How Much Does a Hypoallergenic Dog Cost?

For those with allergies interested in enjoying canine companionship, hypoallergenic dog breeds present an appealing option. But what's the true cost of purchasing and raising these special low-shedding pups? This article will examine the average hypoallergenic dog costs - both initial and ongoing - to empower you to budget wisely. While no small investment, the sheer unconditional love, comradery and joy that hypoallergenic dogs bring to households makes them priceless for the properly prepared pet owner able to offer a lifetime of responsible care and nurturing. Doing thorough research allows selecting an ideal companion while managing expenses smartly at each stage.

How Much Does a Hypoallergenic Dog Cost?

The cost of a hypoallergenic dog can start from $500 to $5,000+ (≈1.9 months of your working life at $15/hour) depending on the breed, then approximately $1,500 to $3,000 (≈1.1 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour) annually for healthcare, quality food, grooming and supplies. Over a 10-to-15-year lifetime, total costs often exceed $20,000 (≈7.6 months of employment at a $15/hour wage).

Here are some average price ranges:

Lower Cost Hypoallergenic Dogs:

• Basenji - $800 to $1500 (≈2.5 weeks of non-stop employment at $15/hour) purchase price
• Greyhound - $500 to $1200 (≈2 weeks dedicated to affording this at $15/hour) purchase price
• Chinese Crested - $1000 to $2000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour) purchase price

Mid-Range Hypoallergenic Dogs:

• Poodle - $2000 to $3500 (≈1.3 months trading your time for $15/hour) purchase price
• Portuguese Water Dog - $2000 to $4000 (≈1.5 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour) purchase price
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier - $1500 to $2500 (≈4.2 weeks of employment at a $15/hour wage) purchase price

Higher Cost Hypoallergenic Dogs:

• Irish Water Spaniel - $2500 to $4000 (≈1.5 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour) purchase price
• Kerry Blue Terrier - $2000 to $5000 (≈1.9 months of your working life at $15/hour) purchase price
• Airedale Terrier - $2000 to $5000 (≈1.9 months of your working life at $15/hour) purchase price
• Breeding/show quality dogs - $4000 to $10,000+ (≈3.8 months working without a break on a $15/hour salary)

To generalize:

Small Hypoallergenic Dogs: $1500 to $4000 (≈1.5 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour) Medium/Large Dogs: $2000 to $5000+ (≈1.9 months of your working life at $15/hour) Show Quality Dogs: $5000+ (≈1.9 months of your working life at $15/hour)

Annual costs scale proportionally based on size, grooming needs, health considerations etc. Smaller dogs are less expensive overall to care for long term.

Several factors impact the asking purchase price:

• Breed popularity – Rare and uncommon hypoallergenic breeds cost substantially more due to scarcity and demand.
• Pedigree bloodline – Pups belonging to champion show-winning or prestigious breeding lineages command higher pricing.
• Location – Urban breeders tend to charge higher rates due to elevated operation costs. Competition also increases prices.

When investing in a hypoallergenic pup, take great care vetting breeders thoroughly to ensure you select one focused on health, outstanding temperament, and genetics rather than merely churning out litters for maximum profit.

Additional possible expenses to anticipate with your new hypoallergenic puppy:

• Shipping or delivery costs if required to transport the puppy significant distances after purchase.
• Sales taxes on the ownership transfer, depending on your state and local tax laws.
• Non-refundable deposit fees to hold your reservation for a future litter spot when demand is high. Reserving priority for the pick of the litter ensures best selection but comes at a small upfront cost.

While hypoallergenic pups are certainly not cheap upfront, the cost pales in comparison to the years of companionship and unconditional love they provide when properly cared for over their decade plus lifespan.

DogVills notes that hypoallergenic puppies can cost up to $5,000 (≈1.9 months of your working life at $15/hour) or more, reflecting thhttps://www.dogvills.com/how-much-is-a-hypoallergenic-dog/e higher end of the price range for hypoallergenic dogs.

According to Doggie Blog, the cheapest hypoallergenic dog breeds can cost between $500 and $5,000 (≈1.9 months of your working life at $15/hour).

The most affordable hypoallergenic dog breeds and their prices are:

• Fox Terrier: Cost as low as $300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage).
• Bichon Frise: Available for as low as $300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage).
• Standard Poodle: Price range from $600 to $2,000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour).
• Maltese: Price range from $700 to $2,000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour).
• Portuguese Water Dog: Price range from $700 to $2,500 (≈4.2 weeks of employment at a $15/hour wage).
• Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier: Price range from $700 to $2,500 (≈4.2 weeks of employment at a $15/hour wage).
• Australian Silky Terrier: Price range from $700 to $2,500 (≈4.2 weeks of employment at a $15/hour wage).
• American Hairless Terrier: Price as little as $2,000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour).
• Mexican Hairless (Xoloitzcuintli): Available for as low as $2,000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour).
• Labradoodle: Price up to $1,550 (≈2.6 weeks of continuous work at a $15/hour wage).

These breeds are considered more affordable options for those looking for hypoallergenic dogs, with prices ranging from $300 to $2,000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour), according to Doggietoys and Welovedoodles websites.

The most expensive hypoallergenic dog breeds include the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, which can cost $50,000 (≈1.6 years of uninterrupted work at $15/hour), and the Samoyed, which costs $14,000.

What Makes Certain Dog Breeds Hypoallergenic?

Unlike most canines that have thick fur coats they shed more intensely during seasonal changes, hypoallergenic breeds typically possess:

• Hair that grows longer rather than shedding fur, reducing airborne dander and proteins that most trigger allergies and reactions. Less hair released into the home minimizes issues.
• Low-shed or non-shed coats requiring diligent daily brushing and professional grooming every 4-8 weeks to remove dead and loose hair before it falls freely around the home. Proactive grooming keeps ambient dander lower.
• Saliva and skin containing comparatively lower amounts of the glycoprotein allergens found in most dogs that provoke immune responses in allergy sufferers. Their biochemistry tends to be less reactive.

While no dog is completely non-allergenic for all individuals, breeds like Standard Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, Maltese and Irish Water Spaniels are considered highly suitable and tolerable for the majority of allergy sufferers seeking canine companionship.

Initial Vet Costs

Once you take your adorable new hypoallergenic puppy home, standard initial veterinary costs will include:

• New puppy initial vet examination – $50 to $100
• Core vaccinations including parvo, distemper, rabies – $75 to $200
• Spay or neuter surgery – $100 to $500
• Microchip implantation – $25 to $50
• Deworming/fecal tests – $15 to $50
• Heartworm prevention – $80 to $150

Ensure your new hypoallergenic puppy is current on all important age-appropriate wellness exams and vaccinations as directed by your trusted vet. Timely prevention protects your pup through the vulnerable early months when diseases pose the greatest threat.

Also consider enrolling in pet insurance at this young age before exclusions for preexisting conditions apply. This provides a lifetime safety net against unpredictable issues.

Supplies Like Bowls, Crates, Leashes and Toys

Outfitting your home properly with certain gear and supplies makes assimilating a new hypoallergenic pup smooth while meeting their basic needs. Budget approximately:

• Crate with bedding – $50 to $200 for an appropriately sized crate providing a cozy personal den space
• Leash and collar – $15 to $50 for high quality hardware that withstands puppy chewing
• Food and water bowls – $10 to $50 for stainless steel or ceramic models that won't harbor bacteria
• Interactive chew toys – $25 to $100 for mentally stimulating puzzles and structures
• Odor-reducing shampoo if bathing at home – $10 to $25
• Brush and comb for grooming - $10 to $30 for starter tools to maintain their coat

When possible, look for deals and shop sales, but never sacrifice quality nutrition or essentials that set you both up for success. Some rescue groups may include starter supplies when adopting to offset initial costs.

Annual Hypoallergenic Dog Healthcare Costs

Standard Vet Expenses

• Annual wellness exams, vaccines and bloodwork - $200 to $400
• Monthly flea, tick and heartworm medication - $150 to $300
• Supplemental pet insurance - $300 to $600

Grooming

• Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks - $50 to $80 per visit

Quality Hypoallergenic Dog Food

• Special veterinary diets or limited ingredient formulas - $20 to $100+ monthly

Regular meticulous grooming and premium nutrition tailored for their needs reduces allergy triggers and skin issues. Preventative care keeps small problems from ballooning into big expenses down the road.

Additional Potential Expenses to Anticipate

Obedience Training and Socialization

• Group classes for basic manners and social skills - $150 to $500

Medical Conditions Requiring Specialists

• Allergies, ear infections, dental issues if chronic - $200 to $2000+

Boarding at Pet Hotels

• $25 to $50+ daily per pup for supervised care while traveling

Serious Injuries or Illnesses

• Broken bones, swallowing foreign objects, cancer etc. - $500 to $5000+ depending on required care

Vigilantly monitoring your hypoallergenic dog's health allows prompt intervention at the first signs of problems before they escalate into costly issues. Budgeting prudently via pet insurance gives peace of mind if the unexpected happens.

Tips to Save on Hypoallergenic Dog Expenses

Adopt Don't Shop – Adopting a hypoallergenic breed from a rescue rather than buying from a breeder typically saves hundreds on the initial purchase price.

Enroll Early in Pet Insurance – Securing accident and illness insurance policies for puppies before age or hereditary conditions can be excluded locks in crucial lifelong coverage.

Vet Wellness Plans – Bundled annual vaccine & checkup packages provide nice discounts versus paying individually.

DIY Grooming – Learning to regularly brush and bathe your hypoallergenic dog at home saves hugely on professional grooming.

Buy Quality Food In Bulk – Purchase kibble on schedule in larger bags during sales. Freeze portions to retain freshness.

Prevention Is Essential – Use monthly preventatives, dental care, and nutrition to avoid infections and expensive diseases. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

With adequate readiness and savvy shopping, a special hypoallergenic dog can fit many budgets without overextending finances. Focus on their health and happiness as top priorities.

Final Words

While hypoallergenic dogs represent a sizable commitment, the companionship and joy they provide those unable to tolerate other breeds is extremely rewarding when matched responsibly.

Do your research to find a reputable breeder focused on health and outstanding temperament suited to your lifestyle and experience level. Then get ready for a sincere new fuzzball friend despite allergies getting in the way!

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to know about hypoallergenic dogs?

While varying by individual breed, most hypoallergenic dogs shed minimally but require regular brushing and grooming to prevent mats and keep coat dander low. Their small size makes them suitable to apartments but ample daily walks and indoor play is a must.

Training is important as some like terriers have an independent streak. Patience and medicated baths may be needed for skin allergies. Budget grooming/food costs.

How often can you bathe a hypoallergenic dog?

Most hypoallergenic dogs only need bathing every 4-8 weeks. Their skin and coat oils maintain their hypoallergenic qualities. But some may need medicated baths as often as weekly or biweekly if battling skin infections or allergies under veterinary guidance.

Always use a gentle hydrating shampoo meant for dogs and monitor skin condition to avoid drying out their coat if washing too often.

What are the cons of hypoallergenic dogs?

Some downsides depend on the breed but may include high grooming needs for long-haired varieties like poodle crosses, a strong independent streak making training challenging in certain dogs like schnauzers or terriers, increased prevalence of dental issues, skin allergies prompting vet bills, smaller bladder capacity requiring more frequent outdoor walks, and potential for excessive barking.

Do research to select the right temperament and care levels matching your lifestyle.

Do all hypoallergenic dogs need grooming?

It depends on the breed, coat length and owner's brushing diligence. Short-haired hypoallergenic dogs like Labs can often be easily and economically maintained through weekly home brushing sessions.

But longer-haired breeds like poodles may necessitate professional clipping and scissoring every 8 weeks or more frequently for full coat upkeep. Budget grooming expenses based on your breed’s specific needs. Learn correct techniques to safely brush at home if desired.