From Queen Elizabeth II’s cherished Corgis to Greyfriars Bobby, the UK’s love for dogs runs deep. Dogs are the nation’s favorite pets, even though they are often the most expensive.
According to The People’s Dispensary of Sick Animals (PDSA), the number of dogs has steadily increased over the past decade. The vet charity’s most recent Pet Wellbeing Report shows that in 2015, the UK was home to approximately 9.2 million dogs. By 2024, this number had climbed to 10.6 million, with 28% of UK adults owning a dog.
Though cats slightly outnumber dogs at 10.8 million, fewer households own them, with only 24% of UK adults having cats as pets.
Owning a dog, however, comes with significant costs. The PDSA estimates that the lifetime expense of a dog ranges from £5,200 to £30,000, depending on the breed, while the minimum for cats stands at £11,100.
To help budget-conscious pet lovers, The Insurance Emporium identified five of the most affordable dog breeds to own.
Topping the list are Jack Russell Terrier Crosses – such as the Jack-a-Poo (Jack Russell and Poodle), Jack-a-Pug (Jack Russell and Pug) or Jackshund (Jack Russell and Dachshund) – with first-year ownership costs estimated at £692.92.
While owning a dog is never cheap, some breeds can help keep costs manageable. Discover the 5 dog breeds that cost the least to own below…
1. Jack Russell Terrier Crosses
Average cost to buy: £411.43
Annual cost of pet insurance: £94.98
Annual cost of pet food: £186.52
Total: £692.92
Jack russell terrier chihuahua cross
2. Jack Russell Terrier
Average cost to buy: £429.81
Annual cost of pet insurance: £82.95
Annual cost of pet food: £186.52
Total: £699.28
3. Yorkshire Terrier
Average cost to buy: £543.82
Annual cost of pet insurance: £112.53
Annual cost of pet food: £85.26
Total: £741.62
4. Lhasa Apso
Average cost to buy: £518.03
Annual cost of pet insurance: £98.25
Annual cost of pet food: £173.19
Total: £789.48
5. Shih Tzu
Average cost to buy: £612.44
Annual cost of pet insurance: £110.23
Annual cost of pet food: £149.21
Total: £871.88
Top picks for dogs
Luxury Nest Dog Bed Kensington
Dog Harness In Blue and Black Stripe S/M
Wooden Raised Dog Bowl Stand
Wanda Sachs is the Daily Writer for House Beautiful and Country Living, exploring the latest in interior design, home trends, property news, wellbeing and sustainable living. With a keen eye for style and a passion for storytelling, she previously served as an Associate Editor at The Berliner in Berlin, where she launched and led the magazine’s monthly style vertical, covering emerging fashion trends. Wanda holds a combined BA in English and German from Goethe University Frankfurt.
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