It is an exciting time!
You are looking for a new dog or puppy to share your life with. You can’t wait to get one, but …
How to get a cheap dog that will fit with our budget?
There are generally four places where we can get a dog or puppy –
The first step in “how to get a dog” is to decide on a dog breed. Do some research on popular dog breeds and find one that is right for our family and current lifestyle.
Dogs have a lot of bad habits, so think carefully before getting one.
How to Get a Dog 1
Accredited Dog Breeder
These are dog breeders that are registered with an accredited organization such as-
- American Kennel Club (AKC),
- The Kennel Club UK, or
- Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).
Each club has a section that lets us search for dog breeders that are registered with them. These breeders have to follow rules of conduct set by the club, and are frequently active participants in showing their dogs in club events.
Accredited dog breeders tend to breed healthy puppies, whose parents have been screened for hereditary issues. They will usually socialize their puppies early-on because that will help with subsequent conformation competitions. Many will also breed for good puppy temperament.
As a result, dogs from such breeders end up having fewer vet and puppy training bills.
Even though puppies from accredited breeders may not be cheap at first glance, they actually end up being cheaper dogs in the long-run because of their good health and temperament.
These puppies usually sell for about $800 to $2000, for the breeds that are more rare.
Some things to look for from a good dog breeder:
A good dog breeder …
- Will want to meet with you, or interview you over the phone, before selling one of her precious puppies. The more questions the breeder asks the better, because that shows she cares what kind of home the puppy is moving to.
- Will show you the mother and father (if available) of the puppies, and let you interact with them. The temperament of the parents will affect the temperament of the puppies.
- Will breed from champion bloodlines, and provide you with the puppy’s “family tree” that will contain many champions.
- Will have proper health certifications for the puppies’ parents. This will vary by breed, as different breeds may have different hereditary or genetic issues.
- Will give you some kibble, a blanket that smells like the litter, sometimes a crate, and the puppy’s favorite toy. This will make the transition of homes easier for the puppy. The kibble and smelly blanket are especially important.
- Will not over-breed their dogs. It is expensive and time consuming to properly care for a litter of puppies, so accredited breeders do not breed very often. Places that have litters every month or every other month, are likely puppy mills that are trying to generate as many puppies as possible to maximize profits.
If possible, it is a good idea to get our puppy from a local breeder. Someone local can hook us up with nearby club activities, and will also be available to give us puppy training advice. My breeder also visits me from time to time, and we get to set up some fun play sessions with her dogs.
How to Get a Dog 2
Backyard Dog Breeder
Unlike accredited dog breeders, backyard breeders do not need to follow any rules of conduct and are usually less experienced.
Backyard dog breeders tend to be –
- Hobbyists who are experimenting with dog breeding,
- Dog owners who get accidental litters, or
- People who are looking for some supplemental income.
As a result, they are less careful about health, temperament, and socialization of their puppies.
Backyard puppies may have genetic defects, unsound temperament, and may be skittish around other dogs or people. This may ultimately lead to dog aggression.
Most of the puppies advertised in online buy-a-puppy sites (e.g. www.puppyfind.com) are from backyard dog breeders or puppy mills. Accredited dog breeders spend the time to seek out good dog owners from their club connections, and rarely, if ever, advertise on these sites.
Getting an online puppy may be quicker and more convenient, but they are more likely to have health and temperament issues.
In the long-run, backyard breeder puppies will end up costing us more in terms of time, money, and heartache.
Puppies from online sites range from about $100 to $1000, with an additional $200-$300 if shipping is necessary.
How to Get a Dog 3
Pet Store
Good dog breeders who breed healthy and balanced puppies will never place their dogs in a pet store to be sold. This is because they care about their puppies very much, and take a very active and hands-on role in placing their dogs into good homes. They often establish a long term relationship with their puppies’ owners, and regularly check up on how their dogs are doing for their entire lives.
Pet stores have very little quality control on how their puppies are treated while at the store. Pet stores also do not screen who they sell their puppies to.
Most, if not all of the puppies in pet stores, come from backyard breeders or puppy mills.
Puppy mills are only interested in making as much money as possible. Their dogs are often treated cruelly, and are kept in small and dirty cages for their entire lives. They are not handled, groomed, or exercised. As a result, pet store puppies commonly have a lot of health issues, inherited genetic issues, as well as serious temperament issues.
If you love dogs, DO NOT get a puppy from the pet store as that will only support the cruel puppy mills behind them.
How to Get a Dog 4
Dog Adoption Agency and Dog Shelter
These are dogs that have been surrendered, seized, or abandoned by their owners. To adopt a dog in need, we may go to a nearby SPCA, city-run animal shelter, or a dog rescue group.
City Shelter
City shelters are usually underfunded and undermanned. To keep their dog population to a manageable size, dogs that are unclaimed and not adopted after a short period of time, are usually euthanized.
City shelter dogs are examined for health and temperament by staff, before they are put up for adoption. In addition, shelter dogs are spayed or neutered, and are up to date on their shots.
If we are looking for a cheap dog, consider that these health procedures more than pay back for the initial adoption fees.
City shelters have adoption fees that range from $50-$100.
SPCA
SPCAs (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) are privately funded, non-profit organizations.
They are better financed than city shelters, and usually have a no-kill policy. Most SPCAs get their dogs from surrounding city shelters. They temperament test all available dogs, and choose the ones that are healthy and most adoptable. They may also accept owner surrendered dogs, but only after the dog passes a temperament test. As a result, dogs at the SPCA are usually healthy and have good temperaments.
I used to visit my local SPCA for dog-to-dog socialization sessions. Almost all the dogs I met there were very playful, well socialized, and friendly to people, as well as other dogs.
If we are looking for a cheap, well-temperamented dog or puppy, our local SPCA may be one of the best places to find a furry friend.
SPCAs have adoption fees that range from $100-$300. Most SPCAs will also throw in a free dog obedience training class, and many give adopted dogs a big discount in subsequent training courses.
Rescue Group
Rescue groups are privately funded, non-profit organizations, with a particular mission.
For example, there are a variety of rescue groups that are devoted to saving dogs of a chosen breed. Other rescue groups may be devoted to special needs dogs, old dogs, retired racing dogs, dogs in dire need, etc.
Rescue groups will often take-in dogs that are about to be euthanized at the shelter. Most rescue groups have less stringent temperament tests than SPCAs or city shelters.
As a result, dogs from rescue groups may vary more widely in terms of temperament.
However, many rescue group volunteers will spend time to foster, train, and rehabilitate problem dogs, before adopting them out.
Adoption fees range from $100-$400.
How to Get a Cheap Dog or Puppy?
While considering where to get a cheap dog or puppy, it is important to factor in the costs for the entire life of the dog, rather than just the initial cost of getting the puppy. What we pay for in terms of food, toys, vet bills, and training classes will far outweigh the initial purchase or adoption fee.
A healthy and well-adjusted puppy from an accredited breeder or dog adoption facility, will have cheaper and fewer vet visits, as well as require fewer training classes.
- Vet visits range from a minimum of about $40 for an examination, to about $100 or more if medication is needed. Another $100+ may be required if the dog needs to be sedated for an examination.
- Training classes range from about $80 to $150, and usually last for 4-8 weeks. Private training sessions range from about $80 to over $100 per hour.
At the very least, a puppy with good temperament will save us $100+ per vet visit because he does not have to be sedated for an examination. When we add in the cost of extra training, and possible property destruction from a less carefully bred puppy, we are looking at many thousands of dollars more throughout the dog’s lifetime.
This does not even take into account the cost of emotional distress to us and our family, from an unhealthy, and unbalanced puppy.
In the long-term, cheap puppies come from accredited dog breeders, or our local SPCA, because they are healthy and have good temperaments.
Getting a Dog or Puppy Does Not Always Mean Buying One
Owning a dog is expensive.
The initial cost of shots and spaying or neutering can add up to about $500-$1000 in just the first few months.
Add to that the cost of dog food, dog medicine (Heartguard), dog toys, obedience training, vet visits, and yearly booster vaccine shots, and we are looking at a yearly cost of over $1000 just for maintaining the dog.
Getting a puppy or a dog is a lifelong commitment.
Consider carefully before taking on the responsibility of caring for another precious life. If we want a dog but do not have the time or financial resources at the present moment, there are other ways to spend quality time with a canine friend.
- Volunteer at our local SPCA or a nearby rescue group.
- Get to know our neighbors who have dogs, and volunteer to help them walk their dogs. We may even start charging them a nominal fee for our services.
- Get a part-time job as a pet sitter, or at a dog training facility once we are more comfortable with dogs.
I would love to get a Dog; Because my Dog who was a Chesapeak Bay Retriver ; his name was Samantha – I had him for along time ‘ but he did die because he got Cancer; which was terrible – I wish he did not die ; I miss him so much. That is why I would love to get another Dog. Thank You I Hope – Linda Anastas
:o) Hi there. When me and my siblings were growing up my mother told us how she was allergic to dogs. I Just recently found out that she just didn’t like digs. I just felt like sharing hee hee
puppy mills mom told me no
are your dogs large ones or do you have both
Hello,
I am concerning adopting a shiba, but I am moving to Taiwan soon for college, so I was wondering is it was a good idea for a college student to get a Shiba as a puppy or is it better to adopted in a older age? Does it make any difference?
In my experience, caring for, and training a puppy (especially a Shiba puppy) will require a lot of effort, time, patience, and money. Here is more on why Shibas are a challenge to train. Here is more on the Shiba temperament.
An adult dog that is already trained, will require less. However, all dogs need a good amount of daily exercise, time with their people, a consistent but interesting routine, regular teeth brushing and grooming, and more.
Before I got Sephy, I asked myself these questions –
1. Do I have the time to walk him every day?
When he was young, we walked for over 2 hours every day. In addition, we had play sessions, grooming sessions, training sessions, and more. We did not have a backyard then. Now he is fine with 1 hour daily walks, but we have a large fully enclosed yard and two Huskies that he plays with.
2. Do I have a consistent routine, as well as the time to train him and make sure all of this needs are met.
Dogs are pack animals and need to be with their family a large amount of the time. Sephy also really needs a consistent set of rules, and a fixed routine. He gets stressed (understandably so) when I do not get home at my usual time, or when I leave early. If our schedule is very inconsistent, that will likely create problems for our dog.
We also do yearly checkups and shots at the vet, and have them do a teeth cleaning. In addition, there may sometimes be unexpected health issues, and therefore large vet bills. Dogs are much more expensive than what I originally thought they would be.
3. Will I be able to commit to a dog for the rest of his life.
Caring for a dog is an endurance activity. I walk my dogs every day whether it is sunny, raining, very hot, or very cold. If I am too sick, I get someone else to walk them. I can’t just leave on a vacation, unless I find someone reliable to take care of my dogs. I can’t just take off to a party, because I have to get home to feed my dogs and take them out.
Dogs are a big responsibility. They bring big rewards, but they also place a lot of restrictions on my time and activities.
I waited until after I finished school before getting Sephy because then, I have more financial flexibility, and my environment and schedule are a lot more consistent and stable. This is not to say that having a dog during college is bad or impossible, but only that it is very difficult to fit the great demands of college (both social and academic), in together with the great demands of a dog. We only have so much time in a day.
Omgosh thank u so much!!! I was going to buy a dog from the store but not anymore I don’t want to support puppy mills so I am gonna get one from my local humane society or from a local dog breeder !!!!! 🙂 thank you!!!
-Miranda <3
That is great to hear! Post us some puppy pictures when you get your ball of fur. 😀
Hi,
Thanks for the great post, is very informative!
I stay in Singapore, which I think we do not have any local breeder here. Our local SPCA normally only have large dogs which I cannot adopt because there is a law here in Singapore that large dogs are not approved to stay in a flat due to their size. Most Singaporeans like me, stay in a flat (a small house something like the size of a small apartment). Thus, if I want to get a puupy, I have no other choice to buy it from a pet shop. Do you have any idea is it possible that I can still get a puppy from an accredited breeder? Will it be even more expensive because of the logistics?
Hello Regine,
Many breeders here will transport a dog by air. However, they will charge for the crate and shipping. I would consider looking for an accredited breeder from a closer location, e.g. Australian Kennel Club.
Note that there are many breeders who offer “Club papers” but many of these are fake. I only look at breeders who are directly listed on the directory of a recognized Kennel Club.
Also, there may be a wider range of adoption agencies in surrounding areas (e.g. Malaysia). Here are some current adoption listings. As you say, there are many more large dogs, but there are also a few small ones in the mix.
http://asdsingapore.com/wp/adopt-a-dog/
http://www.animalloversleague.com/adoption.html
http://www.spca.org.sg/services.asp?cat=1
Hope this helps and good luck!
I have never had 1 but i do reasearch on them and yeah they are more expensive
Hi, im currently searching for a shiba inu puppy in puppyfind, do you mind telling me which breeder you bought your sephy from?
I got Sephy from a Northern CA breeder called Andrea Schmidt. She was a new breeder at the time I got Sephy. She seemed most interested in making the sale, and was not really interested in following up with Sephy once she sold him to us.
In contrast, I got my Sibes from a more experienced breeder (Kelly) that I found by visiting the Siberian Husky Club breeder page. Kelly is awesome. First, we met with her and her puppies. She had already socialized them well since they were little by bringing them to various “puppy-safe” Sibe events, bringing them to meet her co-workers, etc. We also got to meet the puppy’s mother, who is a very sweet, friendly, and well-socialized dog.
After we met the puppies, she brought Shania over to our house to do a house check, and talk to us further about the breed. She also gave us kibble, some toys, and a blanket with scent from the puppy’s mom and litter-mates. This helped Shania feel more comfortable and less anxious in her new environment. Kelly also hooked us up with various Sibe activities in our area, and comes to visit us whenever she has some free time.
My next Shiba I am going to get from a breeder like Kelly – one who is experienced, cares greatly about her dogs, and truly loves the breed.
If you are looking for a Shiba puppy, I would start with the National Shiba Club of America breeder list.
http://www.shibas.org/breeders.html
I found out the hard way that getting a puppy from a good breeder makes a very big difference, especially in terms of temperament and early socialization.
Good luck and share some puppy pictures with us when you get your Shiba. 😀
i would like to get a puppy like persay puppy english bulldog or puppy golden retriever or puppy siberian husky . I would most likely prefer golden retriever or husky becuase those are my favorite but its all with the price how much do they cost CHEAPPP PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Itll be superb thank you and please get back to be ASAP! Thank you , judith
We would like to get a puppy or dog real cheap because my husband and me have been layed off from our Jobs; But we would love to take care of a real nice puppie or dog because we are in our house everyday and we would love to have a puppy or dog to hang out with and make him or she real happy to enjoy them selves.
Thanks for your help – Alton and Linda Howard
Hello Linda,
What really helped a lot before I got my second dog is to make a lot of visits to my local SPCA or humane society. They have some really great dogs there who are so happy to have any kind of people attention. I also learned a lot about different breeds, differences in temperament, and what type of dog would fit well into our family.
I did not do this with my first dog (Sephy), and we both had a very difficult first year. I expected Sephy to be something else that he was not, and things did not go well.
Also, dogs, especially younger dogs, frequently get into trouble. This summer, Shania (our second dog) accidentally got hurt during play. Then two weeks later, she got bitten by a rattlesnake. It was really very horrible. Needless to say, our vet bills were also quite horrible.
Happily, Shania is much better now and fully recovered, but it has been a very difficult time.
Sharing my life with dogs has been very gratifying, but I really wish I had taken my time in picking out our first dog, and also planned better for unexpected costs.
Good luck and share pictures with us when you get your pup!
I would like to have a puppy but I’m a 10 year old and
don’t have money
Hey I have a shiba and husky also! Both puppys! I got mines from the pet store in the mall so I hope they don’t end up with any problems, I take them to the vet and make sure there always healthy, there like my kids I love them! How much does ur shiba weight??
Heh, my Shiba is really big for the breed. He is over 30 pounds, in the low 30s.