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Dogs may be a man's best friend, but the costs of dog ownership have rocketed in recent years. Some breeds in particular can cost thousands in food, grooming, vet bills and insurance - but which are the most expensive breeds to own - and which are the cheapest)? To mark National Pet Day, April 11, 2025, new research has named the most expensive and cheapest dog breeds to own. As beautiful as they are expensive, Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dogs have been named the most expensive dog breed to own, costing pet owners an average of £8,662.
53 over the course of their lifetime - a whopping 93% higher than the average total lifetime cost for dogs of £4,478.92. Estrela Mountain Dogs and Spanish Mastiffs rank second and third among the most expensive dog breeds to own.
At the other end of the list, Chihuahuas are the cheapest dog breed to own, with an average lifetime cost of £1,804.53. Experts at pet accessories shop Fur King analysed data on the initial costs of owning dogs and the cost of insurance and food across their lifetimes to determine which ones have the highest lifetime costs.
What makes a Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog the most expensive option? 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. The breed also has a lifetime insurance cost of £2,361.60 for accident and illness cover and owners are predicted to spend £5,789.
93 on food in the dog’s lifetime, based on how many calories the breed is supposed to consume per day. Estrela Mountain Dog has the second-highest average lifetime cost of £7,820.63 - 75% above average.
This was calculated based on an initial starting cost of £511, a lifetime insurance cost of £2,168.76 and a lifetime food cost of £5,140.87.
Recommended reading: DWP benefits rise - how much and when do they go up? Cheap Easter days out with the family - deals and discounts Who can get an increased HMRC personal tax allowance, and how to apply Spanish Mastiffs rank third, with an average lifetime cost of £7,303.94, which is 63% 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. Estrela Mountain Dogs and Spanish Mastiffs are also both classed as large dog breeds. The cheapest large dog breed to own is an Irish Wolfhound, with an average lifetime cost of £4,348.
45, which is even 3% below the average lifetime cost for any size breed. The breed is expected to cost £2,894.97 to feed and £942.
48 in insurance, following an initial starting cost of £511. Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog Estrela Mountain Dog Spanish Mastiff Hamiltonstövare Central Asian Shepherd Dog Afghan Hound German Wirehaired Pointer Tornjak Boerboel Large Münsterländer Chihuahuas are the cheapest dog breed to own, regardless of size, with an average lifetime cost of £1,804.53 - 60% 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% less than average. The breed has an initial starting cost of £404 and is predicted to cost £892.
32 in insurance and £567.29 in food in its lifetime. Toy Poodles have the third-lowest average lifetime cost of £1,882.
33 - 58% below average. 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. The top 10 cheapest dog breeds to own Chihuahua Pomeranian Poodle (Toy) Biewer Terrier Yorkshire Terrier Papillon Russell Terrier Affenpinscher English Toy Spaniel Lancashire Heeler Commenting on the findings, Tom Sadler, Founder of Fur King, says: “The study provides valuable insight into the costs of different dog breeds, which 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. “Naturally, larger dog breeds are more expensive, with the Afghan Hound the only medium-sized dog to feature in the top 10.
“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.”.
