BRITAIN is considered to be a nation of dog lovers with millions caring for a furry friend.

Before purchasing a pet it's important to know how much it will cost – especially if you choose to bring home one of the most expensive dog breeds.

What are the most expensive dog breeds?

Due to the growing demand for some of the most popular dog breeds, prospective owners are faced with higher prices when purchasing their perfect pet.

Research from pet retailer Pets at Home shows that the average puppy in the UK now costs upwards of £1,875 – more than double the average price in 2019.

Here we take a look at the UK's pricey pooches and their estimated cost.

• English Bulldog – £2,995
• Cavapoo – £2,949
• Miniature Dachshund – £2,537
• Cockapoo – £2,471
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – £2,458
• French Bulldog – £2,389
• Pomeranian – £2,247
• Dachshund – £2,242
• Cocker Spaniel – £2,230
• Labrador Retriever – £1,948

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What should I ask when buying a dog?

Organisations such as the RSPCA and Battersea encourage adopting a dog rather than buying one.

However, if you have your heart set on buying a dog from a breeder, there are a number of important questions to ask.

According to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, you should never consider purchasing a pet online.

The organisation explained: ''Pictures can be misleading, and it’s impossible to tell if they’ve come from a reputable source.''

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Furthermore, on April 6, 2020, Lucy's Law was introduced –  a regulation which bans the sale of puppies or kittens in England from third parties, meaning that anyone looking to get a new animal should have to go directly to a breeder or a rescue or rehoming centre.

If you do choose to purchase a dog, here's a look at some of the questions you should ask the breeder.

• When was the puppy/dog born?
• How old they will be when they are ready to be rehomed?
• Where has the puppy/dog been living?
• Does the puppy/dog have a pet passport?
• Is the puppy/dog microchipped?
• Is the puppy/dog healthy?
• What vaccinations does the puppy/dog have?
• Is the puppy/dog dewormed?
• Can I come and visit the puppies/dogs first before deciding to buy one?
• Can I see the puppy’s/dog's documents prior to the purchase?
• Will I be able to see the mum and father?
• How old is the mother and how many litters has she had?
• Will a contract be signed for the purchase?
• Has the puppy/dog or the parents been tested for common diseases of the breed?
•  Can I return the puppy if there are any health problems?
• Is the puppy/dog Kennel Club registered?
• When can I bring the puppy/dog home?
• What dog food would the breeder recommend?

A responsible breeder will be happy to answer questions and will provide you with all the necessary information.

You can also prepare questions to ask the breeder themselves.

These include:

• Are you the breeder?
• Did you breed the puppies yourself?
• Are you registered as a breeder and do you have a registration number?
• Are you able to get references from any previous buyers?

If you are not happy with the answers to your questions, or suspect that something may be wrong, it is better not to purchase the puppy.

If you are concerned about the legitimacy of the breeder, you should report them to your local authorities.

How much does it cost to rescue a dog?

There are thousands of dogs across the UK waiting to find their forever home.

Rescuing a dog can be a big commitment – but also a rewarding one.

If you're planning on visiting an animal shelter to adopt/rescue a dog, it's important to know how much it will cost beforehand.

Animal shelters set their own adoption fees, which can vary from pet to pet. 

For example, Battersea set their rehoming fee at £175 for dogs (over six months), £320 for a pair of dogs, or £250 for puppies (under six months).

The cost includes a full veterinary and behavioural assessment, microchipping, initial vaccinations, a collar, identification tag and lead.

Whereas the RSCPA's adoption fees vary throughout England.

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RSPCA says: "Although we can't give away our dogs for free, your adoption fees cover a lot of veterinary expenses – such as microchipping and neutering – that would usually add up after buying a pet."

If you're unsure of adoption costs or require more information, it's recommended to contact your preferred animal shelter for more information.

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