One of the first things that you need to know when deciding on a dog breed you’ll buy is the puppy price. you need to know that you can afford a dog before you make that big step.
When you want to get a Cocker Spaniel, one of the first things you likely wonder is how much does a Cocker Spaniel cost.
Knowing the average price of a dog is very important, as you want to know whether you can afford your new family dog. However, this isn’t the only price you need to count on.
Cocker Spaniels are dogs with a sweet temperament that are very popular among dog lovers. If you’ve watched Disney’s Lady and the Tramp, you will probably recognize this breed as Lady is an American Cocker Spaniel.
This is a friendly, playful, and social dog that makes an amazing family companion. It originated from Spain, and it was originally bred to be a hunting dog. However, due to its cute personality and good temper, it quickly became solely a family pet.
Its curly coat and adorable looks made it a very desirable breed, which also impacted its price.
So how much does a Cocker Spaniel cost? And is this breed challenging – or rather, expensive – to keep?
Here’s everything you need to know.
Cocker Spaniel Price Chart
Before we can get into details about how much does a Cocker Spaniel cost, we’ll give you a brief overview of all the prices. This way, you can know straight away if you can afford these pups or not.
Here is the average price of owning a Cocker Spaniel:
| Cocker Spaniel puppy | $500 - $1,500 |
|---|---|
| Dog food | $70 - $230 a year |
| Dog treats | $40 - $240 a year |
| Food and water bowl | $5 - $20 |
| Dog collars and leash | $10 - $60 |
| ID tag | $5 - $20 |
| Dog bed | $15 - $65 |
| Dog crate | $20 - $80 |
| Toys | $15 - $50 |
| Brush | $5 - $45 |
| Dog shampoo | $5 - $20 |
| Tooth-brushing kit | $5 - $15 |
| Toenail clippers | $5 - $20 |
| Poop bags | $15 - $110 |
| Pooper scooper | $10 - $30 |
| House training pads | $15 - $45 |
| First aid kit | $15 - $50 |
How Much Does A Cocker Spaniel Cost
Despite their popularity and good features these pups have, Cocker Spaniels are not overly expensive dogs. Quite the opposite – when compared to other small breeds, these are rather affordable pups.
On average, a purebred Cocker Spaniel puppy will cost you between $500 and $1,500. However, this isn’t to say that some dogs will cost more. Doggies from exceptional champion bloodlines will cost you $3,000, or even more!
Still, it’s important to know that many factors can influence the Cocker Spaniel cost. While we’ll talk about this more in a bit, there’s another thing that also might affect a dog’s price.
One thing not many people know is that there are two types of Cocker Spaniel:
• The American Cocker Spaniel
• The English Cocker Spaniel
Not only do these two breeds have some differences in appearance, but they also have a slight difference in price. We’ll explain.
American Cocker Spaniel cost
The American Cocker Spaniel is also known as Merry Cocker. These dogs are accepted by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and they are fairly smaller than the English variety of the breed.
These are petite dogs that come in many coat colors, but they are mostly known for their parti coats. In fact, they have a longer coat compared to the English Cocker Spaniel.
Some people might even confuse an American Cocker Spaniel with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Springer Spaniel due to their colorful coats and short muzzles.
The American Cocker Spaniel can be a bit more expensive compared to his English counterpart. As such, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 for an American Cocker Spaniel dog.
English Cocker Spaniel cost
English Cocker Spaniels are another type of Cocker Spaniels that are recognized by the AKC, despite the fact that they originate from the United Kingdom.
These pups are a bit larger than their American counterparts, with a shorter but silkier coat. These dogs were bred to be less petite than English varieties, as they were used as working dogs at first.
English Cocker Spaniels are a bit more affordable, and they usually cost between $500 and $1,200. However, if you buy dogs from exceptional breeders with imported bloodlines, you can expect to pay much more.
Factors That Affect The Cocker Spaniel Cost
There are many factors that can influence the average cost of any dog breed, including the Cocker Spaniels. This is why the prices in your area might not be entirely consistent with what you’re seeing in your listings.
Any type of market isn’t immune to the outside costs. The same goes for pets. When looking for puppies for sale, you need to expect that many things will affect the price.
This is why it’s important to do your research properly. Here are a few things you need to have in mind when trying to understand the Cocker Spaniel cost:
Bloodline
The first thing that can affect the Cocker Spaniel cost is the bloodline. More notably, whether the dog is purebred or a mixed breed.
Dogs with a great bloodline are much more expensive compared to dogs with an unknown origin. Also, some dogs look like Cocker Spaniels but they are, in fact, crossbreeds with some other dog breeds.
However, there is a catch with this: Some intentionally mixed breed dogs will end up being much more expensive than their purebred parents, especially if they carry desirable traits from both parent breeds.
Still, a general rule is that a purebred dog will be much more expensive than a mutt.
Not just that, but dogs that come from champion parents will have a much higher cost compared to other dogs. Sometimes, these puppies can end up costing tens of thousands of dollars!
The type of breeder
Not all dog breeders are the same. The breeder you go to will have their own price, and the Cocker Spaniel cost can depend from breeder to breeder.
We’ll talk about this in-depth later on, but it’s still important to mention here, as well. In fact, next to the bloodline, the type of breeder can cause the biggest difference in price.
Coat color and conformation
The individual dog’s appearance might also influence the price.
For example, if you get a show-quality dog that is the best possible representation of the breed, he’ll likely be more expensive than the pet-quality pooch that might have a few appearance flaws. This is because such a high-quality pet can do an excellent job in dog shows, winning prizes and championships.
Some rare coat colors will also inflate the Cocker Spaniel cost.
According to the AKC, Cocker Spaniels come in these colors:
• Black.
• Black and tan.
• Black and white.
• Black, white and tan.
• Brown.
• Brown and white.
• Brown, white, and tan.
• Buff.
• Red.
• Red and white.
• Silver.
• Brown and tan.
• Buff and white.
• Brown roan.
• Brown, roan, and tan.
Most of these colors will fall within the standard price range, although some rarer ones, such as silver and brown roan, might cost a bit more.
However, Cocker Spaniels also come in a few more recognized colors that are not within the breed standard but can still make the price much higher due to their rarity.
This includes:
• Sable.
• Sable and white.
• Golden.
• Cream.
• Red roan.
A few more rare colors that are not recognized but you might find include merle, brindle, or even solid blue and white.
It’s important to note that there is usually a reason why some colors are not recognized within the breed standard. This is because they are connected with numerous health problems or are an indication that a dog isn’t purebred.
For example, both merle and white dogs have a greater risk of blindness or hearing problems, as well as cardiac issues.
This is why you need to be thoughtful and not immediately think a dog is of high quality just because he comes with a high price tag.
Dog’s age
A puppy will almost always cost you more than an adult dog. This is not just because puppies are considered to be cuter, but this gives you more opportunities to mold the dog according to your liking.
Still, no reputable breeder will sell you a dog that is too young. You should wait until your pup is 8 – 12 weeks old before you can separate him from his mother and bring him into your home.
However, once this time frame is done, the older the dog the lower the price. This is why many breeders prefer selling their litters even before they are born.
Health tests
Most breeders will conduct all sorts of health screenings and testing to make sure their dogs are as healthy as possible. This way, they’ll know they’re selling you healthy puppies free of genetic conditions.
However, breeders still have to profit in order to keep their business going. To do so, they have to earn more than they’ve spent, and these health tests aren’t affordable.
According to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, all responsible breeders should test their dogs for the most common diseases.
For example, a good breeder should be approved by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) which conducts several health tests – most notably, for hip and elbow dysplasia.
The more health certifications your pup has, the healthier he is – however, this will greatly affect the price.
Demand
Demand greatly influences the price. This goes with any sale out there, and a dog sale is no different.
When you have a popular dog breed, you can expect his price to be much higher than the price of dogs that aren’t as sought-after.
We’re not just talking about current trends that come and go. For example, Corgis have a price tag everywhere as they have become trending dogs on the internet.
Some dogs are more popular in certain areas. In small towns, large herding dogs, such as German Shepherds, are usually sought-after, as they can do all tasks you’d need of them.
On the other hand, in large areas where most people live in small apartments and confined spaces, small dog breeds are much more wanted. They don’t require large backyards or much exercise, and they can be the best family dogs possible.
Cocker Spaniels are not tiny dogs. They are small to medium in size, so they might do the best in cities with lots of houses where people prefer companion dogs over watchdogs.
However, this also means they might cost more in such places.
Cocker Spaniel Puppies For Sale
When looking for Cocker Spaniel puppies for sale, you might notice that some breeders have a significant difference in price from the other ones – whether that be a higher price or a lower one
This is because there is more than one type of Cocker Spaniel breeder. In fact, there are three:
• Reputable breeders.
• Backyard breeders.
• Puppy mills / commercial breeders.
All three types have different breeding practices, which result in different prices.
While each is popular, I would still advise you to buy a Cocker Spaniel puppy from just one of them – and I’ll explain which one and why.
Reputable breeders
Reputable breeders are breeders with experience and certifications. They know what they are doing, and they’re the best at it.
Reputable breeders have extensive knowledge about every dog breed they’re selling, and they’re willing to share it. No question is stupid for them, nor will they ever run out of time to share what they know.
When you buy a dog from a responsible breeder, you can expect them to insist on talking to you so they can meet you a bit better. They care about their dogs and they don’t want them to fall into the wrong hands.
Not just that, but they’ll want you to come to see the premises for yourself, or at least engage in a video call. This will give them the opportunity to show you the mother dog, or even both parents. This way, you’ll know precisely what to expect from your future puppy.
They consider their dogs family members, and most will breed them on the property they live in – but they’ll make sure it’s suited for the large number of dogs they likely have.
At the same time, they’ll conduct various health tests to make sure they produce healthy dogs. They might even offer a health guarantee so you can rest assured your dog will be free of any genetic health problems.
They’ll also be certified with the AKC or other large kennel club in your area, and they’ll make sure their dogs are up to the breed standard (but they might make an exception with some rare colors).
To make sure their puppies behave properly, they’ll be in charge of early socialization and dog training. They’ll also make sure their pups have had their vet checkups, and they’ll usually cover the costs of the first vaccination, sometimes even microchipping.
Finally, they’ll care about their dogs so much that they’ll want to stay in touch with you throughout your doggie’s life.
And if you ever decide that you can no longer take care of your family dog, a reputable breeder is likely to offer a helping hand. They’ll gladly take their dog back, even as an adult, and they’ll do their best to find him or her a new home.
By doing this, they can be certain none of their dogs will end up in shelters or even on the streets.
All of this, however, means that a reputable breeder has to charge a fine sum of money for their dogs. In fact, they are the most expensive option. You’ll rarely find a Cocker Spaniel costing less than $1,000, with some rare colors or champion bloodlines costing up to $10,000!
Backyard breeders
The second type of Cocker Spaniel breeders are the backyard breeders.
Despite what their name might suggest, backyard breeders don’t necessarily breed their dogs in their backyard, but this isn’t unheard of.
These are people without too much experience in dog breeding that are still attempting to mate their canines and sell their puppies. Sometimes, they are simply owners who have ended up with an unwanted litter they now want to sell.
Either way, you’ll be supporting a person that doesn’t have nearly any knowledge about dog breeding.
They won’t conduct any health tests. In fact, many won’t even know how to take care of the pups’ health properly, or they won’t know the right type of vet to call.
They are opportunists that have seen their chance to earn some money by selling puppies.
This isn’t to say they don’t love their dogs – most do. However, love isn’t enough to ensure a healthy litter. Sure, they’ll do all they can to make sure the puppies and the parent dogs are in good health, but they don’t know how to properly do this.
They also won’t know much about dog training or socialization, and they won’t provide any guarantees or proof of bloodline and pedigree.
Not just that, but they often won’t care who they’re selling their dogs to, or they won’t know how to properly conduct background screening.
As they don’t invest too much money into their dogs, they often won’t charge too much for their puppies. Most of the time, their litters will be at the low end of the spectrum. An average cost of a puppy from a backyard breeder is $700 – $1,200.
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t determine whether a breeder is reputable or not just by looking at the puppy price.
Some backyard breeders have realized they can sell their dogs for more. This can lead them to keep their prices high.
Instead, look at how they’re treating you and their puppies. Are the premises clean? Can you meet the mother dog and get any papers regarding the dog’s health? If the answer is ‘no’ to any single one of these, chances are you’re dealing with a backyard breeder.
Another way to find out whether a breeder is reputable is to look at the listing itself. No reputable breeder will ever place their listing on a website such as Craigslist.
Puppy mills
Finally, you have puppy mills – sometimes known under the name commercial breeders.
Puppy mills are companies that sell puppies. Their goal is to produce as many puppies as possible as quickly as possible. In other words, they care about quantity, not quality.
This allows puppy mills to keep their prices very low. In fact, they usually sell their Cocker Spaniel puppies for no more than $700. It isn’t uncommon to buy a Cocker Spaniel for as low as $500!
However, these dogs are usually in poor health. Puppy mills don’t care about the health of their dogs, they only care about profit. Their mother dogs are often unhealthy, as they are being bred more often than is recommended.
Not just that, but they usually breed dogs in filthy conditions. They keep the pups in kennels and they don’t provide them with enough attention they need.
This will result in dogs that not only have health issues but behavioral problems alike. They won’t be properly socialized, and they might cause many problems for future owners.
Puppy mills often sell their dogs to pet stores at a discounted price. When you see a puppy being sold at a local store, chances are he is coming from a puppy mill.
While the Cocker Spaniel cost is very low at a puppy mill, the dog you’ll get will be of poor quality, unhealthy, and unhappy.
In fact, many dogs from puppy mills will look kinda sickish from the start. They might be dirty, with teary eyes or even bald patches.
In the case of Cocker Spaniels, their coat might not be shiny, and they can be full of tangles.
Actually, the dog’s overall poor condition might be the main way you can differentiate a commercial breeder from a regular breeder at first glance.
Which one is the best?
I know that money is important and that many of us are trying to get as good of a deal as possible. No one is willing to pay more money than needed for anything, and this includes pets, as well.
As such, I am certain you’ll be disappointed when I tell you that I would always advise people to buy their dogs from reputable breeders only.
Yes, I am aware that the prices can be too high. However, there is a good reason why they are as high as they are. In fact, believe me or not, by buying from a reputable breeder you’ll actually be saving money!
Sure, the initial price is very high, which means you’ll have to find a way to cash in sometimes up to several thousands of dollars at once. Still, you have to think in the long run.
There is a reason why reputable breeders have a high price range. This is because they provide you with services you cannot find elsewhere.
Most importantly, they’ll conduct health screenings on their dogs to make sure they are healthy. The other two types of breeders don’t do that.
Sure, you can find a Cocker Spaniel puppy at a pet store costing you several times less than a puppy you’d buy from a breeder. However, what you don’t pay at the initial price you’ll end up paying in medical bills or bills from a professional trainer.
if your Cocker Spaniel ends up having a genetic health condition, you might have to spend hundreds of dollars for his treatment. Not to mention the pain of having to see your dog suffer.
The only way to reduce the chance of getting a dog with some potentially life-threatening disease is to buy from a reputable breeder. No other option will suffice this.
Buying a dog is a (dog’s) lifelong commitment. You need to think in the long run to make a decision you can stand behind for years to come.
Adopting a Cocker Spaniel
Next to buying a Cocker Spaniel, you also have an option to adopt one. This will not just lead to a lower Cocker Spaniel cost, but you’ll also be doing a morally good deed.
There are many abandoned dogs out there, and some of them are purebred. There is a chance you can find a purebred Cocker Spaniel at your local shelter.
When you decide to adopt, you should know that adult dogs aren’t the only ones placed up for adoption. You can also find many puppies at your local rescue organizations and groups.
This way, you’ll only be liable for a small adoption fee that usually costs between $50 and $500. The exact price will depend on the shelter in question, as well as your state and municipality.
However, there are a few things I have to disclaim.
When you adopt, you’ll have no way of knowing if you’re taking in a healthy, purebred dog or a mixed breed dog of an unknown origin.
While there is nothing wrong with a dog being a mixed breed, if you don’t know your dog’s background, you’ll have no way of knowing whether they are healthy or not. In other words, you might be taking in a dog with significant health problems without even realizing it.
Not just that, but many abandoned dogs have been neglected or even abused. This can result in destructive behaviors.
Sure, Cocker Spaniels are mellow, calm dogs. However, an abused dog of any breed can become quite challenging to train and control. Even a friendly Labrador Retriever that has been neglected might become aggressive!
This isn’t to say I am against pet adoption – quite the opposite, I myself have an adopted mixed-breed dog. However, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into before you make such a big decision.
Cocker Spaniel Long-Term Costs
When you become a dog owner, the initial Cocker Spaniel cost isn’t the only thing you’ll be paying – although this might be the biggest expense you’ll have to deal with at once.
Instead, you’ll be responsible for your dog for the entirety of his life!
As Cocker Spaniels have a fairly long lifespan of 12 to 15 years, you’ll likely be looking at more than a decade of friendship – the kind in which you’re the one that makes all the payments.
Some of these costs are one-time only. Others you’ll have to pay for throughout the dog’s life, either monthly or as you see fit.
Here are some long-term costs you can expect:
Dog Food Cost
First and foremost, your dog needs to eat every day. This means lots of dog food as time goes on.
The right amount of food and its cost will vary from brand to brand. If you look at the websites such as Amazon or Chewy, you’ll see that dog food for small breeds comes in all price ranges.
As Cocker Spaniels are small to medium-sized dogs, they don’t eat a lot, but they’ll still need a good amount of high-quality dog food. Depending on the brand, this can cost you between $70 and $230 per year.
It’s important to note that puppies and adult dogs cannot eat the same type of dog food. This means that you’ll have to change the brand – and with it, your expenses – every few years.
Luckily, Cocker Spaniels don’t need any special type of food that will end up being overly expensive. However, I would recommend you buy brands rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These can help your Cocker Spaniel’s coat stay silky and shiny.
Don’t forget treats! Treats are a great way to teach your dog how to behave or to give him some positive reinforcement as he learns to do tricks.
Just remember not to go overboard – treats shouldn’t make more than 10% of your dog’s calorie intake.
Dog’s treats will end up costing you anywhere between $40 and $240.
If you’d like to save some money, you might try giving your Cocker Spaniel some food that you have in your kitchen instead of treats. This might include:
• Carrots.
• Apples.
• Peppers.
• Fig newtons.
• A tiny bit of unsugared whipped cream.
The cost of dog supplies
Next to dog food, you’ll also have to get some supplies for your new family pet. Most of these supplies are a one-time expense only, but you’ll likely have to get other ones once these expire.
First things first, all dogs need food and a water bowl. Sure, most people try giving them some old soup plates no one uses anymore, but this is not the same as a proper food bowl that usually costs between $5 and $20.
While Cocker Spaniels are calm dogs, we still want them to be on the best behavior possible, especially during walks. This means they require at least two dog collars or harnesses and a durable leash. Expect to pay $10 to $60 for them.
You’d also want an ID tag to go with your collar, so prepare another $5 – $20 for this.
A dog needs a place to sleep, so a dog bed is also necessary. Fortunately, most dog beds for small dogs are rather affordable. Don’t expect to pay more than $65.
If you’d like your dog to sleep in a crate, you might need to pay another $80 for this. No, it isn’t cruel to have a dog sleeping in a crate – quite the opposite. If your dog is crate trained from an early age, he’ll think of his crate as a safe space.
All canines require dog toys. As Cocker Spaniels aren’t strong biters, these toys don’t need to be particularly strong or durable, but you still don’t want to buy the worst quality ones you can find. Expect to pay $15 to $65 per toy.
Most Cocker Spaniels are dogs with good manners that will know to do their business outside from day one. However, you might still want to get some house training pads until you are entirely certain your dog is potty trained. These pads can cost $15 – $45, depending on their quality and the number of pads in the packaging.
You’ll also want some poop bags and a pooper scooper to pick up your dog’s feces. Believe it or not, some large packages of poop bags can cost you as much as $110! A pooper scooper is usually a bit more affordable, as it costs $10 – $30 on average.
Finally, you’d also want to get a first-aid kit, just in case. You can never be too certain when your beloved pet is in question.
A good first aid kit will cost you $50, but you might be able to find some more affordable options costing you as little as $15.
Grooming costs
All Cocker Spaniels require some extensive grooming. Their coat requires lots of care, which is why I’ve prepared an entire segment for it.
Your Cocker Spaniel will require daily brushing. To do so, you’ll need a high-quality brush that will be able to detangle all the mats and reach the dog’s undercoat.
In fact, you’ll usually need more than one type of brush, as you cannot use the same brush for the dog’s outercoat as for his undercoat.
Depending on the type of brush, you might pay as little as $5 or as high as $45.
You’ll also need a proper dog shampoo costing you $5 – $20. Your Cocker Spaniel should be bathed every few months, and a human shampoo will hurt his delicate skin.
Don’t forget to brush your pooch’s teeth every few days! A good tooth-brushing kit can cost you up to $15, but you might also find some cheap dental treats for as little as $5.
While you’re grooming your pup, use this opportunity to cut his nails every few weeks. Toenail clippers will cost you $5 to $20.
You might also decide to take your Cocker Spaniel to a professional groomer. In fact, it is recommended to do so. A Cocker Spaniel should have his coat professionally groomed 4 to 8 times a year.
Luckily, these sessions aren’t too expensive. This is mostly due to the Cocker Spaniel’s small size. Expect a grooming session to cost you $50 – $65, but the price might vary based on:
• The dog’s size.
• Condition of the coat.
• Health.
• Age.
• The services required.
A standard dog grooming service will include a bath using dog shampoo, a haircut (if you want it), blow-drying, brushing, and styling of the dog’s coat. It’ll also include nail trimming, teeth brushing, as well as cleaning of the dog’s ears and eyes.
Medical expenses
The saddest part of being a dog owner is watching your pup grow old and have health problems appearing. Still, even as your Cocker Spaniel is young, you’ll still have some pretty extensive vet bills.
Once you get your pet, you’ll need to take him to at least two vet visits – assuming your breeder has already taken him to the first visit he is due while he is 8 weeks of age.
Each vet checkup can cost you up to $170 if we include the price of some basic vaccines. For flea and heartworm prevention, expect to pay a bit more. It isn’t unheard of for an annual checkup to cost more than $250.
These costs will become larger if you have a senior dog, as he’ll require some additional screening to make sure he is free of health problems.
Cocker Spaniel Health Problems
To understand the full scale of vet bills for your dog’s health care, you’ll also need to consider potential health issues these dogs have.
Cocker Spaniels are a fairly healthy breed with a long lifespan. However, this doesn’t mean they are free from illnesses. Some of the health problems Cocker Spaniels are prone to include:
• Elbow and hip dysplasia.
• Eye problems, such as cataracts.
• Ear infections.
• Cardiovascular myelopathy.
• Cancers.
The exact treatment and its cost will depend on the condition in question and your own decision. For example, hip dysplasia can be kept under control with pain medications your dog will have to take up to several times a day each day, or you can agree to have him undergo expensive surgery that can end up costing you up to $10,000!
Also, some health problems might require additional procedures, such as X-rays. These will likely add to the costs.
Additional costs
There are a few more Cocker Spaniel costs that are not mandatory – but most are suggested. Some of these can end up being quite expensive in the long run, so they are worth considering.
First of all, you might be required to pay for a license for your dog breed. Most licenses cost $10 to $20.
In some states, licenses are mandatory. In others, you can license your dog if you’d like, but this is not required by law.
Still, I’d recommend you go through with it either way. If you’ve licensed our dog, you can locate it much easier in case he gets lost or stolen.
Next to licensing, you can choose to microchip your dog. This is a unique way to register your dog, while also ensuring he is listed in all necessary databases, such as veterinary ones.
Many U.S. states require microchips, so make sure you are knowledgeable about this. A microchip will cost you $25 to $50, including the implantation price.
Professional dog training isn’t necessary for Cocker Spaniels. These dogs are fairly easy to train. Even the slowest of learners are still calm, so you’ll likely be able to handle them on your own.
If you’d still like to hire a professional dog trainer, you can do this. All dogs can benefit from a proper training session.
Individual classes, which are usually more expensive, aren’t really necessary for Cocker Spaniels. Instead, you should apply your Cocker Spaniel to a few group sessions that will cost you $150 to $200 per class.
If you’re a busy owner who works long office hours, you might not always have enough time to dedicate to walking your family companion. If this is the case, it is better to hire a professional dog walker than to allow your pup to become bored and destructive.
Most of the time, a 30-minute walk will cost you $15 – $25. If you decide to pay for an hour, expect a small discount – a walk will cost you $20 to $50.
One thing to keep in mind is that, while these walks are affordable, their costs can pile up. Your dog will require daily walks. If you’re working five days a week, this will likely mean you’ll have to hire a walker during all these days.
Also, you might want to keep in mind that some specific requests might add up to this cost. For example, if your dog is aggressive towards other canines, he’ll require to be the only dog during the walk. This will cost you more.
Fortunately, Cocker Spaniels are friendly dogs so this isn’t likely to be an issue.
If you need to travel someplace your dog cannot come, you might need to leave your pet at the hands of a dog boarding service. Depending on the location and the season, they’ll cost you $25 to $85. Most of the time, the higher end of the price range is during the summer and the holiday season, as this is when the services are very busy.
If this sounds like too much money for you – don’t worry. You can always ask a family member or a friend to help you out. This will usually be free!
Some train and airlines company will allow you to take your dog with you. However, you’ll likely have to submit a request months in advance. Also, these services can be expensive.
Not just that, but they are impossible to predict as they vary on too many factors to count. Contact the company you’re traveling with for more precise information.
Finally, you might also decide to get pet insurance. While insurance isn’t cheap, it can help cover any injuries or medical bills you might have to pay.
There is nothing more devastating than having to watch your beloved dog suffer, but you don’t have the funds to help him. This is why I think every dog owner should find an insurance policy for their pup.
An accident-only plan is the most affordable option. Most companies offer it at the average price of $190. If you’d like the more extensive accident and illness coverage plan expect to pay up to $565 annually.
Cocker Spaniel First Year Vs. Subsequent Year Costs
While we’ve listed the full cost of a Cocker Spaniel, it’s important to add that you won’t be paying the same amount each year. Some costs are required only throughout the dog’s first year, while others will be repeated later on, as well.
In fact, if we exclude any potential health problems, the first year is always the most expensive one. This is the year you’ll have to pay for your Cocker Spaniel puppy, all supplies, and more vet visits than is required annually.
Not just that, but puppy food tends to be more expensive than adult dog food, which means more expensive bills.
Also, during your dog’s first year of life, you need to count on all vaccinations, deworming medication, and spaying or neutering.
Neutering is a fairly affordable procedure that shouldn’t cost you more than $100. On the other hand, spaying is more invasive and, as such, more expensive. It can cost you $300 including the aftercare.
Once you’re done with the first year, things should be a bit easier. You’ll only have annual vet visits, and most supplies will last for many months, or even years. This means that you’ll spend much less money than you probably expect.
As your dog gets older, however, the medical bills become more extensive. This is another thing you should keep in mind.
In other words, some bloodwork and feces analysis will likely be conducted each year, together with tests for many health problems that come with age.
Are Cocker Spaniels Too Expensive?
After learning about the Cocker Spaniel cost, you might wonder whether these dogs are too expensive, or if their price is worth it.
Cocker Spaniels aren’t a particularly expensive breed. Many people can afford them, and the breeders aren’t likely to raise the prices recently.
Even the costs of having a Cocker Spaniel aren’t as high as one might imagine. The only exception is if your dog does happen to have some genetic condition. The cure for such diseases can be challenging and the process is long.
Still, the truth is, a dog is worth as much as you think it is. If you have the money to support both yourself and your pooch, there is no need to worry.
Cocker Spaniels make amazing family pets and they can be extremely devoted. Their mellow character and good nature make them hard not to love.
Of course, you need to know you’re able to afford to keep your pup before you make such a serious decision and buy one for yourself.
If you have the funds and you have enough time to dedicate to this affectionate dog – go for it. You won’t be sorry.
If you ask me – these little dogs are worth every penny, as long as you can deal with having some dog hairs here and there.
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