English Bulldogs

The dog you choose as your best friend can make a big difference on your wallet.

One of the most expensive pure breeds is the English bulldog, which can cost $4,000, according to the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association.
Bulldogs are not meant to breed naturally because of their body structure, so artificial insemination contributes to the high cost. But there’s more.

“Bulldogs have to undergo several vet visits during the breeding process. Pre-surgery blood tests plus the costs of aftercare can be very expensive,” says Anne Scheffelmaier, Realtor, dog breeder and president of the Non-Sporting Dog Club of Hawaii.

Another popular pure breed, the golden retriever, can cost a buyer between $1,000 and $1,200 on Maui, depending on the breeder. The American Kennel Club says that some of the benefits of owning a purebred dog are predictability in size, coat, care requirements and temperament.

If you are not as picky, any dog from the Hawaiian Humane Society will cost you just $65. The adoption fee includes first vaccination, microchip, spaying or neutering, and post-adoption care.