A few months ago the findings of a study conducted into the costs of pedigree dog ownership by Esure Pet Insurance was announced. It has discovered that the Whippet is the most expensive breed of dog to keep. In second place is the Basset Hound; with the Beagle in third place.

Drawings by Sheila Williams ©2010

According to Nikki Sellers, pet insurance expert at the company, “Today’s household pets are treated more like members of the family and this new attitude is reflected in the amount owners spend on their pet’s lifestyle.”

Esure reports that the Basset Hound costs its owners an average £4,380 each year - this in comparison to £4,631 for the Whippet. In fact, during the dog’s lifetime, with grooming, accessories, kennelling and gifts, owners can expect to pay £56,064 looking after their prized pet. The report gives the life expectancy as 12.8 years.

The annual amount spent on food is almost £1,000; vet bills average £660; and insurance £500. I wonder how this relates to what you spend.

It is difficult to understand quite why Bassets are significantly more expensive than other breeds. They are less prone to some major diseases than some dogs which appear lower down the league table - and so, presumably, have lower medical insurance costs.

Admittedly, they can be pretty greedy - but, this doesn’t impact on overall feeding costs - surely most owners just say ‘no more’. They are, of course, very cute and appealing - so perhaps they have treats and luxuries lavished on them that their less attractive canine cousins do not get.

Looking at these costs, those of us who have had several Bassets over the years must be considering if they are really worth it.

If these figures are correct, I have calculated that over the decades this breed has only gone and cost me a rather nice villa in Tuscany and an Aston Martin.

The little blighters!

. . The pain now is part of the happiness then. That’s the deal.”)