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Owning a dog could cost anywhere between roughly R413,800 and more than R668,600 over a pet’s lifetime, depending on breed, size and ongoing care needs, according to new research from pet insurance experts at price comparison website and brand, Compare the Market.

The ranking of the 25 most popular dog breeds highlights significant differences in long-term ownership costs, with the French Bulldog emerging as the most expensive overall.

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Shiba Inu among cheapest to own

At the lower end of the scale, the Shiba Inu was identified as the most affordable breed, with an estimated total lifetime cost of R413,828 over an average 10-year lifespan.

Other relatively lower-cost breeds included the Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever, all of which still exceeded R420,000 in lifetime expenses once food, veterinary care, grooming and insurance were factored in.

French Bulldog the most expensive breed

At the opposite end of the ranking, the French Bulldog recorded the highest lifetime cost at R668,686 over an estimated 15-year lifespan.

The study found this was largely driven by higher long-term insurance costs and ongoing care requirements, pushing it well above other popular breeds.

According to the data, the French Bulldog costs almost R229,000 more over its lifetime than a Labrador Retriever.

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Costs go far beyond the purchase price

The research shows that the initial purchase price of a dog makes up only a small portion of total ownership costs.

Annual expenses such as food, veterinary care, grooming, training and insurance can amount to thousands of rand every year, with costs increasing significantly for larger breeds or those with higher medical risks.

For example, the study found:

• A Chihuahua still costs nearly R486,900 over its lifetime despite its small size
• A Great Dane exceeds R516,900 in lifetime costs, despite a shorter lifespan
• Grooming-heavy breeds such as the Cavapoo and Cocker Spaniel carry higher-than-expected long-term costs
• Insurance and veterinary expenses are key cost drivers across most breeds

“Costs can add up quickly,” says insurance executive

Executive general manager of general insurance at Adrian Taylor said pet owners often underestimate how quickly day-to-day expenses accumulate.

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“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,” Taylor said.

“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.

“When considering taking out pet insurance, it’s important to shop around to find a policy that suits your extended pet family.”

Wider takeaway

While breed plays a major role in long-term costs, the research underscores a broader point: ongoing care, not the purchase price, is what ultimately determines how expensive a pet will be over its lifetime.