The 29 most expensive dogs to buy and own
When choosing a dog, it's important to know how much it is going to cost to raise it so that you can be sure it's affordable for you. A common reason for dogs ending up in rescue centres is because their owners had underestimated how expensive they'd be.
In a recent study conducted by Ocean Finance, they found that the average cost of a 'designer' dog comes in at an average of £2,000 in the first year alone. Over a lifetime, the price of caring for a designer dog can add up to a whopping £33,000.
"Our research has found that Brits are spending an average of £172 per month on their dogs, with the most fashionable designer breeds costing up to £33,000 over their lifetime - £2,000 in the first year alone. If you’re willing to go for a less popular pooch it could save you £500 in upfront costs," Anastasia Letsos at Ocean Finance said, who researched 12 of the bog breed costs in the list below.
Here are the 29 most expensive dog breeds, from least to most pricey. It includes the total lifetime cost and the cost to buy – however the latter won't be of concern if you've opted to adopt a dog instead.
29. Kerry Blue Terrier
In the past these dogs were purposely bred to be aggressive and were nicknamed 'Blue Devil'.
Price to buy: £873
Total lifetime cost: £17,018
28. Akita
An Akita's curled tail is proportionate to their heads and in Japan, where they originate from, they are seen as a symbol of protection.
Price to buy: £525
Total lifetime cost: £17,084
27. Golden Retriever
Considered the fourth most intelligent dog breed, this has helped earn them their place as popular assistance dogs.
Price to buy: £950
Total lifetime cost: £17,095
26. Portuguese Water Dog
These dogs live up to their name; they are excellent swimmers and divers. Their toes are even webbed to help them.
Price to buy: £1,100
Total lifetime cost: £17,245
25. Rottweiler
These strong dogs were originally bred to drive cattle to market and were later used to pull carts for butchers.
Price to buy: £1,200
Total lifetime cost: £17,259
24. Samoyed
This breed is thousands of years old, making it one of the 14 'ancient dog breeds.' These breeds are the closest, genetically, to wolves.
Price to buy: £1,200
Total lifetime cost: £17,345
23. Great Dane
The famous cartoon Scooby Doo is supposed to be one of these massive hounds; the current holder of the world record for tallest dog is a 42-inch Great Dane.
Price to buy: £850
Total lifetime cost: £17,409
22. German Shepherd
A former police dog found fame as the first German Shepherd to appear in motion picture films. Strongheart even had his own star on the Hollywood walk of fame.
Price to buy: £925
Total lifetime cost: £17,484
21. Saint Bernard
They are often depicted carrying a miniature barrel of brandy around when rescuing those in snowy mountains. However, in reality, they would have carried packs filled with food and water.
Price to buy: £1,050
Total lifetime cost: £17, 609
20. Tibetan Mastiff
One of the largest breeds on the planet, mainly just from all their fur!
Price to buy: £1,050
Total lifetime cost: £17,609
19. Newfoundland
Nana, the fictional dog who plays nanny to the Darling children in J.M.Barrie's Peter Pan, was actually a Newfoundland, chosen due to their caring nature.
Price to buy: £1,125
Total lifetime cost: £17,684
18. Chow Chow
This is the only dog breed in the world that has a black/purple tongue and lips. It also has completely straight back legs, which means it has a stilted trot.
Price to buy: £1,150
Total lifetime cost: £17,709
17. Bernese Mountain Dog
This breed is amazingly strong; they can haul up to 1000 pounds, which is 10 times their own weight.
Price: £1,250
Total lifetime cost: £17,809
16. Irish Wolfhound
The reason for these dogs' height is due to the fact that they were bred to knock knights of their horses.
Price to buy: £1,600
Total lifetime cost: £18,159
15. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Queen Victoria has kept this breed of dogs from the age of 13 when she was given one as a present. Dash, as he was named, was so loyal that on one occasion Victoria went out sailing and he jumped into the sea and tried to follow her.
Price to buy: £675
Total lifetime cost: £19,286
14. Cavapoo
Cost to buy: £970
First year total: £2,600
Lifetime costs: £19,560
13. Cavachon
Cost to buy: £570
First year total: £2,240
Lifetime costs: £20,040
12. English Bulldog
Price to buy: £5,250
Total lifetime cost: £21,395
11. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
These terriers struggle being left alone because they love human company so much, in fact they often cry until their owner returns.
Cost to buy: £720
First year total: £2,460
Lifetime costs: £22,620
10. Puggle
This crossbreed dog has become more popular over the years, thanks to its fun and playful character.
Cost to buy: £470
First year total: £2,040
Lifetime costs: £23,550
9. French Bulldog
If you're interested in getting your hands on a French Bulldog, you'll be looking at paying fees of just over £5,000.
Price to buy: £5,250
Total lifetime cost: £23,861
8. Cocker Spaniel
While the initial cost of this popular breed is relatively cheaper than others, it will still cost the average owner over £24,000 to take care of over the years.
Cost to buy: £690
First year total: £2,730
Lifetime costs: £24,480
7. Border Collie
Famously known as the breed of dogs to herd sheep, a Boarder Collie will cost owners around £24,840 in lifetime fees.
Cost to buy: £470
First year total: £2,540
Lifetime costs: £24,840
6. Labrador
The Labrador is particularly popular in Canada and England, thanks to its kind and calm nature.
Cost to buy: £690
First year total: £2,830
Lifetime costs: £25,680
5. Labradoodle
Perfect for those with allergies and younger children, it's not surprising that this adorable dog breed has risen in popularity over the years.
Cost to buy: £830
First year total: £2,770
Lifetime costs: £27,160
4. Springer Spaniel
This excitable and lively breed will cost owners over £29,000 to take care of over their lifetime.
Cost to buy: £560
First year total: £2,810
Lifetime costs: £29,250
3. Boxer
Popular on social media sites, a Boxer dog will cost over £1,000 to buy (we always recommend adopting) and £29,920 to take care of over the years.
Price to buy: £1,050
First year total: £3,770
Lifetime costs: £29,920
2. Cockapoo
This mixed-breed dog is a cross between either Cocker Spaniel breeds and a poodle. Particularly cute, this pup also has a high price tag, coming in at £31,040 over the course of its life.
Price to buy: £800
First year total: £2,740
Lifetime costs: £31,040
1. Sprollie
The most expensive breed, a Sprollie will cost the average person over £33,000 to take care of.
Price to buy: £360
First year total: £2,350
Lifetime costs: £33,830
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