The UK's most expensive dog breed has been identified, and it is not the Golden Retriever, Labrador, or Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Credit card company Aqua conducted an analysis of the UK's most popular dog breeds, examining not only purchase prices but also ongoing expenses such as insurance, vaccinations, grooming, and food.
Doberman Tops the List
According to the study, Dobermans rank as the most expensive dog breed to own, with lifetime costs reaching nearly £23,000 (£22,976) over an average lifespan of 11.5 years. This breed surpassed the French Bulldog, which came in second place.
Top Five Most Expensive Breeds
The rest of the top five most expensive dog breeds are:
- Doberman - £22,976
- French Bulldog - £20,641
- Rottweiler - £19,344
- Golden Retriever - £16,374
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier - £15,288
Battersea Dogs Home offers advice for prospective dog owners: "Depending on your dog, there may also be monthly costs in the form of salon grooming, training classes, and medications if they become ill. Your dog's lifestyle may also require day care or boarding kennels, and these fees will vary depending on where you are in the country."
Health Considerations
Some dog breeds are more prone to health issues later in life. For instance, Dachshunds often suffer from back problems, West Highland White Terriers are known for skin issues, and Great Danes frequently experience joint problems. Battersea recommends: "Ensure that health testing is done on your dog's parents where possible to see if your future pet will be less likely to get certain health conditions later in life."
Complete List of the 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds
- Doberman - £22,976
- French Bulldog - £20,641
- Rottweiler - £19,344
- Golden Retriever - £16,374
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier - £15,288
- Border Collie - £15,263
- Labrador Retriever - £14,989
- Cocker Spaniel - £13,315
- Cockapoo - £12,824
- Miniature Dachshund - £12,834
Pets at Home provides further context on dog ownership costs: "The lifetime costs of owning a small breed dog will typically cost you between £5,200 - £10,000. The initial costs are around £404 with an estimated minimum monthly cost of £57. The lifetime cost of a medium breed dog will generally be between £7,500 - £11,800. The initial costs are about £484 and a monthly ongoing cost of around £70."
