What is the most expensive dog breed to own?

By our estimated lifetime cost, Poodle (Standard) is among the priciest at about $19,250, while Bernese Mountain Dog is among the least expensive at about $14,150. Giant breeds cost more per year (food, large-breed surgery) but often live fewer years; small long-lived breeds rack up cost through more years.

Do bigger dogs cost more?

Generally yes per year — larger dogs eat more, need higher medication and anesthesia doses, and orthopedic surgery costs more. But giant breeds often have short lifespans, so their lifetime total can be lower than a small breed that lives 15+ years.

How much does it cost to own a dog? By breed

Q: How much does it cost to own a dog?

Most dogs cost roughly $1,400 a year to own in the US (ASPCA/APPA averages), with a higher first year of about $1,500–$2,300 once you add purchase/adoption, spay/neuter and supplies. Over a typical 10–13 year life that is an estimated $14,000–$25,000 depending on breed, size and lifespan.

Owning a dog in the US costs roughly $1,400 a year on average (ASPCA/APPA), with a higher first year (about $1,500–$2,300) once you add adoption or purchase, spay/neuter and supplies. Over a typical life that is an estimated $14,000–$25,000, and the exact figure depends heavily on breed — size drives food and surgery costs, while lifespan drives how many years you pay for. Below, 22 popular breeds ranked by estimated lifetime cost. All lifetime figures are estimates — your costs will vary.

Source: ASPCA (annual & first-year pet care costs); NAPHIA State of the Industry Report. Data as of June 2026.

Dog breeds ranked by estimated lifetime cost

Breed	Size	First year	Per year	Avg lifespan	Lifetime (est.)
Poodle (Standard)	Large	$1,850	$1,450/yr	13 yrs	$19,250
Australian Shepherd	Medium	$1,800	$1,400/yr	13 yrs	$18,600
Siberian Husky	Medium	$1,800	$1,400/yr	13 yrs	$18,600
Labrador Retriever	Large	$1,900	$1,500/yr	12 yrs	$18,400
Dachshund	Small	$1,600	$1,250/yr	14 yrs	$17,850
Yorkshire Terrier	Small	$1,550	$1,250/yr	14 yrs	$17,800
Mixed Breed (medium)	Medium	$1,500	$1,350/yr	13 yrs	$17,700
Chihuahua	Small	$1,450	$1,150/yr	15 yrs	$17,550
Beagle	Medium	$1,650	$1,300/yr	13 yrs	$17,250
Pug	Small	$1,650	$1,300/yr	13 yrs	$17,250
Pomeranian	Small	$1,500	$1,200/yr	14 yrs	$17,100
German Shepherd	Large	$1,950	$1,500/yr	11 yrs	$16,950
Doberman Pinscher	Large	$1,950	$1,500/yr	11 yrs	$16,950
Golden Retriever	Large	$1,900	$1,500/yr	11 yrs	$16,900
Boxer	Large	$1,900	$1,500/yr	11 yrs	$16,900
Shih Tzu	Small	$1,550	$1,250/yr	13 yrs	$16,550
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	Small	$1,700	$1,350/yr	12 yrs	$16,550
French Bulldog	Small	$2,100	$1,350/yr	11 yrs	$15,600
Great Dane	Giant	$2,300	$1,750/yr	8 yrs	$14,550
Rottweiler	Large	$2,000	$1,550/yr	9 yrs	$14,400
Bulldog (English)	Medium	$2,200	$1,500/yr	9 yrs	$14,200
Bernese Mountain Dog	Giant	$2,250	$1,700/yr	8 yrs	$14,150

Source: ASPCA (annual & first-year pet care costs) · NAPHIA State of the Industry Report. Data as of June 2026.

Lifetime cost = first-year cost + average annual cost × (average lifespan − 1). It is a transparent estimate and excludes major one-off medical events. See the methodology.