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Dogs: a UK guide to care, health, law and costs

A UK guide to keeping dogs: what they need, how long they live, health and cost, the law and what to do in an emergency.

At a glance

Care and food

Feed a complete dog food suited to age, size and activity, and measure portions: obesity is one of the most common preventable problems. Provide fresh water at all times. Most adult dogs need at least one or two walks a day plus play and mental exercise, and working breeds need much more. Plan regular grooming, dental care, worming, flea treatment and the vaccinations your vet advises.

Character and suitability

Dogs are social animals that thrive on routine, company and clear, reward-based training. Temperament varies a lot by breed and by individual, and early socialisation in the first months matters. Most dogs should not be left alone for long stretches, so build up alone-time gradually.

Health and lifespan

Lifespan generally runs from around 8 to 16 years, with smaller breeds usually outliving giant ones. Common issues include dental disease, obesity, ear and skin problems and joint disease, and flat-faced breeds often have breathing difficulties. Routine vet checks, vaccination, neutering decisions and insurance are worth planning early.

Allergies

No dog breed is truly non-allergenic. People react to proteins in dog dander, saliva and urine, not only to hair, and 'hypoallergenic' claims are not reliable. If someone in your home has allergies, spend time with the specific dog before committing and speak to your GP.

The law in the UK

In the UK you have a legal duty of care for your dog under animal welfare law (the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in England and Wales, with equivalent Acts in Scotland and Northern Ireland). Dogs must be microchipped and registered on a database, and must wear a collar with an identification tag in public. It is an offence to allow a dog to be dangerously out of control, and some types are banned or restricted, including XL Bully types, which have separate rules in England and Wales and in Scotland. Check current rules on GOV.UK or with your local authority.

What it costs

Budget for food, insurance or savings for vet bills, vaccinations and parasite treatment, grooming, training, boarding or dog-walking when you are away, equipment, and possible large one-off vet costs. Large and giant breeds cost more to feed and treat. Costs vary widely, so price up the specific breed.

Emergencies: when to call a vet

Call a vet urgently for suspected poisoning (chocolate, grapes or raisins, xylitol sweetener, onions, human painkillers or antifreeze), heatstroke, a swollen hard abdomen or unproductive retching (possible bloat in deep-chested breeds), collapse, seizures, difficulty breathing or serious injury. Never leave a dog in a parked car.

Adopting or buying

Rescue charities have dogs of all ages, often assessed and health checked. If you buy a puppy, see it with its mother, ask for the breed's health-test results and be wary of sellers with several litters or who will not let you visit. In England, third-party sales of puppies and kittens under six months are banned (Lucy's Law), so buy from the breeder or a rescue.

Popular dog breeds

• Labrador Retriever10–12 years
• French Bulldog10–12 years
• Border Collie12–15 years
• Golden Retriever10–12 years
• German Shepherd9–13 years
• Poodle12–17 years depending on size
• Beagle12–15 years
• Rottweiler8–10 years
• Dachshund12–16 years
• Chihuahua14–16 years
• Boxer10–12 years
• Siberian Husky12–14 years
• Corgi (Pembroke Welsh)12–14 years
• Bulldog (English)8–10 years
• Shih Tzu10–16 years
• Cocker Spaniel (English)12–15 years
• Great Dane7–10 years
• Doberman10–12 years
• Yorkshire Terrier13–16 years
• Pug12–15 years
• Jack Russell Terrier13–16 years
• Springer Spaniel (English)12–14 years

Frequently asked questions

Reviewed 2026-09-20. General information for the UK, not veterinary or legal advice. See a vet for any health concern.