We’re a nation of dog lovers, with around one-in-three households including at least one four-legged friend.
By far the most popular pet in the UK, they make for wonderful companions, all the while improving both our mental and physical health - and that’s a scientific fact.
The army of dog owners continues to grow, with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
There’s also always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust.
But if you are wanting a pedigree dog (one that’s a pure bred registered with the Kennel Club) then you’re going to have to splash out - research from the pet experts at Pets4Homes shows that the average puppy in the UK now costs around £2,000 – more than double the average price in 2019.
But some breeds - due to demand or scarcity - cost significantly more than others.
Here are the 20 most and least expensive breeds of pedigree pup.
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5. Rottweiler
Originally from Germany, the Rottweiler can make for a fiecely loyal family pet - despite the slightly unfair reputation they have for aggression. It's not damaged their cost though - expect to shell out up to £4,000. | Canva/Getty Images
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6. Chow Chow
An ancient Chinese breed thought to date back several thousand years, the Chow Chow is easy to identify thanks to its blue tongue. These glorious dogs tend to cost around £4,000 to buy as pups. | Canva/Getty Images
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7. Pomeranian
The most expensive toy dog you can buy is the Pomeranian, with puppies costing around £3,500. Its popularity dates back to it being a favourite with royalty - including Queen Victoria. | Canva/Getty Images
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8. Akita
Also coming in at around £3,000 is the smily Akita, once used in their native Japan to hunt bears. | Canva/Getty Images
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