Buying a puppy
The cost of a puppy from a breeder: the honest calculation
8 min · last updated 05/09/2026
The purchase price is the smaller part of the bill. Anyone planning honestly counts acquisition, the first year and around fourteen following years — and then decides with open eyes.
What the purchase price contains
Health and genetic testing of both parents, stud fee and travel to the sire, ultrasound and birth support, high-quality food for dam and litter, two to three vaccination appointments, microchip, pet passport, deworming treatments and the litter inspection by the breed association.
In small breeds with two to four puppies per litter this effort is spread across very few animals — which explains the range of roughly 1,800 to 3,000 euro at association-registered kennels.
Initial equipment and the first year
Budget 400 to 800 euro for a travel crate, bed, harness, leads, bowls, grooming tools and toys.
In the first year add puppy school, booster vaccinations, neutering or preventive care, dog tax, liability insurance and food: usually 1,200 to 1,900 euro.
Ongoing costs across a dog's life
Small dogs eat little but need regular grooming: for toy poodle, havanese and maltese expect 60 to 90 euro at the groomer every six to eight weeks.
Veterinary costs rise noticeably from the eighth year. Health or surgery insurance taken out early smooths that curve considerably.
Why cheap puppies get expensive
Puppies from the illegal trade frequently arrive with giardia, parvovirus or kennel cough. A single parvo treatment quickly costs more than the supposed saving.
Add behavioural problems from missing socialisation, causing training costs over years — and suffering that cannot be expressed in euro.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay for the puppy in instalments?
We split the amount into deposit and balance, both by SEPA transfer. We do not offer instalments beyond that — anyone who cannot manage the purchase will hardly carry the running costs.
What does a dog cost per month?
For small breeds 90 to 160 euro a month is realistic, including grooming and reserves for the vet. Our cost planner calculates your specific situation.