The price of a Spanish Water dog puppy in the US ranges from around $1500 to $2500. However, the cost of adoption only varies from $50 to $390—exclusive of the medical and maintenance charges, of course.
Pure-bred Spanish Water dogs have curly hair that comes in coils. Their wooly coat colors usually harmonize with the color of their eyes; spanning from white, beige, and brown, to solid black.
Spanish Water dogs are recognized for their rarity. They were labeled as a rare breed by the American Kennel Club and acknowledged by the AKC Foundation Stock Service in 2005.
Rarity plays a pivotal role in the pricing of dog breeds. However, the expensive cost of having a Spanish Water dog is primarily based on its bloodline and exclusivity of the desired physical qualities.
Factors Considered in Pricing Spanish Water Dogs
Spanish Water dog breeds are one of the most expensive breeds for a house dog.
The price of this breed is significantly dependent on both the breeder’s reputation and the dog’s overall physical qualities.
1. Bloodline
Pure-bred Spanish Water dogs commonly cost more than hybrid ones. That’s because pure breeding preserves the qualities that make it distinguishable from other breeds.
2. Qualities
Spanish Water dogs can come in different coat colors, but the cheapest ones are usually solid-colored ones.
The tri-colored Spanish Water dogs are priced along with the higher ends since they’re harder to breed.
3. Geographical Location
If you’re buying from Europe or the US, then you’re in luck because Spanish Water dogs cost less in such locations. That’s because of the abundance of this breed in such places.
Other countries may raise the market price for Spanish Water dogs sinceit’s expensive to export them to further locations.
The Annual Cost of Owning a Spanish Water Dog
If you’re planning on getting this highly energetic dog breed, then you should expect the maintenance bill to be long.
The annual cost of raising a Spanish Water dog ranges from $900 to $1200, exclusive of pet assistance services and one-time purchases.
1. Veterinary Bills
The initial year of owning a Spanish Water dog will be the most costly as you need to take your dog to the clinic for its vaccination, rabies, and booster shots.
These shots usually come in packages that are worth about $200 to $700 for the first year, while vet check-ups cost about $30 per visit.
You may also insure your pup. Some veterinary clinics offer pet insurance costing around $50 monthly in preparation for possible future health complications for your dog.
2. Food
Spanish Water dogs are hyperactive which implies that they require a lot of energy to grow healthy.
The average supply of dog food for this type of breed costs around $50 to $100 monthly. This depends on what diet you want your dog to have.
Some dogs have possible allergies on certain chemicals incorporated in marketed dog foods, so you should consider checking the ingredients of what you’re giving them.
Active dogs are susceptible to muscular and joint issues, which is why veterinarians recommend dog foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids and proteins. This will help your dog build a stronger joint structure.
The market usually sells cheap dog food for about $30 to $40 per month worth of serving, but it’s important to look into the mentioned ingredients.
Not giving your puppy enough nutrients may lead to weak joints as well. This can potentially harm your dog in the long run, which can lead to costlier vet appointments.
3. Grooming
Spanish Water dogs’ coats are low-shedding and require little maintenance.
Overgrooming this breed can ruin its rustic appearance, which is one of the trademarks that differentiates it from other dogs. This type of dog should only be groomed about once a year.
Grooming services for Spanish Water dogs cost around $50 to $70, but self-grooming your pet is always a viable option to save up some money.
Grooming Spanish Water dogs requires dog grooming shears which cost about $15 to $25, a comb ($10), dog nail clippers ($10), and a set of wool brushes ($15).
Dog toiletries are also required for washing your dogs. This includes dog shampoo ($10), conditioner ($10), canine toothbrush and toothpaste ($10), and optionally coat spray ($10).
4. Training
This type of breed is popularly used as a sheepdog and guard. That’s why it’s conventional to train them.
Spanish Water dogs are highly vigilant as they respond well to distinct sounds too. Consequently, pet owners train their dogs using the clicker method, which requires dog training clickers costing around $8 to $15.
Training your pet is optimized by giving them treats. Complementing your training method with treats ($5 per serving pack) can surely help train them faster.
If you don’t have that much free time in training your dog, you always have the option of hiring dog trainers.
Pet owners usually pay $100 to $200 per session, but hiring a professional dog trainer with a reputable background in training Spanish Water dogs can cost you up to $300 per session.
5. Accessories
Spanish Water dogs are normally taken care of and trained without caging them, but if ever you feel the need to cage them, at least 30-inch cages should be used.
Dog cages cost around $20 to $100, depending on the material. Stainless cages are more expensive than plastic ones, but they’re more suitable for this kind of dog breed.
You will also need some other typical dog accessories, such as a dog food bowl ($5), a dog collar ($10), a dog leash ($10), chew toys ($10), and a dog bed ($50).
6. Dog Assistance Services
Walking your dog is important especially for this breed since they’re interactive and social animals, so if you can’t walk your dog, it’s always better to look for someone to walk them.
Having someone walk your dog can cost around $15 to $25 per hour.
If you’re going out and can’t bring your dog, you can also hire dog sitters for $30 to $70 per day.
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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