – bad guard dogs for the house! Zdivovyi? Mi tezh! A warm scent (there are approximately 220 million odor receptors in a population of about 5 million in humans!), a strong instinct of stiffness and a twinkling bark of a long-standing breed help to successfully cope with the role of a protector. Even if the dogs are not aggressive, they are unlikely to pounce on an impenetrable guard through their friendliness (at the time of the living room, which often receives guests, you can be good), just tell your master about the unfortunate visit. Zavdyaki good-natured, cheerful, unturbulent character, as well as comradeship with the unreplaceable members of the motherland, like getting along well like a hell of a people, so are creatures. For dopitlivіst, greylivіst and lagіdnіst їh especially fond of children. Have you already become a victim of these cute dogs?

You know, picking up is not easy. Ale z GoodZoo, this process is significantly accepted 🐾!

Read also: The best breeds of dogs for children Be the first and put your rating on the product.

15 best dog breeds for protection – K-News

A dog is not just a cute and fluffy pet that brightens the atmosphere of the house. A dog of the right breed can also be a valuable member of the family, protecting your property from those who want to harm it. Naturally, not every dog ​​can become a guard dog, which is why this guide exists. Best protection dogs write about it.

This guide covers everything you need to know when buying a guard dog:

  • Do you need a guard dog?
  • Qualities required for a guard dog
  • The best dog breeds for protection
  • Breeds to avoid

From them you will find out if you need a guard dog, what qualities it needs, which breeds are excellent protectors and which are not. We can’t dive deep into every breed we’ve mentioned below, so we’ve included links to resources that provide more information.

So let’s get started.

DO YOU NEED A GUARD DOG?

Before we start looking at breeds, we need to ask ourselves the question – do you need a guard dog? Dogs serve a variety of roles in our society, from escorting the blind, helping injured victims, and even catching criminals along with the police.

Guard dog is a special type of dog. It is defined as “a dog trained to defend a place”, but this means that it must play an active role in defending, attacking and repelling any threats that may arise in relation to your private property. A dog that barks whenever someone is at the door can hardly be called a guard dog yet. The difference is that a guard dog is a dog that is ready to defend the house if an intruder breaks into the house.

GUARD DOG VS GUARD DOG

Guard dogs are commonly confused with guard dogs, which serve a similar but different purpose. Now that we know where we are, let’s go through the often confusing terms and define what each of them means.

We have already looked at what guard dogs are – they act as danger watchers, warning of danger with their barks and noises, but they can also protect themselves and their family in the event of a threat.

On the other hand, guard dogs do only half of what a real guard dog does. Watchdogs wait for trouble and when it does, they bark to let their owners know something is wrong. Most dogs act like watchdogs anyway, so it doesn’t matter how small they are.

The Chihuahua can be a watchdog, he even does a pretty good job of it because of his tendency to yelp at anyone who comes to the door and their massive ears that ensure they hear any dangerous noises. Sure, they often write checks that their bodies can’t cash, but that’s why they’re watchdogs and not watchdogs.

There are also guard dogs, personal protection dogs and hunting dogs. Guard dogs are guard dogs that are also trained to patrol an area to protect large areas. Dogs for personal protection are equivalent to bodyguards, designed to protect a person while on the move.

Finally, fighting dogs are dogs trained by the police or the military, both now and throughout history, to pursue and destroy criminals or enemy opposition. They use all the skills of a guard dog, but in attack rather than defense.

GUARD DOGS AND FAMILIES

All this talk about guard dogs and what is expected of them can be very troubling. If a dog breed is naturally violent and trained to protect the home, how do they fit in with families? This is the most important aspect of a good guard dog breed. A strong guard dog that can attack its owner family is worse than not having a guard dog at all.

However, the right breed with the right training will be just as loyal to your family as any other puppy, if not more so. The same temperament that makes protective dog breeds ideal as guard dogs also contribute to their deep love and devotion to their families. Just take a look at this list. As we get deeper into this guide, you’ll notice that many of these breeds also make our list of great guard dog breeds.

It is also true that the individual dog is important. You can read about temperaments and pedigrees all you want, but the fact is that individual dogs, if properly trained, are unlikely to pose a threat to their family.

70% of all dog bites occur because the dog has not been neutered. Another unfortunate statistic from this collection is that dogs were 2. 8 times more likely to bite when they were chained or otherwise, which is not how you feel about a valuable member of your family.

Just in case, you can teach young children the correct behavior when dealing with guard dogs. The most important thing is to stop teasing or being rude. Some dogs understand this, some do not, but no one should take risks with their pet. Once both the children and the dog have learned the rules of interaction, guard dogs can learn to handle children with what are known as children’s gloves.

QUALITIES REQUIRED FOR A GUARD DOG

So, what qualities should a guard dog have? There are five of them – intelligence, loyalty, courage, territorial instinct and affectionate character. A good guard dog has all five, so they can be even-tempered pets, able to love yet know when to knock their teeth out.

Let’s look at these five qualities in more detail.

INTELLIGENCE

It’s nice to have an intelligent dog, by which we mean a dog that can understand and respond to the orders you teach it. A dog that knows when to sit, stand, back off is all well and good, but a guard dog needs to be especially smart to understand the situation. If the average dog misunderstands the signals, the worst thing that can happen is that he won’t give you the paw. If the guard dog misunderstands the situation, he may bare his teeth when there is no reason to.

An intelligent guard dog is in tune with its surroundings and is able to discern people’s motives by their actions. Due to context clues and their master’s behavior, they will not trigger false alarms and treat non-threats with kindness or simply ignore them, even if they unknowingly act like a threat.

LOYALTY

Again, this is what comes naturally to dogs. They are known throughout the world as dedicated people. Stories about dogs such as Greyfriars Bobby or Hachiko spread all over the world, where two dogs patiently waited for their owners, who would never return, on for many years . And yes, they were the inspiration for that Emmy-nominated Futurama scene.

While Hachiko was an Akita, a loyal breed discussed below, Bobby was a tiny Skye Terrier who was still loyal to the end despite his small size. Such admirable devotion to their owners should be in every guard dog. This not only keeps them in line, but gives them the morale to risk themselves for their master should the threat ever rear its ugly head.

COURAGE

This brings us to the next quality, courage. While some dogs may have a lot of barking, they may have few bites. Consider the Chihuahua example, they bark a lot and can be great tiny watchdogs, but they are useless in a fight and probably won’t even try to stop an intruder because they are smart. This is why the size of the dog is also important, because it gives him the confidence that he can withstand threats.

Even so, most intruders will be taller than the largest guard dog, which is very impressive. This means that large guard dogs must be brave enough to attack serious human threats when necessary.

TERRITORIAL INSTINCT

What makes a guard dog defend his home is his attachment to the area. Territorial behavior is well documented in all animal species, but some dog breeds are more prone to it than others. There is no use in having a guard dog if it does not respond to intruders in your home.

ATTENTIVE NATURE

Last but not least, a good guard dog knows when to give up the defensive act. It is unethical to keep a dog only as a weapon against hypothetical dangers. Guard dogs are house dogs like any other breed, and as such, they must be capable of showing affection to their owners and the family that adopts them.

BEST DOG BREEDS FOR PROTECTION

Now that we’ve covered what guard dogs are and what traits are best, it’s time to start looking into breeds. There are many different breeds in the dog family, some of which are predisposed to guard duty.

The following is a list of fifteen dog breeds that can make effective guard dogs. They are all large enough to be physically imposing, but their temperaments can vary.

No wonder we have Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers. They are common, encompassing all five of the best qualities of a guard dog and, as a result, are overwhelmingly used as guard dogs around the world.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that no dog is a true guard dog until it has been trained. Each breed listed below needs to be trained to do two things:

  1. Ignore other dogs or play nice with them instead of becoming cold.
  1. Constantly remind him of his role as a guard dog, even if he is already showing watchdog behavior due to his breed.

There is no guarantee that any dog ​​will act as a guard dog if not properly trained, so formal training is the surest and safest way to turn your pet into a guard dog.

So, let’s take a look at the best guard dog breeds.

ROTTWEILER

Rottweilers are the dogs most people think of when they hear the phrase “guard dog” and for good reason. This is because they have guarded people and their property since the day the breed was created, originally bred by the Romans to tow wagons, herd sheep, and even accompany soldiers in battle.

They are also quite intelligent and love their families very much, perhaps even too much loving. Though fearless and intelligent, Rottweilers are emotionally attached to their owners. So what’s the flip side? Well, they become sensitive to the owner’s emotions, so an inexperienced owner can unwittingly convey negative emotions to the dog. They also badly need your company and exercise to keep them fit, so definitely not a breed you should leave alone for long periods of time.

GERMAN SHEPHERD

The German Shepherd is a common sight in police and military forces around the world. This is because they exhibit many of the best qualities you want in a guard dog, including amazing intelligence that allows them to be trained to recognize and sniff out objects for safety reasons.

For a larger and more physically imposing dog, they are not as heavy, rarely exceeding 100 pounds, and therefore not prone to the physical problems that come with heavier dogs. Like great guard dogs, they have large pointed ears that are great for listening to their environment and finding threats.

DOBERMANN PINSCHER

Like Rottweilers, Dobermans were originally bred for protection. The German tax collector Carl Friedrich Louis Dobermann owned a dog punch and specially bred a Doberman to accompany him on his travels. It is widely believed that German Shepherds and Rottweilers were used in the breeding process to create the Doberman.

The fact that they were bred for strength, intelligence and endurance makes them the ideal guard dogs in today’s world. They are taller than most Rottweilers and German Shepherds, making them a formidable travel companion, but it also means they require more exercise and living space.

Like the other guard dogs mentioned, their heightened intelligence also makes them sensitive to their owner’s emotions. While this makes them love their family, it also means they are prone to misbehaving if the owner doesn’t give them much attention.

BULLMASTIFF

The Bullmastiff, created by breeding Bulldogs and Mastiffs together, was bred in England in the 1800s. They were used to guard the estate, in particular to drive off poachers who hunted illegally on the land. Their history of protection does not end there, as they were also imported into South Africa to guard the diamond mines.

They are known for their large build and flat muzzle, and their weight usually exceeds 110 pounds, making them the heaviest breed mentioned so far. Unlike the first three guard dog breeds we have already talked about; Bullmastiffs don’t cling so emotionally to their owners. They are also built to carry weight, so they don’t need much exercise to keep them in fighting shape.

We wouldn’t recommend them for the beginner because although they are not clingy, it shows in independence that needs to be tamed and controlled so that the dog does not act up. They drool a lot too!

Giant Schnauzer

While the more popular Miniature Schnauzers do not make good guard dogs, their larger cousins, the Giant Schnauzers, make good guard dogs. They were bred for livestock and included Great Dane genes to give them an imposing size. From there they were imported into urban areas to guard shops, and when the World Wars broke out, they were used as war dogs and exported all over the world.

Unlike the breeds we have already mentioned, the Giant Schnauzer has a thick coat that acts as a natural armor against small animals and bad weather. It is also often emphasized that this breed is smarter than most other breeds. Naturally, this means that it will be difficult for beginners to keep the dog in line.

AKITA

This Japanese breed is known for its large size, long lifespan and unforgiving attractiveness. There is also the American Akita, which is considered a separate breed with many similarities. Japanese Akitas were used to hunt elk, wild boars and even brown bears in the mountainous regions of Japan, and they even accompanied the samurai on their travels. This is a hardy breed that came close to extinction twice during the World Wars but survived. The history of Hachiko helped the Japanese Akita gain worldwide fame.

They are known for their relatively quiet demeanor. They are said to only bark when there is a good reason to do so, which is why they are called the Silent Hunters. That doesn’t mean they can’t have fun, often engaging in silly games when surrounded by those they love and trust. They need to be taught from an early age to play well with other dogs.

GREAT PYRENEES

Next comes another mountain dog, the Great Pyrenees. As you would expect from the name, this is the mountain range of the Pyrenees between France and Spain, and they have long been used in both the Pyrenees and the Alps to scare away high altitude predators such as wolves and bears. They have many names, but in America they are called the Great Pyrenees, which were exported to the US and used on farmland to protect herds of cattle.

They will need to be trained as guard dogs. They have a loyal and brave nature and they have the size to scare people away, but they also have independence and aloofness. This aloofness also means that they do not require much maintenance compared to the emotional needs of other guard dog breeds.

GREAT GREAT

Great Danes have a worldwide reputation for being the tallest dogs in the world. Like the three main guard dog breeds we mentioned, they also originate from Germany, where they have been used as hunting dogs since the Middle Ages. Even though this breed easily reaches 150-200 pounds, they don’t have much of a protective demeanor. In the untrained state, the Great Dane often turns out to be a soft giant, so training is definitely required so that he can operate on the defensive.

Of course, one look at them is enough to keep most rooms safe. Everyone recognizes a Great Dane when they see him, and the very possibility of running into his “bad side” is a deterrent. They are known to bond strongly with their owner, which also means that they need more care and attention to keep them calm and balanced.

BELGIAN MALINOIS

The Belgian Malinois, or Belgian Shepherd, is another police and military breed that is often mistaken for German Shepherds. They are very similar to German Shepherds, although they are usually stockier and have a shaggy coat. They have a history of protection, especially in the US, and are known more as working dogs than as pets.

This is because their energy surpasses even most German Shepherds, so the average family can go out of their way to tame this breed and keep it under control. They need to be trained regularly to stay calm and follow commands.

KOMONDOR

Komondors are Hungarian shepherd dogs known for their shaggy coat, which is often compared to a mop or dreadlocks. Beneath their thick white coat is a large and strong working dog that has been used for centuries to guard livestock. They may be too careful with those they love, so socialization training will be needed from an early age.

CANE CORSO

The Cane Corso is an Italian form of mastiff that has been used for protection and guarding since they existed, as have many in the mastiff family. They typically weigh 100 pounds, which is the optimum for many guard dog breeds, and they carry that weight with the calm and detached nature of dogs such as Bullmastiffs. These mastiffs’ signature large, fat head is also sure to scare off intruders at first sight.

Cane Corso owners should have a fenced yard in which the dog can roam, as they are more energetic than other mastiff breeds. For this reason, owners must be experienced in caring for guard dogs and have enough time to train them.

AMERICAN BULLDOG

American Bulldogs are descended from bulldogs used for cattle walking and bull baiting, and are a larger variety that has spread throughout the southern United States due to their ability to prey on feral pigs, pests, who still haunt the nation. They have been bred and trained to handle other animals larger than themselves, which requires the courage and tenacity that makes a good guard dog.

They are workaholics, so they always have something to do so they don’t get nervous, even if it’s a daily walk around the yard. You can get American Bulldogs in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but a consistent feature of the breed is that they are easy to train.

BOXER

Boxer dogs are known for their loose jaws and saliva. They are part of the Mastiff family, but were also bred using the Old English Bulldog, so they share a common ancestor with the American Bulldog.

For use as guard dogs they are rather small compared to other breeds here, but they have a history of protecting people and the land. They make up for this by being blobs of energy, making them fast and strong, and harder to hold onto for would-be intruders. They are also easy to train and have a reputation for being smart with children, but the dog and child still need to be trained to behave properly with each other.

RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK

Another breed of guard dog that made its way to South Africa due to its effectiveness as a hunter is the Rhodesian Ridgeback. It has been used as a hunting dog to track down large game in Africa and has even killed baboons. They were even used to catch lions, they distracted by attacking the “king of the beasts” and retreating to occupy predators while their hunter owners were preparing a deadly shot.

With such impressive craftsmanship, it’s no wonder modern Rhodesian Ridgebacks are used for safety. They have a natural inclination to protect their family and their territory. It is also the only breed here where guard dog training can be overused, as this may encourage them to become is too protective. However, basic obedience and socialization training is always necessary.

BAUCERON

Finally, we have Beauceron. If they look familiar, it’s because they were used to breed Dobermans. They are essentially the French cousins ​​of Dobermans and Rottweilers from Germany, although they have a milder appearance than Labradors. They weigh between 80 and 100 pounds, depending on the dog, and they are aloof or uninterested in strangers, preferring to keep their distance. Because of this, they are great as watchdogs, but they will need extra training to interact with intruders.

They are known for being stubborn, which is not good for a dog you want to turn into a guard dog. They also have a strong hunting urge, making them unsuitable for accommodation with smaller animals.

BREEDS TO AVOID

There are many breeds to avoid when choosing a guard dog. You should already know that Chihuahuas and Poodles won’t make the best house protectors, so instead let’s focus on the common dog breeds that are big enough to be guard dogs but not suitable due to their temperament.

LABRADOR RETRIEVER

Labradors are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Why? Because they are one of the friendliest! They also have high intelligence, which makes them very easy to train, to the point where disabled people get this loyal breed to help them with daily tasks. This makes Labradors an excellent guide dog rather than a guard dog. Because of their playful temperament, which makes them friendly and helpful, they are unlikely to defend your home unless the dog is personally threatened.

GOLDEN RETRIEVER

Similarly, Golden Retrievers are not suitable for duty as guard dogs. Although they have a more cheerful background than Labradors and have been used for hunting in the past, they are also too outgoing. They are used as guides and as search and rescue dogs and are also known for their energy. A golden retriever would rather splash around in puddles and roll in muddy holes than vigilantly guard a house.

IRISH SETTERS

Irish Setters have hunting experience, but not the kind that makes them ideal guard dogs. This is a sea dog, a breed that was used to hunt poultry after they were shot by a hunter. Golden Retrievers have been used for this too, but Irish Setters have a more distinguished past when it comes to playing with dead birds.

They have a willingness to cooperate, which motivates them to help most of the people they encounter. However, they will attempt to prey on small animals, so they should not be kept with other pets.

BASSET HOUNDS

Beagles can have a long history as sniffers and attack dogs…basset hounds? There aren’t many of them. Basset Hounds were originally bred to hunt hares, but have since become known for being lazy in the modern home. They are prone to joint problems, usually due to being overweight, and they are too friendly to become aggressive at the sight of most intruders.

SUMMARY

By now you should have some idea of ​​what breeds make a good guard dog. We have not only described traits to look out for, but we have also provided fifteen examples and four examples of what breeds you should avoid.

Cutest cheapest dogs: Cheap Dogs: Top 10 Budget-Friendly Pooches

Опубликовано: September 26, 2022 в 11:12 am

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Категории: Dog

15 Cheapest Dog Breeds in the World — Adorable, Budget-Friendly Pups

The cheapest dog breeds happen to be some of the cutest pups around. Which will you bring home?

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The price of puppy love

The most expensive dogs can fetch thousands of dollars, a major bummer for anyone whose wallet is looking a little lean. If that sounds like you, we’ve got some good news: Not all purebred dogs are pricey. The sweet pups on our list will generally cost you less from a breeder, and you can save even more by adopting from shelters or breed-specific programs such as the National Greyhound Adoption Program. That’s why we’ve crowned them the cheapest dog breeds around.

Of course, the actual cost of owning a dog—an estimated $8,000 to $11,500 annually—goes beyond the initial purchase. There are the inevitable expenses of food, vet care, chew toys, and possibly grooming, training, daycare, pet sitting, and dog walking. What is the cheapest dog? Well, costs vary, but there are some points to consider: Big dogs have big appetites, so they cost a lot to feed. Long-haired dogs might need to be groomed more often. And certain breeds are predisposed to health conditions that up the necessity (and cost) of vet care.

The pooches that made our list are considered the cheapest dog breeds around because their monthly expenses are lower. The low-maintenance dog breeds that made the cut include everything from toy dog breeds to medium dog breeds. But let’s get one thing clear: “Cheap” merely defines the price tag. These popular dog breeds are hardly stingy with their love and affection.

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1. Chihuahua

These tiny dogs measure only six to nine inches tall and weigh between three and six pounds, but that means they (and other small pups) are among the longest-living dog breeds, often living up to 16 years. Nearly two decades of snuggles and companionship sounds wonderful—and pricey. But the Chihuahua is actually one of the cheapest dog breeds you can buy.

These pint-size pooches are overall healthy, which means you won’t be paying high veterinarian fees for years to come. And they don’t require a ton of trips to the groomer. You can choose the no-fuss short-hair variety, but even the fluffier long-haired Chihuahua only requires weekly brushing to keep its diva status in check. Need another reason to take this breed home? Chihuahuas are known for their high energy levels and watchfulness, dutifully alerting their owners when something or someone captures their attention.

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2. Manchester terrier

In the 19th century, this teensy pup was bred for the sport of rat killing and rabbit coursing. While the Manchester terrier maintains its hunter instincts and may still chase small animals, it’s basically just curious. The breed is famous for being gentle and über-affectionate with family, but timid with strangers.

With its smooth and sleek coat, you won’t shell out money for grooming, and its small size means you don’t have to buy gigantic bags of dog food. But you might want to pocket that savings for future veterinary care. Manchester terriers are often affected by juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy, a potentially deadly heart disease. Genetic testing is available to determine if your dog has it or is a carrier.

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3. Beagle

These perpetually cheerful and affordable pups come in two different sizes: One variety stands just under 13 inches and weighs in at 20 pounds. The other is between 13 and 15 inches tall and up to 30 pounds. Beagles were bred to hunt in packs and therefore prefer to hang out with other pets and people rather than to be left alone. They’re all about having fun and are exceptional playmates for the kiddos.

Like most short-haired dogs, beagles are low-budget when it comes to grooming costs. They get by with a weekly brushing and occasional bath. But you’ll want to check those velvety, floppy ears often and learn to clean them when necessary.

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4. German wirehaired pointer

If you love the outdoors and are looking for a dog that can adapt to various weather conditions, the German wirehaired pointer could be your new hiking buddy. This breed craves daily vigorous exercise, and its coat is weather resistant and virtually water repellent, making it not only an inexpensive pet but also a workout partner that won’t balk at bad weather.

As far as grooming goes, the cheapest dog breeds often just need a good brushing a couple of times a week. That’s the case for German wirehaired pointers, though you’ll need to give yours an occasional bath too. You probably won’t need to fork over cash for dog trainers, as this is one of the smartest dog breeds and remarkably eager to learn. That’s a good thing because a 70-pound unruly dog would be hard to handle.

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5. Dalmatian

Did you know Dalmatians are born entirely white? They get their trademark spots when they’re about two weeks old. Another interesting fact: The Dalmatian was built for running. As one of the fastest dog breeds, it can sprint at upwards of 37 miles per hour. They’re not running away from humans though. They are “Velcro” dogs and thrive on human companionship, though with their rambunctious energy level, they may not be suitable for families with younger children.

As far as health, they tend to be prone to urine stones, but the condition is managed by feeding them low-purine dog food. Their short and glossy coat doesn’t require clippings (hello, money savings), but they do shed a lot, so frequent brushing is a must to keep the fur from flying.

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6.

Border collie

One of the most intelligent and adorable black-and-white dog breeds, these pooches were known as sheepdogs until 1915, when the breed standard was established and dubbed the border collie. The name refers to the breed’s origin on farms that sat on the border of England and Scotland. Full of energy, agility, and stamina, the breed’s herding skills are quite remarkable; some border collies can control sheep simply by  staring at the animals. This low-cost, medium-sized breed is hardy and healthy, with loads of energy and a sharp mind; be prepared to offer your pup plenty of stimulation in the way of puzzle toys, frequent long walks, and plenty of room to run.

volofin/Getty Images

7. Schipperke

When word got around in the mid-1800s that Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium had a cute black dog breed, everyone wanted one of their own. After all, who can resist an adorable dog that looks like a black fox? Schipperkes’ confident and curious nature implores them to explore, so it’s essential to nail down basic obedience commands, such as “come,” early on to keep them in your sights. Yet even with their independent streaks and mischievous stunts, they are over-the-top affectionate with their full-grown humans.

Historically, they were vermin hunters, so they have a high prey drive toward small animals (or small humans who tease or play rough with them), so birds, hamsters, and reptiles may not be good roommates. What lands them among the cheapest dog breeds? They’re small, so they eat less food; their coat only needs weekly brushing, not frequent trips to the groomers; and they’re generally healthy.

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8. Pug

It’s cuteness overload with this flat-faced dog. Though we would pay top dollar for those smushed faces and adorable wrinkles, pugs are an affordable dog breed. In fact, the pug motto is “multum in parvo,” meaning a lot in a little. They were once bred and owned as prized possessions of Chinese emperors, passing the day entertaining their humans with feisty and comedic antics and reserving time for their other role: cuddly lap dogs.

While they can be a little stubborn and headstrong at times, pugs generally love to please their owners and are easy to care for. Still, those sweet little wrinkles need regular cleaning and drying to prevent skin infections, but you don’t need to pay a groomer to do this task. Before you buy, know that pugs, like other flat-faced dogs, can experience breathing problems and don’t do as well in hot and humid climates.

Purple Collar Pet Photography/Getty Images

9. Pembroke Welsh corgi

Queen Elizabeth‘s affinity for corgis is easy to understand. They’re a charming, super affectionate, and calm dog breed. The palace corgis may have an easy time of it, but their ancestors worked hard herding cattle for farmers in South Wales (despite their adorable short legs). The Pembroke Welsh corgi is quick on its feet and a fast thinker; if it’s not in the field working, it’ll need daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep its heart happy.

Typically a healthy breed, some corgis can pack on extra pounds. Overweight dogs are at a higher risk for developing diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, arthritis, and other health issues, so make sure yours gets the right food and plenty of exercise. It’ll save you money on vet bills. No fancy fur cuts are needed, but daily brushing is essential because corgis shed a fair amount.

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10. Dachshund

Instantly recognizable and perennially topping the popular dog breed list, this charming long-nosed dog breed comes in two sizes: The miniature weighs 11 pounds or less, and the standard tops out at around 35 pounds. They can sport smooth, wiry, or long-haired coats. The smooth coat is “wash and wear,” while wirehaired and long-haired coats are easy to maintain with regular brushing and occasional eyebrow and beard trims.

Regardless of which variety you choose, these iconic German dogs are famous for being bold, curious, tenacious, and a wee bit saucy. Nevertheless, they are devoted lap dogs, fun companions, and some of the cheapest dog breeds for their size. Due to their long backs, dachshunds are prone to disk problems, so a home with stairs wouldn’t be an ideal fit for this breed.

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11. Greyhound

If you’re looking for a large dog breed that is low-maintenance and gentle, this could be the perfect low-cost breed for you, especially if you adopt a former racing greyhound. You might be surprised to learn that these lightning-fast sprinters are remarkably chill and notably graceful indoors, making them great dogs for apartment living. And at around 65 pounds and 30 inches tall, that’s a plus. They don’t require long exercise sessions. Still, it’s essential to let greyhounds stretch their legs and run a bit.

And if those qualities weren’t impressive enough, they’re also one of the dog breeds that don’t bark much. They have a low-maintenance coat and overall healthy bill of health. However, most deep-chested breeds like the greyhound are susceptible to bloat, an enlargement of the stomach, so pet parents should ask their vet about the symptoms and stay watchful.

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12. American foxhound

If you think the American foxhound looks a lot like a beagle, you’re right. This rare dog breed regularly confuses dog lovers. These good-natured pups are sweet-tempered and get along famously with children. They have a strong penchant for howling and baying, which your children may love to mimic along with them, but your neighbors probably won’t enjoy the daily concerts. For that reason, the American foxhound might prefer a zip code in the country.

Plus, they need a solid hour or two of exercise or they’ll get bored or depressed, then destructive. Oddly enough, once inside, they’re down to hang with the family—including other furry dog and cat siblings. Typically healthy with an easy-to-care-for coat, this hound is one of the least expensive dog breeds to own.

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13. English setter

At first glance, these irresistible floppy-eared dogs don’t seem low-budget. Their show-stopping long and silky coat looks pretty high maintenance. Amazingly, visits to the groomer aren’t necessary—unless you don’t brush your pup weekly. (Those flowy locks can get mangled and painful if you don’t stay on top of them.) That said, if you’re not keen on trimming the fur around the face and feet or bathing your dog at home, you’ll have to pay a groomer for that every six weeks or so.

English setters tend to be healthy, so they shouldn’t rack up vet bills. Pet parents should know they are eager eaters and can become overweight, leading to unnecessary and costly health issues. So monitor your pooch to keep it healthy. As far as companionship, this is an intensely loyal and devoted dog breed that will never leave your side.

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14.

Miniature pinscher

Are you smitten with dogs with pointy ears? This tiny pup may seem like a pint-size version of a Doberman pinscher, but the mini pinscher would quickly point out that it’s not a miniature Doberman. They are their own breed, thank you very much. Now that that’s cleared up, let’s talk about the perks of having one of the spunkiest and cheapest dog breeds.

This spirited extrovert is cocky, comedic, and always in motion. It is content to be indoors and has a keen interest in toys. They’re healthy, hardy dogs, and there’s no need to worry about grooming because they’re naturally clean and have a short coat. As with all dogs, nail trimming is necessary. Buy safe and comfortable dog clippers and start working with your dog at an early age so it can get used to the process.

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15. Rat terrier

President Theodore Roosevelt hunted with these dogs, but they’re better known for the work they did in the White House. Legend has it, these tenacious terriers got rid of the rat problem at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Some say Roosevelt himself dubbed these presidential dogs rat terriers because of it.

You might not be looking for a rat exterminator, but you’ll find a low-budget furry friend with this breed. They are typically healthy, clever, and quick to pick up basic obedience and fun tricks, so no need to drop cash on obedience school. Plus, you’ll save money by brushing their fur at home. What you’ll love most about your pup is its desire to be a full-fledged family member. Rat terriers love children and have the enthusiasm and energy to match during playtime.

Sources:

  • University of Minnesota: “Toy Manchester Terrier/English Toy Terrier Health Panel”
  • American Kennel Club: “Dog Breeds”
  • VCA: “Dog Breeds”
  • Hill’s Pets: “Dog Breeds”

Originally Published: January 12, 2022

Lisa Marie Conklin

Lisa Marie Conklin is a Baltimore-based writer who writes regularly about pets and home improvement for Reader’s Digest. Her work has also been published in The Healthy, HealthiNation, The Family Handyman, Taste of Home, and Realtor.com., among other outlets. She’s also a certified personal trainer and walking coach for a local senior center. Follow her on Instagram @lisamariewrites4food and Twitter @cornish_conklin.

25 Most Affordable Low-Cost Dog Breeds That Anyone Can Adopt

Let’s face it, owning a pet can be expensive, but even people on a limited income want to enjoy the benefits of dog ownership. Believe it or not, some low-cost dog breeds are ideal for potential pet parents on a budget. Many factors like size, general health, and grooming needs are factored in when deciding which dogs are the least expensive to care for.

The expenses associated with owning a dog begin before you even adopt your new “fur-ever” friend. Are you planning to adopt a puppy from a breeder? This is a much more costly option than adopting an adult dog from a shelter. If you adopt a puppy, you’ll need to pay for vaccinations, spay or neutering fees, and other costs associated with welcoming a young dog into your family.

Similarly, some breeds will be more expensive to own. Some breeds are prone to health issues that will require a lot of veterinary care. Others are grooming intensive breeds, and the bill for grooming services and at-home grooming supplies will quickly add up. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly pooch, check out these low-cost dog breeds.

What Makes a Dog Breed Affordable?

As you look at our list and explore the most affordable dog breeds, keep in mind the factors that make a breed affordable. 

The upfront cost is a concern, meaning how much you would typically pay if you got the dog from a breeder. 

Other important cost considerations include:

  • The amount of food they eat
  • How much grooming they require
  • Whether they require professional grooming
  • How hard training is and if you can do it yourself
  • Whether they are healthy or predisposed to health issues

RELATED: 48 Ways to Save Money on Dog Grooming, Training & Supplies

25 Most Affordable Low-Cost Dog Breeds

 

1. Mutt

Mutts are mixed breed dogs. They may not be high on your wish list, but they are certainly affordable. Mutts are usually given away for free or found in shelters for a small fee.

Mutts are generally healthier since they do not contain the genetic flaws that are sometimes found in purebred dogs. These flaws can cause health and behavioral problems. Since they come in all shapes and sizes, you can find a mutt that doesn’t eat much and needs little grooming.

RELATED: Pets On A Budget – Best Places to Find Cheap Dog Products

2. Puggle

The Puggle is a relatively new breed made from crossing a beagle and a pug. They have short hair that only lightly sheds. You can do any grooming at home. Puggles are also small and do not need a yard to run in.

The simple truth is that the smaller the dog, the cheaper they are to maintain. Their size means they do not consume a lot of food, dog products for small breeds are typically less expensive, and maintaining a small dog’s grooming needs costs a fraction of the grooming expense for a large breed.

3. Beagle

Beagles are short hair dogs with minimal grooming needs. They are active and will need a yard or daily walks, but their food intake is low. Beagles do have a lot of energy and may need a couple of toys to play with and proper Beagle dog food to maintain good health and energy levels.

This small dog has been bred to hunt, so it may not be easy to keep in the yard. A fence or wireless containment system will likely be a necessary expense for these dogs. Beagles are one of the most popular low-cost dog breeds as they are friendly and make great companions.

4. American Hairless Terrier

This dog will save you tons of money. No hair means less grooming and less cleaning. If you have allergies, this dog will also help you keep your allergy medications to a minimum.

You’ll notice that this list of the top low-cost dog breeds is filled with small breeds. Like the others, food for your American Hairless Terrier won’t cost an arm and a leg. You might want to add doggy sweaters into your budget, though, as these little guys will get cold easily.

5. Chinese Crested Hairless

This dog does have some hair, but it is not enough to take away from the cost benefits of owning a hairless dog. As a small dog, it eats little. As a hairless dog, grooming is restricted to baths that you can give at home.

Affectionate and lively, this breed makes a great companion. They are a lot of fun for owners who enjoy playing with their pup. This is also an ideal dog for any potential pet parent that hopes to travel with their pooch.

6. Chihuahua

Some Chihuahuas have short hair, which really cuts down on the grooming bills. They are also small dogs that eat very little. While there are some common health problems with Chihuahuas, if you have a vet look at your puppy, you can avoid them.

If you don’t mind brushing at home, there are also long hair varieties to suit your fancy. These pups require a bit more maintenance, but they’re still one of the most low-cost dog breeds.

RECOMMENDED: 10 Best Cheap Dog Food Brands

7. Foxhound

These dogs are considered by many to be one of the most healthy and resilient breeds around. Not only will you save money with vet bills, but with grooming bills as well. They are a little larger than some others on the list but still only eat a moderate amount of food.

Like many other breeds of hound, these guys are mellow-tempered and easygoing. They are also independent and stubborn, so it’s best to keep Foxhounds in a fenced-in yard.

RELATED: 30 Most Lazy Dog Breeds Perfect for a Couch Potato Owner

8. Rat Terrier

Terriers are hyper dogs, so they need some toys and bones to chew on. To offset that cost is their size. They stay small and eat only a minimal amount of food.

This breed also has short, wiry hair, making for easy grooming and clean-up. Rat terriers are one of the most friendly and lovable law-cost dog breeds. They are inquisitive and feisty. Up for almost anything, this dog is a great choice for owners on a budget.

9. Australian Terrier

Australian Terriers stay small. Their coat should be groomed professionally a couple of times each year, but you can easily learn to take care of those needs at home. This breed is energetic and may enjoy a walk a few times a week.

They usually have excellent health, which will offset the more expensive grooming costs. Like many other breeds on this list of the most low-cost dog breeds, the Australian Terrier doesn’t eat many foods.

10. Cane Corso

Although the Cane Corso is a larger dog, it has short hair with minimal shedding. These dogs are brilliant, requiring minimal training. They have excellent health, too.

The Cane is eager to please, which makes them quiet, mild manner dogs. If you’re interested in low-maintenance breeds, but you want a large dog, this might be the best choice for your family.

11. Boykin Spaniel

These spaniels are medium size with long hair. They will require some grooming, but nothing intensive. Their easy-going nature and sweet temperament mean that this breed will require less training.

Boykin Spaniels are very obedient and often trained as hunting dogs. They won’t want to spend all their time out in the field, though. Boykin Spaniels love to be inside snuggling with their owner and prove to be a very affectionate breed.

12. Dachshund

Dachshunds stay small with short, little legs. They do not require much space to run around in and are happy with short walks, but they need good Dachshund dog food to maintain proper health and energy levels.

If you get one from the short hair varieties, they require little bathing and grooming. Their hair is easy to pick up, so no special cleaning tools are required.

RELATED: 14 Tips On How To Live On A Budget With Dogs

13. Bolognese

This is a dog of the long hair variety. It will need brushing a couple of times a week. Bolognese is pretty calm and does not need a lot of exercise.

Their energy levels and size mean they are one of the cheapest dogs to feed, which lands them on our list of the most low-cost dog breeds. This breed also tends to be very healthy, meaning your vet bills should be low as well.

14. Bichon Frise

Although they look like a Bolognese, they are considered a different breed. Bichon Frise is calm and downright lazy. You will not be breaking the bank on food and exercise with these dogs.

As you can see, their coat does require a bit of grooming, but you can easily learn to do this at home. A quick cut and a bath now and then, and your Bichon Frise will be looking great!

ALSO SEE: 40 Best Dog Breeds for Women

15. English Bulldog

The English Bulldog is arguably one of the laziest dogs around that love to eat food and nap a lot. You will not need to spend a lot on collars and leashes. They are medium-sized dogs, but their low energy levels keep the food costs down.

Bullies have short hair with minimal shedding. However, you’ll need to clean between their fat rolls to keep bacteria out. Bulldogs are friendly and have a rugged stature, making them ideal for families with children.

16. Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier makes for a good house dog. Their short hair requires no grooming, but you’ll still need to clip their nails, clean their ears and give them baths. If you’re comfortable with it, you can easily learn to do all of this at home.

Manchester Terriers also have a minimal scent, which means infrequent baths and no need for furniture deodorizers. This breed is active, though, and will enjoy walks and toys.

RELATED: 4 Dog Breeds That Require the Most Care, Maintenance, and Money

17. Jack Russell Terrier

Another short-hair, the small breed, is the Jack Russell. They are considered to be very healthy dogs. While they are cheap to feed and maintain, Jack Russells are stubborn and need strict training.

These dogs are also very hyperactive. They’re really only suited for homes where they won’t be left alone for long periods of time. Jack Russells are known for developing behavior problems when they don’t get the attention they need. Only get one of these if they are the only dog in a kid-free home.

18. Mexican Hairless

Their official name is the Xoloitzcuintli Xolo, though not many people can actually pronounce it. That’s why most people refer to this breed as the Mexican Hairless. They need no brushing and minimal bathing.

The Mexican Hairless has average exercise needs. Their vet needs are minimal, as well. Just make sure they have shelter from the sun – as with other hairless dogs – because they are susceptible to sunburn.

RECOMMENDED: 20 Best Cheap Dog Grooming Supplies

19. Glen of Imaal Terrier

Another terrier to add to the list of low-cost dog breeds. These guys are gentler and less excitable than most other terriers. If you want minimal grooming and walking, the Glen of Imaal Terrier will be a good fit for you.

They are another small dog with minimal shedding, making for a cheap clean-up and low-cost grooming. They are healthy and intelligent, making them easy to train and less costly at the vet’s office.

20. Yorkshire Terrier

The popular Yorkshire Terrier are costly puppies to buy, but they can be found at animal shelters and rescues for affordable prices. These dogs are small and do not eat very much at all.

They do require brushing. Some people prefer to keep their Yorkie’s hair short of cutting down on cleaning. These dogs are lap dogs requiring little exercise outside of a few toys.

RELATED: Best Dog Food for Yorkies

21. Miniature Schnauzer

Schnauzers do need grooming. They love attention, so that brushing can be a special time between you and your dog. Many owners prefer to keep the hair clipped short.

They are small dogs with small appetites. Schnauzers are known for having high energy. If you’re thinking about adopting this breed, be sure you have plenty of time to devote to play, exercise and training.

22. Havanese

Havanese are tiny dogs. Not only do you save money on food, but they are one of the healthiest dogs around. These are also great breeds to travel with.

They do not shed, so you need not spend money on special cleaning items. Light grooming is all a Havanese requires, and they are outgoing and funny. They’ll keep you smiling with their silly personalities.

RELATED: 15 Best Cheap Chew Toys for Dogs Under $10

23. Pug

If you want a laid-back dog, the pug is for you. They are one of the low-cost dog breeds because they require minimal grooming and don’t eat many Pug dog foods. The Pug is a small dog with short hair.

They are just as happy on the couch as they are at the park, so you can exercise them when it’s convenient for you. This breed is affectionate, and they enjoy being lapdogs.

24. Skye Terrier

Skye Terriers are obedient and loyal, making them a breeze to train. They are easygoing and will match their energy levels to their owners.

While they do have long hair, it should be fine with just occasional brushing. These dogs are typically calm and would make a good family dog.

25. Australian Shepherd

No low-maintenance dog breeds list would be complete without the Australian Shepherd. They are a medium-size dog with a little bit higher food requirement.

The loyalty, intelligence, and obedience of this dog mean little training. Quick training means fewer messes. Their fur needs weekly brushing.

Honorable Mentions

While the above are the most affordable dog breeds, the following are also inexpensive. If you don’t see a breed above that gets your attention, consider one of these instead:

  • Affenpinscher
  • American Foxhound
  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • Black and Tan Coonhound
  • Border Collie
  • Border Terrier
  • Boston Terrier
  • Bull Terrier
  • Cairn Terrier
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Cesky Terrier
  • Collie
  • Dalmatian
  • English Setter
  • Field Spaniel
  • German Wirehaired Pointer
  • Golden Retriever
  • Greyhound
  • Harrier
  • Irish Terrier
  • Japanese Chin
  • Maltese
  • Miniature Pinscher
  • Otterhound
  • Papillon
  • Pekingese
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi
  • Plott Hound
  • Redbone Coonhound
  • Schipperke
  • Shetland Sheepdog
  • Shih-Poo
  • Shih Tzu
  • Toy Fox Terrier
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound
  • Weimaraner

FAQs About Affordable Dog Breeds

The following summarizes our information about affordable dog breeds and answer any lingering questions you may have.  

What Is the Cheapest Breed of Dog to Buy? 

While adopting a mutt will typically be the cheapest option, an American Foxhound is also incredibly affordable, as are puggles. 

Which Breed of Dog Is Cheapest?

The cheapest dog breed will have low initial costs and food costs, and minimal medical issues. Beagles are among the most affordable, thanks to their minimal grooming requirements. 

What’s the Cheapest Breed of Dog to Buy?

The dogs on our list are inexpensive, but the most affordable dog breeds are mutts, puggles, and beagles. 

What Is the Cheapest Dog to Adopt?

A mutt will almost always be the cheapest dog to adopt as shelters are overflowing with them. 

What’s the Most Expensive Dog?

As of 2020, the most expensive dog in the world was a Tibetan Mastiff that a Chinese businessman bought for $1.6 million. 

The key to having a successful pet experience is education. Please make sure you fully research the breeds and their individual needs before making a decision. A visit with a vet is also a good idea. Good luck!

READ NEXT: 17 Small Dog Breeds That Are Good With Kids

Top 10 Cheapest Dogs – AZ Animals

More Great Content:

Key Points:
  • Cost of ownership is not the only factor in making a decision, but it is an important consideration as it can cost thousands of dollars per year to provide care for some breeds of dog.
  • Due to their small size and resilient health, the Chihuahua is the least expensive dog to own
  • Cost of ownership includes food requirements, grooming, veterinarian visits, medication, exercise needs, fencing or crating, price of initial purchase, training, and toys.

Dog ownership is a rewarding but expensive financial commitment. The average cost of caring for a dog is about $1,400 to $4,300 a year – and sometimes as much as $10,000. If you’re on a tight budget, then you can still benefit from the joys of dog ownership, but you will have to make some important choices upfront. The most important choice, of course, is which breed to buy and where to buy it from. The cheapest option is to adopt. Many popular dog breeds can be had for no more than $300 and shouldn’t be too difficult to find. Even from a trusted breeder, it’s often possible to find many of the dogs on this list for $500 to $1,000.

But the most expensive part of owning a dog is always the stuff you need to purchase afterward: food, toys, tools, training classes, and regular visits to the vet. Because food usually represents the largest drain on finances, the most important factor here is probably size. The cheapest dogs are also some of the smallest in the world because they simply don’t eat very much. Other important factors to consider include trainability, grooming needs, and activity level.

But there is one factor that’s easy to neglect and could drive up costs significantly: the health of your dog. Every breed is prone to a different set of health issues. Always do your research to make sure your dog has been already tested for common problems known to affect the breed. While it may cost slightly more upfront, it is clearly worth avoiding potential heartache and large expenses down the road.

With all that in mind, this list will cover the top 10 cheapest dog breeds in the world, taking into consideration upfront costs, regular monthly expenses, one-off expenses, and the chances of surprise expenses from vet bills.

#10: Pembroke Welsh Corgi

This cheapest dog, the Welsh Corgi, is most well-known for its short legs.

iStock.com/Nataba

Among the most popular herding dogs in the world, the Welsh Corgi is a small breed with short legs on account of the dwarfism trait that was bred into their line. They are highly active dogs with a healthy appetite, but because they weigh no more than 30 pounds, they only need about a cup to 1.5 cups of food per day.

You should make sure the dog has received a proper hip and eye evaluation, but otherwise, the Corgi is a fairly healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 13 years. The coat will also need some routine maintenance and semi-regular baths to maintain good health. Altogether, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a good choice for budget-conscious owners, but they don’t quite rank among the most affordable breeds in the world.

#9: American Foxhound

American foxhounds are one of the healthiest breeds making it also one of the cheapest.

Olga Aniven/Shutterstock.com

The American Foxhound is an independent, easy-going, and affectionate hunting breed. Because it’s quite large and active, weighing up to 70 pounds, you might be spending a moderate amount of money on food. But the American Foxhound is considered to be one of the healthiest and most resilient breeds in the world, which could save you money on vet bills. Grooming is also relatively simple and easy; baths should only be done when it becomes particularly dirty. Altogether, it’s a fine budget-friendly dog for owners who want a breed with strong hunting instincts.

#8: Chinese Crested Dog

The Chinese Crested Dog is one of the cheapest dogs because of how little it eats.

iStock.com/slowmotiongli

The Chinese Crested Dog is almost completely hairless except for long elegant tufts around the head, tail, and legs. This means its grooming requirements aren’t too bad, but it will need a regular skincare routine to protect it from the environment. As a small dog weighing no more than eight to 12 pounds, the good news is you won’t be spending a lot of money on food. But it does, unfortunately, suffer from several health problems, so make sure your dog has received eye and knee evaluations, a cardiac exam, and a PLL and PRA-RCD3 DNA test. Overall, it ranks among the cheapest dogs in the world, but there are still some expenses you will need to consider.

#7: Australian Terrier

This cheap dog, the Australian Terrier, weighs between 15 and 20 pounds.

boitano/Shutterstock.com

The Australian Terrier originally descended from several kinds of British terriers brought to Australia in the 19th century. While the elegant coat might require some extra grooming, this small breed, weighing about 15 to 20 pounds, doesn’t eat a whole lot of food, and as long as it receives a full set of tests for the knee, eyes, thyroid, and hips, it shouldn’t be prone to a lot of health problems. It’s a solid budget-friendly breed that shouldn’t break the bank.

#6: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the cheapest dogs given how little it eats.

iStock.com/FotoES

Once a favorite of British nobility, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle and affectionate breed that carries itself with a sort of regal bearing. As a part of the toy group, it’s a small dog, measuring about 12 to 13 inches long and weighing 13 to 18 pounds, and will only require about a cup to 1. 5 cups of food per day. Because it does have a tendency to suffer from eye conditions, hip and knee problems, heart disease, and more, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should receive a full set of health tests. A fenced yard is also recommended to give your dog enough room to run around in. While the monthly cost of ownership makes it one of the most affordable breeds, it might cost a little more upfront to buy.

#5: Pug

Pugs are a cheap breed that doesn’t require much maintenance.

iStock.com/nothjc

The Pug is among the cheapest breeds in the world to own. Charming, affectionate, and a bit mischievous, this breed was once a favorite of royal houses from China to Europe. There’s a lot to like about them. They only need to eat maybe a cup of food per day. Their short glossy coat requires minimal maintenance and perhaps only a few baths per year. And while they should receive a thorough hip, knee, and eye examination (as well DNA test for encephalitis), they don’t suffer from too many life-threatening conditions – although like most flat-faced breeds they do sometimes experience breathing problems, which will need to be managed properly by the owner.

#4: Rat Terrier

Like the Chinese Crested Dog, the Rat Terrier is among the cheapest dog breeds because of the amount of food it eats.

iStock.com/sjallenphotography

The Rat Terrier is a small vermin-hunting breed, weighing no more than 10 to 25 pounds, with a short, dense coat that shouldn’t be too difficult to care for. This breed should have received knee and hip evaluations, an eye exam, a cardiac exam, and a radiograph for Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, but it’s otherwise quite a healthy breed. On account of its small and approachable size, you should be able to save some money on food, making this among the cheapest breeds in the world.

#3: Dachshund

This cheapest breed, the Dachshund, is most well-known for its short legs and long body.

iStock.com/CBCK-Christine

Curious, friendly, and bold-tempered, the Dachshund combines short legs and a long body. The miniature version weighs no more than 11 pounds and the standard version weighs 16 to 32 pounds, so the monthly food bill shouldn’t be very high, even though it does require a lot of exercise. Disc damage can occur on account of the Dachshund’s long back, but this is otherwise a very healthy breed with a strong lifespan of 12 to 16 years. Very few health evaluations are necessary. Overall, the Dachshund is among the cheapest breeds you can find.

#2: Beagle

Beagles have few health problems and minimal grooming needs making them one of the cheapest dog breeds.

iStock.com/jarun011

The Beagle is an iconic hunting dog: muscular, athletic, and confident, they have a great sense of smell and strong instincts. Weighing no more than 30 pounds, they tend to get by on one meal a day and perhaps a quick snack in the evening. Combined with their reasonable grooming needs and few health problems, the Beagle is surprisingly among the cheapest dogs to own. The national breed club still recommends that Beagles should receive a hip evaluation, eye evaluation, and MLS DNA test, but otherwise, they’re extremely healthy and resilient.

#1: Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are the cheapest dog breed because of how affordable it is to take care of them.

iStock.com/Aime Martin

A national symbol of Mexico, the Chihuahua takes the top spot for the most affordable and budget-friendly dog breed in the world mostly on account of its small size. Measuring no more than five to eight inches long and rarely exceeding six pounds, an adult Chihuahua will only need about half a cup to a full cup of dry food per day, saving you plenty of expenses. They are a very healthy and resilient breed with a typical lifespan of 14 to 16 years, but make sure your Chihuahua has received a knee evaluation, eye test, and cardiac exam. Once you’ve accounted for upfront expenses, you may be paying not much more than $50 to $100 in a typical month to care for this popular breed.

Our research shows that the top 10 cheapest dogs are as follows:

  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi
  • American Foxhound
  • Chinese Crested Hairless Dog
  • Australian Terrie
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Pug
  • Rat Terrier
  • Dachshund
  • Beagle
  • Chihuahua

UP NEXT…

  • If you are thinking of getting a dog, you should also consider which breeds are the most expensive.
  • If you are planning to crate your puppy, here is how to select the right crate size for your dog.
  • If you want a dog with a low exercise requirement, here is a list of the Laziest Dogs.
Ready to discover the top 10 cutest dog breeds in the entire world?

How about the fastest dogs, the largest dogs and those that are — quite frankly — just the kindest dogs on the planet? Each day, AZ Animals sends out lists just like this to our thousands of email subscribers. And the best part? It’s FREE. Join today by entering your email below.

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About the Author

Heather Hall


I am a freelance writer with 22 years of experience. I live in the Pacific Northwest and am surrounded by nature. When I go for my daily runs I often see herds of elk, deer, and bald eagles. I am owned by two dogs who take me on hikes in the mountains where we see coyotes, black bears, and wild turkeys.

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30 Cheapest Dog Breeds | GOBankingRates

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Autumn Rose

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Manchester Terrier

The spirited and observant Manchester Terrier costs an average of $500-$1,000 to purchase and has a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years. They won’t cost as much as having a kid, but these game terriers can still rack up a potential minimum healthcare cost of around $10,500 over their lifetime. Common health issues with the breed include cataracts, patellar luxation — kneecap issues — and diabetes. 

Schipperke

These small dogs, weighing only 10 to 16 pounds, are often referred to as “little black devils,” thanks to their mischievous and energetic temperament. Schipperkes cost an average of $1,200-2000 to purchase.

Schipperkes are at risk of developing eye problems, patellar luxation, and autoimmune thyroiditis, bringing their minimum potential healthcare costs to $7,200 throughout their 13 to 15 year lifespan.

Irish Terrier

Don’t get an Irish Terrier if you’re looking for a lap dog. These feisty dogs have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years and an average purchase price of $1,500-$2,500.

Their minimum lifetime healthcare costs are much lower than other dog breeds at only $1,000.

German Wirehaired Pointer

Owning a German Wirehaired Pointer sounds like a dream come true to some, but you might want to consider adopting one instead of buying. These medium-sized hunting dogs cost an average of $800-$1,200.

German Wirehaired Pointers are generally healthy, with potential minimum healthcare costs of about $1,700 throughout their 12 to 14-year lifespan.

Border Collie

Smart dogs that hate inactivity, Border Collies have an average purchase price of $800-$1,500 and lifetime healthcare costs of around $1,800. Just look out for hip and eye health issues, which can progress throughout their 12 to 15-year life expectancy.

Beagle

These friendly, happy dogs cost approximately $800-$1,500 to buy and have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Their minimum lifetime healthcare costs could potentially total $7,700, however, thanks to common health conditions like spinal problems, hip dysplasia, chronic ear infections and allergies.

Australian Terrier

The Australian Silky Terrier comes in a smart and sassy, 10-pound package at a purchase price of $1,200-$1,500.

These dogs are fairly healthy and can live 12 to 15 years, but common genetic health problems can add up to total a minimum of $2,500 in healthcare costs.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

These active, low-to-the-ground dogs are a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II, who has owned and bred Pembroke Welsh Corgis. With an average purchase price of $1,000-$2.000, Corgis make the cut as an affordable dog to own.

These dogs live 12 to 14 years and have a minimum potential lifetime healthcare cost of $4,000. They’re susceptible to genetic conditions like hip dysplasia, and the most serious breed-specific issue, degenerative myelopathy, which is a type of spinal cord disease.

Otterhound

The Otterhound originally was used to hunt — you guessed it — otters in Great Britain. They cost around $1,500-$2,500 to buy.

An Otterhound usually lives 10 to 12 years and is at risk of developing health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy and gastric torsion — aka bloating — which can lead to potential minimum health costs of $3,500.

Dalmatian

These spotted dogs are famous for their running abilities, status as a firehouse mascot and, of course, their iconic Disney movie. A Dalmatian has an average purchase price of $1,000-$1.600.

Dalmatians live an average of 12 to 14 years and have a minimum healthcare cost of only $700, although they are prone to genetic health problems like deafness and kidney and bladder stones.

Chihuahua

These tiny, feisty dogs have become famous as the purse-sized companions of rich celebrities. They have an average purchase price of $800-$2,500

Chihuahuas have a life expectancy of 14 to 18 years, with potential lifetime healthcare expenses adding up to a minimum of $5,500.

Cesky Terrier

The average purchase price of a Cesky Terrier is only $1,200-$2,500.

Minimum potential healthcare costs for this terrier, with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, average $1,500.

Field Spaniel

A relative of the Cocker Spaniel and English Springer Spaniel, the Field Spaniel is ideal as both a hunting and family dog. These dogs live 11 to 15 years and come with an average purchase price of $2,000-$5,000.

This breed’s lifetime healthcare costs add up to a potential minimum of $2,300. Common health issues include hip dysplasia and autoimmune thyroiditis.

Redbone Coonhound

Laid-back and gentle, Redbone Coonhounds stand out with their striking mahogany-red coats. They have an average purchase cost of $500-$800.

Redbone Coonhounds have a low lifetime minimum healthcare cost of $1,500. These dogs live 12 to 14 years on average.

American Pit Bull Terrier

Despite their reputation, American Pit Bull Terriers can be loving, trustworthy and loyal family dogs. They have an average purchase cost of $500 to $1,000.

These dogs have a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years and a minimum potential healthcare cost of $5,100 for common health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia and bloat.

Pekingese

Pekingese, which typically weigh in at no more than 14 pounds, have bold attitudes fit for much bigger dogs. These little pooches have an average purchase price of $1,500 to $3,000 and a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years.

The minimum healthcare cost for common issues — such as Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and hernias — can reach $3,150.

Bichon Frise

Known as one of the sweetest and most affectionate dogs, the Bichon Frise is characterized by its curly, cotton-ball-like hair. The average purchase price of this breed is $1,000 to $2,000.

Bichon Frises have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years and a potential minimum healthcare cost of $4,300 to treat common breed-specific issues, such as cataracts and patellar luxation.

Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher comes with an average purchase price of $1,800-$2,5000.

The average lifespan of an Affenpinscher is 12 to 14 years, and over its lifetime, the minimum healthcare costs for common issues could reach $4,000.

Dachshund

Initially bred to hunt badgers, Dachshunds are characterized by their short legs, long backs and fun spirits. They’re inexpensive to own, with an average purchase price of $800-$1,500.

Weiner dogs, as they’re affectionately called, have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Expect to pay a minimum of $7,300 in healthcare costs to treat back problems, which are the breed’s most common health issue.

Papillon

Papillons are known for their butterfly-wing ears. These small, smart dogs cost $1,000 to $2,000 on average to purchase.

The life expectancy of a Papillon is 13 to 16 years, and minimum healthcare costs come in around $3,600 because of a number of health issues that commonly affect smaller toy-dog breeds.

Pug

Buying a wrinkly-faced pug costs an average of $800 to $1,500. Healthcare costs for issues common to Pugs and other flat-faced dogs start at a potential minimum of $9,600. The breed’s life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.

English Setter

This hunting dog is known for its distinctive feathered coat. An English Setter has an average purchase price of $1,000 to $1,500 and a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.

The breed’s potential minimum cost for common health issues sits around $3,900.

Treeing Walker Coonhound

These tri-colored dogs are often confused for an oversized Beagle, although the two breeds are very different.

The speedy and competitive Treeing Walker has an average purchase price of $400-$800 and minimum healthcare costs for common issues that start at only $1,500. This breed’s life expectancy is 12 to 13 years.

Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinschers think they’re bigger than they are, and they often bark at and chase anything that crosses their path. The average cost to purchase a Miniature Pinscher is $1,000-$2,000, and like many small dogs, they have a longer life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

The potential minimum health care costs for common issues like patellar luxation and disease start at $2,500.

American Foxhound

Although the American Foxhound is one of the older American breeds, it’s not very well-known. The average purchase price of an American Foxhound is $500 to $700. The minimum potential cost for medical issues totals $1,500. Life expectancy of the breed is 10 to 12 years.

Parson Russell Terrier

Parson Russell Terriers, also known as Jack Russell Terriers, are athletic, clever and friendly. These medium-sized terriers have a $1,200 to $2,000 average purchase price tag. A Parson Russell’s lifespan is about 13 to 15 years.

The breed is generally healthy, with a budget-friendly minimum potential healthcare cost of $2,800.

Plott Hound

The Plott Hound is a tenacious hunting dog that will sniff out any animal from a raccoon to a bear. The breed’s low $500-$700 average purchase price makes it one of the most affordable dog breeds to own, and it lives 12 to 14 years.

The minimum potential cost to treat health problems like gastric torsion, commonly known as bloat, is $3,000.

Black and Tan Coonhound

American born and bred, this hunting dog known for its black and tan coloring is happy-go-lucky and calm by nature. The Black and Tan Coonhound has an average purchase price of $400 to $800.

Expenses to treat common issues like hip dysplasia come out to only $1,500. The dog’s life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.

Rat Terrier

Playful and fearless, Rat Terriers love to “talk” and socialize with their families. These small dogs have a purchase price averaging $600 to $1,200. They live a long life: 15 to 18 years.

The low $1,500 minimum healthcare cost of the breed’s common issues helps to cement the Rat Terrier’s place as one of the least expensive dogs to own.

Harrier

The Harrier is not only affordable; it’s also one of the rarest dog breeds. This hound is sweet and affectionate, but as a hunting dog, the Harrier is full of energy. Its lifespan typically ranges 10 to 12 years.

This breed runs an average $1,500 to $2,500 in purchase price and a minimum potential healthcare cost of $1,500 for common issues.

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Sam DiSalvo, Erika Giovanetti and Cynthia Measom contributed to the reporting for this article.

Purchase prices for all breeds were sourced from Dogbreedslist; Medical costs were sourced from Embrace Pet Insurance. All costs are accurate as of April 12, 2022.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by American Express. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. American Express credit card products are not available through GOBankingRates.com.

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About the Author

Autumn Rose

Autumn Rose is a Baltimore-based writer with experience as a reporter, ghostwriter, and copywriter businesses nationwide. She launched her career as a local newspaper reporter and since then her work has been published in national journals, regional magazines, local papers, and countless online media outlets and blogs.

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Cheapest Dog Breeds in the World

These inexpensive dog breeds are cute and won’t break the bank.

Cheapest Dog Breeds in the World

What’s better than being greeted by a happy dog?

While many people want to bring a dog into their family, not everyone feels like they can afford it. The good news is some dogs are more inexpensive to buy and own than others.

These are the cheapest dog breeds.

How to Find the Most Inexpensive Dogs

To find the most inexpensive dog breeds, consider several factors:

  • A general measure of how much they eat. This will provide a sense of how much they cost to feed.
  • How much they need to be groomed. Dogs that have high grooming needs are more likely to require a groomer. Dogs that shed frequently means more cleaning bills.
  • How hard they are to train. Dogs that are more difficult to train will more likely need a trainer, adding to bills.
  • How much it costs to buy a puppy from a breeder.
  • Predisposition to health problems.

That said, it’s always cheaper in upfront costs to adopt a dog from a shelter. Adoption fees can be as cheap as $50, and the dog will come with its first round of shots and be neutered. Kill shelters are the cheapest places to adopt from, and you’ll be saving a life. Most shelter dogs are mutts, and mutts are more “resistant” to the predisposed health conditions of purebreds. 

But if you are looking for something specific, here are the cheapest dogs. And they’re also plenty cute.

25. Boston Terrier

Weight: 16-32 pounds

Lifespan: 11-13 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $800-$1,300*

*We used Dog Breeds List for this information unless otherwise noted.

Boston Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Low

Trainability: Very easy

Bottom Line: Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are super-friendly little guys that don’t shed, barely bark, and are easy to train. They’re good for city living because of their small, apartment-friendly size and low-ish daily exercise requirements, which can be met with a long walk. 

Health-wise, Boston Terriers do need some extra care. Those big eyes are susceptible to irritation and should be flushed out with a saline solution when signs of redness are apparent. The breed is also susceptible to cataracts, corneal ulcers, deafness and glaucoma, which aren’t cheap to treat. 

24. Border Collie

Weight: 30-55 pounds

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $800-$1,200

Border Collie Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Medium to high

Grooming needs: Medium

Training difficulty: Easy

Bottom Line: Border Collie

Border Collie puppies are relatively cheap, and their small size means they won’t eat you out of house and home. However, larger Border Collies that are active will need a considerable amount of food. These dogs are super active. If you’re living in an apartment or in a house without a yard, this is probably not the dog for you. 

Border Collies have a double coat that needs to be brushed at least twice a week. Professional grooming is optional. This breed lives a long time, which means it’s more susceptible to getting cancer than other dogs. In particular, lymphoma is more common in Border Collies than many other breeds. 

23. American Hairless Terrier

Weight: 12-16 pounds

Lifespan:14-16 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $900-$1,200

American Hairless Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Very low

Training difficulty: Easy

Bottom Line: American Hairless Terrier

American Hairless Terriers are descended from Rat Terriers, and they’re native to the American South (specifically, they came from Trout, Louisiana in the 1970s). These Terriers are small, standing up to 16 inches at the shoulder. 

Despite their name, American Hairless Terriers can have a short coat. But whether they’re hairless or not, these dogs require little grooming aside from a brushing once a week, and you’ll want to keep the hairless ones away from the hot sun because of sunburns. Likewise, they don’t do great in cold weather.

Skin problems are rare, and they’re a generally healthy breed. They’re active and, because of their small size, generally only need about one cup of food per day. However, these dogs can be hard to find depending on location. 

22. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Weight: Up to 30 pounds

Lifespan: 12-13 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $1,000-$2,000

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low to medium

Grooming needs: Medium

Training difficulty: Very easy

Bottom Line: Pembroke Welsh Corgi

A Pembroke Welsh Corgi doesn’t come cheap, but you can always adopt. These Corgis are super-smart, extremely playful and great with kids. They need frequent exercise but as long as they have enough walks and playtime, they can live comfortably in an apartment — although Corgis generally like to run and play fetch outdoors. 

Corgis have pretty low-maintenance grooming needs, although they shed constantly. You’ll want to brush them regularly and invest in a pet vacuum.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are generally a healthy bunch, but you’ll want to watch out for back problems. 

21. Bolognese

Weight: 5.5-9 pounds

Lifespan: 12-14 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $1,200-$2,000

Bolognese Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Very low

Grooming needs: High

Training difficulty: Medium

Bottom Line: Bolognese

Bolognese dogs are fluffy little white dogs that originally hailed from Italy (and while they might want spaghetti Bolognese, don’t feed it to them). These dogs are pretty high-maintenance when it comes to grooming and require brushing two to three times a week. Some owners trim their hair around the face, while others prefer the moppy look. 

Despite their curly hair, Bolognese dogs hardly shed and are considered hypoallergenic for mild allergy sufferers. They’re generally calm and don’t require much exercise, don’t require much food, and are fine with apartment life.

Bolognese can be a bit expensive if you want to purchase them from a breeder. 

20. Shetland Sheepdog

Weight: 15-25 pounds

Lifespan: 12-14 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $800-$1,000

Shetland Sheepdog Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Medium

Grooming needs: High

Training difficulty: Medium

Bottom Line: Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are playful small dogs that are very friendly. They love to play but don’t need too much exercise, making them good dogs for city living, although they’re very vocal. They’re good family dogs as they’re great with children and adaptable to their family’s lifestyle. 

Shelties are highly intelligent and eager to please and shouldn’t be too difficult to train. Their coat is thick and dense and requires a considerable amount of grooming, with about two-three brushing sessions a week.

They shed a moderate amount compared to other dogs, but since their hair is long, that shedding is noticeable. Invest in a vacuum! 

19. Bichon Frise

Weight: 12-18 pounds

Lifespan: 14-15 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $1,000-$1,500

Bichon Frise Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: High

Training difficulty: Medium

Bottom Line: Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise are adorable small dogs that have bursts of energy, zipping around the house or yard like a little white ball of lightning. They’re friendly with kids, dogs and people. 

The biggest drawback of owning a Bichon Frise is their grooming needs. This includes not only daily bushing, but also taking care of any allergies that the dog may have. Bichons frequently suffer from allergies that can cause some serious skin issues. If the dog is constantly itching or growing hot spots, it’s important to take them to the vet and isolate the source of the allergy. 

On the upside, Bichons don’t shed much and are hypoallergenic. 

18. Shih-Poo

Weight: 7-20 pounds

Lifespan: 10-15 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $600 on average

Shih-Poo Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Very low

Grooming needs: Very high

Training difficulty: Medium

Bottom Line: Shih-Poo

Shih-Poos are designer dogs born of a Shih Tzu and a toy poodle. They’re tiny love sponges that only need about one cup of food a day and don’t require much exercise. They’re prone to the same kind of genetic disorders and diseases Shih Tzus and poodles face, but because they’re a mixed breed, they’re generally healthier.

Because of their excessive hair, Shih-Poos require a lot of grooming to keep those locks beautiful. Their hair needs to be brushed regularly and will look best when professionally groomed every four to six weeks. 

As a designer breed, Shih-Poos are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Puppy cost can vary widely. According to Next Day Pets, the average cost out of 12,195 Shih-Poo sales was $600, with a median price of $1,175. Some top-of-the-line Shih-Poos sell for $5,000. 

17. Shih Tzu

Weight: 9-16 pounds

Lifespan: 10-18 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder:  $800-$1,500

Shih Tzu Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Very high

Training difficulty: Medium

Bottom Line: Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus come from Tibetan dogs, with a pedigree dating back several hundred years. To be sure, these tiny, grand-looking dogs can be extraordinarily expensive. If you’re looking for the ultimate show-worthy dog, Shih Tzus can cost $10,000. 

But if you’re reading this article, we’re assuming you’re not looking to win the next Westminster Kennel Club. Out of 28,727 Shih Tzus sold on Next Day Pets, the average price for one of these dogs is $700. According to Shih Tzu Daily, puppies go from $500 to $1,000. 

Shih Tzus also require regular grooming, and house training can be a pain because of their stubbornness. They make this list because they’re small, don’t require a lot of food, and are a very healthy breed.

16. Dachshund

Weight: 12-32 pounds 

Lifespan: 12-16 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $800-$1,500

Dachshund Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Medium 

Training difficulty: Medium

Bottom Line: Dachsunds

Dachshunds are long, wiggly dogs with big floppy ears that make great watchdogs (they love to bark). They’re pretty low-maintenance doggies and aren’t overly active. However, it’s important to keep this dog active. Because of their build, Dachshunds are prone to intervertebral disk disease — back problems— and require exercise to keep those back muscles strong.

Likewise, don’t let them get overweight. These dogs should be kept at a low weight and only need a cup or two of dry food each day, depending on their exercise level and size. 

Dachshunds have three types of coats: smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired. Smooth-coated Dachshunds require the least grooming, while longhaired Dachshunds need more frequent brushing. Wirehaired may need some trimming around the face, and owners might want to opt for professional grooming a few times each year. Their droopy ears also need to be checked for ear infections. 

15. Australian Terrier

Weight: 15-20 pounds

Lifespan: 11-15 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $1,000-$1,500

Australian Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Medium

Training difficulty: Easy

Bottom Line: Australian Terrier

Australian Terriers are active little dogs that are loyal and great with kids. They’re a rather healthy breed, smart, and pretty easy to train. They’re a bit hairy, though, and they shed frequently and need weekly brushing.

Aussies are active, so they need some space to run around, or they need to be walked every day. As long as they get that exercise, they’re suitable for apartment living. Expect to feed them half to one cup of dry food each day, generally. 

14. Japanese Chin

Weight: 7-11 pounds

Lifespan: 10-12 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $900-$1,500

Japanese Chin Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Very low

Grooming needs: Medium

Training difficulty: Low

Bottom Line: Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin always looks surprised, but they’re a chill dog that doesn’t bark or require much exercise. They’re great for apartments, but they’re not the easiest dogs to train. These little ones are more like cats when it comes to taking directions. They’re hairy, and they need to be brushed twice a week.

Because of their small size and moderate exercise, Japanese Chins don’t need much food, sometimes only half a cup or less of dry food per day. They’re generally a healthy breed, but owners should look out for irritation caused in their big eyes and regular checkups for early-onset heart murmurs.

Because of their coat, Chins don’t do well in hot climates.

13. Maltese

Weight: 7 pounds or less

Lifespan: 15-18

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $800-$1,500

Maltese Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Very low

Grooming needs: Medium to high

Training difficulty: Medium

Bottom Line: Maltese

Maltese are sweet-tempered little dogs with long white hair that are smaller than their Bichon cousins. They’re not very active, eat very little — less than a cup of dry food each day — and are good for apartment living (although they do tend to bark).  

Maltese grooming can be expensive or time-consuming, depending on how far you want to take if. They have a long, luxurious white coat that looks best when brushed daily and washed frequently, and many owners have their Maltese professionally groomed.

On the plus side, because they don’t have an undercoat, Maltese don’t shed, so you won’t have to rack up cleaning bills. 

12. Jack Russell Terrier

Weight: 10-18 pounds

Lifespan: 13-16 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $800-$1,300

Jack Russell Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Medium

Training difficulty: Very easy

Bottom Line: Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are classic, awesome little dogs. Jack Russells are easily confused with Parson Russell Terriers. The Jack Russell has a longer body and shorter legs, while the Parson Russell has a shorter body and longer legs.   

Jack Russells are super-active dogs that need a lot of room to play (they’re frequently in agility competitions) and, as such, are not suitable for apartment living. There are three types of Jack Russell coats: rough coat, broken coat and smooth coat. The smooth coat requires the least amount of maintenance while the rough coat, which forms a beard and hair over the eyes, requires the most. Rough coats will require some grooming and cutting, probably professional. All coats shed frequently. 

Health-wise, Jack Russells are hearty, but the breed is prone to lens luxation, a disorder that can cause blindness and glaucoma. 

11. Toy Fox Terrier

Weight: 3.5-7 pounds

Lifespan: 13-15 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $800-$1,200

Toy Fox Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Very low

Grooming needs: Low

Training difficulty: Very easy

Bottom Line: Toy Fox Terrier

Toy Fox Terriers are tiny, short-haired dogs that are exceptionally bright. They’re active and low-maintenance, although they do shed year-round.

While these guys are good for apartment living, they may not be great with kids, and tend to be a bit shy around strangers. But Toy Fox Terriers are super trainable. They were frequently used in travelling circuses as trick dogs in the early 1900s. 

These puppers are a toy breed, so while they are susceptible to small dog health issues, they are otherwise a healthy breed. They only eat about a quarter to half a cup of dry food each day. 

10. Beagle

Weight: 20-25 pounds

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $500-$800

Beagle Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Medium

Grooming needs:  Low

Training difficulty: High

Bottom Line: Beagle

Beagles are friendly, super-cute dogs that are energetic and family-friendly. They don’t require much grooming and, since they’re pretty small, don’t need a whole lot of food each day. However, beagles love to gorge, so it’s important not to overfeed them. They’ll get fat and happy fast. 

On the downside, they’re not the easiest dog to train and may require a trainer. And health-wise, beagles are more prone to idiopathic epilepsy than most other dogs.

9. Yorkshire Terrier

Weight: 4-7 pounds

Lifespan: 11-15

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $800-$1,500

Yorkshire Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Very low

Grooming needs: Very high

Training difficulty: Medium-low

Bottom Line: Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are intelligent English dogs that are very small, with a target weight of just seven pounds. They generally eat less than a cup of food a day, are moderately active and are good dogs for apartments or smaller living spaces. 

They are, however, high-maintenance. On top of separation anxiety issues, Yorkies have a luxurious coat that needs to be brushed daily, and the hair on their head needs to be trimmed or pinned away from their eyes to avoid irritation.

They require weekly baths and, while they eat very little, require frequent feeding. You’ll want to get them to a professional groomer every so often, too. 

8. Manchester Terrier

Weight: 12-22 pounds

Lifespan: 15-17 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $600-$1,000

Manchester Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Very low

Training difficulty: Easy

Bottom Line: Manchester Terrier

Small, curious and bright, the Manchester Terrier is a great companion animal. Manchester Terriers aren’t as hyper as their Jack Russell cousins, although they do need to be walked or played ball with regularly. But they’re still hunting dogs and will pursue small animals, so keep them leashed or within a fenced yard.

Manchester Terriers love their owners but aren’t too fond of strangers. As such, they make excellent watchdogs.

7. Border Terrier

Weight: 11-15.5 pounds

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $800-$1,200

Border Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Medium

Training difficulty: Easy

Bottom Line: Border Terrier

Border Terriers are loving, happy little dogs that are very active. They don’t necessarily need a large area to play, though, and will be happy living in an apartment as long as they can spend their energy elsewhere. 

These dogs have a wiry outer coat that will need weekly brushing. During shedding season, you’ll want to strip the dead hair away. Since their wiry outer coat functions as protection against dirt, they don’t need to be bathed frequently. Use a wet towel instead. 

While Border Terriers are generally healthy, there is a disease called epileptoid cramping syndrome (CECS), or Spike’s disease, that is specific to Border Terriers. CECS is an epileptic disorder that’s triggered by gluten, and Border Terriers require a gluten-free diet. Special care must be taken so Border Terriers don’t get into any foods with gluten. 

6. Cairn Terrier

Weight: 13-14 pounds

Lifespan: 13-15 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $800-$1,200

Cairn Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Very low

Grooming needs: Medium

Training difficulty: Medium

Bottom Line: Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terriers are also known as the Toto Dog because it’s the same breed as Toto from “The Wizard of Oz.” They’re pretty easy to care for, with weekly brushing, occasional shedding, and only needing a moderate amount of exercise. They’re smart and friendly, but they’re a bit difficult to train. 

Cairn Terriers are good with kids and can live comfortably in an apartment dwelling, although they bark a lot.

Cairn Terriers also are hypoallergenic.

5. Havanese

Weight: 7-13 pounds

Lifespan: 14-16 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $800-$1,200

Havanese Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Medium

Training difficulty: Very easy

Bottom Line: Havanese

Havanese are adorable long-haired dogs that are happiest sitting on the couch or on your lap. They’re not very active, don’t bark much and are great with kids. Their long coat requires frequent brushing — ideally, daily— but they hardly shed and are hypoallergenic. They’re super easy to train, too, so you probably won’t need a specialized trainer. 

Because of their laziness, Havanese are prone to gaining weight. Try to resist feeding them table scraps and stick with a regular feeding schedule and amount (usually one cup of dry food or less per day). 

4. Schipperke

Weight: 10-20 pounds

Lifespan: 13-15 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $800-$1,100

Schipperke Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Low

Training difficulty: Easy

Bottom Line: Schipperke

Schipperkes are small, black dogs with tufts of thick hair and a fox-like face and tireless personality. Schipperkes hail from Belgium and were used as vermin-catchers. They’re known as “little black devils” because of how one writer in an 1882 Belgian magazine described them: 

“The Schipperke is a little, all black devil, but minus the cloven hoof and tail. A very demon for rats, mice, moles and every vermin. An indefatigable watchdog, he rests neither day nor night. Always on foot, nothing escapes him that goes on within or without his dwelling. … He is a prodigy of fidelity and attachment and with children he is gentleness personified.”

Not much has changed in the 138 years since that description. Schipperkes need lots of exercise, are very playful and great with kids. Their thick coat does need some weekly brushing, which is easy enough. They’re also extremely smart and easy to train. Plus, they rarely bark.

3. Chihuahua

Weight: 3-6 pounds

Lifespan: 14-18 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $800-$1,500

Chihuahua Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Very low

Grooming needs: Very low

Training difficulty: Medium to difficult

Bottom Line: Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are the world’s tiniest dog breed, with most experts saying that Chihuahuas should not weigh more than six pounds — although half of all Chis weigh more than that, according to PetChiDog. Generally, the less a Chi weighs, the less likely it will have health issues.

Chihuahuas eat very little, too, often scarfing down less than a cup a day in food, making the food bill very inexpensive. They need little grooming and shed very little. They’re a little stubborn, so they might require a trainer, but due to their small size (and inability to do any real damage to a person), training costs aren’t of huge importance. However, they’re not good with kids. 

Chis also do not have any real predisposed health conditions. But because they’re so small, they can easily be injured by clumsy people and short falls. 

2. Rat Terrier

Weight: 10-25 pounds

Lifespan: 12-18 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $300-$600

Rat Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Low

Training difficulty:  Easy

Bottom Line: Rat Terrier

Rat Terriers are small, smart, and energetic dogs that are easy to train. Despite their high energy, they’re rather patient and are very good with kids. They have no special grooming needs — bathe them when needed — although their short coat sheds year-round especially during the spring and fall. It’s a good thing they’re a short-haired breed. 

The little balls of muscle are healthy, too, with low risks of genetic health disorders. They love to hunt. It’s what they were bred for. The Rat Terrier gets its name from rat-baiting, an old (and now illegal) blood sport wherein people used to bet on how many rats it could kill in an enclosed area. It was a common “sport” in 19th-century London. 

1. Miniature Pinschers

Weight: 8-10 pounds

Lifespan: 12-16 years

Estimated cost of a puppy from a breeder: $900-$1,300

 

 

Miniature Pinscher Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Very low

Grooming needs: Very low

Training difficulty: Easy

 

Bottom Line: Miniature Pinschers

Miniature Pinschers are a toy breed that are affectionately called “King of the Toys” because of their popularity and big personalities. Min Pins stand about 12 inches at the shoulder and have a high-trotting gait — and they’re not related to Doberman Pinschers. These puppers have been around for hundreds of years and are believed to be from a cross of Dachshunds and Italian Greyhounds. 

Min Pins are great with kids, don’t require too much exercise, and are very low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. They have a big personality and like to bark. Min Pins are healthy dogs and have a long life expectancy, which is always welcome.  

25 Most Affordable Dog Breeds (With Pictures)

When you decide to bring a canine friend into your home, you are making a lifelong commitment. And, as much as we love dogs, they can be expensive. There are many costs associated with owning a dog. These include grooming, food, veterinary care, toys, and other essentials.

The cost of owning a dog can vary greatly depending on the breed you choose. Some breeds have common health issues, such as hip dysplasia, heart disease, or brachycephalic syndrome. Other breeds require frequent, professional grooming. Some dogs will need a high fence installed to keep them safe. You should also consider the amount of food your dog will need. Large breeds will require a much bigger financial investment in feeding.

Before you choose a new pal, you should decide how much you are willing to commit to spending on care for your dog. To help you narrow down your options, let’s take a look at 25 dog breeds that are less likely to break the bank.

Top 25 Most Affordable Dog Breeds:

1. American Hairless Terrier

Image Credit: nika174, Shutterstock

  • Height: 12 to 16 inches
  • Weight: 10 to 16 pounds
  • Lifespan: 13 to 16 years
  • Temperament: Energetic, loving, attentive
  • Colors: Black, blue, red, brown, sable, brindle

The American Hairless Terrier is the only hairless breed of dog native to the United States. They are energetic dogs who love long walks and playing with their families. The American Hairless Terrier craves your attention and does not do well when left alone for long periods. Because they do not have a coat to groom, you will not have to pay to take them to a groomer.


2. Beagle

Image Credit: Przemek Iciak, Shutterstock

  • Height: 13 to 15 inches
  • Weight: 18 to 30 pounds
  • Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
  • Temperament: Friendly, stubborn, gentle
  • Colors: Black, tan, white

Beagles are widely known as everyone’s friend. They love people and are not good guard dogs because they love strangers, too. Beagles also love food. You will have to be careful about feeding your Beagle the right amount of food to prevent them from gaining too much weight. Otherwise, they make great family dogs and companions. They also are known to be quite healthy, which will save you money on vet bills.


3. Bichon Frise

Image Credit: Eudyptula, Shutterstock

  • Height: 9 to 11 inches
  • Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
  • Temperament: Intelligent, cheerful, needy
  • Colors: White

The cheerful little Bichon Frise makes a great companion for single people or families. Their tiny size means you won’t have to break the bank feeding your little buddy. They love attention and are very affectionate. The Bichon Frise is also a very intelligent breed. Because of this, they are trainable and love learning. Spending time teaching your Bichon tricks will make them happy and provide you with hours of entertainment!


4. Border Collie

Image Credit: SoloStar, Pixabay

  • Height: 18 to 22 inches
  • Weight: 30 to 45 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
  • Temperament: Intelligent, energetic, sensitive
  • Colors: Black, white, tan

Border Collies are working, herding dogs. They love to have a job to do and things to learn. If you are interested in training and agility, the Border Collie would be the perfect dog for you. It is important to note that work and training are not optional for these dogs. They are not couch potato dogs. They must be kept active and engaged with a task or they will become depressed and destructive. That being said, their high level of intelligence means you can train them yourself without paying for an expensive trainer.


5. Cane Corso

Image Credit: Sbolotova, Shutterstock

  • Height: 23 to 27 inches
  • Weight: 90 to 120 pounds
  • Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
  • Temperament: Loyal, intelligent, dominant
  • Colors: Black, grey, red, fawn

Cane Corsos and Cane Corso mixes are fairly common in shelters, so you do not need to shell out a bunch of money for a puppy. Cane Corsos are large, strong, and intelligent dogs. They need training and a job to do. The Cane Corso is very loving and loyal to its family but will require socialization to ensure that they do not become aggressive. A firm and experienced dog owner is best for a Cane Corso. It is also important to note that, while they love their families, Cane Corsos do not generally like strangers.


6. Chihuahua

Image Credit: HG-Fotografie, Pixabay

  • Height: 6 to 9 inches
  • Weight: 3 to 6 pounds
  • Lifespan: 10 to 18 years
  • Temperament: Sensitive, alert, energetic
  • Colors: Fawn, white, black, chocolate, grey, silver, tricolor

Chihuahuas are little dogs with huge personalities. They are smart and enjoy learning. They also love to be close to their family and will follow you around all day. They do not like to be left alone so isn’t a good choice for a family who is gone all day. The Chihuahua is not a good choice for a home with young children due to their tiny size. They should also always be watched around other dogs as the Chihuahua can be aggressive, even with larger dogs. The good thing about their tiny dimensions is you won’t have to spend a ton of money on food for your Chihuahua.


7. Chinese Crested Hairless

Image Credit: Piqsels

  • Height: 11 to 13 inches
  • Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
  • Lifespan: 13 to 18 years
  • Temperament: Playful, sensitive, affectionate
  • Colors: Mahogany, blue, lavender, copper

Like the Chihuahua, the Chinese Crested Hairless needs to be close to you all the time. These adorable little dogs usually select one person to cling to. They are not well suited for being left alone for long periods. There are two types of Chinese Cresteds. The Hairless variety has no hair and the Powder Puff has only a little hair, which means you won’t have to pay for expensive grooming. The Chinese Crested is also very athletic. Even though they don’t demonstrate a need for much daily exercise, they are capable of climbing, jumping, and sprinting. If you don’t mind a little shadow following you around everywhere, the Chinese Crested Hairless might be the dog for you.


8. Dachshund

Image Credit: NORRIE3699, Shutterstock

  • Height: 8 to 9 inches
  • Weight: 16 to 32 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
  • Temperament: Stubborn, energetic, intelligent
  • Colors: Blue, chocolate, black, fawn

Dachshunds are excellent family pets. They are friendly, playful, and intelligent. The Dachshund is also small enough to live comfortably in an apartment. However, if they are bored, they will bark. Your neighbors may not appreciate the noise. If properly cared for and given enough training and attention, however, your Dachshund will be a sweet, playful addition to your family. They are also widely available in shelters at affordable prices.


9. Dalmatian

Image Credit: Andrew Laity, Shutterstock

  • Height: 19 to 24 inches
  • Weight: 48 to 55 pounds
  • Lifespan: 13 to 16 years
  • Temperament: Energetic, curious, intelligent
  • Colors: White, black spots

Dalmatians love running. They need a home with a large fenced yard or an active family who will give them plenty of exercise every day. The Dalmatian also needs positive training from a young age to help them learn proper behavior rules. There are two other things to be aware of if you are considering a Dalmatian. They are frequently born fully or partially deaf. This can make training a challenge if you aren’t committed to putting in the necessary work. However, they do not typically have many other health problems, which may save you money on vet bills over the course of their lifetime.


10. English Bulldog

Image Credit: AndreiTobosaru, Shutterstock

  • Height: 12 to 15 inches
  • Weight: 40 to 50 pounds
  • Lifespan: 8 to 12 years
  • Temperament: Affectionate, stubborn, sociable
  • Colors: White, fawn, red, fallow

The English Bulldog is the polar opposite of the high-energy Dalmatian. They are quite content to spend their days napping and need to be encouraged to exercise to prevent weight gain. Too much weight can exacerbate health problems and breathing problems. Otherwise, the Bulldog is pretty low maintenance. They don’t require expensive grooming and are affectionate, calm, and loving.


11. Glen of Imaal Terrier

Image credit: DejaVuDesigns, Shutterstock

  • Height: 12 to 14 inches
  • Weight: 25 to 35 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
  • Temperament: Feisty, loyal, intelligent
  • Colors: Wheaten, silver, blue, brindle

These terriers make great, loving, family dogs. They can adapt to almost any living conditions as long as they get enough attention and exercise. Because they were bred as hunting dogs, the Glen of Imaal Terrier loves to dig. They also love to chase. You will need to keep an eye on them so they don’t dig up your yard or chase all of the small animals in your neighborhood. However, their high level of intelligence makes them fairly easy to train so you won’t need to spend a ton of money on a trainer.


12. Irish Terrier

Image Credit: congerdesign, Pixabay

  • Height: 18 to 20 inches
  • Weight: 25 to 27 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
  • Temperament: Brave, loyal, intelligent
  • Colors: Red, golden, wheaten

The Irish Terrier needs plenty of exercise and space to roam. They are also generally very healthy and have a nice, long lifespan. They are very intelligent and need to be trained consistently from a young age. They love their families and are good watchdogs. They will bark frequently, so they do best when they are in a house rather than an apartment. Because the Irish Terrier is a hunting dog, they also are best as the only pet in the house as they may try to chase your smaller pets. They also do not like other dogs and can be aggressive toward them.


13. Jack Russell Terrier

Image Credit: dezy, Shutterstock

  • Height: 10 to 15 inches
  • Weight: 13 to 17 pounds
  • Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
  • Temperament: Energetic, stubborn, intelligent
  • Colors: White, black, tan

The Jack Russell Terrier is a mischievous, intelligent, stubborn little dog. They are not a good choice for first-time dog owners as they can be very difficult to train. They are widely available in shelters, perhaps because people misunderstand their needs before buying a Jack Russell. However, if you are experienced and are looking for a feisty little companion, then the Jack Russell might be for you. These little pups need a lot of exercise and firm, consistent training or they will become destructive.


14. Manchester Terrier

Image Credit: Ricantimages, Shutterstock

  • Height: 15 to 16 inches
  • Weight: 12 to 22 pounds
  • Lifespan: 14 to 16 years
  • Temperament: Social, energetic, sensitive
  • Colors: Black, tan

The Manchester Terrier is known as one of the easiest terriers to train, which will save you money on an expensive trainer. They love their family and are very affectionate. They love learning and are eager to please. That being said, they do need a lot of exercise and attention. If left alone for too long, they will bark excessively and become destructive.


15. Miniature Pinscher

Image Credit: Dorena Beckendorf, Pixabay

  • Height: 10 to 12 inches
  • Weight: 8 to 11 pounds
  • Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
  • Temperament: Energetic, curious, fearless
  • Colors: Rust, chocolate, red, black

The Miniature Pinscher is a bossy and fearless dog. If you are considering one, you will need to be prepared to be a firm, consistent trainer. Doing so will result in an affectionate and dedicated companion. They need plenty of exercise and are good at escaping. You should always be watchful so that the Miniature Pinscher doesn’t sneak out. They are also very curious and love to taste everything they come across. However, their small size means you don’t have to spend too much money on their food.


16. Miniature Schnauzer

Image Credit: ClarissaBell, Pixabay

  • Height: 13 to 14 inches
  • Weight: 11 to 20 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
  • Temperament: Affectionate, intelligent, friendly
  • Colors: Black, grey, white

The Miniature Schnauzer is a friendly, affectionate dog who loves to follow his family everywhere. These cute, little, bearded dogs crave attention and want to be wherever you are. They like to play and run around. They are also great watchdogs and will bark to alert you of any noise or movement. You can save money on an expensive home security system when the Miniature Schnauzer is in your house!


17. Otterhound

Image Credit: Lourdes Photography, Shutterstock

  • Height: 24 to 27 inches
  • Weight: 80 to 115 pounds
  • Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
  • Temperament: Playful, energetic, independent
  • Colors: White, black, tan

Otterhounds love to play and run around. You can count on them to keep you active and on your toes. There is no need to pay for an expensive gym membership when you have an Otterhound. They have plenty of energy and need a family that understands their exercise needs. In return, you will have a sweet and affectionate dog. The Otterhound is not only interested in running, but they also love water and enjoy swimming. The Otterhound is a barker, so be prepared to hear their baying frequently.


18. Papillon

Image Credit: gayleenfroese2, Pixabay

  • Height: 8 to 11 inches
  • Weight: 4 to 9 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
  • Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, active
  • Colors: White, black, tan, red

The Papillon is a tiny, adorable, energetic dog. They love to be around their family all day, every day. They do well in most living environments as long as they get the exercise and attention they need. They also have low food needs due to their tiny stature. Even though they are tiny, Papillons are very protective. They are also fearless and won’t hesitate to go after a much larger dog if they think you are in danger.


19. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Image Credit: ElfinFox, Pixabay

  • Height: 10 to 12 inches
  • Weight: 25 to 30 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
  • Temperament: Loving, intelligent, stubborn
  • Colors: Red, black, sable, fawn, white

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a great family dog. Their loving, friendly nature makes them great with kids and other pets. They love to play and have tons of energy. Corgis are also usually pretty healthy so you shouldn’t have huge vet bills for them. The Corgi is intelligent, but can also be a little stubborn. Because of this, training from a young age is recommended.


20. Pit Bull

Image Credit: David Robert Perez, Shutterstock

  • Height: 17 to 19 inches
  • Weight: 30 to 85 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
  • Temperament: Confident, alert, loving
  • Colors: White, blue, grey, red, black, brown, brindle

Despite their reputation for being aggressive, Pit Bulls are actually wonderful, loving, family dogs. They were frequently used as nanny dogs because they were good around young children. The misconception that they are aggressive and dangerous is the result of their use as fighting dogs. The aggressiveness needed for fighting is trained into them at a young age by humans. It is not the Pit Bull’s nature. As long as they are raised and socialized properly, Pit Bulls are intelligent, eager learners who love people and affection. They are easily found in almost every animal shelter so you can rescue one for a low price.


21. Pug

Image Credit: Anton_dios, Shutterstock

  • Height: 10 to 14 inches
  • Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
  • Temperament: Affectionate, playful, stubborn
  • Colors: Black, fawn

The Pug is a companion dog by nature. They love to be around you all the time and do not like to be left alone. They are affectionate and playful. However, without proper exercise, they are prone to weight gain. The Pug can also get along well with other animals as long as they have been trained and socialized properly. They tend to have a decent lifespan of up to 15 years as long as they are properly taken care of.


22. Rat Terrier

Image Credit: Emily Ranquist, Shutterstock

  • Height: 13 to 16 inches
  • Weight: 22 to 40 pounds
  • Lifespan: 13 to 18 years
  • Temperament: Stubborn, intelligent, fearless
  • Colors: Tan, black, white, rust, red, chocolate, blue

The first thing to know about the Rat Terrier is it loves digging. You will need to give them a place to dig or they will dig up your entire yard. They are stubborn and energetic. Like many dogs, the Rat Terrier wants to please you, but they want to do it on their terms. They need training and exercise. With proper care and attention, these dogs will make good watchdogs and fun family pets. They are also healthy, hardy dogs with long lifespans.


23. Xoloitzcuintli

Image Credit: TatyanaPanova, Shutterstock

  • Height: 18 to 23 inches
  • Weight: 10 to 50 pounds
  • Lifespan: 14 to 20 years
  • Temperament: Calm, alert, territorial
  • Colors: Black, slate, liver, red, bronze, grey

These hairless dogs, also known as the Mexican Hairless, are smart and calm. They may not be cute and fluffy, but they make good family dogs. Their lack of hair also means you will save on grooming costs. These pups bond with their people and don’t like to be left alone. They are fine with a moderate amount of exercise and like to cuddle. They don’t care for strangers and can have a high prey drive.


24. Yorkshire Terrier

Image Credit: shymar27, Shutterstock

  • Height: 8 to 9 inches
  • Weight: 4 to 6 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
  • Temperament: Feisty, brave, intelligent
  • Colors: Blue, grey, tan

The tiny Yorkshire Terrier is a popular pet due to its huge personality. They are feisty and love attention. The Yorkie also gets along well with other pets as long as they have been raised with them. They can forget their size and be a little too brave with strangers and larger dogs, so it is important to always keep an eye on your little companion. Their tiny size means you don’t need to buy a ton of food for them. Yorkies are prone to barking and destruction when left alone, so they are not ideal for people who work long hours.


25. Mutt

Image Credit: Sinawa, Pixabay

Perhaps the most affordable dog of all is a mutt or mixed breed! Often purebred dogs are susceptible to genetic conditions and diseases not found in mixed breeds, saving you the high cost of vet bills. Furthermore, many mixed breed dogs are packed into shelters across the country. Adopting saves a life and may also save you money.

 

Conclusion

While all dogs require a financial commitment, it is important to know which breeds are more likely to incur higher grooming, veterinary, and food costs throughout their lives. Doing your research can help prepare you for what to expect from your canine companion.


Featured Image Credit: Rita_Kochmarjova, Shutterstock

Inexpensive dog breeds – top 12 cheapest puppies, photo

One look at the cost of purebred puppies can discourage the desire to have a fluffy pet for a long time. And this is understandable: not everyone is ready to shelter a mongrel with an unknown pedigree, state of health, character and appearance in the future. What to do in such cases? There is an exit! We have compiled the top 12 cheapest dog breeds.

What determines the cost of puppies

It is important to understand that a good thoroughbred dog will hardly be given to you for free. This is due to the fact that the owners have to spend money on the birth, feeding and rearing of puppies. Of course, they want to benefit from this, or at least not go into the red. Try to calculate: good nutrition for parents, selection of a partner and mating costs, purchase of a first aid kit for childbirth, playpen, complementary foods, vaccinations, veterinary examinations … And we have not yet added the money spent on exhibitions and registration of a pedigree.

Puppies in good kennels are very expensive. Firstly, breeders gain a reputation for a long time and also spend a lot of money on it. Secondly, as a rule, in order to prevent the impoverishment of the gene pool, dogs from such kennels are bred with foreign champions. Another nuance is the thoroughbredness of the companion. Breeders do not always honestly report that a mestizo is in front of the buyer. The cost depends on the class of the companion. If it is suitable for exhibitions, the price will be higher. Pets with minor defects are sold cheaper.

However, you can still save money. The cost is directly related to the demand and breed characteristics of animals. For example, among miniature companions, you are unlikely to find too cheap puppies, since representatives of such breeds give birth with great difficulty, and fewer babies are born. Another example: the price of the Akita Inu is still inadequately high, because Hachiko belonged to this breed, which makes these dogs a kind of stars.

The cheapest dog breeds

We tried to make sure that both big and small companions were included in the ranking. Let’s start with the first and smoothly move on to the last. The list of the cheapest breeds can include the following dogs:

  • East European Shepherd Dog — 10,000–20,000 rubles It is the closest relative of the German Shepherd. She differs from the latter in a slightly more calm disposition. The price is due to the uncomplicated appearance and prevalence of the breed.

    The founder of the breed, a male named Abrek, starred in the film “Gaichi” 1938 g

  • West Siberian Laika — 5000–15000 rubles Many of these dogs are perceived as “wrong” huskies. Their color is not so contrasting, and their eyes are not piercingly heavenly, but they are charming in their own way and have about the same restless character.

    The famous pet named Sobolko saved the life of his owner: once during a hunt a bear attacked a man, a husky bravely rushed to protect the owner and distracted the bear, giving the hunter the opportunity to shoot

  • Golden Retriever — 15,000–25,000 rubles Although the track record of these dogs is long, their appearance is not exotic enough to gain unconditional worldwide popularity. At the same time, they are very kind and calm pets with good health.

    They are not single person dogs, they are generally friendly with strangers and for this reason are not used as guard dogs

  • Dalmatian — 5000–15000 rubles The peak of popularity of this breed falls on the period of the release of cartoons from the 101 Dalmatians series. Now these dogs are difficult to meet on the street.

    Significant proportion of Dalmatians are deaf or partially deaf

  • American Cocker Spaniel — 5000–15000 rubles These are sensitive and active dogs of medium size. Their average weight is 7-14 kg.

    During the hunt, Cocker Spaniels look out for prey standing on their hind legs and stretching to attention, and then jump high to leave the high thickets and rush in pursuit

  • Beagle — 15,000–25,000 rubles Another breed with not enough bright appearance, but expressive character: these perky dogs are able to find their way to everyone’s heart.

    Beagles are active dogs, so they must be constantly distracted, otherwise the owner risks getting ruined and torn things all over the apartment

  • Basset Hound — 5000–15000 rubles This is not the most popular breed. Most do not like the specific appearance of these dogs. In addition, they do not have the best health, which is why it is important to properly care for them.

    The long ears of the Basset Hound are not a funny feature, but a hunting quality: touching the ground and plants, long ears collect smells and help the dog not lose track

  • Pug — 15,000–25,000 rubles The appearance of these babies is often found charming, but buyers are often scared off by possible health problems.

    Due to anatomical features, pugs have an increased risk of developing pathologies of the heart and eyes

  • Toy Terrier — 5000–10000 rubles In value, these dogs are much inferior to their more impressive counterparts – miniature pinschers.

    The toy terrier is not suitable for older people, because he has practically no discharge: he needs constant attention, he literally begs for it

  • Pekingese – 5000–10000 rubles These babies were considered fashionable 10-15 years ago. Now more popular decorative breeds have appeared. In addition, many dog ​​lovers have already realized that these crumbs are far from being as plush as they seem: this is a proud and independent breed.

    Mickey Mouse’s pet cartoon character Pluto had a girlfriend named Fifi, a Pekingese girl

  • Yorkshire Terrier — 10,000–15,000 rubles This is an example of overly popular dogs getting cheap too. At some point, there were so many breeders that we had to cut prices to sell all the puppies.

    Yorkshire Terriers rarely cause allergies due to the special coat structure

A low price doesn’t always mean a puppy is bad. Sometimes this is simply a consequence of the fact that the breed is not very popular or, on the contrary, is too common. If you want to get a purebred baby with a pedigree, but are limited in finances, pay attention to these dogs.

  • Author: Ekaterina Gonina