10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds to Own in 2025

Deciding to buy a dog requires more than just affording the initial purchase and basic supplies. Ensuring you can support your dog’s wellbeing throughout its life is crucial. Many breeds come with high lifetime costs that often exceed £10,000 when including food, veterinary care, insurance, and accessories.

In this guide, we explore the 10 most expensive dog breeds to own in 2025, detailing why these breeds can be costly and what prospective owners should prepare for.

Understanding Lifetime Ownership Costs

Costs vary widely between dog breeds and individual dogs. Factors influencing expenses include:

• Dietary needs and food quality
• Size-related expenses such as large bedding and accessories
• Preventative veterinary treatments including wormers and flea control
• Health problems leading to potential emergency care or long-term treatment
• Insurance premiums, which can be substantial for some breeds

Owners should also consider ethical breeding practices and seek reputable breeders or responsible adoption to promote animal welfare and healthy traits.

1. The Great Dane

The Great Dane is a magnificent giant breed known for its stature. While stunning, their large size means high costs for large quantities of quality food and oversized equipment like beds and collars. Health-wise, they are prone to bloat (GDV), an emergency condition that can require surgery costing several thousand pounds, making insurance essential.

2. The English Bulldog

An iconic breed, the English Bulldog demands significant veterinary care from birth — puppies often require caesarean deliveries. Their brachycephalic face leads to breathing difficulties and skin folds prone to infections. Orthopaedic issues also add to long-term medical costs, reflected in higher insurance premiums.

3. The Basset Hound

The Basset Hound has a distinctive long back due to achondroplasia and short legs. This structure predisposes them to spinal and joint issues, which can require specialist veterinary attention. Their long ears need regular inspection and cleaning to prevent infections and mites.

4. The Saint Bernard

Famous for their giant size and rescue work, Saint Bernards have one of the largest appetites among dog breeds. The cost of feeding and grooming, plus potential hip and joint diseases, contribute to high ownership expenses.

5. The Tibetan Mastiff

The rare and imposing Tibetan Mastiff is costly due to its size, dietary needs, and husky-like coat demanding extra grooming. Their rarity also inflates purchase prices and insurance costs, often exceeding £50 monthly.

6. The Newfoundland

Loving and water-savvy, the Newfoundland demands a large amount of food and care. They are susceptible to hip dysplasia and spinal problems, which can involve extensive veterinary treatment and possible surgery.

7. The French Bulldog

Small but expensive, the French Bulldog has gained prominence for its charming nature. Due to breeding challenges such as narrow hips and large heads, medical costs including artificial insemination and caesarean sections are common, plus high insurance premiums.

8. The Irish Wolfhound

The tallest dog breed globally, the Irish Wolfhound needs ample space and quality food to maintain health. Their size also implies higher accessory costs and potential health concerns typical of giant breeds.

9. The Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a thick coat requiring grooming and is predisposed to cancer, which inflates veterinary expenses and insurance costs. Their large size also adds to food and equipment costs.

10. The Chow Chow

Known for their unique looks and thick coat, the Chow Chow tends to have chronic health issues including autoimmune diseases and eye problems. This breed's size and care requirements push up maintenance costs significantly.

Final Thoughts: Responsible Ownership

When considering any of these expensive breeds, it’s vital to plan for long-term costs including health care, insurance, nutrition, and grooming. Responsible ownership means choosing a healthy puppy from reputable breeders or rescue centres, preparing for the financial commitment, and providing lifelong care to ensure your dog’s happiness and health.

Remember, the initial purchase price is just one part of the investment in a dog. Organisations like reputable breeders listed on trusted platforms help you find well-bred pups that reduce future health problems and unexpected expenses.