Which dogs are breaking the bank? Breeds ranked by most expensive to cheapest
Scots animal lovers may not hesitate to splash the cash on their beloved pets. Dogs are a great addition to the family, but they can also set owners back a fair bit.
From food to veterinary costs, and from insurance policies to kennel bills, it is not hard for our four-legged friends to wrack up some eye-watering sums.
In fact, new researched has named the most expensive and cheapest dog breeds to own. The study, conducted by pet accessories shop Fur King, analysed data such as the initial starting cost, insurance cost, and the cost of a lifetime’s worth of food for specific dog breeds to see which breeds accumulate the steepest average lifetime sum.
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“The study... could help inform potential owners on what the best breed for them is – and prevent them from choosing one which they can’t afford in the long run," Tom Sadler, Founder of Fur King, noted.
The findings reveal that Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dogs are the most expensive. The breed has the highest average lifetime cost of £8,662.53 - 93 per cent higher than the average total lifetime cost for dogs of £4,478.92.
An initial starting cost of £511 was calculated for the breed based on purchases such as a dog bed and an initial course of vaccinations for a large dog breed, which Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dogs are classed as.
The canine has a lifetime insurance cost of £2,361.60 for accident and illness cover and owners spend around £5,789.93 on food in the dog’s lifetime, based on how many calories the breed is supposed to consume per day.
The Estrela Mountain Dog is the next to tighten the purse strings. The breed has the second-highest average lifetime cost of £7,820.63 - a considerable 75 per cent above average.
Spanish Mastiffs, originally bred in Spain to be guard dogs, rank third, The Spanish Mastiff takes in an average lifetime cost of £7,303.94, which is 63 per cent higher than average. The breed has an initial starting cost of £511, and owners are predicted to spend £1,968 on insurance and £4,824.94 on food across the dog’s lifetime.
The top 10 most expensive dog breeds to own
Rank | Breed name | Initial starting cost | Lifetime insurance cost (accident and illnesses) | Lifetime cost for food | Average lifetime cost |
1. | Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog | £511.00 | £2,361.60 | £5,789.93 | £8,662.53 |
2. | Estrela Mountain Dog | £511.00 | £2,168.76 | £5,140.87 | £7,820.63 |
3. | Spanish Mastiff | £511.00 | £1,968.00 | £4,824.94 | £7,303.94 |
4. | Hamiltonstövare | £511.00 | £2,333.34 | £4,349.40 | £7,193.74 |
5. | Central Asian Shepherd Dog | £511.00 | £1,188.18 | £5,198.82 | £6,898.00 |
6. | Afghan Hound | £484.00 | £2,227.68 | £4,074.15 | £6,785.83 |
7. | German Wirehaired Pointer | £511.00 | £1,861.44 | £4,324.69 | £6,697.13 |
8. | Tornjak | £511.00 | £1,260.00 | £4,871.47 | £6,642.47 |
9. | Boerboel | £511.00 | £1,758.24 | £4,342.45 | £6,611.69 |
10. | Large Münsterländer | £511.00 | £2,378.88 | £3,706.88 | £6,596.76 |
At the other end of the scale, Chihuahuas are the cheapest breed to own, with an average lifetime cost of £1,804.53. They have an initial starting cost of £404, a lifetime insurance cost of £789.60 and a lifetime food cost of £610.93.
Pomeranians and Toy Poodles are not far behind.
“Naturally, larger dog breeds are more expensive," Tom went on. "This is because insurance is pricier for larger breeds as they are more likely to have health issues, and their food costs are higher since they need to consume more.
“The initial starting cost of larger breed will also be more expensive since they will need more wearable toys and stronger leads than smaller dogs require."
The top 10 cheapest dog breeds to own
Rank | Breed name | Initial starting cost | Insurance cost (accident and illnesses) | Cost for food (lifetime) | Average lifetime cost |
1. | Chihuahua | £404.00 | £789.60 | £610.93 | £1,804.53 |
2. | Pomeranian | £404.00 | £892.32 | £567.29 | £1,863.61 |
3. | Poodle (Toy) | £404.00 | £911.04 | £567.29 | £1,882.33 |
4. | Biewer Terrier | £404.00 | £1,054.80 | £654.57 | £2,113.37 |
5. | Yorkshire Terrier | £404.00 | £1,090.08 | £708.67 | £2,202.75 |
6. | Papillon | £404.00 | £982.80 | £826.78 | £2,213.58 |
7. | Russell Terrier | £404.00 | £776.16 | £1,042.35 | £2,222.51 |
8. | Affenpinscher | £404.00 | £1,105.50 | £738.20 | £2,247.70 |
9. | English Toy Spaniel | £404.00 | £1,021.20 | £868.63 | £2,293.83 |
10. | Lancashire Heeler | £404.00 | £879.00 | £1,085.78 | £2,368.78 |
