Dogs with health issues
Pink pugs like the one owned by reality TV star Kerry Katona, 38, are actually albino and can cost up to £15,000. The pink tinge comes from a lack of melanin, meaning they are disposed to skin conditions and can burn easily in the sun.
A search on Preloved found 24 adverts for merle French bulldogs costing from £500 to £2,000. Merle – where the coat has lighter patterns or dapples on it – is not found in pure-bred French bulldogs and carries an increased risk of sight and hearing problems.
Teacup chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers
Dogs Trust has seen a rise in teacup chihuahuas and Yorkies that sell for up to £6,000 being handed in after the trend for micro dogs spread from America to the UK. The tiny dogs – seen posing on social media inside teacups – are created by breeding from the runts of litters but are prone to fragile bones and brain problems.
Mini poodles
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home recently cared for mini poodle Charlie who was ordered online but dumped at the shelter due to an injured leg. She had brittle bones and her leg, which had three breaks, had to be removed. Charlie’s story was shown on ITV’s For The Love Of Dogs.
Mini dachshunds
Sausage dogs have risen in popularity thanks to Instagram but because of their short legs, one in four suffer with a painful and life-threatening back disease, intervertebral disc disease. Surgery to correct it can cost up to £10,000.