I wanted to write this entry to supply a little realistic education for those thinking about getting a puppy and not being able to find an appropriate estimate of how much it will cost you.  I broke it down as much as possible.  We went with the Wellness Plan “Puppy Early Care Plus” through Banfield Veterinary (the Petsmart vets) and it ended up being absolutely worth the monthly payments for our first year.

This is what we spent for the first year (3/11/2013 to 3/11/2014) on what started as a 5 pound male in-tact miniature poodle, start age 3 months

Purchase Price: $500.00 from a miniature poodle breeder

Banfield Wellness Plan: $38.95 per month = $467.40 for the year

First Vet Appointment (see details HERE): $97.24
without plan: $178.34 ($81.10 more)

Second Vet Appointment (see details HERE): $19.59
without plan: $233.50 ($213.91 more)

Third Vet Appointment (see details HERE): $88.36
without plan: $307.25 ($218.89 more)

Fourth Vet Appointment & Neuter (see details HERE): $65.97
without plan: $807.28 ($741.37 more)

TOTAL (as of 6/19/13) including three months of Wellness Plan & 3 bags of dog food: $963.01

TOTAL (as of 6/19/13) if we had gone without the Wellness Plan: $2101.37

By the end of the year if we do not have any additional appointments, our total (including one bag of food each month) will be: $1538.56

If we had not chosen the Plan, we would spend a total of $2326.37 for the first year.

Keep in mind, this does not include any treats, toys, misc things you might buy for your dog.  Things you will want to purchase for the first year:
Crate, bedding, food/water bowls, leash, collar, waste bags, shampoo, brush, rug cleaner for accidents.