Personal protection dog cost, and what it leaves out

A 2019 CNBC piece described a single luxury-tier provider whose finished protection dogs ran from $30,000 up to $80,000, roughly $50,000 on average (CNBC). On the lower end of the breed spectrum, Insurify puts a Belgian Malinois puppy from a breeder at about $1,200 or more, with show or breeding quality sometimes past $9,000 (Insurify).

These are examples. This site offers no dogs and quotes no prices.

• Lessons, commonly about $70 to $150 per private session.
• Food, roughly $40 to $300 a month, per Insurify.
• Veterinary care and emergencies.
• Insurance with the right liability limits, as covered by NerdWallet.

A high price does not prove quality, and a low price does not prove a bargain. Ask for itemized terms and judge what is included.