The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world. Winning Best in Show at Westminster is considered the highest honor for a show dog. But buying, training, and showing a dog good enough to compete at Westminster doesn’t come cheap. So just how much does a Westminster show dog cost?
Purchase Price
The first major cost for a Westminster show dog is the initial purchase price. Show quality purebred puppies from top breeders can cost $2,000 to $5,000 or more. For example, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies from show lines can cost $3,000 to $6,000. Poodle puppies can range from $2,000 for smaller toys and miniatures up to $6,000 for standards. And top Labrador Retriever puppies often start at $3,000 and up.
Certain rare breeds or breeds that are more challenging to breed and whelp can cost even more. For instance, Tibetan Mastiff puppies can sell for $5,000 all the way up to $9,000 or more. Raising large litters is difficult and risky for the Tibetan Mastiff dam (mother), making pups scarce and driving up pricing.
Breeds that are currently very popular in the show ring may also command higher prices due to high demand. For example, prices for top quality Golden Retriever puppies have risen rapidly over the past decade, with $5,000 no longer out of the ordinary for dogs from premiere breeders.
Training and Handling
The next major cost for a Westminster caliber show dog is professional training and handling. While it’s possible to train and handle a dog to its championship yourself, most serious contenders work with professionals to give them the best shot at winning.
A professional show dog handler charges a regular fee to condition, train, and show the dog. Handling fees typically range from $50 to $150 per show. Most dogs will be shown 20-30 times per year or more as they work towards their championship. So average annual handling costs can range from $2,000-$5,000+.
Additional training with an expert show dog trainer generally runs $50 to $100 per session. A show prospect puppy will need at least basic puppy and obedience training, then regular tune ups and conditioning leading up to big shows. This can add up to $2,000 or more in annual training costs.
Travel
Since top dogs are shown nationwide, travel is a huge part of the cost of campaigning a Westminster contender. Owners can expect to spend thousands on travel to shows, accommodations, and dog care on the road.
Just traveling to Westminster itself can be pricey. The show is held in New York City, with most out-of-town exhibitors staying in Midtown Manhattan hotels that often charge $300+ per night during Westminster week. There are also handler and grooming fees associated with the show itself.
Dogs competing at Westminster have usually qualified by winning AKC championship points at other shows across the country. The expenses of attending these shows adds up quickly. Even just a weekend show can mean round-trip airfare plus 2-3 nights in a hotel for the owner or handler plus dog care and handling fees.
Grooming & Upkeep
Keeping a show dog looking their best is an ongoing investment. For long or full coated breeds like Poodles, Lhasa Apsos, or Shetland Sheepdogs, weekly or biweekly grooming is essential. Top show dog groomers may charge $80 to $150 per session.
Even short-haired breeds need regular bathing, brushing, nail trims, tooth brushing, and other grooming maintenance. Owners can expect to invest at least $1,500+ per year on grooming costs for a show dog.
Health & Veterinary Care
Providing exceptional health and veterinary care helps give a show dog their best advantage. Annual veterinary exams, vaccinations, flea/tick and heartworm preventatives, and health screening tests are part of the standard veterinary care for show dogs.
Travel and stress can also increase the risk of illness, so owners must be prepared to pay for any necessary medical treatment. Gastroenteritis and other travel-related issues are common problems for frequent canine travelers. Some dogs may also need recurring treatment for allergies, orthopedic issues, or other chronic conditions.
When totaled up, most show dogs will accrue $1,000-$2,000 per year or more in basic health and veterinary expenses.
Additional Costs
There are additional costs that can impact the overall price tag for campaigning a Westminster contender:
- Dog show entry fees – $25-$50 per show
- Membership fees for kennel clubs like AKC
- Supplements and nutritional products for coat, joints, etc.
- Fencing, housing/kenneling, and other equipment
- Special toys and treats
- Costs if the dog sires or whelps a litter
Estimated Total Cost
Taken altogether, the average annual cost of showing a dog at Westminster levels can total $15,000-$30,000+. Some owners may spend even more campaigning multiple top-winning show dogs.
Over a show dog’s lifetime, owners are likely to invest $75,000 or higher when all expenses are tallied.
Expense | Average Cost |
---|---|
Purchase Price | $3,000-$5,000 |
Training & Handling | $4,000-$6,000 per year |
Travel | $5,000-$10,000+ per year |
Grooming | $1,500+ per year |
Health & Veterinary | $1,000-$2,000+ per year |
Other Costs | $1,000-$3,000 per year |
Total Annual Cost | $15,000-$30,000+ per year |
Conclusion
Competing at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show requires an extraordinary amount of investment in purchasing, training, conditioning, traveling, campaigning, grooming, health care, and presentation. For most owners and handlers, the costs are a labor of love and commitment to their breed.
While not cheap, a Westminster show dog receives the very best treatment, training, and care throughout its career. This gives them the chance to reach the pinnacle of success in the show dog world.
For the select dogs that do achieve Best in Show at Westminster, the costs are usually considered well worth it. Winning Westminster cements a dog’s place in breed history and provides invaluable promotion for its breeder. It’s the culmination of years of hard work and financial investment coming together in one glorious and memorable night in the show ring.