Top 6 Most Expensive Gun Dog Breeds to Buy UK 2025
Many popular dog breeds in the UK have a rich working history, including the extensive group known as gun dogs. These breeds have evolved from specialised hunting companions to beloved pets, each sharing core traits that reflect their original roles.
Understanding the origins and traits of gun dogs can help you choose the right breed, balancing appearance, temperament, and care needs. Additionally, cost plays a major part in decision making, as prices for different gun dog breeds vary widely.
Using extensive data from Pets4Homes adverts in the past year, we've identified the six most expensive gun dog breeds in the UK, exploring what drives their value and ownership considerations for each breed.
What is a Gun Dog?
Gun dogs are breeds developed to assist hunters, performing functions such as flushing, pointing, and retrieving game. The Kennel Club, the UK's recognised pedigree dog authority, classifies over 30 breeds in this category. Gun dogs are divided into three subgroups:
- Retrievers: These dogs excel at spotting and safely retrieving downed game over land or water, often showing an affinity for swimming.
- Pointing Dogs: Skilled in locating game birds, these dogs signal their handler by assuming a "pointing" stance to indicate prey location without pursuit.
- Flushing Dogs: These breeds flush upland game into the open for hunters, then mark and retrieve downed birds.
Most UK gun dogs today are cherished family pets retaining traits like high energy needs and natural instincts aligned with their working heritage.
How We Calculated Prices
Our pricing is based on a comprehensive dataset of adverts on Pets4Homes during 2018, filtered to include only breeds with more than 20 adverts, and prices between £100 and £8,000 to ensure accuracy.
We calculated average advertised prices across both Kennel Club (KC) registered and non-pedigree dogs, highlighting median costs and typical price differentials to illustrate market trends.
Number 6: Weimaraner puppies
The striking Weimaraner, a pointer with a distinctive silver-grey coat, ranks as the UK's 6th most expensive gun dog breed. With 424 adverts in 2018, the average price was £853, higher at £907 for KC registered dogs.
Intelligent and easily trained, Weimaraners require significant daily exercise, making them best suited for active owners. They generally shed moderately and need low grooming. Their popularity is steady, with rising demand gradually increasing prices.
Number 5: Flat Coated Retriever puppies
This elegant retriever, known for its medium-long coat and noble bearing, is the 5th priciest gun dog breed. Despite its lower popularity (104 adverts in 2018), the breed maintained an average price of £858, with KC dogs at £900.
Flat Coated Retrievers are intelligent and energetic but have a shorter lifespan of 8-10 years and face various hereditary health issues requiring rigorous pre-breeding health checks, which add to breeding costs and thus prices.
Number 4: Golden Retriever puppies
Renowned for versatility and friendliness, Golden Retrievers are the 4th most expensive. The breed had 1,656 adverts with an average price of £908 (£1,013 for KC registered dogs).
Popular as family companions and assistance dogs, their large size and dense, high-maintenance coat require commitment. Health testing is essential due to several hereditary conditions, influencing breeding expenses and prices.
Number 3: Hungarian Vizsla puppies
With a striking golden-red coat and efficient hunting ability, the Vizsla is valued for intelligence and obedience. They had 693 adverts with a £937 average price (£1,008 for KC dogs).
Vizslas are energetic requiring regular exercise and sensitive management, with a lifespan varying widely between 9-16 years. Hereditary health testing is carried out by responsible breeders, adding to costs.
Number 2: Bracco Italiano puppies
Rarer in the UK, the Bracco Italiano commands a higher premium due to scarcity. Only 46 adverts were listed at an average of £1,166 (£1,203 for KC registered).
They are intelligent, relatively low-maintenance in grooming, good with children, and capable of entertaining themselves for short periods. The breed’s longer lifespan of 12-14 years is a positive, though there are some hereditary health concerns breeders monitor.
Number 1: Lagotto Romagnolo puppies
The UK’s most expensive gun dog breed is the Lagotto Romagnolo, a small water retriever prized for rarity and working prowess. With just 21 adverts in 2018, the average price was £1,333, soaring to £1,558 for KC registered dogs.
Demand outstrips supply due to limited UK population, with some breeders importing stock. Their lifespan of 15-17 years and manageable grooming make them a good value choice if you can afford their initial cost. Health testing, especially for breed-specific issues, is routine.
What Does KC Registered Mean?
Quick Answer: KC registered means a dog is officially registered with The Kennel Club UK, confirming verified purebred pedigree and adherence to breed standards.
Registration to The Kennel Club ensures the dog’s lineage is documented with verified ancestry of recognised breeds, where both parents are KC registered. This guarantees quality, eligibility for KC dog shows like Crufts, and access to pedigree certificates. Responsible breeding practices supported by health screenings align with KC protocols, helping maintain breed integrity and welfare. Non-KC registered dogs lack these assurances, often impacting price and recognition in the UK dog breeding community.
Conclusion
The price of gun dogs in the UK today reflects a combination of breed popularity, rarity, health considerations, and the costs incurred by responsible breeders adhering to health guidance and KC standards. Prospective owners should balance cost with the demands of raising an active, often large dog that benefits from a trained and enriched lifestyle.
Whether selecting a Weimaraner for its trainability or a rare Lagotto Romagnolo for its uniqueness, understanding these breeds helps you make an informed, responsible choice for your future canine companion.
