The American Eskimo Dog is a beautiful and affectionate breed known for its striking white coat, intelligence, and friendly personality. If you’re considering bringing one of these delightful dogs into your home, it’s important to understand the various factors that affect their cost. From the initial purchase price to the long-term expenses involved in caring for an American Eskimo Dog, this article will give you a clear breakdown of what to expect.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about the cost of owning an American Eskimo Dog, from puppy prices to grooming and veterinary costs.
Initial Purchase Price of an American Eskimo Dog
The first expense to consider when getting an American Eskimo Dog is the initial purchase price. This cost can vary widely depending on factors like the dog’s pedigree, the breeder’s reputation, and whether you are adopting from a shelter or purchasing from a breeder.
1. From a Reputable Breeder
If you buy an American Eskimo Dog from a reputable breeder, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000 for a puppy. This price range is typical for high-quality breeders who focus on maintaining the breed’s health and temperament.
Why the Price Varies: The price of American Eskimo Dog puppies can vary due to factors such as the dog’s bloodline, the quality of the breeding stock, and whether the puppy is intended for show or as a pet. Puppies with champion bloodlines or superior traits may cost more than average.
2. From a Shelter or Rescue
If you’re looking to adopt an American Eskimo Dog from a shelter or rescue, the cost will be significantly lower, usually between $100 and $500. The adoption fee typically covers vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and possibly microchipping.
Why Adopting is Affordable: Adoption fees are generally lower because shelters aim to find homes for dogs rather than make a profit. While you may not get a puppy with a prestigious pedigree, you’ll be providing a loving home to a dog in need.
Factors That Influence the Price of an American Eskimo Dog
The price of an American Eskimo Dog can be influenced by several factors, including the dog’s lineage, size, and location.
1. Lineage and Pedigree
Dogs with a well-documented pedigree, particularly those from champion bloodlines, tend to cost more. A breeder who participates in dog shows and focuses on breeding top-quality American Eskimo Dogs will likely charge more for their puppies.
Pedigree vs. Non-Pedigree: A dog with a pedigree is one that comes from a known ancestry with high standards for the breed. If you’re simply looking for a companion and aren’t concerned with showing your dog, you may be able to find a more affordable option from breeders who focus less on pedigree.
2. Size of the Dog
American Eskimo Dogs come in three size varieties: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. The size of the dog can affect its price, with Toy and Miniature Eskies often costing more due to their smaller, more desirable size for apartment living.
Toy American Eskimo: These small dogs weigh between 6 and 10 pounds and may command a higher price due to their popularity.
Miniature American Eskimo: Weighing between 10 and 20 pounds, this size is a middle ground, and their prices may vary based on breeder demand.
Standard American Eskimo: These larger dogs can weigh up to 35 pounds and may be less expensive due to their larger size, which is sometimes less in demand.
3. Location of the Breeder
The cost of an American Eskimo Dog can also be influenced by where the breeder is located. In areas where these dogs are in high demand, prices may be higher. Additionally, if you need to ship a puppy from a breeder in another state or country, you’ll need to factor in transportation costs, which can add $300 to $500 to the total cost.
4. Age of the Dog
While puppies are generally more expensive, adult American Eskimo Dogs may cost less. If you’re willing to adopt an older dog, you can often find one for a lower price, particularly from rescues or shelters.
5. Health Certifications
Reputable breeders often provide health certifications for their puppies, which can drive up the price. Certifications for genetic conditions, vaccinations, and overall health are important for ensuring you’re getting a healthy puppy, but they come at an added cost.
Ongoing Costs of Owning an American Eskimo Dog
In addition to the initial purchase price, there are ongoing costs to consider when owning an American Eskimo Dog. These include food, grooming, veterinary care, and training.
1. Food Costs
American Eskimo Dogs are medium-sized dogs with moderate activity levels, so they don’t require an excessive amount of food. You can expect to spend between $20 and $50 per month on high-quality dog food, depending on the size of your dog and the brand of food you choose.
Special Diets: If your American Eskimo Dog has allergies or specific dietary needs, you may need to spend more on specialized food, which could cost up to $75 per month.
2. Grooming Expenses
American Eskimo Dogs have a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it clean and free of mats. If you plan to groom your dog at home, you’ll need to invest in grooming tools like brushes, nail clippers, and shampoo, which can cost $100 to $200 initially.
Professional Grooming: If you prefer to take your dog to a professional groomer, expect to pay between $50 and $100 per session. Given their thick coats, American Eskimo Dogs may need professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the season and their activity level.
3. Veterinary Care
Routine veterinary care is essential for keeping your American Eskimo Dog healthy. Annual check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care for parasites can cost between $200 and $400 per year.
Unexpected Costs: As with any dog, there’s always the possibility of unexpected health issues. American Eskimo Dogs are generally healthy, but they can be prone to conditions like hip dysplasia, allergies, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Treating these conditions can be costly, with expenses ranging from $500 to $3,000 depending on the severity.
Pet Insurance: To protect yourself from high veterinary bills, you may want to consider pet insurance, which can cost between $20 and $50 per month, depending on the coverage.
4. Training Costs
American Eskimo Dogs are intelligent and eager to please, but they can also be independent and stubborn at times. Early training and socialization are important to ensure they grow into well-behaved adult dogs.
Basic Training Classes: You can enroll your American Eskimo Dog in basic obedience classes, which typically cost between $100 and $200 for a 6-week course.
Advanced Training: If you want to pursue more advanced training or specialized activities like agility, expect to pay more. Private trainers can charge between $50 and $100 per session, depending on their expertise.
Additional Expenses
Owning an American Eskimo Dog also comes with other miscellaneous costs. These include:
Toys and Accessories: Expect to spend around $100 to $200 per year on toys, leashes, collars, and bedding.
Licensing and Microchipping: In many areas, you’ll need to license your dog and have them microchipped. This can cost between $50 and $100 depending on your location.
Boarding or Pet Sitting: If you travel frequently, you’ll need to consider the cost of boarding your dog or hiring a pet sitter. Boarding facilities typically charge between $25 and $50 per day, while pet sitters may charge more depending on the services provided.
See also: Are Tibetan Mastiffs the Strongest Dogs?
Conclusion
The cost of owning an American Eskimo Dog involves more than just the initial purchase price. From food and grooming to veterinary care and training, there are many ongoing expenses that come with keeping this breed happy and healthy. On average, you can expect to spend between $1,000 and $3,000 for a puppy from a reputable breeder, with additional annual costs ranging from $500 to $1,500 for their care.
While these costs may seem high, the joy and companionship that an American Eskimo Dog provides are well worth the investment. By understanding the financial commitment involved, you can make an informed decision about whether this charming and affectionate breed is the right fit for your home.
