What is the lifelong cost of owning a dog?
Key takeaways
The average cost of dog insurance is £11.09[1] a month, according to our 2026 data
English Bulldogs are among the most expensive breeds to insure, averaging £25.67[2] a month, compared with £9.95[3] for Border Terriers
Food, grooming, insurance and routine healthcare can add significantly to the initial cost of buying a dog
Larger breeds may cost more to feed, while dogs needing regular professional grooming can have higher maintenance costs
How much does it cost to own a dog?
The cost of owning a dog depends on its breed, size, lifespan and individual needs. As well as the initial purchase or adoption fee, you'll need to budget for everyday essentials such as food, toys, grooming, vaccinations and insurance.
Some costs are predictable, while others, such as emergency veterinary treatment, can arise unexpectedly.
Use our calculator to estimate how much your chosen breed could cost over its lifetime.
Ever wondered how much it really costs to own a dog? Our handy calculator shows you the lifelong expenses, from tasty treats to pet insurance, so you can plan with confidence.
See how different dog breeds compare and pick the pet that fits your life and your budget.
💡 All you need to do is select a dog breed and our tool will do the rest
Prefer to work it out yourself?
💡 Simply add in the relevant information and our self-service tool will provide the results
How does our dog cost calculator work?
Our calculator estimates the lifelong cost of owning different dog breeds using insurance data and estimated ownership expenses.
The calculations include the initial purchase price and estimated spending on food, grooming, toys, booster vaccinations and pet insurance.
Pet insurance figures in the existing calculator are based on MoneySuperMarket customer enquiries between July 2026 and September 2026, where only one dog was included in the quote. Food, grooming, toys and booster costs are estimates.
The figures are intended as a guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll spend. Actual costs can vary depending on your dog's individual needs, where you live and changes in prices over time.
What are the main costs of owning a dog?
The biggest expenses associated with dog ownership aren't necessarily the upfront costs. You'll also need to budget for regular spending throughout your dog's life.
Expense | What it includes |
|---|---|
Buying or adopting | The initial purchase price or adoption fee |
Food | Daily meals, treats and specialist diets |
Pet insurance | Monthly or annual premiums to help cover eligible veterinary costs |
Grooming | Professional grooming, shampoo, brushes and nail trimming |
Vaccinations | Initial vaccinations and recommended boosters |
Toys and accessories | Beds, leads, collars, toys and replacement equipment |
Veterinary care | Routine check-ups, preventative treatment and unexpected medical expenses |
Other costs | Training, boarding, dog walking and pet sitting |
Our calculator includes purchase price, food, grooming, insurance, toys and booster vaccinations. Other expenses may need to be budgeted for separately.
Which dog breeds cost the most to insure?
English Bulldogs and Rottweilers are among the most expensive breeds to insure, while Border Terriers and Yorkshire Terriers have some of the lowest average premiums in MoneySuperMarket's 2026 breed data.
For example, an English Bulldog costs around £15.72 more per month to insure than a Border Terrier. That's a difference of £188.64 over 12 months, assuming premiums remain unchanged.
Average dog insurance costs by breed
Dog breed | Average monthly insurance | Annual equivalent |
|---|---|---|
Border Terrier | £9.95 | £119.40 |
Yorkshire Terrier | £10.18 | £122.16 |
Pomeranian | £10.47 | £125.64 |
Shih Tzu | £10.81 | £129.72 |
Cocker Spaniel | £11.29 | £135.48 |
Dachshund | £12.05 | £144.60 |
Labrador | £13.29 | £159.48 |
Golden Retriever | £13.52 | £162.24 |
German Shepherd | £14.13 | £169.56 |
French Bulldog | £16.62 | £199.44 |
Boxer | £18.20 | £218.40 |
Rottweiler | £24.07 | £288.84 |
English Bulldog | £25.67 | £308.04 |
Source: MoneySuperMarket pet insurance statistics, 2026. Annual equivalents calculated by multiplying the average monthly premium by 12. Figures are illustrative and actual premiums can change over time.
Your dog's breed can influence insurance costs because some breeds are more susceptible to certain health conditions or injuries. However, insurers also consider age, medical history, location and the type of policy you choose.
Find out more about how dog breeds affect pet insurance prices.
Which dog breeds are the cheapest to own?
Smaller breeds can sometimes be cheaper to own because they generally need less food than larger dogs. However, the cheapest dog to buy won't necessarily be the cheapest to care for throughout its lifetime.
For example, a small dog that requires frequent professional grooming or develops ongoing medical conditions could cost more than expected.
When comparing breeds, consider:
Size: Larger dogs generally need more food and may require more expensive accessories
Grooming: Long-haired and high-maintenance breeds may need regular professional appointments
Health: Some breeds are more prone to inherited medical conditions
Lifespan: Dogs that live longer may have more years of ongoing expenses
Insurance: Premiums vary between breeds and can increase as dogs get older
Our dog cost calculator lets you compare estimated lifetime costs across different breeds to help you understand the potential financial commitment.
How much does it cost to feed a dog?
Food is one of the most regular expenses you'll face as a dog owner. The amount you spend depends on your dog's size, age, activity level and dietary requirements.
Larger dogs typically need more food than smaller breeds, meaning their monthly feeding costs may be higher. Premium foods, prescription diets and treats can also increase spending.
To estimate your dog's annual food costs, multiply your average monthly spending by 12. For example, spending £40 a month on food would amount to £480 a year, or £4,800 over ten years if prices and feeding requirements stayed the same.
How much does dog grooming cost?
Grooming costs vary depending on your dog's coat, size and how often it needs professional care.
Short-haired dogs may only need occasional bathing, brushing and nail trimming, while breeds with longer or curly coats often require more frequent grooming appointments.
You can help manage costs by brushing your dog regularly, maintaining its coat between appointments and learning which grooming tasks you can safely do at home.
However, some breeds need professional grooming to prevent matting and maintain healthy skin and coats.
How much does dog insurance cost?
Dog insurance costs an average of £11.09[1] a month, according to MoneySuperMarket's 2026 data. However, the amount you pay will depend on your dog's breed, age, medical history and the level of cover you choose.
Different policy types also affect the cost:
Source: MoneySuperMarket pet insurance statistics, 2026. These figures are averages for different policy categories, not quotes for equivalent cover.
Although accident-only policies tend to be cheaper, they don't generally cover illnesses. More comprehensive policies can provide broader protection, depending on their terms, limits and exclusions.
You can find out more in our guide to how much pet insurance costs or compare dog insurance to explore your options.
What costs aren't included in the dog cost calculator?
Our calculator provides an estimate of common dog ownership expenses, but there are other costs you may need to consider.
Emergency vet bills: Treatment for unexpected illnesses or injuries can be expensive, particularly if your dog needs surgery or specialist care
Dental treatment: Professional cleaning, extractions and other dental procedures may not be covered by your insurance
Neutering: Spaying or castrating your dog is usually a one-off expense
Flea, tick and worming treatments: Preventative treatments can add to your regular pet care costs
Training classes: Puppy training or behavioural support may be useful, particularly for first-time owners
Dog walking and boarding: You may need to pay for additional care while you're working or away on holiday
It's worth setting aside some money for unexpected expenses, even if you have pet insurance. Most policies include an excess, and some treatments or conditions may be excluded.
How can I reduce the cost of owning a dog?
There are several ways to manage the cost of dog ownership without compromising your pet's health or wellbeing.
Compare pet insurance: Shop around for a policy that balances affordable premiums with suitable cover
Buy food in bulk: Larger bags or multipacks can sometimes work out cheaper, provided the food can be stored safely
Keep up with preventative care: Regular check-ups, vaccinations and parasite treatments can help protect your dog's health
Groom your dog at home: Regular brushing and basic coat maintenance may reduce the need for professional appointments
Budget for ongoing costs: Setting aside a fixed amount each month can make regular and unexpected expenses easier to manage
Consider adopting: Rehoming a dog from a rescue centre may cost less upfront than buying from a breeder, although ongoing expenses still apply
Remember that choosing the cheapest insurance policy isn't always the best option. Check the vet fee limits, exclusions and excess before buying.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dog cost per month?
Monthly dog ownership costs depend on the breed, size and individual needs of your pet. Regular expenses can include food, insurance, grooming and preventative healthcare.
You may also need to budget for dog walking, training or veterinary treatment.
Our calculator can help you estimate the overall cost of owning different breeds.
What is the most expensive part of owning a dog?
Food, insurance and veterinary care can be among the biggest ongoing expenses. The amount you spend depends on your dog's size, breed, health and lifespan. Unexpected veterinary treatment can also be particularly expensive.
Is it cheaper to own a small dog?
Small dogs are often cheaper to feed because they generally eat less than larger breeds. However, grooming requirements, health conditions and insurance premiums can mean some smaller dogs cost more to own than expected.
How much should I save before getting a dog?
It's worth saving enough to cover the initial purchase or adoption fee, essential equipment, vaccinations and your first few months of ongoing expenses. You should also consider an emergency fund for unexpected veterinary bills or costs that insurance won't cover.
Does pet insurance cover all vet bills?
No. Pet insurance generally covers eligible treatment for accidents and illnesses, depending on your policy.
Routine vaccinations, preventative treatments and pre-existing conditions are often excluded. You may also need to pay an excess or contribute towards treatment costs.
Do dogs become more expensive as they get older?
They can. Older dogs may need more veterinary treatment, medication or specialist diets. Pet insurance premiums can also increase with age, so it's important to consider how your costs might change throughout your dog's life.
Is it cheaper to adopt or buy a dog?
Adopting a dog from a rescue centre can be cheaper upfront than buying from a breeder. Some rescue centres also include vaccinations, microchipping or neutering in their adoption fee.
However, the ongoing cost of caring for a dog will depend on its individual needs.
