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.
But if you are wanting a pedigree dog (one that’s a pure bred registered with the Kennel Club) then you’re going to have to splash out - the average puppy price has soared since the global pandemic and shows no signs of letting up.
These days a Tibetan Mastiff can cost you up to £10,000, although cheaper pups like the Jack Russell Terrier are more likely to be priced around the £500 mark.
Here’s how much the 13 most popular breeds of pedigree dog tend to cost, according to pet experts at Pets4Homes , with prices varying depending on the pedigree and characteristics of the mother and father.
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13. Miniature Schnauzer - £1000 - £1500
The Royal Kennel received a total of 2,956 registrations for Miniature Schnauzers last year, placing them in 13th spot. It's a German breed that was initally bred to hunt rats. These days they are more likely to be a beloved family pet, and cost from £1000 - £1500. | Canva/Getty Images