Border Terriers are Britain’s most pampered pooches - lavished with more than £50,000 of toys, treats and clothes over their lifetime, a study by Burns Pet Nutrition has revealed. The survey quizzed pet parents across the UK on how much they spend on a range of pet products and services.
Border Terrier owners admitted to spending £2,679 on food and treats, £1,241 on clothes and £411 on toys every year – and more than £50,000 over an average 12-year lifespan. Beagles were second on the list, lapping up £3,776 a year, and Jack Russells were third with £3,615.
West Highland Terriers owners spend an average of £80 on toys, £126 on clothes and accessories and just £698 on food and treats every year – just under £11,000 over 12 years. The average dog owner spends around £2,600 every year or nearly £30,000 over their dog’s lifetime.
The poll of 2,000 dog owners also revealed how much they typically spend on services too, like vet bills, day care and behaviour training. Beagle owners outspend all others, spending around £923 on behaviour training every year.
With £1,173 a year on vet bills, £366 on dog walkers and day care, and treats on top, Beagle owners spend more than any other on their pet, at just under £75,000 over the dog’s life.
Westies appear to be the cheapest dog to own, with the average owner spending around £22,000 over the pet’s life. The average dog owner spends around £50,000 on their pet throughout its lifetime.
Burns Pet Nutrition Manager Laura Crotch Harvey said: “While £50,000 may seem like a lot of money, it is repaid every single day for dog owners who adore their four-legged friends. Most owners see their pet as one of the family, and just like a child, there are countless expenses that come with the job of being a responsible dog parent.
“I think most dog owners feel a sense of pride at knowing their pooch has a healthy diet, gets lots of tasty treats, and enjoys plenty of toys and clothes. Dogs bring so much joy to a home, there’s really no price you can put on that”.
