How Much Does a Saarloos Wolfdog Cost? 2024 Update

The Saarloos Wolfdog is a large breed that requires specific care, training, and a diet to maintain their health and activity levels. However, the scope of responsible ownership is extensive, and they should not be purchased impulsively because they require a substantial financial commitment. Adopting a Saarloo Wolfdog can cost between $500–$1,000 or $800–$3,500 when you purchase a pup from a reputable breeder.

Saarloos Wolfdogs require ongoing financial support from the moment they are first purchased, and by understanding the costs involved, you can determine if you are financially set to take care of a Saarloos Wolfdog.

Bringing Home a New Saarloos Wolfdog: One-Time Costs

Besides the initial cost of your Saarloos Wolfdog, which can vary, you will have a few other once-off costs to consider before even bringing your dog home. The initial cost of your Saarloos will be the most expensive aspect, but that cost will also depend on where you acquire your dog.

Purchasing a Saarloos from a breeder can be expensive because they are a rare breed that can be hard to find. You may also, although unlikely, be able to find a Saarloos at a shelter or rescue center. Your initial setup costs can vary but will typically include veterinary costs, food, and other essential items.

Free

Saarloos Wolfdogs are rare, and although they are hard to find, you may know someone who bought one and can no longer care for it. In that case, they may offer you the dog for free, but the possibility is rare, and receiving a Saarloos Wolfdog for free is not something you should bank on.

Adoption

Although small, there is still a possibility you may find a Saarloos at a rescue center or shelter. Adoption fees can vary depending on the shelter and the dog’s age, health, and breed, and a Saarloos may cost more than other breeds to adopt. Adoption fees can include administration fees, vaccinations, health checks, and other services, typically costing between $500–$1000.

Breeder

Being a rare breed, finding a breeder in the United States may be challenging, and in some cases, you may need to look in other European countries. However, if you can find a reputable breeder, a Saarloos Wolfdog can cost $800–$2500. Because they are rare, it is even more important to research the breeder you find. Their dogs should be health checked, DNA profiled, and registered.

Initial Setup and Supplies

It’s best to be prepared to bring your dog home and have all the necessary supplies ready and set up. These can include your dog’s crate, bed, food and water bowls, toys, leash, and harness. Additionally, your dog may need a veterinary checkup to be spayed or neutered and may need to be microchipped.

List of Saarloos Wolfdog Care Supplies and Costs

How Much Does a Saarloos Wolfdog Cost Per Month?

Once you have paid for your dog’s setup costs, it is essential to remember that they are an ongoing financial investment, and some costs need to be factored in on a monthly basis. These costs can vary depending on your choices and your dog’s unique needs but typically include food, health care, veterinary care, and pet insurance.

Health Care

Although Saarloos Wolf Dogs can live healthy, happy lives if properly cared for, they’re vulnerable to a few conditions. Saarloos and Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs are susceptible to pituitary dwarfism, but breeders can use genetic screening to detect the disease. Bi-annual vet appointments can help your veterinarian detect health problems before they progress.

Medication and Vet Visits

If you choose not to invest in pet insurance, we would highly recommend you put away money each month for health care. Your dog will need annual checkups, routine vaccinations, and monthly preventative care for ticks, fleas, and worms. You may also have unforeseen visits to the vet if your dog falls ill, which you will need to be prepared for.

Food

Your Saarloos Wolfdog’s health is of utmost importance, and to keep them healthy and happy, they require a high-quality, well-balanced diet. They will also typically eat more than other breeds because they are more energetic.

Purchasing high-quality, vet-recommended wet or dry food will fuel their energetic bodies and keep them healthy. They will naturally eat less as a puppy, but as they grow older, this expense will grow, which you should consider when budgeting. Your Saarloos will also need consistent training, and treats will be a necessary expense.

Grooming

When it comes to grooming, Saarloos is a relatively low-maintenance pet. However, their nails will still need clipping, and their teeth will need to be brushed. While you can do it at home, some owners prefer to take their dogs to a professional.

Grooming costs can include a monthly fee to the groomer for a pamper session or toothpaste and dental chews to maintain your dog’s teeth at home.

Pet Insurance

Pet Insurance is highly advisable, but it is not required. While we believe it is something you shouldn’t skip, every dog owner will make their own decisions. Pet Insurance can take financial pressure off you when your dog falls ill or as an unforeseen accident that needs immediate care.

You want to focus on your dog’s well-being rather than whether or not you have the money. Pet insurance costs can vary depending on many factors and can also be customizable to help fit your budget. They can range from $20–$60 per month.

Environment Maintenance

If your yard is not big enough, you may need to take your Saarloos to a dog park daily, some of which may have an entrance or parking fee. You will also need to consider doggy bags to clean up after your dog, but they are pretty cheap, and you won’t need to replace them too often.

Other environmental maintenance costs to consider are carpet cleaners and deodorizers. If your dog is allowed to jump up on the furniture, you may want to consider having your upholstery cleaned once a month.

Entertainment

Your Saarloos Wolfdog requires ample mental and physical stimulation, and while you may have purchased toys and puzzle feeders when you got your dog, they will often need to be replaced. You can also go the extra mile and invest in a subscription box that offers your dog new toys and treats every month. Subscription boxes can cost around $25 to $50 a month.

Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Saarloos Wolfdog

As you can tell, the monthly expenses for your Saarloos Wolfdog can vary, depending on your dog’s needs and your budget. In some cases, the monthly costs can be high, but there are ways of being frugal and saving on unnecessary costs. Your primary monthly expenses will be food and health care, which you shouldn’t skimp on.

Additional Costs to Factor In

While purchasing a Saarloos Wolfdog is costly, along with ongoing monthly and annual expenses, there are also times when there will be unforeseen costs that haven’t been considered.

These can include costs for pet sitters or kennels when you go away, medical costs that insurance may not cover, and, in some cases, especially with a Saarloos Wolfdog, you may need help with training.

On that note, puppy obedience training is especially important, and for a breed like a Saarloos, we recommend enrolling your pup in obedience training classes. Another thing to consider is damages.

While this is unlikely with a well-behaved dog, accidents happen, and you never actually know how your dog’s temperament will be when it’s older. You may need to consider costs for replacing damaged furniture or items from being chewed or scratched up.

Owning a Saarloos Wolfdog on a Budget

There are certainly ways you can care for a Saarloos on a budget! You can save money by buying their food in bulk. While the upfront investment may be high, it will save you money in the long run. On that note, by keeping your Saarloos happy and healthy with a proper diet, daily exercise, and preventative medications, you will save on health care bills.

When buying toys, you don’t have to purchase high-end brands. Remember, they will get ruined quickly, and you can find several durable, affordable toys from companies like KONG. You can also ask your friends if they have any old toys and supplies you could take off their hands. Puzzle games and feeders don’t need to be fancy. You can easily make your own using old pieces of fabric and cardboard and a little creativity.

You can also learn to groom your dog to save on professional groomers. Be sure to groom your dog when they’re young so they get used to being handled.

Conclusion

If you are lucky enough to find a Saarloos Wolfdog breeder near you, you can pay between $800 and $2500. But that’s not where the costs end. You need to factor in your initial setup costs, which can be between $350 and $1,000, and monthly, ongoing costs that could cost $400–$1000. All these costs are estimates, and because each dog has unique needs, the costs can vary considerably.

The initial cost is undoubtedly the most significant financial investment, but caring for your Saarloos doesn’t have to cost a fortune as long as you plan and budget correctly. We always advise having a separate savings account so that you are never caught off guard and prepared for unforeseen expenses.

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Featured Image Credit: gloverk, Shutterstock