The survey, by Walr, took place in February 2024 and surveyed 2,041 pet owners
- West Highland White Terriers get the fewest gifts and goodies, according to new poll
- Average owner spends £30K on treats, toys and clothes over their dog’s life
- Border Terriers are most pampered pooches followed by Beagles and Jack Russells
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 can reveal.
Despite being likened to ‘grumpy old men’, these small and scruffy sidekicks have little to be down about given their owners’ annual £4,331 splurge on gifts and goodies.
The survey by the healthy dog and cat food firm quizzed pooch 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 of coddled canines, lapping up £3,776 a year, and Jack Russells were third with £3,615.
In contrast, West Highland White Terriers have plenty to sniff at given their owners’ more frugal approach to dog parenting means they receive a fifth of what Border Terriers enjoy.
Westie 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 when it comes to keeping naughty Fido in check, 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”.
