The average price for a Parson Russell Terrier from reputable breeders is about $400 or $600. Meanwhile, the adoption fees from a shelter may range from $75 to $200.
Either way, you’ll need to make room in your budget for training. After all, this breed can be a little tricky to manage for beginners.
Factors That Affect the Parson Russell Terrier Price
Overall, it’s not difficult to get a Parson Russell Terrier (PRT), even if you’re on a budget. However, the prices can change depending on a couple of factors.
Age
Generally speaking, a puppy will cost more than a senior dog. Plus, the prices for pups might also include the first vet visits, vaccinations, and socialization.
So, if you want to witness your PRT’s puppyhood, you’ll have to pay more compared to getting a fully grown dog.
Bloodline
A breeder’s reputation can definitely affect the price, but it’s not just that.
The bloodline of the Parson Russell Terrier plays a major role, especially if he meets the breed standards.
Average Annual Cost of Owning a Parson Russell Terrier
During your initial year of owning a Parson Russell Terrier, the average cost may range from $1,500 to $2,500.
However, this includes several one-time fees, like neutering/spaying.
All in all, some costs are unavoidable, such as food, basic supplies, and regular vet visits. Yet, you’ll still be able to save on other aspects of dog ownership, like grooming and walks.
Let’s take a look at the cost breakdown.
Food
Parson Russell Terriers don’t usually eat a lot because they’re not particularly large.
However, you’ll still want to feed them high-quality food with plenty of protein. This can include AAFCO-compliant commercial dog food or home-cooked meals approved by your vet.
Generally, a Parson Russell Terrier puppy will eat around one to three cups of dog food every day.
Depending on the brand and how much your dog eats, expect to spend around $15 to $45 every month.
That said, buying in bulk may significantly lower the cost for you.
Health
If your puppy hasn’t had any vet visits yet, you may be looking at three checkups for the first year. These should cover the PRT’s basic vaccinations.
Depending on your location, each vet visit can range from $45 to $170.
For neutering and spaying, the prices can range from $50 to $300 based on where you get the procedure done.
Nonprofit clinics and state programs are the cheaper options. However, if you can afford it, private animal hospitals may be more convenient for you.
After the first year, you’ll want to visit the vet for regular checkups 1-2 times a year or as needed.
It’s also better to arrange a dental cleaning for your dog once a year. After all, dental diseases are common in small dogs like the Parson Russell Terrier.
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $500 and $900 on cleanings.
As your dog gets older and the health problems grow, expect all these expenses to rise as well.
Grooming
Because PRTs have such short fur, you won’t need to spend a ton of time and money at the groomers.
In fact, you can even maintain your dog’s cleanliness and appearance at home. In that case, grooming supplies, such as brushes, shampoo, and clippers, may cost around $30 to $80.
If you still want professionals to handle the grooming chore, you can go for 4-6 visits every year.
The average price per visit could be around $35 or $45. However, it can drop to $10 in some areas or go as high as $100 in others.
Insurance
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are susceptible to health issues like patellar luxation and primary lens luxation. In serious cases, they could end up needing surgery!
So, you might want to consider pet insurance to save you money in the event of accidents or sudden illnesses.
For insurance plans that cover both accidents and illnesses, the price can range from $500 to $700 annually. Meanwhile, accident-only plans are usually around $200.
If you’re renting an apartment, your landlord might also require you to pay a pet deposit in case of damages. This one-time fee is usually $100 to $500.
Toys and Other Supplies
Before bringing home your Parson Russell Terrier, you’ll need some basic supplies, including:
- Food and water bowls
- Dog bed and crate
- Collar and leash
- Poop bags and pooper scooper
- House training pad
The initial cost for these items can range from $150 to $600, depending on where you shop.
Dog toys alone can cost around $10 to $50, and they’ll eventually break.
So, you’ll need to replace them once in a while to keep your PRT puppy entertained. Otherwise, he could get rather destructive!
Training
Reputable breeders should socialize the puppy before you take him home. Some breeders may have also covered potty training for you.
This will save you a lot of trouble in the future and let you focus on skill and obedience training.
Keep in mind that you might need a professional trainer if you don’t have a lot of experience with dogs. It could also be a good idea if you want your Parson Russell Terrier to be a watchdog.
Each private training session can range from $100 to $200. On the other hand, group lessons will be cheaper, at around $30 or $40 per session.
Dog Sitting and Walking
A Parson Russell Terrier dog can be very playful and energetic. So, he’ll need a companion who can keep up with him all day.
If you can’t take him out on walks every day, you’ll need to hire a dog walker. This service can amount to $300 – $400 a month or $15 – $20 per walk.
You can also hire someone to look after your dog if you’re going to be away from home for a while. Dog sitters may charge up to $350 a week.
Another option for frequent travelers is to book a pet boarding service. This can set you back around $25 to $90 a day, depending on the location.
Calvin is the co-founder and one of the main contributors to dogtemperament.com. He has been an avid dog lover all his life. He enjoys researching and sharing great ideas on how you can avoid common pitfalls of dog ownership and build the most loving and enjoyable relationship with your dog.
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