Lifestyle

The most expensive dogs to own in South Africa

Caitlyn Hilliard-Lomas

 ·14 Jun 2026

A new analysis from Compare the Market has examined the total lifetime cost of owning popular dog breeds, taking into account purchase price, food, accessories, grooming, training, veterinary care, and pet insurance. 

The data revealed that the French Bulldog is the most expensive dog breed in the study, with an estimated lifetime ownership cost of approximately R673,700. 

This is around R256,800 more than the Shiba Inu, which is identified as the most affordable breed, and about R230,400 more than owning a Labrador Retriever. 

The research also suggests that smaller dogs are not always the less expensive option. In fact, four of the five most costly breeds are small dogs: the French Bulldog, Miniature Schnauzer, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu, all ranking near the top.

Insurance costs also play a significant role in overall expenses. The French Bulldog has the highest annual insurance cost in the study, amounting to about R21,500 per year, followed by the Rottweiler at approximately R20,900 and the Boxer at around R19,700.

The five most expensive dog breeds to own over a lifetime:

The five most affordable dog breeds to own over a lifetime:

The analysis also included popular “designer dog” breeds. A Cavapoo is estimated to cost around R500,000 over its lifetime, while a Labradoodle is estimated at around R463,000.

A recently published ranking by Pet Insurance Experts at Compare the Market highlights the 25 most popular dog breeds.

It reveals that the lifetime cost of owning a dog can range from approximately R413,800 to over R668,600. This cost varies based on factors such as breed, size, lifespan, and care requirements.

The study determined that the Shiba Inu is the most affordable breed overall, with a total lifetime cost of R413,828 over an average lifespan of 10 years.

Other lower-cost breeds include the Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever.

Research indicates that the purchase price of a dog accounts for only a small portion of overall ownership costs.

Expenses for food, veterinary care, grooming, training, and insurance can add up each year, especially for larger or higher-risk breeds. 

For instance, a Chihuahua can cost nearly R486,900 over its lifetime, despite its small size. A Great Dane’s lifetime cost exceeds R516,900, even with its shorter lifespan.

Additionally, grooming-intensive breeds such as the Cavapoo and Cocker Spaniel can incur higher long-term costs than many owners might anticipate.

Compare the Market Australia Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, said that pet insurance does not need to be unaffordable.

“It can be tempting to spoil your pet with gifts and the highest-quality items, but these can add up in the long run, costing thousands of rand each year,” said Taylor.

“You can still take great care of your pet without overspending, so if you’re worried about the long-term investment of owning a cat or dog, consider researching your options to keep the cost down,” he said.

He advised pet owners who are considering taking out pet insurance to shop around and find a policy that suits their extended pet family.

The cheapest to most expensive dog breeds to own over their lifetime