Most Expensive Small Dog Breeds in the UK: Costs & Reasons

Small dog breeds remain more popular than larger breeds in the UK due to the ease of accommodation in smaller homes and the urban lifestyle of many owners. The French bulldog, Chihuahua, and Pug continue to dominate as the three most popular breeds, illustrating the demand for small, companionable dogs with varied temperaments and exercise needs.

When purchasing a dog, few factors influence choice as strongly as price. Small dogs vary significantly in cost, often reflecting factors such as breed rarity, breeding challenges, health concerns, and grooming requirements.

Based on recent marketplace data from popular UK classifieds and expert insights for 2025, we explore the eight most expensive small pedigree dog breeds to buy in the UK, highlighting their average prices and the reasons behind such costs.

How We Determined the Most Expensive Small Dog Breeds in 2025

Utilising comprehensive advertisement data from UK pet sale platforms, we focused on Kennel Club-registered small pedigree breeds, filtering out those with insufficient sales volume for reliable price averages. This methodology ensures that estimates reflect true market conditions for buyers seeking high-quality, registered puppies.

Factors influencing prices include limited annual litters, breeding difficulties, hereditary health testing expenses, and popularity trends among UK dog owners.

8. The Havanese

The Havanese ranks 103rd in popularity among UK breeds but is the eighth most expensive small dog. Average puppy prices reach approximately £1,014, with registered pedigrees costing around £1,190 due to meticulous breed standards and high-maintenance coats.

Havanese dogs have silky, long hair requiring regular grooming; their affectionate and easy-to-train nature makes them excellent lapdogs, though they demand companionship, which may limit demand somewhat and contribute to their exclusivity.

7. The Italian Greyhound

The slim and elegant Italian Greyhound is the 87th most popular breed nationally but seventh in price, with average costs near £1,033. This breed’s sprinting ability, playful energy, and loyal personality make it desirable despite moderate training challenges.

With slightly higher breeding and care demands than standard lapdogs, and a more excitable temperament, breeders produce limited litters per year, sustaining elevated market prices for quality puppies.

6. The Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear is valued at roughly £1,046 on average, offering prospective owners an intelligent, child-friendly toy breed known for its soft, non-shedding coat.

This breed requires daily grooming to maintain its dense and fluffy coat, adding upkeep costs. Its relative rarity and gentle temperament keep demand modest but steady among small dog enthusiasts.

5. The Pomeranian

Pomeranians are among the UK’s most beloved toy breeds, and their price reflects both popularity and the costliness of responsible breeding. Average prices hover around £1,069, with pedigrees commanding more than £1,500.

Due to several hereditary health concerns, breeders invest in comprehensive health testing, increasing litter costs. Additionally, their thick double-coat necessitates regular grooming, contributing to ongoing ownership expenses.

4. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The beloved Pembroke Welsh Corgi retains a strong cultural following in the UK, partly due to royal associations. Despite being small-sized, their working heritage means purchasers should expect an active breed with sharp intelligence.

Prices average around £1,106. Limited annual litters and breeding complexity maintain pricing, alongside demand from families seeking intelligent, energetic companions.

3. The Miniature Dachshund

The compact Miniature Dachshund is a small breed known for its distinctive body shape and charm. Demand remains high, with average prices at approximately £1,166.

While low-maintenance in grooming, their unique conformation requires careful breeding to avoid spinal issues, driving up costs. Prospective buyers should consider their moderate exercise needs and sensitivity to being left alone.

2. The French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is the UK's most popular breed by registration numbers, yet it remains one of the priciest small breeds, averaging around £1,272 per puppy.

Breeding French bulldogs carries high costs due to health challenges such as brachycephalic airway syndrome, frequent requirement for caesarean sections, and limited litter sizes. Additionally, popular “rare” colours command a premium, though these may carry greater health risks.

1. The Japanese Shiba Inu

The top spot goes to the Japanese Shiba Inu, a rare, spitz-type breed prized for its spirited nature and stunning appearance. With average prices around £1,345, this breed commands the highest premium among small dogs.

Limited breeders and litters, a rising trend in popularity, and the breed’s spirited temperament all sustain its elevated price point. Responsible breeding with health screening ensures quality but limits supply.

Why Are Some Small Dog Breeds So Expensive?

Several factors contribute to the elevated prices of these small breeds in the UK market:

• Limited supply and breeding difficulty: Many breeds produce small litters or require specialized breeding practices such as artificial insemination and caesarean deliveries, notably in French Bulldogs.
• Health testing and hereditary concerns: Ethical breeders invest heavily in genetic health screening to reduce inherited diseases, raising the cost of litters.
• Popularity and demand: Breeds with favourable temperaments and lifestyles often experience demand that surpasses supply, maintaining higher prices.
• Maintenance costs: Breeds requiring extensive grooming or special care add ongoing expenses that are factored into the sale price.
• Rarity and exclusivity: Less common breeds with limited breeders commanding higher prices due to scarcity.

Key Tips for Prospective Small Dog Buyers in the UK in 2025

• Buy from reputable breeders who conduct health testing and provide Kennel Club registration for pedigree assurance.
• Research breed-specific care needs and potential health issues before selecting a breed.
• Consider ongoing costs like grooming, veterinary care, insurance, and appropriate exercise needs alongside initial purchase price.
• Avoid impulse purchases; take time to learn about responsible ownership and ethical breeding.
• Explore adoption options too, as there are many wonderful small dogs awaiting new homes.

Choosing a small dog breed is a significant and rewarding commitment. By understanding market prices and responsible breeding practices, you can make an informed and compassionate decision ensuring a happy companionship for years to come.