Whether you visit the shelter or buy from a breeder, adding a new puppy to the family may be more expensive than you think.
If you're inspired by the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, be prepared for higher up-front costs. Even a quick review of breeders' sites turns up prices that range from several hundred dollars to $5,000-plus, depending on breed and lineage. That's on top of the general $1,314 to $1,843 in first-year costs for any dog, including start-up supplies and training as well as food, toys and vet care, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
This week's $ave Me video details a handful of less-anticipated costs that could pad your pet bills over time. One to budget for: doggy day care, or a dog walker. Working long hours may necessitate hiring someone to look in on your pup, and services can cost $20 or more a day. Over a year, that's roughly $5,000 if you're not taking advantage of lower-priced monthly rates or tracking down other discounts.
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—By CNBC's Kelli B. Grant. Follow her on Twitter @Kelligrant and on Google.