[Jamilah]

Pet costs: Is it worth the price to you IF you can afford a dog BUT would also like to still contribute to your FIRE number?

We have three children who have been pleading for a dog for quite some time.

We’ve done the research and are leaning toward a Standard Poodle.

It’s important that the dog has little-to-no shedding and doesn’t have too much energy (requires a lot of walks).

We don’t want to spend more than $3,000 a year (we live in southern CA).

Honestly, my husband and I are not “pet-people,” but our 14-year-old wants to be a vet and is promising to do most of the walking/feeding–her love of pets is really making us consider getting a dog.

If anyone has/had a Standard Poodle, how much do you spend per year?

Any additional financial advice regarding this particular breed?

EDITED TO ADD: Growing up, we always had pets.

The animal we had that longest was a Standard Poodle.

However, that was MANY years ago.

[Alicia]

If you’ve never had a dog before, get a smaller dog. Easier to manage and everything (food, medications, even collars) costs less for a smaller dog.

Plus poodles have to go to the groomer which costs a lot!

[Stef]

You could foster a dog for a while and see how your kids really behave, and see how a dog fits into your life.

There are breed specific rescues you can work with to foster.

[Elizabeth]

Standard poodles make for wonderful pets but they are much more energetic than some people realize.

They are very smart and regular training would be good for their activity.

[Frank]

Americans always seem fascinated by designer pets.
I would not get a purebred anything.

And get something smaller.

[Meagan]

You’re going to end up taking care of the dog. Not the kid.
And when the kid leaves the house for college? Still taking care of the dog.

[Lisa]

get the dog and Nationwide pet insurance…..oh yea, please rescue.

[Brenda]

Adopt don’t shop.
Even though your kid says they will do it, the majority of time they don’t.

If you get a mixed breed they usually are healthier.

A middle age or senior dog are calmer and easier to handle.

[Tory]

Poodles require a lot of walks

[John]

Get the dog – their unconditional love and what they teach kids is worth more than the money you spend.

[Stephanie]

Additional costs would be grooming (depending on length you keep it at, and where you are located) every 4-8 weeks, at an average of $100 plus tip per groom.

(The likelihood of this cost being more than or less then $100 is dependent on groomer and location) I’d suggest calling local groomer and getting a quote so you can better prepare your plan!

[Jason]

1) Your kids will NEVER take all of the walks. Soon, they will discover dating.

2) Dogs aren’t an investment for money– they are an investment in love and companionship.

3) Your kids can work at a shelter for a few months– after that– then perhaps, you can add one to your family

[Kathleen]

Perhaps have your kid volunteer at the local animal shelter to see if they can continue with the commitment.

Also check into local dog rescues and our San Diego Humane Society is overflowing with animals that need a home.

please consider adopting or fostering.

[Teresa]

As a dog trainer, if you (as the adults) do not want a dog – I highly recommend not getting a dog.

The amount of owners I work with as a result of not properly training their dogs and they end up needing to pay to work with a trainer or their dogs end up at shelters on a euthanasia list because they never really wanted a dog to begin with.

It’s absolutely fine to not be pet people, but have your 14 year old volunteer at shelters/walk other people’s dogs.

But do not get a dog, if you’re more concerned about financial costs. It’s okay to not want one.

Understand that animals also require urgent care or additional surgeries unplanned, that will cost a lot as well.

[Alyssa]

Why do u want a standard poodle? This type of dog has a lot of grooming costs.

You should look into a different breed.

Grooming costs alone could easily add up to 3k a year.

Maybe look into an American staffordshire terrier.

They are very loving and need zero grooming.

Good overall family dogs.

[Laurence]

As someone who grew up with a dog, I could not have imagined a better youth.

Dogs (depending on the breed of course) are the best companions for kids and taking care of an animal teaches kids so many important lessons.

The fact you’re saying you wouldn’t consider yourself pet people is a bit of a red flag for me because as an adult you will still carry the main responsibility, so important to ask yourself if you’re willing to do that, for the next 10-15 years.

You’ll be the one walking the dog when the kids are in bed, driving them to the vet etc.

Definitely wouldn’t recommend a poodle if you don’t want high energy.

[Meagan]

I’m a big dog lover and have had up to 5 dogs at one time. If you want a lazy and cheap dog, adopt an adult or senior from a rescue.

Older dogs have developed their personality so you’ll know ahead of time how much effort they will require.

Even individual dogs amongst the same breed can vary wildly in temperament and energy levels.

It is safer to go with one that’s been in foster care and the temperament is already known.

Plus, they are generally already house trained!

[Tony]

If you’re not pet people then don’t do it. In 4 years that dog is going to be yours when your child goes off to college for the next 4+ years and then vet school.

Poodles are smart, energetic dogs who need lots of exercise, so be advised you’ll need to go on lots of walks, otherwise that energy may turn into chewed or shredded furniture.

If you go ahead with it, please don’t ‘shop’ for a dog.

There are tons of dogs from your nearby animal shelterwho need a loving home.

Leave the $3K bred poodles to the status seekers, as they will have no problem getting purchased.

If your biggest concern is shedding then you haven’t looked at grooming costs for poodles.

You’re probably better off hiring a cleaner and going with a low maintenance mutt.

[Karen]

Please Adopt, don’t shop. There are also lots of rescues you can check out.

I have a Miniature Poodle.

She is high energy and requires lots of walks.

Her behavior is much better when she’s well exercised.

She does require regular grooming.

And has some health problems related to her breed.

[Paul]

It’s very much a personal decision but we will probably always have at least one dog. Currently, two.

[Inna]

Get a cavoodle or any other smaller doodle mix! Not as hyper, low maintenance, kid friendly and super loving dogs who train like a dream (they are eager to please).

We’re in SoCal as well.

Penny has been worth every penny for our family!

She does not shed.

First year we did a comprehensive insurance package to cover all the shots, now dropped to catastrophic only through Nationwide

[Janelle]

Poodles are highly intelligent and without proper training and stimulation you can have a rowdy pup on your hands.

Poodle mixes are way worse because then you get the energy of say a retriever for the common doodles.

Expect that your kids are not going to be helping and decide if it’s still something you want.

In terms of finances I think $3k is realistic but in a HCOL area I would call and get grooming quotes as you’ll need regular visits.

Also get insurance quotes as this is a must have.

Don’t skimp on important things to save money like good healthy food and proper vet checks.

Take into account dental costs ($500+ for professional cleanings every few years).

IMO it’s not fair to the animal to not pay for the best things like food because they only have you to rely on.

[Tim]

What a pet teaches your children about responsibility, and commitment is worth the cost.

I have three dogs in WI that cost me about $1,000 each per year.

Boxer, Boxer/English Bulldog, Shepherd/Mut

[Matthew]

Kids cost more than pets. So there’s that.
Get the damn dog. Money is temporary. Memories are forever.

[Ashley]

A few things:
1) Although they are “no shed” they actually require more extensive grooming and more often because of their dense curly hair.

2) A poodle is a higher energy breed as well so be prepared to give it both the required exercise but also the mental stimulation.

They are a smart breed that get bored.

3) If you haven’t had a dog before maybe foster bc this is a 12+ year commitment to see if it’s something you are willing to devote your time and energy into.

Best of luck

[Lindsey]

Poodles are a working breed. As others have said they are very smart and they need a job.

The dog will need lots of continuous training and activity to keep it from being bored, rambunctious, and potentially destructive.

Even many small dogs are working breeds and need enrichment to be happy, calm, and content.

Walks are one way to manage this but there are also many other ways to give a dog something to do.

Just something to consider.

[Author]

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