If you have ever seen a Vietnamese Hmong dog in person or in a picture, you probably already know how gorgeous and irresistible they are. These little furry balls of happiness are so amazing, friendly, and loyal that they will make your life more fulfilled and meaningful. Most people fall in love with Hmong dogs at first sight, but you need to know how much a Hmong puppy costs before deciding to bring one home.

Keep reading below to discover all the monthly, annual, and one-time costs of raising a Hmong dog.

Bringing Home a New Hmong Dog: One-Time Costs

Free

Finding a Vietnamese Hmong dog to adopt from a friend or family member for free is unlikely. Since these puppies cost a lot, finding one for free won’t be easy. You may be lucky to adopt a Hmong dog from a friend or an acquaintance if they can’t take care of the puppy anymore.

Adoption

$0–$500

Since Hmong dogs originate from Vietnam, finding them in the US can be quite challenging. They are an incredibly rare breed, and you’ll need to be a true enthusiast to adopt a Hmong Dog. Either way, adopting or purchasing a Hmong puppy can be expensive because Southeast Asian breeders must fly their dogs into the United States. Standard adoption fees will depend on the services provided by the shelter.

If the dog had all their shots and was microchipped, spayed, or neutered, it can raise the adoption price. Nevertheless, adopting is always more affordable than going through the breeder, so you should check your local shelter before making impulsive purchases.

Breeder

$1,000–$3,000

Purchasing a Vietnamese Hmong puppy can be a costly investment since they are pretty rare in the United States. The price will also depend on the breeder’s reputation, the puppy’s gender, and pedigree. Some champion Hmong dogs can cost up to $6,000 while purchasing a Vietnamese Hmong puppy will cost anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000. Since Hmong puppies are such a rarity in the US, finding a reputable breeder will be important, as there can be many scams related to this breed, and you may end up paying a lot of money for a puppy that is not purebred.

Initial Setup and Supplies

$0–$400

Even if you acquire a free Vietnamese Hmong puppy or adopt one for a reasonable price, you must invest plenty of money for the initial supplies the puppy will need. They require special care, food, and regular veterinary check-ups. Purchasing a kennel, a bed, a collar, food and water bowls, and toys can add up to $200 or more. Adding the cost to fix your dog and providing all the necessary vaccines and microchipping can get closer to $400.

List of Hmong Dog Care Supplies and Costs

How Much Does a Hmong Dog Cost Per Month?

$100–$200 per month

While a Hmong dog is a rare breed to own in the United States, there are a few monthly expenses that you will need to take care of. Hmong dogs need high-quality food to ensure they’re healthy and require vet care, health insurance, and other monthly expenses.

Health Care

$100–$300 per month

Since the Vietnamese Hmong dog is a unique breed originating from Vietnam, you can expect your monthly costs to be much higher than a common US breed. This rare dog requires a lot of monthly maintenance, including high-quality food, grooming, and vet visits, to stay strong and healthy with a long life span.

Food

$80–$100 per month

When preparing your monthly budget for feeding your Hmong dog, you should know what to expect. Depending on the quality of the food, the brand, and the ingredients, it can cost more or less, but it usually adds up to around $100 per month. Standard dog food bags come in 12 pounds and usually last about 15 days.

Grooming

$0–$100 per month

As with all other breeds, constant care and maintenance are necessary for your dog to remain healthy and have a beautiful, shiny coat. Hmong dogs, in particular, have very long and extremely thick coats. Since their fur is so thick, it is prone to tangling, so using a comb frequently is advised. If you notice your Hmong dog’s coat is becoming dirty or stinky, you must give them a bath.

Depending on your budget, you can take care of the grooming at home or take them to a professional groomer. This service can cost anywhere between $30 and $100, depending on the size of your dog. You must also check your Hmong dog regularly for ticks and fleas. It is best to comb your dog after each walk, which will help you get rid of any ticks before they get a chance to latch on.

Medications and Vet Visits

$15–$60 per month

Routine check-ups should be done annually and can cost between $50 and $250.  Most vaccines cost around $15 to $20 per shot, and your new puppy will need to get all the DHLPP core vaccines (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza) including the rabies vaccine, which costs around $20. The average price for the first-year shots will be around $170.

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Pet Insurance

$30–$40 per month

Pet insurance is always a good choice, especially if you are a pet parent to a rare and uncommon breed such as the Vietnamese Hmong dog. Since veterinary care for a Hmong dog can be expensive, it is best to have pet insurance, which can cover a significant amount of your monthly veterinary bills. Insurance can cover almost any situation except preexisting conditions. Costing around $30 to $40 monthly, pet insurance can save you from high payments.

Environment Maintenance

$45–$65 per month

Monthly expenses, including supplies and reusable items, won’t be as costly and will be the same as with any other breed. You’ll need basic supplies to keep your dog happy while maintaining a clean space. For puppies, you’ll need to purchase puppy pads and poop bags, which you’ll buy monthly. Their price can vary but is usually not above $20 a month. Your puppy will also need treats that will help you with their training and reward system, which can cost around $20, depending on their quality.

Entertainment

$0–$50 per month

Your puppy will need several toys, especially if you work a lot and tend to be away from home often. To keep your dog entertained at all times, it’s best to replace old and worn-out toys each month or every couple of months. You can either replace a toy every time it becomes old, or you can subscribe to monthly pet subscription boxes, which will keep new toys and treats arriving each month for around $50.

Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Hmong Dog

$180–$400 per month

On average, your total monthly costs of owning a Vietnamese Hmong dog will be between $180 and $400. This will include everything your dog might need, including food, toys, pet insurance, and those minor supplies and requirements such as poop bags and puppy pads.

Additional Costs to Factor In

Your Hmong puppy requires training and exercise to ensure they’re healthy and don’t develop aggressive tendencies. You can sign up for professional training that includes crate education, potty manners, and socialization with other dogs and people. In that case, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500.

Walking your Hmong dog daily is incredibly important because high-energy dogs need plenty of mental and physical stimulation throughout the day. If you don’t have enough time to take your Hmong puppy for a walk, you’ll need a paid professional to do this for you. This service can cost between $200 and $600 monthly.

Owning a Hmong Dog on a Budget

Although the Vietnamese Humong dog is expensive, you can own one on a tight budget. First, you can purchase pet insurance to reduce your expenses for accidents and illnesses. You can also construct DIY toys and supplies to reduce your costs. If you can walk your dog at least twice a day, you can save hundreds of dollars on dog walkers.

Saving Money on Hmong Dog Care

If you are skilled and confident enough, try grooming your dog on your own. It’s vital to take special care of your Hmong dog’s coat, which needs regular combing because of its thickness. Brushing your dog’s teeth every day can also reduce your veterinary costs, but your dog will likely need professional cleanings at some point.

Summing Up

If you are considering buying a Vietnamese Hmong, it is crucial to know what to expect when it comes to budget planning. Considering how rare and difficult it is to come by this breed, your initial purchase will be a little pricey, verging on $3,000 for a Hmong puppy. You will also need to consider all the initial requirements, which will add up to around $400. Your average monthly cost can be between $180 and $400.

While these numbers seem large, there are ways to reduce your expenses and raise a Hmong dog on a tight budget.

Featured Image Credit: marie martin, Shutterstock