Different breeds often come with different price ranges, influenced by things like popularity, demand and how rare they are. The most expensive dog is a pedigree puppy and some of these can cost up to £3,000. Crossbreeds can be just as expensive, especially if they are popular at the time.

Here, we’ll look into the variety of dog breeds available in the UK and the average costs of bringing home a furry friend. Understanding the financial commitments involved in buying a specific breed is important if you’re thinking of becoming a dog owner. It means you can make a well-informed decision that fits with your budget and your lifestyle. The table below shows the average cost of different breeds in the UK:

 

Breed	Average Cost in the UK[1]
English Bulldog	£2995
Cavapoo	£2949
Miniature Dachshund	£2537
Cockapoo	£2471
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	£2458
French Bulldog	£2389
Labrador Retriever	£1948
Chihuahua	£1100 - £1600
Manchester Terrier	£1000 - £1500
Border Collie	£900 - 1300
Patterdale Terrier	£900 - £1200
Jack Russell Terrier	£700- £1000

 

If you’re choosing to re-home a dog from a rescue centre, the cost of adopting a rescue dog is usually around £180 to £250^[2].

 

Cost of owning a dog or puppy

 

Once you’ve paid the upfront costs of buying and homing your dog, it’s important to think about how much a dog costs annually. This varies depending on the size and breed of your dog. Food costs can vary significantly too – whether you choose to feed your dog a fresh meat diet or dry biscuits. Portion size also varies by weight, age and breed.

A study by Rover.com shows the average annual cost of owning a dog may be between £575 to £3,030 per year. These are some of the annual costs you’ll need to consider:

 

Item	From	To
Food	£325	£1,170
Flea and tick prevention	£50	£200
Poop bags	£60	£290
Treats	£60	£875
Toys	£45	£445
Annual check-up	£35	£50
Total	£575	£3,030

There are also optional costs you may need to factor in depending on your dog’s breed and your lifestyle. The average costs you can expect to pay include^[3]:

 

Item	From	To
Emergency vet bills	£150	£305
Dental cleaning	£190	£375
Wellness vet bills	£80	£190
Dog boarding	£35	£245
Dog walker	£15	£105
Grooming	£25	£80
Rental pet deposit	£150	£500
Pet insurance	£275	£505
Training session	£30	£75
Total	£800	£1,880

 

Finally, unfortunately, our loveable furry friends will one day leave us,  bringing end-of-life costs. These costs can vary significantly due to personal preference and your dog’s circumstances. These are the average costs for end-of-life care^[4]:

 

Item	From	To
Extra supplies (ramp, potty pads)	£15	£175
Euthanasia	£240	£585
Cremation	£160	£220
Special Foods	£50	£150
Medical Costs	£85	£850
Total	£550	£1,980

 

Choosing the right dog or puppy for you

 

Before you bring a new furry friend into your home, you’ll need to research different breeds, sizes and temperaments.

Small breeds, like Chihuahuas and Dachshunds, are often well-suited for apartment living and may require less exercise. Medium-sized breeds, such as Beagles or Cocker Spaniels, can be adaptable and fit well into various living spaces. Larger breeds, like Labrador Retrievers or German Shepherds, typically need more space and exercise but can be great family companions.

It’s also essential to think about the temperament of different dog breeds. Cocker Spaniels, for example, are known for being energetic and playful and need more exercise. While others like Bassett Hounds may be more laid-back or reserved.

Try to match a dog's size, energy level and temperament with your lifestyle and family. Researching breeds, spending time with different dogs, and speaking with reputable breeders or rescue centres can help you make a well-informed decision. Here’s a summary of the different breeds and their needs:

 

Small breeds:

• Examples: Chihuahua, Dachshund, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier, Jack Russell, Pug
• Suitable when living in an apartment
• Typically need less exercise than other breeds
• Easier to travel with

 

Medium breeds:

• Examples: Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Bulldog, Whippet, Basset Hound, Border Collie, Schnauzer
• They can adapt to various living spaces
• Moderate exercise needs
• Often suitable for families or individuals with an active lifestyle

 

Large breeds:

• Examples: Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Dalmatian
• Require more space and exercise
• Good for active families and often good with children

 

Energetic and playful breeds:

• Examples: Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Jack Russell Terrier, Beagle, Cocker Spaniel
• High energy levels require regular exercise and mental stimulation
• Suitable for active individuals or families with an outdoor lifestyle

 

Laid-back breeds:

• Examples: Basset Hound, Shih Tzu, Greyhound
• Calmer temperaments require little to moderate exercise
• Often suitable for individuals or families with a more relaxed lifestyle

 

Vaccinations and microchipping

You’ll need to pay for these too.

 

Microchipping

As of April 6^th 2016, it’s a legal requirement to have your dog microchipped. If you fail to get your dog chipped, you can face fines of up to £500^[5]. Microchipping involves inserting a small microchip about the size of a grain of rice between the dog’s shoulders. It can help reunite you and your dog if they become lost.

The cost of microchipping can vary based on several factors, including the location of your vet, the specific type of microchip used, and whether additional services like registration in a pet database are included in the package. The average cost of getting your dog microchipped in the UK with a private vet is around £20 to £30^[6].

This initial fee pays for inserting the microchip and registration. Speak to your local vets to get accurate pricing, and ask about any bundled services or discounts they offer.

Three charities in the UK offer free microchipping for dogs: 

• Battersea Dogs & Cats
• Blue Cross
• Dogs Trust

Anyone is eligible for free dog microchipping from Battersea Dogs & Cats and Dogs Trust. Blue Cross asks pet owners for a contribution of what they can afford towards microchipping, but there is no minimum charge. It’s free if you can’t afford to make a donation. You’ll also need to live in a specific catchment area and be claiming one of the following:

• Pension credit (not the standard state retirement pension)
• Housing benefit
• Income support
• Working tax credit
• Council tax benefit (not 25% single person discount)
• Income based jobseeker’s allowance
• Income based employment and support allowance
• Universal credit
• Child tax credit

 

Vaccinations

Prices for puppy vaccinations vary according to your vet, where you are in the UK and what vaccinations your puppy needs. As a guide, you’ll usually pay between £40 and £70^[7][8] for initial dog vaccinations in Britain. Your puppy will need their first vaccinations when they are six to eight weeks old, with the second set one or two weeks later.

 

Planning ahead: things to buy before getting a dog

 

Owning a dog comes with costs that go well beyond the initial adoption or purchase fee. There are costs when you first bring your pooch home, plus annual costs that you’ll pay for the rest of their life. Here are some of the main fees to be aware of:

Vet care: you’ll need to pay for vaccinations, microchipping and preventive treatments for fleas, ticks, and worming in the first few months. In the first year, you may also choose to get your dog spayed or neutered, which can be costly.

Food: quality puppy food tailored to your dog's breed and weight will help your puppy get the right start in life. Treats are also important for puppies to help them with their training.

Training classes: joining a puppy training class can be key as a new dog owner. Not only does it help your puppy learn the basics, but it also gets them used to other dogs, which can help prevent behaviour problems. Training costs vary depending on location and whether you choose to join group sessions or have private lessons.

Dog Supplies: you’ll need a range of new dog supplies including:

• Food bowls
• Leads (short and long line)
• Collar
• Bed
• Crate
• Poop bags
• Grooming tools
• Toys

Getting the right pet supplies for your new furry friend will help make them feel safe and secure in their new home. A cosy bed or crate gives them somewhere to feel safe and comfy. Toys will not only help your dog’s dental needs, but they will relieve boredom. And your puppy will hopefully find a fun toy to chew rather than your furniture.

The table below shows a recent study by Rover.com on the average costs of getting a dog:

 

Item	From	To
Adoption fees	£180	£180
Spay or neuter surgery	£255	£430
Microchip	£22	£50
Initial vet exam and vaccinations	£95	£185
Collar or harness	£5	£120
Lead	£5	£100
Food bowls	£5	£125
Poop bags	£5	£25
Crate	£20	£275
Bed	£15	£175
Shampoo and brush	£10	£45
Stain removers	£5	£20
Puppy pads	£5	£105
Toys	£5	£45
Treats	£5	£75
Basic vet care	£85	£250
Food	£25	£100
Total	£760	£2,290

 

How do I protect my dog and how can Asda Money help?

 

Whilst the usual expenses of dog ownership won’t be covered by your pet insurance, dog insurance can offer financial protection and peace of mind in the event of unexpected vet bills.

Explore Dog and Puppy Insurance at Asda Money and protect your pet today. Choose the right insurance for you and your pup by comparing our different cover types without any of the confusing insurance jargon. 

 

[1] https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/dog-prices-2024-here-are-the-10-least-and-most-pricey-breeds-of-adorable-dog-from-bulldog-to-jack-russell-terrier-3657912

[2] https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/how-to-adopt

[3] https://www.rover.com/uk/blog/cost-of-pet-parenthood/

[4] https://www.rover.com/uk/blog/cost-of-pet-parenthood/

[5] https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/microchipping

[6] https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/other-veterinary-advice/microchipping-your-dog

[7] https://thameswoodvets.co.uk/how-much-are-puppy-vaccinations-in-the-uk

[8] https://www.burystedmundsveterinarycentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/BSEVC-Price-List-updated-January-2021-1.pdf