Hey,

I'm new to the forum, and actually pretty much new to having dogs of my own. I'm a few months out of college and looking to get one. I'm a very large fella, 6'4", 280lbs, so I'm looking at something as formidable in stature as myself. I'm very laid back, but enjoy doing activities and have always loved doing even simple things with dogs.

I was doing some research and I think I've narrowed my choices down to an English Mastiff, a Tibetan Mastiff or a Great Dane. If you guys have any other suggestions, please give any, as I've not even come close to finalizing a decision. My main question would really be, how much would I expect to pay in terms of annual upkeep and whatnot for one of these dogs because I would like to budget properly so that it is properly cared for. I've been trying to find this information, but it has been rather elusive.

Hi and welcome

Annual upkeep can be really hard to detirmin, I would generally suggest, Particuarly with a big dog, that you could be looking at anything from $50 -$100.00 per month for feeding, (depeding on the choices you make for feeding, keeping in mind that expensive is not always the best, but supermarket kibble is far from appropriate for overall health) $50.00 per month for training, $150.00 for innitial vaccinations (as there are several courses to be taken over the first few months) then $40 per year booster maintainence afterwards. Dont forget the annual check up as well (usually done at booster time) add another $50 to that appointment cost.

Toys, collars, leads etc, all need replacing periodically, but the expense of these is not usually too great.

Once of expenses such as spay or neuter approx $150.00

I have not taken any consideration of periodic meds etc, un doubtedly almost every pet has had to take a course of antibiotics or some other prescribed med in their life time, however the cost and ammont can vary so dramatically and hard to calculate.

If you are considering a big dog, keep in mind emergency vet care, whilst I would never wish it on you, i would suggest keeping aside a couple of thousand dollars for just incase incidents that may occur over your pets life time. Your local vet may even be prepared for you to establish a weekly/ monthly credit system where you give them a certain ammount per week or so and let it sit in credit just incase you need emergency cover..............alternatively there is pet insurance, but I prefer to have the just incase pet funds, at least then it is still my money and still intrest i earn from the bank.

Hope it helps some way, still unfortunately only rough guestimations.

thanks, I'll keep poking around some more

Hi! Welcome to the forum. It's nice to meet you.

WOW Nattiej1976 , trying to scare him away from dogs ? We have 3 large breed dogs and two small , our feed bill is only about $80 a month . The best advise I could give you is , do your research on ailments of that specific breed .Also , check up on the breeder (Know the parents health problems ) We have a Newfie that was born with severe hip displacia , which is pretty costly and heartbreaking ! Large breeds are awesome lovers but KEEP it well socialized , because there is no stopping them if they dont like someone / thing . Good luck , I'm sure you'll love it and do just fine !

thanks to all of you. I'll keep doing some research, but i'm pretty intent on getting one. I'd love the company , plus I need the exercise

hi welcome to the forum its nice to meet you its good to have you here

[wishbone]

Welcome mate. I don't have much experience on bills on bigger dog (I got JRT), you really need to do some research regarding those kind of dogs you like. Visiting some shelter or rescue house could give you much information that will fits you.

hi its nice to meet you welcome aboard its really good to have you here