GETTY Dog lovers will fork out an average £9,763 to look after their pet over its lifetime

The diminutive Dachshund or sausage dog - came out as the most expensive racking up costs of almost £12,000. Despite its small size, Daschunds are the costliest to look after, due to their long lifespan. The live on average for nearly 13 years compared to the average of around 11 and a half for all breeds. Rottweilers, who were found to munch the most, are actually the cheapest breed to look after, as their nine-year life span means they cost £6,900 over their lifetime.

The breed was followed by the Bulldog and Akita as the cheapest dogs to keep. The surprising research by Animalfriends.co.uk, also revealed that the average canine weighs 17kg, and the average dog will gobble £2,800 of food - that's 2,735 standard tins - and £959 worth of bones while they are alive. And everything that goes in must come out, so the average pet owner can expect to pick up 12,034 poos over their lifetime, based on a healthy bowel movement of three times per day. Owners also fork out £898 on doggy shampoo and almost £950 on toys for their beloved pets throughout their lifetime. But the biggest expense is footing a £4,114 lifetime vet's bill, based on a twice-annual trip to the vet when our furry friends are feeling out of sorts.

GETTY The diminutive Dachshund or sausage dog came out as the most expensive

This is reflected in a booming pet industry, with Brits spending a whopping £5 billion every year on their pets. But it's not all about costs, as we all know that a dog is man's best friend and can offer lots of emotional satisfaction in return for all the cash splashed on them - the same could not be said of a fish. Plus, owners get the health benefit of walking 505 miles over their pet's lifespan. Westley Pearson, Claims & Marketing Director from Animalfriends.co.uk, said: "People looking for a new dog should think carefully about not only the breed they like the look of, but whether they can budget for all the food, toys and vet bills they can expect to pay for over their lifetime.

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The average costs worked out by Animalfriends do not include the cost of pet health insurance. However Westley added: "People tend to treat their pets like members of the family but at the end of the day things like love and affection are free. "Just be sure that you have funds to take your pet to the vet and that you can afford to pay for pet insurance - that could be as little as £36 a year - should anything happen to your pet."