The True Cost of Owning a Goldendoodle: Factors You Need to Consider
Dogs are great companions that bring joy and happiness into our lives. However, owning a dog comes with a lot of responsibilities including providing food, shelter, toys, and medical care. If you're considering getting a Goldendoodle, it's important to understand the cost associated with purchasing and caring for this amazing breed. In this post, I'll break down the cost of purchasing and caring for a Goldendoodle, so you can make an informed decision about whether this breed is right for you.
Purchase
The first cost you'll incur when getting a Goldendoodle is the purchase cost. Cost is often related to several factors:
The amount of pre-breeding health testing done on your puppy’s parents
The amount of experience a breeder has
The amount of socialization, active enrichment, and training your breeder performs
Whether your breeder is GANA certified and at what level
Location of your breeder
Other added value
A Goldendoodle from an average breeder costs between $1,500 and $3,000. Well-bred Goldendoodles with added value, such as being from a GANA certified breeder, parental health clearances, additional enhanced enrichment and training, and more can bring the price range to $5,000, $6,000 or more.
However, it's important to note that a lower price may not always mean a good deal. Make sure you choose a reputable breeder who performs health tests on their breeding dogs to avoid costly health issues down the line. Also pay attention to the amount of work a breeder puts into her puppies. Although it adds more to the initial price, health testing and early training can make a huge difference in reducing costly veterinary and behavioral problems later in life and usually end up being well worth the initial investment.
Food, Treats, and Supplements
Feeding your Goldendoodle a healthy diet is crucial for their overall health and wellbeing. Depending on the size and activity level of your dog and whether you choose a premium food (usually a better choice than a bargain brand) you can expect to spend between $30 and $100 per month on food. Additionally, you'll want to factor in the cost of treats and supplements. Depending on the quality and brand, treats can range from $5-$20 per package, and supplements can range from $10-$75 per bottle.
Toys, Beds, Crates, Leashes, Collars
Goldendoodles are active dogs that require exercise and mental stimulation. Providing your pup with toys, beds, crates, leashes, and collars is an essential part of their care. On average, toys can cost anywhere from $5-$30, beds can cost between $20-$250, crates can cost between $30-$250, leashes can cost between $20-$50, and collars can cost anywhere from $10-$150.
Grooming
Goldendoodles have coats that always grow, plus some have more undercoat than others, so they requires regular grooming. The cost of grooming will depend on the size of your dog, the condition of their coat, the frequency of grooming, and your location. On average, a Goldendoodle should be groomed every 6-8 weeks, which can cost anywhere from $50-$200 per grooming session. You can always groom at home yourself to avoid these costs. I have a free video series on grooming your Doodle at home if you want to learn to do it yourself. Grooming your Goldendoodle yourself is a wonderful bonding experience and often a lower-stress experience for your dog than going to the groomer. Additionally, even if you don’t groom at home you'll need to factor in the cost of some grooming supplies such as shampoo, conditioner, and brushes and combs.
Vet bills
Regular medical checkups and vaccinations are important to keep your Goldendoodle healthy. You'll also want to factor in the cost of unexpected vet bills such as emergencies, illnesses, or injuries. On average, basic veterinary care for a Goldendoodle can cost between $500-$1,000 per year. However, more serious conditions can result in higher costs, so it's important to have pet insurance or set aside a fund for emergencies. Many Goldendoodles are big chewers. Especially with Goldendoodle puppies, chewing on inappropriate items can sometimes result in a GI obstruction, and it can cost thousands of dollars in surgery to save your dog’s life. Vet bills are also more likely to be incurred throughout the life of your Goldendoodle if you get a puppy whose parents weren’t health tested, and they can add up into the tens of thousands of dollars.
Training
Training is essential to ensure that your Goldendoodle is well-behaved and obedient. The cost of training depends on your location, the type of training, and the duration of the training. On average, group training classes can cost between $75-$200 per session, while private training sessions can cost around $100-$175 per hour. There are some great online training programs, such as Baxter and Bella. I’m able to offer you this 25% off coupon code for a lifetime Baxter and Bella membership, just use the coupon code COSMODOGS.
Day Care/Boarding
If you work long hours or need to travel without your Goldendoodle, you'll need to consider day care or boarding. The cost of day care and boarding will depend on your location, the type of facility, and the duration of the stay. On average, day care can cost between $20-$50 per day, while boarding can cost anywhere from $30-$100 per day.
Conclusion
Owning a dog, especially a Goldendoodle, is a significant responsibility that comes with financial costs. However, the cost of purchasing and caring for a Goldendoodle is worth it for the love and companionship that they bring into our lives. By factoring in the costs of purchase, food, treats, supplements, toys, beds, crates, leashes, collars, grooming, vet bills, training, and day care/boarding, you can make an informed decision about whether a Goldendoodle is right for you. Remember, the most important factor in providing for your furry friend is spending quality time with them, and giving them love and affection.
