Most expensive and cheapest dog breeds to own in the UK - full list
Scotland is a nation of dog lovers. About 25 per cent of adults in the country own a dog, according to The Scottish Pet Industry Awards.
Dogs are described as "loyal companions" for a reason - they are loving creatures to have around the house. However, they are not inexpensive, and some breeds may tug on the purse strings more than others.
In fact, new research has revealed the most and least expensive dog breeds to own. The study, carried out by pet accessories retailer Fur King, analysed factors such as initial costs, insurance expenses, and lifetime food costs for specific dog breeds to determine which have the highest average lifetime cost.
READ MORE: Parents jailed for starving teen daughter who weighed just four stone
READ MORE: Scots author tells Davina McCall 'number one reason why people will never give up alcohol'
According to the findings, owning a Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog is the priciest option, with an average lifetime cost of £8,662.53, a staggering 93 per cent higher than the average total lifetime cost for dogs at £4,478.92.
An initial starting cost of £511 was calculated for the breed, factoring in items like a dog bed and an initial course of vaccinations for a large dog breed, which Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dogs are categorised as.
The breed also incurs a lifetime insurance cost of £2,361.60 for accident and illness cover, and owners are projected to spend £5,789.93 on food over the dog’s lifetime, based on the breed's daily calorie intake.
The Estrela Mountain Dog ranks second with an average lifetime cost of £7,820.63 - 75 per cent above average, while Spanish Mastiffs come in third, with an average lifetime cost of £7,303.94, 63 per cent higher than average.
At the other end of the scale, Chihuahuas are the cheapest dog breed to own, with an average lifetime cost of £1,804.53 - 60 per cent below average.
This was calculated based on an initial starting cost of £404, a lifetime insurance cost of £789.60 and a lifetime food cost of £610.93.
Pomeranians are the second-cheapest dog breed to own, with an average lifetime cost of £1,863.61, which is 58 per cent less than average. Meanwhile, Toy Poodles have the third-lowest average lifetime cost of £1,882.33.
The breed’s initial starting cost is £404, and owners are predicted to spend £911.04 on insurance and £567.29 on food in their pet’s lifetime.
It comes as a top trainer revealed the longest you should leave your dog at home, as doing so for too long can apparently have negative effects on its wellbeing.
Many Scots have to leave their pets at home for extended periods of time due to work, university classes, appointments, or family events.
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 |
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our newsletter here .
