The Lhasa Apso Dog Breed Pricing Guide
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The Lhasa Apso is reputed for its loving personality and silky, floor-length fur. This dog breed originated in Tibet, and it is a great pet for couples, families, and singles. According to Dog Time, the Lhasa takes its name from Lhasa, a holy city. For thousands of years, monks in monasteries and nobility bred the Lhasa to act as a protector and inside the guard. In Tibet, the Lhasa is also referred to as Abso Seng Kye. This name translates to Bark Lion Sentinel Dog. Its thick, long coat is protective, and its native climate is extreme heat and intense cold. Lhasa Apsos are purebred dogs, and although they are small in stature, they are independent and sturdy. They can adapt easily to any home, including apartments, and fit in well with inexperienced pet parents. Before adopting the Lhasa Apso, you need to be sure to afford to meet all its care needs. It is a huge responsibility to own a dog, and its maintenance needs can cost you hundreds of dollars per year. Grooming, vet visits, and food expenses can add up. The following is a Lhasa Apso price guide.
Breeder
The average amount of money you can spend when buying a Lhasa Apso puppy from a reputable breeder is $500 to $1200. If you choose to adopt it from a breeder, find out if the breeder is responsible. Pets from puppy mills or other poor breeding facilities can suffer from many health and behavioral problems. According to Pet Budget, it is essential to research reputable breeders or shelters because this can have a significant impact on the well-being and health of your Lhasa Apso.
Shelter
If you prefer to adopt this dog breed from a local shelter, this is a great decision because many excellent dogs are waiting for their forever homes in shelters. You can expect to pay about $75 to $400 for a Lhasa Apso, based on its age, the area where you live, and condition. Apart from the puppy’s price, it would help if you bought initial supplies for your puppy. These supplies include toys, food, toothbrushes, carriers, water and food bowls, bedding, and crates. They can cost about $100 to $300. Furthermore, you need to pay for your puppy’s initial medical needs, including neutering or spaying and initial shots.
Monthly expenses
In the opinion of Hepper, it costs about $80 to $200 per month to care for a Lhasa Apso. These dogs live for about 12 to 15 years and may cost you up to $36,000 during their life.
Health Care
The health care expenses of the Lhasa Apso breed can fall between $0 to $80 a month. However, in the event of a serious illness or injury, pet owners can end up spending up to $600 a month for the medical needs of their pets. It is vital to take your Lhasa Apso to the veterinarian for a wellness checkup once a year. The annual checkup includes blood work, vaccinations (if necessary), and a physical exam. A veterinarian checkup for small dogs can cost about $100 to $200.
Grooming
This dog breed has a full, thick coat, and it requires professional grooming 4 to 8 times a year. Groomers can charge up to $80 per trip. You can reduce the grooming expenses of your pet by purchasing an at-home grooming kit. The price of these kits ranges from $30 to $250 but will enable you to save lots of money in the end.
Food
This dog breed is small, and it weighs only about 12 to 18 pounds. The average amount you can expect to spend on feeding your Lhasa Apso is $20 to $40 per month, based on the brand and quality of food you opt to buy. Prescription canine food for diabetic or overweight dogs costs more.
Medications
You need to provide your Lhasa Apso with preventative tick and flea treatments every month. This costs around $20 each month. Your dog can go for a few months without visiting a veterinarian. However, it is advisable to set aside about $10 to $80 for unexpected health care emergencies.
Pet insurance
It is advisable to obtain pet insurance to offset the costs of expensive emergency veterinarian care. This can cost about $20 to $60 per month, based on the kind of coverage you get.
Environment Maintenance
This includes the costs of canine deodorizers, poop bags, furniture, and home repair. It can cost you up to $90 a month.
Entertainment
Lhasa Apsos are smart dogs, and they require a lot of entertainment to keep their minds occupied. If they get bored, these pets can easily engage in destructive behaviors, like excessive chewing and barking. You can purchase your pet a new toy each month to keep it constantly curious and engaged. You can sign up for a monthly canine-friendly subscription box full of treats and toys. It may cost $50 per box.
Total monthly expenses
To keep your pet happy and healthy, you will spend around $80 to $200 per month. The monthly expenses might fluctuate wildly based on your pet’s unique needs.
Additional costs
Besides the expenses above, you also need to consider the occasional costs of pet sitting, dog walking or dog boarding services, and training classes. Dog boarding costs around $50 daily, while pet sitters charge about $60 per day. Dog walkers usually charge about $20 per walk.
How to reduce expenses
To minimize the expense of caring for your pet, you can take it to low-cost veterinarian clinics, get gently used supplies free, and groom it at home.
Final thoughts
The expenses associated with adopting and caring for a Lhasa Apso include the cost of the pet itself, training, veterinary expenses, insurance, supplies, and grooming, among others. Plan to spend about $100 to $300 on initial supplies and about $80 to $200 a month on the care needs of your pet after that. Ensuring that your pet is happy and healthy is vital. In return, your pet dog will provide you with unconditional affection and love for its entire lifespan.
