If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
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 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 Royal 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.
Some breeds, due to demand or scarcity, cost significantly more than others - you can expect to pay a wallet-busting £10,000 for a Tibetan Mastiff.
However other puppies require a far smaller budget.
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5. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is the world's smallest breed of dog and will set you back roughly £1,100-£1,200. | Getty Images
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6. Beagle
The mischievous and fun Beagle commands a price tag of around £1,200. | AFP via Getty Images

7. Manchester Terrier
Coming in two sizes - toy and standard - expect to pay around £1,000-£1,300 for a Manchester Terrier. | Getty Images
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8. Whippet
A speedy pedigree Whippet puppy costs on average around £1,300-£1,500. | Getty Images

