Which dog breeds are most and least expensive to own? As a rule, giant breeds and flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds cost the most over a lifetime, while hardy small and mixed breeds cost the least. Here’s why — and the numbers.
Estimate — your costs will vary. Lifetime figures use the formula on our methodology page and exclude major one-off medical events.
Why some breeds cost so much more
Two things drive lifetime cost: how much you spend per year (food, grooming, insurance, surgery risk) and how many years the dog lives.
- Giant breeds (Great Dane, Bernese Mountain Dog) eat the most and face high bloat and joint-surgery risk — but often live only 7–9 years, which limits the year count.
- Flat-faced breeds (English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Pug) carry the highest insurance premiums because of breathing (BOAS), skin and spinal problems.
- Long-lived small breeds (Chihuahua) are cheap per year but live 14–16+ years, so the years add up.
Most expensive breeds (illustrative)
| Breed | ~Per year | Avg lifespan | Why it’s pricey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Dane | $1,750 | 8 yrs | Giant food costs, bloat & heart risk |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | $1,700 | 8 yrs | Giant size, very high cancer rate |
| English Bulldog | $1,500 | 9 yrs | Highest insurance; BOAS & skin surgery |
| French Bulldog | $1,350 | 11 yrs | High surgery & insurance costs |
Least expensive breeds (illustrative)
| Breed | ~Per year | Avg lifespan | Why it’s economical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed Breed (medium) | $1,350 | 13 yrs | Hybrid vigor, low adoption fee |
| Beagle | $1,300 | 13 yrs | Hardy, low grooming, cheap to insure |
| Chihuahua | $1,150 | 15 yrs | Tiny food bill (but long life) |
See the full ranking
Browse all dog breeds ranked by estimated lifetime cost, and weigh whether pet insurance is worth it for a higher-risk breed. To model a specific breed against your own budget, use the pet cost calculator.
Sources
Annual and first-year costs are published averages from the ASPCA/APPA; insurance from NAPHIA. Estimate — your costs will vary.