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. That’s more than double the average price in 2019.
While some dogs won’t break the band - a Jack Russell Terrier pedigree puppy should set you back less than £1,000 - others, due to demand or scarcity, cost significantly more.
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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 for a pup with a good pedigree. | 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. | Getty Images
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. | Getty Images
8. Golden Retriever
First bred as hunting dogs in Scotland in the late 19th century, Golden Retrievers are a very popular breed with purebred pups costing up to £3,000. | AFP via Getty Images