Unveiled: The UK’s Most Expensive Dog Breed Costing £16,000 to Own
The Cost of Owning a Dog: UK’s Most and Least Expensive Breeds
Owning a dog can be pricey, but certain breeds cost far more than others. A recent study by Pet Insurance Deals reveals which dogs strain wallets the most—and which are kinder to your budget.
Most Expensive Breed: Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog
Topping the list is the Romanian Mioritic shepherd dog, costing £16,250 over its 13-year lifespan. This massive breed (up to 60kg) requires £104 monthly, including a steep £5,789 in food alone. Initial costs average £511, but expenses like grooming, insurance, and healthcare pile up.
[Image: Romanian Mioritic shepherd dog standing in a field. Caption: The Romanian Mioritic shepherd costs £16,250 over its lifetime.]
Cheapest Breed: English Toy Spaniel
The English toy spaniel is the most affordable, totaling £5,163 over 11 years (£39/month). Weighing under 6.3kg, its food costs are just £610—nine times cheaper than the Mioritic shepherd.
[Image: English toy spaniel resting on a couch. Caption: The English toy spaniel averages £5,163 in lifetime costs.]
Why Size Matters
Larger breeds dominate the expensive list. Seven of the top 10 costliest dogs weigh over 36kg. For example:
- Hamiltonstovare (£14,951 over 15 years, 27kg)
- Estrela mountain dog (£14,778 over 12 years, 50kg)
Smaller dogs, like the Japanese Chin (£5,348) and Pomeranian (£5,594), save owners thousands due to minimal food needs.
[Image: Hamiltonstovare running outdoors. Caption: The Hamiltonstovare ranks second at £14,951.]
Hidden Costs: Grooming and Insurance
Beyond food, grooming and health insurance significantly impact costs. Long-haired breeds like the Afghan hound (£14,276 lifetime) require £1,925 in grooming alone. Hand-stripping—a technique for dense coats—adds over £1,740 per dog.
Insurance also varies widely. The Mioritic shepherd costs £2,361 to insure, while the Kuvasz (similar size) costs just £700.80. Breeds prone to health issues, like the Afghan hound, face higher premiums (£2,228 lifetime).
[Image: Afghan hound with flowing coat. Caption: Grooming the Afghan hound costs £1,925.]
Best Value Breeds
Medium-sized dogs offer balance between cost and lifespan. The border collie (£8,676 over 13 years) and Australian cattle dog (£9,328 over 14 years) provide companionship without extreme expenses.
Key Takeaways
Tom Sadler of Pet Insurance Deals advises: “Budget for routine and emergency costs. Many owners underestimate long-term expenses, risking tough decisions later.”
Top 10 Most Expensive Breeds
- Romanian Mioritic shepherd: £16,250
- Hamiltonstovare: £14,951
- Estrela mountain dog: £14,778
- Afghan hound: £14,276
- German wirehaired pointer: £14,187
[Image: Estrela mountain dog. Caption: The Estrela mountain dog costs £14,778.]
Whether adopting a tiny spaniel or a giant shepherd, understanding lifetime costs ensures happier, sustainable pet ownership.
