Well, figure a dog that size (probably 60-90 lbs) will eat approximately a pound of dry food per day, dog food ranges from 20 cents to 2 dollars per pound depending on brand, so figure a dollar a day for calculating purposes. So 30 per month of food.

Then there is flea prevention. I'd say figure 10-15 per month for Advantage, Frontline, etc.

Heartworm preventative (not necessary in cold northern climates, essential otherwise.) Figure 5 dollars a month for Heartgard, Iverheart, etc.

And then there is a yearly vet checkup, rabies shot and license. Budget 100.00 per year. Over 12 months, that's around 8 dollars a month.

So for basic expenses, budget 55 dollars a month. Savvy shoppers can do it for less, but don't scrimp on your dog's health. An ounce of prevention is a pound of cure, they say... It's also recommended to keep aside several hundred dollars at least for emergency vet bills, like hit by a car, eats rat poison, etc. Those are NOT cheap to fix.

Bruno answered on 12/27/10. Helpful? / 1

I agree with Bruno if not a little bit more and definitely keep that slush fund on the side for Vet emergencies that are never cheap; or budget another $40-50 per month for pet insurance.
I also agree that espessially for the mixed breed you're looking for you can find it on petfinder in a flash. Search in your area and be proud to adopt. You can still find a puppy, no worries there. There are hundreds of thousands of dogs that need homes on petfinder alone. One of the great things about adopting is that usually spaying/neutering is included plus shots. So you'll not only be literally saving a dogs life but you'll be paying less money.
There's no down side. You will love an adopted dog just as much as one you buy from some "breeder" that's mixing two purebreds together. Plus your wallet will be a little heavier.
Good luck and keep us posted! Maybe we'll see you agian on dogster when you get your new pup.

Momma's Girls answered on 12/28/10. Helpful? / 2