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Daily Mail
30 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Revealed: The UK's most expensive dog breed that costs £16,000 to own
From mountains of dog food to unexpected trips to the vet, looking after man's best friend can often get expensive. But now, experts have revealed the UK's priciest pooch. According to experts, the Romanian Mioritic Shepherd dog is the most expensive dog to own, costing £16,250 over its lifetime. On top of an average £511 initial cost, that means this dog would set you back £104 per month for its entire 13-year life expectancy. That includes a whopping £5,789 spent on dog food alone, over nine times more than the £610 cost of feeding a Chihuahua for life. On the other end of the scale, the English Toy Spaniel proves to be the most affordable breed for British dog owners. These small dogs cost £5,163 over their 11-year lifetime, or just £39.12 per month. Tom Sadler, managing director at Pet Insurance Deals, which conducted the analysis, says: 'While cost shouldn't be the only consideration, understanding the long-term financial commitment can help prevent heartbreaking situations where owners must surrender pets they can no longer afford to care for properly.' Size is one of the biggest factors in determining a dog's cost, with seven out of the 10 most expensive breeds weighing over 36 kg (80 lbs). Following the Romanian Mioritic Shepherd dog, which can weigh up to 60 kg (130 lbs), the next most expensive dog is the 27-kilogram Hamiltonstovare, which costs £14,951 over its 15-year lifetime. This was followed by the Estrela Mountain Dog, which weighs up to 50 kg (110 lbs) and costs £14,778.13 to own for life. Smaller dogs, meanwhile, are significantly cheaper to own over their lifetime. The cheapest dog, the English Toy Spaniel, weighs no more than 6.3kg (14 lbs) at the very largest. This is followed by the Japanese Chin, which costs £5,348 over its lifetime and weighs 1.8-3.2 kg (4-7 lbs). Likewise, the Pomeranian costs as little as £5,594, or £33.30 per month, and weighs just 2 kg (4.5 lbs). However, medium breeds offer the best value for money in terms of cost relative to average lifespan. Dogs like the Border Collie and Australian Cattle Dog cost £8,676 and £9,328 respectively, but live for 13 to 14 years on average. These cost differences are largely due to the increased cost of feeding significantly larger dogs. A large dog might need to eat between 500 and 600 grams of food per day, compared to the 80 to 100 grams required for small breeds. But some breeds have different dietary requirements, and the costs of feeding can vary significantly between breeds. For example, the central Asian shepherd dog requires £37.67 while the similarly sized Belgian Malinois requires just £25.74 of food every month. Another big factor for the overall cost is grooming, with some dogs requiring frequent professional treatment. Breeds that require specialist treatments like hand-stripping, a method involving pulling dead hair from dense-coated dogs by hand, can cost over £1,740 just to groom. The Afghan Hound, the fourth most expensive breed, costs £1,925 in grooming costs over its lifetime. Insurance costs can also be a big factor in determining how much a dog costs to keep. Since certain breeds are more prone to health conditions or congenital disorders, they are expected to have higher medical costs and larger insurance premiums. For example, the Afghan Hound costs owners £2,227.68 in illness and accident insurance over its lifetime, nearly triple the amount for some smaller breeds. Likewise, the Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog costs £2,361 to insure over its lifetime compared to just £700.80 for a Kuvasz, despite both being large breeds. These total expenses often dwarf the initial cost of purchasing a dog, which typically ranges from £400 to £500 for pedigree breeds. Mr Sadler says: 'The financial aspect of pet ownership often surprises new dog owners who haven't factored in the long-term costs beyond the initial purchase. 'We recommend budgeting not just for routine expenses but setting aside emergency funds for unexpected veterinary care, which can be substantial regardless of breed.' The most expensive dogs to own in the UK Lifetime price includes initial purchase cost, insurance, food, and grooming expenses. Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog: £16,252.53 Hamiltonstovare: £14,951.24 Estrela Mountain Dog: £14,778.13 Afghan Hound: £14,275.83 German Wirehaired Pointer: £14,187.13 Central Asian Shepherd Dog: £14,171.75 Belgian Malinois: £13,795.69 Spanish Mastiff: £13,628.94 Tornjak: £13,062.47 Large Munsterlander: £13,016.76 Irish Setter: £12,974.38 Stabyhoun: £12,966.24 German Longhaired Pointer: £12,869.56 Portuguese Pointer: £12,841.66 Otterhound: £12,774.25 German Shepherd Dog: £12,721.89 Wetterhoun: £12,658.12 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: £12,595.22 Poodle (Standard): £12,563.74 Bouvier des Flandres: £12,559.93 Small Munsterlander: £12,449.58 Boerboel: £12,304.19 Canaan Dog: £12,258.57 Azawakh: £12,245.07 Bohemian Shepherd: £12,237.15 Bloodhound: £12,227.52 Eurasier: £12,136.30 Alaskan Malamute: £12,056.87 Catahoula Leopard Dog: £12,020.81 Beauceron: £12,012.73 Wirehaired Vizsla: £11,983.01 Hokkaido: £11,959.64 Belgian Sheepdog: £11,897.88 Belgian Tervuren: £11,897.88 Saluki: £11,896.22 Australian Shepherd: £11,896.22 Borzoi: £11,875.60 Gordon Setter: £11,873.23 Kuvasz: £11,834.51 Vizsla: £11,766.61 Airedale Terrier: £11,736.68 Norwegian Elkhound: £11,731.22 Harrier: £11,711.72 Briard: £11,671.27 Samoyed: £11,656.14 Irish Red and White Setter: £11,621.79 Rottweiler: £11,618.59 Sloughi: £11,594.58 Entlebucher Mountain Dog: £11,577.47 American Bulldog: £11,547.25
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
BBC Verify Live: New satellite images show vehicles and activity at Iran nuclear site
Update: Date: 09:33 BST Title: Welcome to Monday's BBC Verify Live Content: Rob CorpBBC Verify Live editor Good morning from BBC Verify Live - our daily updates on the work of our fact-checkers, video verifiers, disinformation debunkers and data journalists. Following our morning meeting this is what we're going to be looking at today: If you've seen something you think BBC Verify should investigate then contact us via this form.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
What are sash windows? UK costs, how they work, and pros and cons
If you are looking to get your windows replaced and you are researching prices from the best window installers, you will probably have noticed that sash windows are costlier than other styles. And if you are wondering what sash windows are, rest assured you're not alone. These traditional windows have a unique design that affects how they work, how much they cost, and how you clean or paint them. Sash windows, which slide up and down rather than opening outwards, are commonly found on Georgian or Victorian houses and date back to at least the 1670s. They are often found in conservation areas, which means that they can only be replaced with another sash window in order to maintain the look of the house and comply with local rules. In this expert guide, we look at why sash windows cost more than regular windows and whether they are worth it, taking in analysis from an expert sash window fitter. But first, let's explain how sash windows work. What is a sash in a window? A sash in a window is the frame that holds the glass panes in place. In sash windows, there are usually two sashes that slide vertically past each other within the frame. Each sash can move independently to allow for ventilation. How do sash windows work? Sash windows work by using a system of cords and counterweights hidden within the frame. These weights balance the sashes, making them easy to lift and hold in position. Some modern versions use springs instead of weights. Why do sash windows cost more? Tom Coles, managing director of Mitchell & Dickinson, a company which makes period homes warmer and restores sash windows, said: 'A sliding sash window has many more components than a casement window. The sashes themselves are carefully positioned so that they run past each other. There's more manufacturing work to do, there's more components, and they need to be set really carefully so that they function perfectly.' Sash windows usually have two sliding panels, called sashes. Each sash holds a sheet of glass divided by glazing bars to create the look of multiple small panes. To keep the sashes from moving on their own, they are counterbalanced by weights fitted inside the window frames, connected by ropes. This slightly more mechanically complex arrangement makes them more expensive to make and to fit. To work well, they need to fit closely in their frames to prevent draughts while still moving freely — engineering that adds further to the cost. Traditionally, they are made of wood, which creates further challenges, since it is a comparatively expensive building material and it can also expand or contract with temperature changes and damp. Newer models can be made of uPVC plastic, which is cheaper and does not rot or expand. Aluminium sash windows are also an option but with fewer suppliers and models available. Aluminium, wood, and uPVC windows can be single, double or triple-glazed. Another reason for expense is a lack of standardisation. Many Victorian properties will have fairly uniform 4-foot-wide windows. But they were not factory-made and can often vary slightly in size, meaning that each window will require a degree of customisation to make sure it fits, adding to the cost. Are sash windows draughty? Older sash windows can become draughty over time if the seals wear out or the timber shrinks. However, many modern sash windows include draught-proofing strips and double glazing to keep homes warm and energy efficient. How to open sash windows safely To open a sash window, unlock it first. Then, hold the bottom sash on each side and gently lift it upwards. For ventilation, you can also lower the top sash slightly while raising the bottom sash, which creates airflow around the room. How to clean and paint sash windows To clean sash windows, tilt or lift the sashes to access both sides of the glass. Use a gentle cleaner and a soft cloth to avoid damaging the frames. If you need to paint them, remove any old flaking paint, sand the surface lightly, and use a specialist wood paint for a lasting finish. Are sash windows worth it? In short, sash windows are considered by many to be prettier. However, they are more expensive to make and maintain because they are more complicated and nonstandard compared to a hinged casement window. Mr Coles said: 'Sash windows are a real piece of Britain's architectural heritage. They were designed so that you could drop the top sash down and pull the bottom sash up slightly, and it creates air flow around the window. It was a clever bit of Victorian and Georgian engineering.' 'They've definitely got their place, and of course they're kind of beautiful to look at and beautiful to operate.' How much do sash windows cost? The average cost of replacement of a sash window is £1,300, according to our survey of suppliers, with wood frames costing more and uPVC being cheaper. In London, you will pay more, with prices ranging from £2,500 to £5,000 per window for wooden frames and double glazing. If you are having multiple windows replaced at once, you can often negotiate a lower price per window because travel and setup costs are reduced. Repairs can range from £80 to just under £500 to restore the look of the frame, repair the cord, or draught-proof the window, depending on how much work needs to be done. If you have a row of sash windows and don't insist on opening all of them, then you can save on repairs by sealing some shut.
