Cheapest Dog Breeds
In the UK, we’re a nation of dog lovers. We can’t get enough of our four-legged friends. But if you’re thinking about bringing a new furry companion into your home, you’ll need to do your research. Buying a dog is a big commitment – not only do they demand plenty of your time, but they can also be costly.
Dogs come in different breeds and sizes, which means costs can vary dramatically between pups. Not only do you have to think about the cost of buying a dog in the first place, but there are plenty of other expenses to consider, too. These include insurance, feeding, vet fees and general upkeep costs like grooming, treats, and toys.
In this guide, we share the cheapest dog breeds to buy and explain the more affordable dog breeds to look after and insure.
Cheapest dog breeds to buy
Some dog breeds can set you back many thousands to buy while some can be more affordable. These are some of the cheaper dog breeds to purchase in the UK.
|
Breed |
Average Cost To Purchase |
|
Jack Russell Terrier |
£700 - £1,500 |
|
Patterdale Terrier |
£900 - £1.500 |
|
Border Collie |
£800 - £1,500 |
|
Manchester Terrier |
£800 - £2,000 |
|
Chihuahua |
£1,000 - £2,000 |
|
Siberian Husky |
£1,200 - £2,000 |
|
Whippet |
£1,600 - £2,500 |
|
Pomeranian |
£1,500 - £2,000 |
|
Bichon Frise |
£1,800 - £2,500 |
|
Cavachon |
£1,900 - £2,500 |
Source: https://www.ukpets.com/blog/cheapest-dog-breeds/
Let’s look at a few of these dog breeds in detail and consider their advantages alongside cost.
Whippet
Whippets are affectionate and energetic dogs that enjoy a lot of exercise and space to run around. They are low maintenance when it comes to grooming, which can cut down overall costs. Their affectionate and social nature means they need to be around their owners as much as possible, and don’t do well being left alone for long periods.
Learn more about whippets.
Jack Russell Terrier
Despite their size, Jack Russells have endless energy, are confident and love to get up to mischief. They require at least an hour’s walk a day. Plus they’re also highly intelligent dogs, meaning they’re fairly easy to train too.
Learn more about Jack Russells.
Border Collie
This medium-sized dog is not only affordable but can make a great furry companion. Border Collies are intelligent dogs and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Always keep in mind potential grooming costs too, as they have long thick coats that require regular maintenance.
Learn more about Border Collies.
Siberian Husky
While these beautiful dogs can be relatively affordable to buy, they are one of the more high-maintenance breeds that need a lot of love and care. They need a lot of exercise and playtime, and can be very stubborn when it comes to training. They also need a lot of grooming as they shed their fur, especially in summer. If you’ve got the experience to handle them, they are very loveable and characterful pups.
Learn more about Huskies.
Affordable dog breeds based on living costs
With the cost of living in the UK rising for many people, it’s important to have an idea of what a dog would cost day to day. In general, the smaller the dog the less they eat, which can push down your annual food costs. You’ll fork out much less for food with a Chihuahua than for a Labrador, for example.
In terms of vet visits, it’s hard to predict what the annual price of vet bills will be for your dog. Yet it does help to look at any likely conditions with certain breeds. For example, Golden Retrievers can be prone to hip dysplasia, which means their annual vet bills may well be higher than a Border Collie which has very few genetic health problems. Your annual vet costs will likely increase the older your dog gets, too.
Annual food bills for a dog can range from £120 up to £600, while routine vet check-ups and treatments can be £300+ per year.
Source: https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/dog-advice/cost-owning-dog
Pet insurance is always an important factor to consider when buying a dog. Again, the cost of insurance often depends on the type of breed you choose. This comes down to how likely they are to get certain health conditions later in life.
You might like the look of a French Bulldog for example, but they can be much more expensive to insure than a Chihuahua or a Jack Russell. This is because French Bulldogs are classed as a brachycephalic breed that’s susceptible to certain health issues – these include breathing difficulties, skin and ear conditions and eye issues.
Before choosing the best dog breed for you and your family, it can be worth looking at your potential insurance costs. They can be anywhere from £20 to £60 a month depending on the breed.
Source: https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/dog-advice/cost-owning-dog
How do I protect my dog and how can Asda Money help?
Dog insurance can offer financial protection and peace of mind in the event of unexpected vet expenses.
Explore Dog Insurance at Asda Money and protect your pet today. Choose the right insurance for you and your dog by comparing our different cover types without any of the confusing insurance jargon.