I’m an expert – here are the 20 best dogs to own if you’re short of cash

A DOG expert has revealed the 20 best dogs to own if you are short of cash.

Brits are very fond of their furry friends with around 34 per cent of UK households having a pooch.

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Patterdale Terriers are the cheapest dogs for budding owners to raise over a lifetime[/caption]

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Jack Russell Terriers are also one of the more affordable breeds[/caption]

But despite their loving company, vet costs, food and general upkeep can mean owning a dog ends up very costly.

New research by dog experts at Sambla has now disclosed which pups are the cheapest.

The experts looked at factors such as the cost of insurance and professional grooming.

They also considered one-off expenses like the average cost per breed and the initial vaccine course before analysing the overall costs over the pup’s lifetime.

Experts say the dog breed with the most affordable ownership cost is the miniature yet charming Patterdale Terrier at just £5,763.

With a 13.5 year life expectancy, these adorable dogs don’t need to be professionally groomed and will only cost £99 a year to feed – that is a real bargain.

The Border Terrier follows in second position with an average total ownership cost of £6365.

These pooches are a slightly more expensive dog breed to buy costing £1,133 – but their maintenance costs are a lot less than other breeds. 

In the third spot, Jack Russells cost their owners £884 to buy on average.

Overall, Jack Russells will set you back an average of £7,623 over their 16-year lifespan, just under half the average lifetime costs for all dog breeds of £14,060.

A bonus of this breed is that they don’t need to be professionally groomed and their food bill typically works out to be £153 a year.

Sambla also broke down the data to see which breeds were the least expensive to purchase outright.

In terms of buying a dog, a Greyhound is the cheapest option at just £600.

Meanwhile a Lurcher and Bedlington Terrier are also affordable options at £647 and £800 respectively.

The experts found a Jack Russell costs £884 while a Presa Canario comes in at £886 for any prospective buyers.

Animal charity Woodgreen spokesperson, Tatian Coelho, said: “The cost of owning a dog can vary greatly depending on the breed.

“Generally speaking, larger breeds tend to incur higher food bills, while breeds prone to medical issues such as Pugs and French Bulldogs may have higher insurance costs.”

She added: “We advise potential pet owners to do their research on the specific needs and potential costs associated with a particular breed before bringing a new furry companion into their home.

“This will ensure that they are fully prepared to provide the best care possible for their new pet.’’