Puppy love comes at a price: €30,000

THEY may be a man’s best friend, but canine camaraderie doesn’t come cheaply.

The average dog costs almost €30,000 to look after over the course of its lifetime, according to research published yesterday.

In its annual Cost of a Dog report, insurer Churchill calculated that when feeding, grooming and care costs are added up, the lifetime cost of the average dog is more than most family cars, and an around-the-world luxury cruise on the QE2.

Churchill’s head of pet insurance, Julie Owens, said: “With hundreds of dog lovers expected to visit Crufts this week, many will come away keen to add a pedigree dog to their family. However, this report shows that getting a dog is a serious, long-term financial commitment.

“We advise prospective dog owners to take a great deal of time choosing the most suitable pet for their finances and lifestyle.”

The top dog is the Great Dane, which costs up to a total of €46,229 over its average 10-year life, well ahead of the second-placed Rottweiler at €35,339.

For the more economically minded, the Jack Russell stands out, costing a mere €25,373 - with an average life of 12 years.

Churchill’s report found 79% of prospective pet owners had significantly underestimated the average cost of caring for a dog over its lifetime.