Cost of loving crisis: Dogs and cats with the biggest financial burden

A STUDY has revealed the most expensive cats and dogs to own in the UK.

Credit card company Aqua analysed costs associated with the 10 most popular breeds.

More than half of all UK households own a pet but also face a long term financial commitment, something that is harder to meet in a cost-of-living crisis.

Aqua examined purchase prices alongside ongoing expenses such as insurance, vaccinations, grooming, and food.

Miniature Dachshunds are cheaper than many breeds.

They have also compared costs from 2024 to reveal how prices have risen.

The study found that Dobermans were the costliest dog to own in the UK, with an average lifetime expense of £22,976 over 11.5 years.

The breed requires more food, costing around £496 annually, and has high insurance premiums due to hereditary health risks. 

The French Bulldog follows at £20,641, largely due to insurance costs averaging £1,084 per year, driven by common breathing disorders and other health conditions, despite its lower grooming needs of £35 per session.

Listed below is the cost of keeping dogs, from most expensive to cheapest, with the breed followed by the lifetime, annual and monthly costs:

1	Doberman	£22,976	£1,872	£156
2	French Bulldog	£20,641	£1,604	£134
3	Rottweiler	£19,344	£1,979	£165
4	Golden Retriever	£16,374	£1,324	£110
5	Staffordshire Bull Terrier	£15,288	£1,067	£89
6	Border Collie	£15,263	£1,013	£84
7	Labrador Retriever	£14,989	£1,146	£95
8	Cocker Spaniel	£13,315	£923	£77
9	Cockapoo	£12,824	£850	£71
10	Miniature Dachshund	£12,734	£800	£67

Rottweilers rank third at £19,344, with one of the highest purchase prices for a puppy at £1,503 and annual food costs of £602.

At the more affordable end, Miniature Dachshunds cost on average, £12,734 over a lifetime, benefiting from lower food volumes and grooming expenses.

This demonstrates that long-term maintenance often outweighs the initial purchase price when calculating the total financial commitment.

Pet ownership has become increasingly expensive in recent years, with the study finding search interest for acquiring a dog rose 12% over the past year, reflecting interest that may be associated with higher prices, combined with the rising cost of living.

Listed below is the cost of keeping cats, from most expensive to cheapest, with the breed followed by the lifetime, annual and monthly costs:

1	Siamese	£17,281	£950	£79
2	Maine Coon	£16,236	£1,104	£92
3	Sphynx	£15,762	£985	£82
4	Savannah Cat	£15,078	£972	£81
5	Scottish Fold	£15,042	£950	£79
6	Russian Blue	£14,997	£935	£78
7	Bengal	£14,890	£989	£82
8	Persian	£13,961	£968	£81
9	Ragdoll	£12,780	£860	£72
10	British Shorthair	£9,761	£876	£73

For example, a miniature Dachshund puppy now costs £1,450, a 50.5% increase since 2024. Similarly, Rottweilers have risen from £1,152 to £1,502, marking a 30% increase

Veterinary costs have also surged; initial vaccines have risen from £68 to £95, with booster shots increasing from £47 to £65.

Grooming expenses have grown as well, with Golden Retriever sessions up from £62 to £69 and French Bulldogs from £29 to £35.

However, one cost that has fallen in recent years is insurance premiums. In 2024, the average cost of insuring a Golden Retriever was around £643. By 2026, this figure had dropped to approximately £414.

Among cats, the Siamese is the most expensive to own, with lifetime costs of £17,281 over 17.5 years, despite a low initial purchase price of £631.

Its extended lifespan drives cumulative care costs, including insurance, food, and vaccinations. 

The Maine Coon follows at £16,236, being the largest breed and the most costly to insure at £592 per year. The Sphynx is third at £15,762, where longevity amplifies total expenses. The British Shorthair remains the most affordable, costing £9,761 over a typical 10-year lifespan.

Scott Yule, commercial strategy director at Aqua, said: “Pets bring joy, but their costs can escalate quickly if you’re not prepared.

“Understanding breed-specific needs and planning for both routine and unexpected expenses can make a real difference. Building a dedicated pet fund and choosing the right level of insurance helps protect both you and your pet financially.

“At the same time, smart saving strategies like buying food and litter in bulk, learning basic grooming at home, and keeping up with preventive care, can help reduce ongoing costs without cutting corners on your pet’s wellbeing.”

To view the full study, visit: https://www.aquacard.co.uk/building-better-credit/true-cost-of-owning-a-pet