An Expensive Hobby…

Competing in events is incredibly expensive, especially when competing nearly every weekend.  A 2012 survey done by the AKC reports that conformation exhibitors spend an average of $512 for a weekend show and that those competitors who travelled a great distance to be there would spend an average of $622 (AKC, 2013). While conformation shows often include added fees for grooming requirements that may not be needed in agility or other sporting events, there are certainly similar types of expenses if not more.

Let’s take a look at where you can expect to open your chequebook…

  • Competition Venue Registration (One Time Fee)
    • $15.00 for dog ID AAC Registration
  • Entry Fees per run
    • Can be anywhere from $10 to $20 with an average weekend consisting of 6 runs
    • Regional level events 6 runs is $150
  • Training classes to prepare for events
    • $150 for 6 week foundation classes.
    • $200-$1200 for on-line structured classes
  • Buy equipment to have the ability to train at home to really make sure you are ready for competition
    • $100-$2500 depending on how much and quality of the equipment
  • Crate/Bed for transport and housing at events
    • $100
  • Pre and/or Post event chiropractic and/or massage
    • $150
  • Visit to the rehabilitation and sports veterinarian
    • Initial consult $120
  • Equipment for building and maintaining the dogs fitness for competition
    • $100 – $1000
  • And all the other associated costs with owning a dog
    • Food, Beds, Toys, Treats, ect….
      • Alot…
*Numbers based on estimates from clinics, clubs and trial premiums in the lower mainland, British Columbia.

Long story short, any dog hobby is expensive!

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Could there be any benefit to all this extra spending?  Besides the personal benefits between the dog and handler there are some larger scale economics affected as well.  In that same survey, the AKC also looked at how much money gets injected into the local economy.  Depending on how large the show was anywhere from $384,000 to $1.5 million was estimated to impact the local economy (AKC, 2013).  Dog shows are an opportunity for dog clubs to raise money.  There are numerous vendors at events selling various dog related goods and services as well as food vendors and competitors staying in hotels for the weekend.  So while competitors are emptying their cheque books, the local businesses and clubs are happy to benefit.