Dorgi Prices Australia

Full of personality and energy, Dorgis are a pint-sized mix of the Dachshund and Pembroke Welsh Corgi and a breed that are excellent family pets. However, before you bring one of these delightful little dogs into your life, you need to get a clear understanding of the finances involved with owning one. Sure, you’ll need to pay for your puppy, but what about their essentials and the ongoing care they require to stay happy and healthy all year round? To help your budget and prepare for the financial responsibility, we’ve put together everything you need to know about Dorgi ownership below.

How Much Does a Dorgi Cost in Australia?

Let’s start with the cost of the dog itself, which will vary depending on where you get your puppy from. For example, if you choose to buy your Dorgi from a registered breeder, you’ll likely pay somewhere between $2,500 and $4,000. On the other hand, if you’re lucky enough to find a Dorgi available for adoption, the fees are much lower, sitting at an average of $300 – $700.

Registered breeders and adoption shelters are the only way to go when you’re buying a Dorgi or any other breed, and the reason for this is simple. While it may be tempting to go for a puppy being advertised cheaper than the price ranges above, these are likely from unregistered breeders, who may not have followed best breeding practices or kept the welfare of their puppies a priority, which can lead to health and behavioural issues down the line.

Average Price of a Dorgi When Buying Through a Registered Dorgi Breeder in Australia

Buying a Dorgi through a registered breeder will come with a price tag of around $2,500 to $4,000. This might seem like quite a wide price range, but the final cost will depend on a few factors, including the puppy’s lineage and coat type, as well as the breeder’s reputation. We’ll look at these in more detail shortly.

Average Price of a Dorgi When Buying Through an Adoption Shelter in Australia

To keep your initial costs lower (and to get that amazing feeling of giving a dog in need their forever home), you can adopt a Dorgi from a rescue shelter. The fees usually range from $300 – $700, and this also covers things like vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing, as well as contributing towards the running costs of the shelter. However, as with any breed, there’s no guarantee that you’ll find a Dorgi at your local shelter straight away, so you may have to do some calling around, and if you’re 100% set on this being the breed you want, exercise a little patience while you wait for one to become available.

Factors Influencing the Cost of a Dorgi

As mentioned above, the cost of a Dorgi is influenced by several factors, including:

Size

Dorgis usually inherit a mix of both their parent’s physical characteristics, but their size is one of the things that can vary the most. Miniature Dorgis are one of the most sought-after sizes, especially with people who live in apartments or with families who would prefer a smaller dog, and because of this demand the price of this size Dorgi is often more expensive than Standard Dorgis.

Coat

It’s not just size, though. Dorgis come in a variety of coat colours, including black and tan, sable, red, fawn, and merle, and some of these are rarer than others, making them more expensive. Along with the coat colour, the coat type plays a role in pricing, and Dorgis with long-haired coats are usually priced higher than their shorter-haired counterparts because, again, there is more demand for them.

Bloodline

Even though Dorgis aren’t recognised by Dogs Australia because they’re a mixed breed, a puppy might be priced higher if its Corgi or Dachshund parents have a strong pedigree. This is especially true if they have done well in dog shows and have strong traits outlined in their respective breed standards, while Dorgi puppies without such a strong lineage and considered “pet quality” are more likely to sit at the lower end of the $2,500 to $4,000 price range.

Breeder Reputation

Then, there’s the breeder’s reputation, which is one of the main things that will determine how much a puppy is priced. An experienced breeder who has prioritised genetic health testing and followed the best breeding practices will always charge more, as they need to make these costs back when selling their puppies. What this higher price does mean, however, is that you’re getting a well-bred, healthy, socialised puppy that could save you thousands in vet bills and specialised training classes in the future.

Costs of Essentials for Your Dorgi

Before your furry little friend moves into your home, you’ll need to pick up a few essential supplies. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs and why each item is important:

• Dog crate: $100 – $200 for a small, secure crate that can be used for training and provides a quiet, safe space for your Dorgi to rest.
• Dog bed: $80 – $150 for a supportive, memory foam bed that will cushion their joints and help prevent spinal strain while they sleep.
• Dog collar/lead: $35 – $70 for a well-fitted collar with an ID tag and a non-retractable lead. Don’t be tempted to buy a retractable lead for a Dorgi, as these can put too much pressure on their spine if they suddenly lunge forward.
• Feeding bowl: $20 – $50 for a non-slip, slow-feeder bowl that will prevent your Dorgi from eating too quickly and suffering from bloat.
• Dog toothbrush: $20 – $40 for a small canine toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
• Dog car harness: $50 – $100 for a crash-tested harness that will support their delicate backs and keep them safe in case of sudden stops.
• Puppy treats: $20 – $40 per month for all-natural treats that can be used for training and reinforcing good behaviour.
• Puppy training pads: $20 – $50 for disposable or reusable pads when going through the early stages of house training.
• Dog shampoo & conditioner: $30 – $40 for a hypoallergenic shampoo that can clean tough mud and dirt but remains gentle on delicate skin.
• Dog nail clippers, brushes & combs: $40 – $100 for a bristle brush, slicker brush, comb, and nail clippers to keep your Dorgi looking sharp!

Dorgi Maintenace Costs

Those are your one-off costs covered. But your budgeting list isn’t done yet, and you’ll now need to think about the ongoing costs of owning a Dorgi. Here’s what you need to include:

How Much Does it Cost to Feed a Dorgi?

Dorgis should weigh between 9kg and 14kg when fully grown (depending on sex and other health factors), which means the need around 200g – 300g of food per day. With this in mind, and taking the diet types below into account, your monthly dog food bill could be anywhere from $30 to $300.

• Cost per day on a dry kibble diet: $2 – $6 for a small-breed, high-protein mix that can also support dental health.
• Cost per day on a wet food diet: $3 – $8 for canned or fresh wet food made with real meat and with no fillers or artificial ingredients.
• Cost per day on a raw diet: $5 – $10 for a custom-designed mix of raw meats, organs, bones, and vegetables, with added vitamin and mineral supplements.

Do keep in mind that these are merely estimates, and the amount you’ll actually pay each month for dog food will vary based on your Dorgi’s age, sex, and general health, as well as the diet type you choose. For the best advice on nutrition and portion size, consult your veterinarian.

How Much Will Veterinary Care Typically Cost for a Dorgi?

On the subject of vets, your Dorgi will also need year-round medical care to check for signs of issues like IVDD and to prevent certain problems. Here’s what you can expect to pay for this preventative care:

Cost of Routine Preventative Care:

• Annual vet checkups: $90 – $150 per visit for routine checkups that help detect any early signs of illness and monitor your Dorgi’s weight.
• Vaccinations: $120 – $200 per year to protect your Dorgi from illnesses like parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis, and kennel cough.
• Worming and parasite treatment: $15 – $40 per month to keep fleas, ticks, and various horrible worms at bay.
• Dental cleaning: $300 – $600 every few years for thorough cleaning under anaesthetic.
• Pet insurance: $40 – $100 per month, depending on your coverage level and whether your Dorgi has any pre-existing conditions like allergies, IVDD, or joint problems.

How Much Should I Expect to Pay for a Dorgi’s Grooming?

Whether you’ve chosen a short-haired or long-haired Dorgi, your pup is still going to need regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and shiny. This also comes at a cost, and across a few different services, you can expect to pay:

• Hydrobath prices: $40 – $70 for a deep-cleaning bath that removes dirt, excess oil, and loose fur.
• Full groom prices: $80 – $150 for a hydrobath, blow-dry, trim, ear cleaning, and nail clipping.
• Face, feet, and tail groom prices: $30 – $50 to clean and trim around these areas, removing dirt and preventing matting.

Dorgi Training Costs

Like any Dachshund mix, Dorgis can inherit a stubborn streak which, if left untrained, can become a big problem! So, to make sure they’re as well-behaved as possible, you’ll need to invest in training, which could cost:

• Basic obedience training: $180 – $300 for a multi-week class that teaches your Dorgi essential commands, how to walk on a lead nicely, and recall.
• Puppy training class prices: $150 – $250 for a multi-week class focused on early socialisation with other dogs and humans, as well as a few basic commands.
• Specialised training prices: $100 – $200 per session for one-on-one training designed to address common Dorgi issues like separation anxiety, excessive barking, and recall problems.

Understanding the Full Costs of Owning a Dorgi

Dorgis may be small, but they come with big personalities and a financial commitment to match! From their initial purchase price to their ongoing costs, across a Dorgi’s average 12 – 14-year lifespan, you should be prepared to spend thousands of dollars keeping your furry little friend happy. But if you’re confident you’ve got what it takes, you’ll gain a loving and loyal companion who will fill your life with joy for many years ahead.