The Cost?

We all think as first time owners that dogs are relatively inexpensive.  We look in local papers and see mixed breeds being given away or sold for less than half that of a pet store and thousands less than a pedigree dog.
Well if we factor in purchase price and that of No Name pet food, the price appears to be more than affordable, it seems, should we venture to say, too good to be true?
Most young people as well as well meaning first time dog buyers think that the cost is affordable, they then bond with said pup and then have their heart strings torn when some unknown cost surfaces.  So let us examine those costs so that we can come to a realistic number that will be associated with you new pet before you take the plunge, commit,  then are heart broken because your puppy has to be euthanized as the cost to correct its condition costs more than the ultimate decision.
Where to start?
First in this section I will not venture into breed specific conditions that may or may not arise however. will caution you to research your breed carefully so that you understand that some breeds are prone to hip issues and others to ear infections while others to glaucoma, and some like my Shih-Tzu's, teeth problems.
KNOW YOUR SPECIFIC BREED
Initial cost will be the purchase price.  It can range from free to thousands of dollars depending upon its pedigree.
Second is the cost of Spaying or Neutering your dog.  Add $400.00 dollars or more depending on age of dog whether it has Whelped prior to said surgery or not.  If it is a Shih-Tzu for example, the vet may recommend pulling its baby teeth whilst under the knife for the spaying or neutering.  The cost may now be $600.00 for something you spent $350.00 to purchase.
You bought a collar and leash for $20.00 and mid range dry dog food $30.00 for one month supply and already your little ball of fluff is topping $1000.00.
Wait!
 There is more before he/she reaches 6 months of age. The vet will not Spay or Neuter your pet until it has received all 3 of its vaccinations and been De-wormed.
The shots range from $50 to $80 dollars each and the worm pill for 3 to 5 dollars.
The cost is now well over $1000.00 and since we have not included future vet visits for Breed related conditions, one can see the cost is growing.
  A friend of mine just spent $5000.00 for knee surgery on his Bouvier and may have to get the other knee done.
My Shih-Tzu  pups are famous for slow development of their baby teeth and if they don't fall out as they should the vet will recommend they get done before the second teeth start to grow around the baby ones.
It is so important that you first investigate the breed, then discuss with your vet on the first visit with your new pup all those conditions that may or may not afflict your breed so that as much preventative measures can be taken ensuring a positive outcome for both you and your dog.
It is not that I wish to dissuade you from taking the plunge into dog ownership, I just want you to be made aware of the hidden costs associated with dog owning.
It is an investment where the rewards of unconditional love outweighs the negative if in fact you are well informed.
If you buy a non-shedding dog, then add $60-$80 every six weeks to 3 months for grooming costs.  When the dog is being groomed they will clip their nails and express their fear glands located in the anal region of your pooch.
Of course there is flea season and the most popular treatment (Program) will cost you another 10 to 20 dollars every 6 weeks.
To sum it up, your real costs far exceed the cost of feed and purchase price when you take in the most basic concerns associated with your new dog. I simply want you to be well informed before you take the plunge.  An educated, well prepared pet owner is a happy pet owner.