Owning a Dog in Nigeria (2025): Full Cost Breakdown, Safest Breeds and How to Avoid Common Health Risks

In an ideal world, bringing home the perfect dog in Nigeria would be as simple as browsing online and making a purchase. But with rising inflation, soaring pet food prices, and persistent health risks, prospective dog owners need up-to-date, actionable information before committing to pet ownership.

This 2025 guide provides everything you need to know:

Current dog prices (local vs. foreign breeds)
Feeding costs amid Nigeria’s economic crisis
Updated vaccination schedules and health risks
Legal requirements for 2025
Best breeds for Nigerian homes

History of Dogs in Nigeria

Dogs have been part of Nigerian life for centuries, primarily as guardians, hunters, and herders. Names like Bingo, Ekuke, or ebua were common for indigenous pariah dogs.

How Dogs Came to Nigeria

Ancient Roots: Breeds like the Basenji, Azawakh, and Greyhound arrived via Saharan traders and nomadic pastoralists.

Northern Nigeria: Many dogs were left uncared for due to cultural beliefs, leading to strays that later spread nationwide.

Modern Shift: Today, urban Nigerians increasingly keep imported breeds like German Shepherds and Rottweilers as pets and security companions.

Types of Dogs in Nigeria

1. Local Nigerian Dogs

Local dogs are the dominant breeds in Nigeria. They're mostly dogs that do not belong to officially recognised breed but are believed to be Pariah dogs that were bred for hunting down preys.

Most of them exhibit traits common to Hound dogs and can track the location of targeted animals easily using their good sense of smell and fast speed. Just like hound dogs, the local dogs in Nigeria can exhibit behaviours common to sighthound, scenthound or a combination of both while following up preys.

You can easily recognise some of them by their erect, semi-erect or coiled ears, short coats and small muscular body although some may have different appearance.

They tend to be friendly but difficult to train on advanced commands.

They are low maintenance dogs and are often found in villages and outskirts of towns.

They're good at securing homes, hunting and companionship.

Local dogs are experts in exploring the world. They will seize the little opportunity you give them to exercise by roaming all the nooks and crannies of your locality.

Local dogs are kept by farmers, hunters and people with little knowledge on dog raising. Because of this, local dogs rarely get vaccinated against rabies and other contagious diseases. Some of the lucky ones that get vaccinated may not be given complete dosage because of their owners' financial constraints.

These are the breeds that keep the Nigerian dog meat trade booming because they're cheap to acquire, easy to maintain, and less protected by owners and government.

Price: ₦20,000 – ₦60,000 (up due to inflation)
Feeding Cost: ₦15,000 – ₦115,000/month (local diets like rice/fish mixes)
Best For: Budget-conscious owners, rural security

Pros:

Hardy and adaptable to Nigeria’s climate

Low grooming needs

Cons:

High rabies risk (only 10% vaccinated)

Vulnerable to dog meat trade

Did You Know? Local dogs are descendants of ancient pariah breeds but are often overlooked due to lack of pedigree.

2. Foreign Dogs

These are usually modern but sometimes ancient dogs that are imported into Nigeria as pets. They comprise of well-documented breeds. Because of this documentation, foreign breeds information can easily be retrieved from stud books or breed registry. Most of them are registered with breed clubs which may be under their respective National Kennel Clubs.

These breeds are more common in cities than villages and receive more attention and care than the local dogs.

They're grouped based on origin and usefulness. Foreign dogs may fall into the following group:

Utility Dogs

This includes some dogs that are bred to carry out useful tasks ranging from alerting you about intruders, catching rats, carrying loads and herding. Examples are Dalmatian, Lhasa Apso, Schnauzer, Bulldog, etc.

Gun Dogs

As the name suggests, these dogs were originally bred to help hunters in finding and capturing games especially birds. Gun dogs include Standard Poodle, Golden Retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, English Setter and English Pointer.

Working Dogs

These dogs are capable of carrying out special tasks like drug detection, cancer detection, search and rescue, etc. Dogs in this group include Mastiffs, Sled Dogs, Pinschers, Rottweilers, Great Danes and so on.

Toy Dogs

These are small dog breeds that are mostly kept as pets by some individuals. They include Maltese, Chihuahua, Bichon Frise, etc.

Pastoral Dogs

Because of the ability of dogs in this group to carry out the task of guarding, herding and driving livestock, they earned the name - Pastoral Dogs. Example of pastoral dogs is German Shepherd, Collie, Pyrenean mountain dog, etc.

Local Dog Price

Local dogs are very cheap in Nigeria and their prices range from N20,000 to N60,000. The puppies are even cheaper and can be obtained directly from the owners after payment of N15,000 to N20,000.

If you buy any local dog in Nigeria, endeavour to keep them away from other dogs until after you must have vaccinated them against rabies and other diseases.

Foreign Dog Price

The prices Of Foreign Dogs can range from N300,000 to over N500,000 depending on the breed, breeder and the location you're buying it from.

Always save money by buying foreign breeds from reputable breeders with many years of experience in developing healthy dogs.

DOG BREEDS AND PRICES IN NIGERIA (2025)

BREED TYPE	EXAMPLES	PRICE RANGE	MONTHLY FOOD COST
Local Nigerian (Pariah dogs)	Native village dogs	₦20,000 - ₦60,000	₦15,000 - ₦115,000
Utility Dogs	Bulldog, Dalmatian	₦300,000 - ₦700,000	₦150,000 - ₦200,000
Working Dogs	Rottweiler, German Shepherd	₦500,000 - ₦800,000	₦200,000 - ₦300,000
Toy Dogs	Chihuahua, Maltese	₦250,000 - ₦700,000	₦150,000 - ₦200,000

For responsible dog ownership in Nigeria • www.trojanpost.com

Key Change

Imported breeds now 20–30% pricier due to forex challenges.

Local dog food alternatives (e.g., JOJO Pet Food) are replacing expensive kibble.

Feeding Costs in Nigeria

Nigeria’s 34.8% inflation peak in 2024 has forced dog owners to adapt:

DOG FOOD PRICES IN NIGERIA (2025)

FOOD TYPE	PACKAGE SIZE	PRICE RANGE	BEST FOR
Imported Kibble (Premium brands)	15kg bag	₦70,000 - ₦120,000	Foreign breeds, urban areas
Local Kibble (JOJO, Farm Pride)	15kg bag	₦35,000 - ₦60,000	Budget-conscious owners
Rice/Fish Mix (Homemade)	Monthly	₦15,000 - ₦25,000	Local breeds, rural areas
Raw Feeding (Chicken, Offal)	Monthly	₦30,000 - ₦60,000	Working dogs, large breeds

Prices may vary by location • www.trojanpost.com

Cost-Saving Tips:

Buy locally produced pet food (e.g., Binngo).
Bulk purchases from cooperatives slash costs.
Homemade diets with farm-sourced ingredients.

Dangers of Keeping Dogs in Nigeria

For the love of dogs, many have downplayed the risks involved in keeping them. Don't toe that line!

Why is this advice necessary before you bring home a new dog?

It's because of my experience about how people perceive dogs in Nigeria.

In western society, for example, dogs are regarded as pets by individuals and government with appropriate measures put in place to protect them and improve their welfare. But in Nigeria, dogs are regarded as unclean by many, eaten by some and use for hunting by others. It's only a few individuals that regard dogs as pets - feed, train, vaccinate, and groom them.

Those people with little or no regard for dogs have created problems for others by allowing their dogs to become feral and stray, thus acting as carriers of deadly diseases that can be spread to humans and other dogs.

Among the various dangers posed by dogs, dog bites have received wide publicity. Health experts are now of the opinion that the financial and medical burden pose by dog bites comes behind sexually transmitted diseases.

Aside from dog bites, there are other dangers posed by dogs when the disease-causing agents in them spread to humans. Examples include:

Capnocytophaga canimorsus - this bacteria which is present in the mouth of about 16% healthy dogs can pose serious health issues in people with dysfunctional spleen or weak immune system. Think twice before kissing your dog

Pasteurella - people with liver problems, blood cancers or even solid organ tumours can be killed when infected with Pasteurella, a normal bacteria in your dog's mouth.

Bordetella bronchiseptica - which causes kennel cough in dogs can be spread to humans through liquid droplets or unpasteurized milk.

Be careful with what you share with your dog

Microsporum canis and Trichophyton species - which causes ringworms has also been linked to dogs.

Toxocara Canis, Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma caninum - are all parasitic worms that can be transmitted to humans by dogs.

Be watchful when your dogs poo

Rabies, scabies and other infections can as well pass from dogs to humans. Read on before you bring home that dog.

Rabies In Dogs

Rabies which is a viral disease that can be shared if an infected dog bites a healthy human or other animals kills over 55,000 people every year around the world.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, about 10,000 estimated cases of rabies are documented every year in the country. This is expected considering the high number of stray dogs roaming the streets and villages daily.

What makes this infection dangerous is that if your dogs are allowed to move outside the yard, other dogs that are infected with the virus can easily infect them through saliva after bites, or via open wounds and mucus membranes.

Again, the tendency for dogs to sniff other dogs when they meet for the first time together with a large number of stray dogs further increase the likelihood of your dog contracting this virus in Nigeria.

If your dog is infected, it may harbour this virus and spread it to humans or animals through bites.

Once humans are infected and show clinical symptoms, death is likely.

How To Prevent Rabies

To avoid the dangers of rabies infection to yourself and dog, it's vital to adhere to the following preventive measures:

Give complete rabies vaccine to your dog
Get immunize against the virus by receiving the complete antirabies vaccine
Avoid dog bites by educating adults and children on how to spot aggressive dog behaviours.

Vaccination of Dogs in Nigeria

Rabies can be prevented by vaccination of dogs together with avoidance of dog bites. But in Nigeria, out of the estimated 8 million dogs, only 10% have been vaccinated in the last twenty years.

Even some of the vaccinated dogs have been reported to lose their immunity due to the absence of strict annual vaccination programmes in Nigeria. This rabies problem was confirmed by the presence of rabies antigen in brain and saliva of some apparently healthy dogs when they were slaughtered for human consumption.

Most worrisome is the fact that the majority of the vaccinated dogs in Nigeria are in the cities whereas many dogs in rural areas are unvaccinated. This presents a great health care burden to poor and vulnerable people in rural Nigeria since according to WHO, approximately 80% of human rabies infections take place in rural areas.

Mange In Dogs

Mange is a skin infestation that is caused by mites. The major types that infest dogs are sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange.

Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex canis and is a normal organism that lives on the skin of dogs. These form of mange are harmless and not contagious to humans. But it can become a problem in dogs with weak immunity.

The type of mange you should be careful with especially when you want to buy a dog in Nigeria is the sarcoptic mange.

Sarcoptic mange or scabies is a threat to many dog owners and their dogs in Nigeria that's why it's described as a disease of substantial public health and veterinary importance.

It's a very contagious skin infestation that is caused by a species of mite called Sarcoptes scabiei.

You can easily notice this type of mite by its circular shape and eight legs under a microscope.

These organisms cause damage by moving on the skin surface of infected dogs. It can spread easily to people that come in contact with dogs and even to people without direct contact when the mites fall off from infested dogs and attached to other surfaces.

On getting to your skin, these mites can cause scabies which is characterised by itchy rashes.

The disease affects more people and dogs in overcrowded and rural areas than those in cities. This is because they're large numbers of stray dogs and hunters who make use of dogs for hunting in these places.

If left untreated, mange can kill your dog.

How To Prevent Mange

You can avoid mange by staying away from infected dogs, people and materials contaminated by them.
You can also protect yourself by not allowing your dog to get to where dogs with mange are living. This is because sarcoptic mange can be spread from your dog to humans easily.
If you're infested with scabies, get treatment for all the members of your household at the same time to avoid reinfestation.

Parvo In Dogs

Parvo is a viral disease caused by Canine Parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2). It's a virus that can spread very fast among dogs. The good news is that you'll not be infected by your dog if it has CPV-2. This is because parvo in dogs is different from the one that affects humans and is caused by a different type of parvovirus.

Parvo is a common disease that affects dogs in Nigeria, its symptoms include bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, lethargy and loss of weight.

Puppies are mostly affected within the first six months of age.

Your dog can be infected directly through sniffing of infected dogs, contact with faeces of infected dogs or indirectly by contact with infected soil and fomite. In rare cases, some puppies have been infected while in the uterus of their mother before birth or shortly after.

Infected dogs show signs of emaciation, weight loss and dehydration because of the loss of body fluid in faeces. They may also be a drop in white blood cell count which may result in weakened immunity. This can make your dog susceptible to other infections that can worsen the situation.

If parvo in your dog is not treated immediately when it's detected, it can lead to the death of the dog.

How To Prevent Parvovirus

Although parvo is preventable in dogs, it may be hard to do so in Nigeria.

The only options to keep your dog safe from this virulent infection include:

Vaccination of your dogs as early as 7-8 weeks. Endeavour to complete the dosage of the vaccines including booster doses for optimum protection.
Keeping your dog away from infected dogs
Preventing unvaccinated dogs from socializing and visiting places with contaminated soil and faeces.

Regulation of Dogs In Nigeria

The dog law enacted in 1943 is the only regulation guiding the ownership of dogs in Nigeria.

It's important to be conversant with this law before keeping dogs in Nigeria. To obey this law, endeavour to register your new dog and obtain licence badge within the first six months of ownership. When you get the badge, always put it on your dog's collar or harness.

Even though most dog owners in Nigeria have failed to keep this law due to lack of strict enforcement, I urge you to obey the law for the general good.

When you do this, the number of dogs roaming the streets without an appropriate licence badge and appropriate means of identification will reduce gradually.

Apart from the dog licensing law, there are no laws put in place to checkmate dog meat trade in Nigeria. This is why dogs are killed on a daily basis and eaten as meat in many parts of the country with little or no regard for their welfare.

I'll like to end by telling you that, the lack of proper regulation in Nigeria dog industry has encouraged breeding malpractices. Many unqualified breeders carry out various breeding practices that give rise to unhealthy dogs.

Always ensure that your dog is sourced from a trusted breeder to avoid falling victim to puppy mill breeders who specialise in mass producing genetically unhealthy dogs.

Where to Buy Dogs in Nigeria

Shelters/Rescues: ₦30,000–₦90,000 (includes vaccines).

Reputable Breeders: 20–30% pricier but offer health guarantees.

Avoid: Roadside sellers (high risk of sick/parvo-infected pups

Frequently Asked Questions On Dogs in Nigeria

Q: What’s the cheapest dog breed to maintain in Nigeria in 2025?

A: Nigerian local dogs are the most affordable, costing ₦30,000–₦80,000 to purchase and ₦70,000–₦100,000/month to feed with homemade diets like rice/fish mixes. They require minimal grooming but must be vaccinated against rabies.

Q: How much does it cost to feed a German Shepherd monthly in Nigeria?

A: Feeding a German Shepherd costs around ₦200,000–₦300,000/month for imported kibble (e.g., Royal Canin) or ₦55,000–₦150,000 for local alternatives like JOJO dog Food. Budget extra for deworming (₦3,000–₦7,000 every 3 months).

Q: Can Nigerian local dogs be good pets or just for security?

A: Yes! Local dogs are loyal, low-maintenance, and adapt well to Nigeria’s climate. With proper training and socialization, they excel as companions. Their lifespan (10–14 years) rivals foreign breeds.

Q: Where can I buy healthy puppies in Lagos/Abuja without scams?

A: Reputable sources:

Registered breeders (e.g., Boerboel Dog Breeders Association of Nigeria)
Shelters (₦30,000–₦90,000 with vaccines included)
Vet clinics (e.g., Dulham Veterinary Clinic in Lagos)
Avoid roadside sellers, many puppies have parvovirus.

Q: What human foods are safe for dogs in Nigeria?

A: Safe options: cooked rice, sardines, sweet potatoes, eggs, and pumpkin. Avoid: garri, onions, chocolate, and salty foods. A rice/fish/egg mix costs ~₦55,000/month and meets basic nutritional needs.

Q: How often should I deworm my dog in Nigeria’s climate?

A: Every 3 months for adult dogs and monthly for puppies. Use broad-spectrum dewormers (₦3,000–₦7,000/dose). Nigeria’s humidity increases parasite risks.

Q: 2025 cost of rabies vaccine for dogs in Nigeria (private vs. govt vets)?

Private vets: ₦8,000–₦15,000
Government clinics: ₦3,000–₦5,000 (but often out of stock)

Annual boosters are mandatory in Lagos and Abuja.

Q: Home remedies for mange in Nigerian dogs (neem oil, etc.)?

A: Mix neem oil with coconut oil (1:3 ratio) and apply weekly. For severe cases, use ivermectin (₦2,500/dose) prescribed by a vet. Isolate infected dogs to prevent spread.

Q: Symptoms of parvovirus in puppies and where to treat cheaply?

A: Symptoms: bloody diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy. Low-cost treatment:

Charity clinics (e.g., PAWS Nigeria)

University vet hospitals (e.g., UNILAG Vet Teaching Hospital)

Vaccination (₦25,000 full course) is cheaper than treatment.

Q: Can my dog survive without yearly vaccinations in Nigeria?

A: No. Nigeria has high rabies rates (10,000 cases/year). Unvaccinated dogs risk death and spread zoonotic diseases. Prioritize core vaccines: rabies, distemper, parvovirus.

Q: Best Nigerian-made dog food brands cheaper than imports?

A: Top local brands:

JOJO Pet Food (₦69,000/15kg)

Binggo dog food (₦70,000/15kg)

These are cheaper than imported kibble.

Q: How to homemade dog food with Nigerian ingredients?

A: Recipe for 10kg dog:

2 cups cooked rice
1 cup boiled sardines (or chicken offal)
½ cup chopped pumpkin

Cost: ~₦5000/day. Add multivitamins (₦50,000/month) for balance.

Q: Is garri or beans safe for dogs? Nigerian staples explained.

A: Garri is unsafe (causes bloating). Beans must be cooked thoroughly (no spices) and given sparingly. Better alternatives: yam, sweet potatoes, and unripe plantains.

Q: 2025 price of 15kg imported kibble in Lagos (Royal Canin vs. Pedigree)

Royal Canin: ₦90,000–₦190,000

Pedigree: ₦70,000–₦100,000

Prices rose 75% since 2023 due to forex issues.

Q: Can I feed my dog only raw meat in Nigeria?

A: Risky. Raw meat may contain parasites. Safer option: lightly boiled chicken/beef with organs (liver, heart). Balance with veggies to avoid nutrient deficiencies.

Q: New 2025 dog license cost in Lagos/Abuja – how to register?

Lagos: ₦10,000 (mandatory microchipping + ₦15,000)
Abuja: ₦8,000

Q: How to protect my dog from theft for rituals or meat?

Use GPS collars (₦45,000)
Avoid green collars (targeted by thieves)
Never leave dogs unattended outside.

Q: Can I travel with my dog on Nigerian airlines? 2025 rules.

A: Yes, but:

Arik Air: Requires health certificates and advance notice.
Dogs must be crated (IATA-compliant).
Avoid layovers in EU countries (extra paperwork).

Q: How to stop my Nigerian local dog from barking at night?

Provide daytime exercise (reduces boredom barking)
Use white noise machines (₦15,000) to mask triggers
Reward quiet behavior with treats.

Q: Can you Train an adult dog in Nigeria without a professional?

A: Yes! Use YouTube tutorials (e.g., Zak George’s Dog Training) and consistency. Focus on basic commands ("sit," "stay") first. Local breeds respond well to positive reinforcement.

Conclusion

The saying that dogs are man's best friends is only true in situations where they are not posing health risks to us.

But in place like Nigeria with high population of feral and stray dogs, it's vital to consider the dangers inherent in keeping dogs infected with rabies, scabies, parvovirus and other contagious infections.

By so doing, you'll be able to plan how you can protect yourself from being infected with some of these diseases and also guide your dogs from these stray dogs.

When you do this, you'll enjoy keeping dogs in Nigeria even when there's no regulation put in place by the government.

Trojanpost