New figures from Pets4Homes reveal the most expensive dog breeds in the UK for 2026, with the Maltipoo topping the list at an average price of £1,666.
The report shows that the average puppy sold for £1,093 in June 2026, marking a 25.7% increase compared with last year. Despite rising prices, demand remains strong, with the average puppy now finding a buyer in just 18 days, compared with 22 days in 2025. Pets4Homes recorded 208,000 puppies advertised during the first six months of 2026, a small decrease compared with 2025.
Market Shifts and Fastest-Selling Breeds
The wider UK dog market is undergoing a significant change, with some breeds that used to dominate losing ground while working breeds and terriers become increasingly popular. After a decade of dominance, the French Bulldog is for the first time in 10 years not the most common puppy in the UK, now sitting in fifth position. The Miniature Dachshund has climbed dramatically from 16th place in 2018 to become the UK's most commonly advertised puppy. The Cocker Spaniel is second, rising from seventh place in 2018, followed by the Cockapoo in third and the Labrador in fourth.
The fastest-selling dog breeds are also increasingly working and terrier breeds rather than fashionable crossbreeds. Jack Russell and Border Terrier puppies are currently finding buyers in an average of just 11 days, followed by mixed breeds and Yorkshire Terriers at 14 days and Border Collies at 15 days.
Top 10 Most Expensive Breeds
The Maltipoo, a Maltese and Poodle cross, has become considerably more expensive, with prices increasing by 19.2% compared with the first half of 2025. Close behind is the Golden Retriever at £1,663, with prices rising by 20.2% over the same period. The King Charles Spaniel is third at £1,629, while the English Bulldog takes fourth place at £1,581. The Toy Poodle and Pomeranian are almost level at £1,520 and £1,519 respectively.
The Dobermann is seventh at £1,509 and has recorded the biggest price increase among the breeds in the top 10, with its average price rising by 36% compared with H1 2025. Boxers cost an average of £1,487, followed by Miniature Schnauzers at £1,437 and Cavapoos at £1,407.
Complete List and Industry Insight
The full list of the most expensive dog breeds in the UK in 2026, based on average price, is as follows:
- Maltipoo – £1,666
- Golden Retriever – £1,663
- King Charles Spaniel – £1,629
- English Bulldog – £1,581
- Toy Poodle – £1,520
- Pomeranian – £1,519
- Dobermann – £1,509
- Boxer – £1,487
- Miniature Schnauzer – £1,437
- Cavapoo – £1,407
Axel Lagercrantz, CEO of Pets4Homes, said: "Our survey offers a fascinating glimpse into the relationship between different breeds and their owners, helping future dog parents think about what might suit their lifestyle. While the trends are insightful, from adventurous Border Collie owners to city-loving French Bulldog fans, there’s no rigid rulebook when it comes to choosing the right dog."
He added: "Every family is different and the best choice comes from balancing these insights with practical considerations like time, space, exercise needs, budget and long-term plans. We encourage prospective owners to use this data as a starting point alongside their own research to make confident, informed decisions. After all, the happiest matches happen when a dogs needs and an owner’s lifestyle are truly aligned."
