The Most Expensive Puppy Breeds in the UK
Puppy prices soared during the 2020 lockdowns, but where do they stand now? We've refreshed our original research with the latest figures from UK puppy-selling platforms and industry studies to show how prices have changed, which breeds cost the most, and what is driving demand.
Puppy Prices Have Levelled Off Since the Lockdown Peak
In our original 2021 research, we analysed over 200 adverts for 42 popular breeds and found that average asking prices had risen 132% in a year, from £1,066 in March 2020 to £2,315.
The latest figures suggest prices have stayed high but have not kept climbing. Research by Pets4Homes puts the average UK puppy at around £2,000, which is more than double the average price in 2019.
A separate Pets4Homes Pet Industry Report found that the average puppy sold for £1,093 in June 2026, up 26% year-on-year. The typical puppy now finds a buyer in 18 days, down from 22 days a year earlier.
The Most Expensive Puppy Breeds Can Cost Thousands
In 2021, the Chow Chow topped our list at an average asking price of £3,700. Today, some breeds cost considerably more:
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Samoyed: up to £6,000.
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English Bulldog: an average of £3,700, according to a Nimblefins study.
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French Bulldog: an average of £3,100, with merle puppies around 50% more at £4,700 and the rarest colour, Isabella, listed at £10,000.
The same Nimblefins study notes that bulldogs can cost up to three times as much to insure as many other popular breeds because of genetic health conditions, so the purchase price is only part of the financial commitment.
Some Breeds Have Become More Affordable Again
Prices have not moved equally across breeds. In 2021, the Patterdale Terrier had the biggest jump of any breed we surveyed, rising 328% from £290 to £1,240. Today, Patterdale puppies typically cost around £900 to £1,100, suggesting some of the most inflated breeds have cooled from their peak.
Other current price ranges include:
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Jack Russell: around £700 to £1,000, probably the cheapest pedigree puppy to buy
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Whippet: around £1,300 to £1,500.
Terriers Are Now the Most Sought-After Puppies
Demand has shifted away from the crossbreeds that dominated the lockdown years. According to the Pets4Homes Pet Industry Report, terriers and traditional working breeds have overtaken crossbreeds as the UK's most sought-after puppies:
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Jack Russell and Border Terrier puppies find buyers in just 11 days on average. Yorkshire Terriers, Border Collies and mixed breeds take 14 to 15 days.
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The average Jack Russell price rose 15% over the past year, from £561 to £648.
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French Bulldogs, until recently the most commonly bred puppies in the UK, are now only the fifth most popular, having lost the top spot to miniature Dachshunds.
What Influences the Price of a Puppy?
Our 2021 research found that Kennel Club registered puppies cost an average of £545 more than unregistered ones, and popular crossbreeds cost £605 more than purebreds. We have not found newer figures for these comparisons, so treat them as a snapshot of the 2021 market.
Registration is also not a guarantee of quality. Kennel Club registration is based on the parent dogs, not an assessment of the puppy or the breeder, so it does not confirm a puppy is healthy or from a responsible breeder.
Before You Buy
The purchase price is only the start. Breed-related health conditions can push up insurance and vet bills, as the bulldog figures above show. Before buying, consider whether you will have the time to exercise and train a dog for its whole life, and whether adopting from a local rescue centre could be a better fit.
Whichever route you take, a safe, secure and comfortable space is essential. Explore our range of dog kennels or get in touch for expert advice on choosing the right facility for your dog.
