Small dogs with large price tags have been on the rise since lockdown began. It seems that more people than ever are purchasing furry friends to keep them company now they have so much more time on their hands.
But, with the increased demand comes increased costs. And nowhere are we seeing the average prices rise than in the small dog breed category.
How we worked out the most expensive small dog breed in the UK?
There are varying studies and lists that breakdown the price of small dog breeds in the UK but we took our findings from the UK's biggest pet advertisement site, Pets4Homes.
What are the most expensive small dog breeds in the UK, and why?
Of course, you can find plenty of small dog breeds in shelters, but some future pet owners prefer to buy a specific breed from a breeder. The prices of small dogs vary because of different factors, such as:
- The breed itself and its popularity
- The dog's family tree.
- The dog's gender. Female and male have different prices.
- The breeder itself
- The appearance or temperament of the animal.
Take a look at our top 10 list of the UK's most expensive dog breeds:
10. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Average pricings: £700.
The pretty Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is considered a “toy breed” dog. They’re affectionate, calm and intelligent and will make great pets whether you’re a bachelor flying solo or a family looking for a playful pup to interact with the kids.
As with all of the pups on the list, the prices vary depending on breeding, appearance and temperament, but we can see why they’ve made the top 10.
9. The Cockapoo
Average pricings: around £829.
Cockapoos are hugely popular right now. A perfect mixture between a Miniature Poodle and Cocker Spaniel, these fun and affectionate dogs will always be up for a game of fetch. As the Cockapoo is a mixed breed rather than a thoroughbred dog, people are paying the big bucks for the adorable exterior and lively personality rather than the years of strict Kennel Club approved breeding.
8. The Havanese
Average pricings: around £1,014.
The lively and loyal little Havanese comes in 8th on our list of the UKs most costly to buy small dog breeds. The breed isn’t hugely common in the UK and this element of rarity means people will be willing to pay more when they find a puppy for sale.
These sociable little dogs are very affectionate with their family and are considered to be a “quiet” breed meaning they’re unlikely to bark at the hoover (or your guests). However, they’re not great with solitude so wouldn’t be ideal for someone who will be going back to full-time employment when life returns to normal.
7. The Coton de Tulear
Average pricings: around £1,033.
With prices starting around a thousand pounds, snapping up a Coton de Tulear pup won’t come cheap but the adorable little critters will make it all worthwhile. The dogs aren’t hugely common in the UK which is why you’ll pay a premium to those who do breed them.
These playful and happy small dogs look like they were “made from cotton” and are friendly to friends and strangers alike. They don’t cope well with too much solitude though so if you’re looking to get a lockdown companion that will be fine with you eventually going back to work, this isn’t the breed for you.
6. The Pomeranian
Average pricings: around £1,069.
The Pomeranian, or Pom, is an adorable little ball of fluff. These toy dogs are smart little things that can be left alone providing it’s not for too long.
The breed does come with potential health problems which may be why breeding them is a costly business but due to their popularity, the list of breeders is long. With the look of a particularly cute teddy bear, it’s no wonder that the Pomeranian is very popular right now.
5. The Pembroke Welsh corgi
Average pricings: around £1,106.
If it’s good enough for Her Majesty then it’s good enough for us! Due to their fabulously fluffy posteriors and cute little frames, Welsh Corgi pups have made it to number five of the UK’s most popular small dog breeds.
These dogs are highly intelligent, inquisitive things and despite their diminutive size aren’t meant as lapdogs (in fact, they’re still working dogs in some sectors). Only a small number of litters are bred each year which means the prices will stay high as they’re really rather exclusive.
4. The miniature Dachshund
Average pricings: around £1,166.
It seems that Dachshunds, Dashies or sausage dogs are everywhere these days. They’re low-shedding, lively and intelligent little hounds who will make a great companion dog providing he or she is well socialised.
While there are many Dachshunds bred here in the UK, the happy little dogs are in such high demand that breeders are able to charge premium prices.
3. The Italian Greyhound
Average pricings: around £1,230.
Italian Greyhound pups are very popular right now. Members of the toy group, these sleek little dogs are affectionate, playful and intelligent. They have the speed of their larger relatives but make great lapdogs as they love getting cosy.
The increase in popularity in recent years has led to a surge in prices and, as with all the dogs on the list, how much you pay will vary depending on breeding amongst other things.
2. The French bulldog
Average pricings: around £1,272.
The French Bulldog or Frenchie is currently the UK’s favourite dog so it should come as no surprise that they’re high up on the most expensive list too.
Affectionate, playful and calm, you get the best of all worlds with this little pup and despite them being bred in high numbers (higher than any other pup in the UK, in fact), the demand for them still outweighs the amount of French Bulldog puppies each year so the prices stay consistent.
Frenchies don’t handle solitude well and aren’t the easiest to train so it’s worth considering your circumstances if you decide to take home one of these adorable dogs.
1.The Japanese Shiba Inu
Average pricings: around £1,345.
The very pretty Japanese Shiba Inu tops the list of the most expensive dogs in the UK right now. These energetic and mischevious dogs are brimming with personality and would be a perfect fit for an energetic owner who likes to spend a lot of time outside.
The adorable Shiba Inu aren’t overly common in the UK, meaning hopeful owners will be willing to pay a premium to snap up one of these beautiful Spitz dogs. The price of them increases year on year, while the numbers bred remains relatively low.
Other expensive small dog breeds
If you made the decision to buy a small dog breed from a breeder, make sure you are purchasing your future best friend from a reputable breeder and not a puppy farm. Ask the breeder to see the puppy's parents, meet them prior your purchase, check all the paperworks and certificate of vaccinations they will have.
We’ve covered the top ten most expensive small dog breed in the UK, but here are other small dogs that are costly to buy:
11. Cavapoo
12. Chihuahua
13. Miniature Schnauzer
14. West Highland Terrier
15. Pug
16. Yorkshire Terrier
17. Shih Tzu
18. Whippet
19. Lhasa Apso
20. Jack Russell
21. Patterdale
So, there you have it, the UK's most expensive dogs. Is your pup featured on the list? At Wamiz, we’d always advise you to adopt not shop so maybe check your local shelters for your favourite breed before you buy.
