The French Bulldog topped the ranking as the most expensive breed to own, with a total estimated lifetime cost of around R673,700.
Getting a dog is one of life's great joys, but it can also be one of the biggest financial commitments many households will ever make.
With South Africans already feeling the squeeze from rising food prices, fuel costs and household expenses, new research has highlighted just how much pet ownership can cost over the long term.
And while many prospective owners focus on the price tag attached to a puppy, that initial purchase is often just a small part of the overall expense.
A new analysis by Compare the Market has calculated the lifetime cost of owning some of the world's most popular dog breeds, taking into account everything from food and grooming to veterinary bills, training, accessories and pet insurance.
