Most Expensive Dog Breeds - Highest Costs Amongst the Popular Breeds

As a nation of dog lovers, it's no surprise that we're willing to spend vast amounts of money on our furry friends. But which breeds come with the biggest price tags?

Using a combination of big maths, lots of colourful pens, and our communal calculator, Waggel's gang of relentless researchers have scoured the country to create a list of some of the most expensive dog breeds in the UK. 

These are breeds that many pet owners look to purchase in the UK, rather than the more exotic breeds which can sell for over £4,000 and up.

According to Pets4Homes, the average price for buying a dog is now £1382.41, but if you think that's expensive, wait until you see how much the pups on our list will set you back.

Hold on to your hats because you're about to see our top 10 most expensive common breeds in the UK. By this, we mean the initial cost of the pet and not the ongoing care.

There's a breed to suit everyone, but be prepared to blow off the cobwebs and open your wallet wide if you're buying one of these pricey pooches!

Remember to search for a reputable breeder and be sure to get a pet insurance quote for your new pup! You will have peace of mind against most unexpected vet bills and you can factor this into each breed's lifetime cost by calculating food, insurance costs, trips, grooming costs, toys, and general pet care before you decide which doggo to add to your family.

1. American Bully - £2,294.27

Topping the list is the American Bully, which has an average cost of £2,294.27. Admittedly not the world's most expensive dog breed, but for most of us is no small chunk of change.

This breed is a relative newcomer to the UK, having only been imported in recent years. American Bullies are a cross between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier and are known for their impressive muscular physique.

There are five types of American Bully; pocket, standard, XL, classic, and the extreme.

Due to their large size and muscular build, American Bullies require plenty of exercise and stimulation and are not suited to small homes or apartments.

They are intelligent dogs which means they are easy to train but can also be stubborn, so patience is key.

Their short coats come in a variety of colours, including black, blue, fawn, grey, brown, red, and white, or a mixture of two or three colours (known as 'tri-colour').

They require very little grooming, although regular brushing will help to remove dead hair.

Unfortunately, the American Bully is on the excluded breed list in terms of pet insurance, but luckily there are more amazing breeds below! 

2. English Bulldog - £2,221.8

Coming in second, this popular dog breed is a national icon in the UK. It's not hard to see why. The English Bulldog's cute, wrinkled face and lovable nature make them one of the most sought-after breeds around.

These medium-sized dogs don't require a lot of daily exercise and can be pretty lazy, so don't expect them to be high-energy dogs! For people who don't have access to a huge garden or have low exercise requirements, this is the perfect dog for you.

As well as having low energy levels, they are also relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming, with a short coat that only requires an occasional brushing.

One potential downside of owning an English Bulldog is their health. Due to their short noses, they can suffer from respiratory problems and often snore loudly. They are also prone to weight gain, so watching their diet and exercise levels is essential.

Bulldogs are gentle, good-natured, and very loyal to their families, making them great around kids.

3. Golden Retriever - £1,831.74

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world. The demand for these beautiful dogs also makes them a little hard on the wallet, especially here in the UK.

However, the price is definitely worth it when you see how much love and companionship they can bring into your life.

They shed a bit and have a long glossy coat which will require regular grooming.

Water acts like a magnet to a Golden Retriever. They just love swimming and splashing about. This behaviour is a throwback to their origins as gun dogs. They would need to be able to swim long distances to retrieve game from water, hence the name Retriever.

However, it's as a family pet that the Golden Retriever really shines. They are gentle, loving, and great for families with kids, making them the perfect dog for busy people.

Like most working breeds, they need plenty of regular exercise, so they're not the best breed for those who live a sedentary lifestyle or live in small garden-less apartments.

4. Pomeranian - £1,779.95

These diminutive dogs may be small in size, but they're definitely big in personality.

Pomeranians are known for being very vocal dogs. They love to bark, which can make them quite a nuisance if you live close to your neighbours!

They are lively, playful, and friendly dogs that love human attention, which has led to them becoming one of the world's most popular toy dog breeds.

Pomeranians are very intelligent and easily trained, so if you're looking for a dog that can do tricks, this is definitely the breed for you.

The most distinctive feature of the Pomeranian is their thick, fluffy coat. It comes in various colours but is most recognisable in their classic orange and red and requires dedicated grooming to keep it looking its best.

Poms love to exercise and play and are notorious escape artists, but their small size means they can be easily injured by other dogs or predators, so it's important to keep a close eye on them when they're outside.

5. French Bulldog - £1,707.71

An entry from our French neighbours, the French Bulldog is the fifth most expensive dog in the UK.

This small but muscular breed is a popular choice for those looking for a lap dog. They are affectionate and loving dogs that enjoy cuddling up to their owners.

Their friendly and amenable nature means that they get on well with other dogs and animals, making them excellent pets for families.

The most distinctive feature of the French Bulldog is their large 'bat-like' ears, which are a breed trademark. They have a square head with heavy wrinkles rolled above their short nose and a compact but muscular body.

Their short coats come in a variety of colours, but the most popular is brindle, and they require very little grooming.

They don't require a lot of exercise, making them the perfect pet for people who live in apartments, but they do need regular walks and plenty of playtime to keep them happy and healthy.

6. Miniature Dachshund - £1,658.72

These low-slung canines were originally bred in Germany to flush out badgers but are now more likely to be found on the lap of a trendy city-dweller.

These clever sausage dogs are wilful but hugely affectionate and come in various colours, including black and tan, chocolate and cream, and red.

Miniature Dachshunds usually weigh between 4 and 5kg and stand at around 15 cm at the shoulder.

However, don't let their size deceive you. They have oodles of energy and love nothing more than a good game of fetch (or two) in the park.

Their sleek, short coats make them relatively low-maintenance compared to other breeds, and they are known to be good around children.

Unfortunately, their long bodies make them susceptible to back problems, so you will need to take care when handling them.

7. Cavapoo - £1,637.06

The Cavapoo is a designer dog breed that is slowly but surely becoming more popular in the UK. Cavapoos are a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. They are known for being incredibly affectionate and intelligent.

Their friendly nature means they get along well with other pets and children, and their low-shedding coat means they are often considered to be hypoallergenic. This is great news for people who love dogs but are allergic to pet hair.

Cavapoos come in a wide range of colours, and their coat can be either straight or curly. Although, that sumptuous coat will still need to be brushed regularly to avoid becoming matted.

Since they're intelligent dogs, they need plenty of stimulation and exercise, so they're probably not the best dog breed for someone who's out at work all day.

8. Labradoodle - £1,380.58

The Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, a designer dog that is still relatively new, having been created in the 1970s.

They are a favourite breed of dog in their native Australia that is rapidly becoming popular here in the UK.

The name Labradoodle was coined by Walter Conran. He bred the first litter of Labradoodles in an attempt to create a guide dog that would be suitable for people with allergies to dog hair.

The Labradoodle is an easily trainable and highly intelligent breed. They are also known for being very friendly, good with children, and having a relaxed temperament. If there was such a thing as a perfect family dog, the Labradoodle would be it!

Labradoodles come in three different size varieties: standard, medium, and miniature depending on the size of their Poodle parent.

9. Cane Corso - £1,349.53

The Cane Corso is a large breed of dog that originates from Italy. They are known for being loyal, protective, and good-natured dogs.

However, their size and strength mean they require experienced owners who can provide them with plenty of exercise and training. They are generally an excluded breed from most insurers including Waggel.

As a family dog, they can get on well with children as long as they have been socialised and trained from an early age. It's always wise to keep an eye on them around friends and strangers as they can be quite protective.

This working breed needs to keep themselves busy, so if you don't have a job for them, they'll likely create their own - which may not be what you had in mind.

If you plan on getting a Cane Corso, then be aware that they need an owner with experience and plenty of space, exercise, and stimulation.

10. Dachshund - £1,342.41

The bigger version of the Miniature Dachshund, the Standard Dachshund, is the tenth most expensive dog in the UK and can range in size from 16 to 32 pounds. This small dog breed originates from Germany and is just as popular as its smaller counterpart.

The Standard Dachshund is a versatile breed and can be trained to hunt, track, retrieve and even serve as a watchdog.

They are intelligent and easy to train, although they can be a little stubborn at times.

Their coats can be short, long, or wire-haired. They come in various colours, including black, tan, cream, chocolate, red, and silver.

They can make good family pets but may not be the best choice for families with small children as these dogs can be easily injured.

A secure fence is a must for a Dachshund because they are known diggers and escape artists. Dachshunds are also notorious barkers, so if you're looking for a calm and quiet dog, this may not be the breed for you.

Waggel's ten most expensive dog breeds in the UK are a varied bunch, from the cute and lazy English Bulldog to the friendly and versatile Golden Retriever.

As these dogs come with a hefty price tag that is significantly higher than the average dog, it's wise to thoroughly research them and choose a breed that is right for you, both in terms of personality and cost!