Which car should you buy if you’re a dog owner?

We find which one is top dog

Here’s a paws for thought – there are six and a half million houses in the UK with dogs in them, and most of those dogs need more transport than just a daily walk. So, what car should you own if you’re a dog owner? Have a mooch through our pooch-friendly list that covers all budgets.

Think what you’ll need, everything from a boot that’s easy to get into and large enough once the dog is in, to a hard-wearing material (probably not in white) for the rest of the car.

It’s not as simple as you might think, so we’ve worked doggedly through the options to bring you a list that will make your mutt wag his tail at the prospect of a drive. Here, roughly divided by budget, are the best in show.

Budget: Less than £15,000

Best in breed: Suzuki Vitara 1.6 SZ4
Cost: £14,995
Options: Rear seat protector (£46.80) and boot liner (£37.99), both available from official Suzuki eBay store
Alternative breeds: Dacia Duster TCe 125 4x2 Laureate (£13, 995); Fiat Qubo 1.4 8v Lounge (£13,160)

Budget: £15,000 to £20,000

Best in breed: Skoda Fabia Estate 1.0 TSI 95 SE
Cost: £15,440
Options: Partition screen (£110); variable boot floor (£110); rubber boot mat (dealer source); boot protector trim (dealer source)
Alternative breeds: Kia Sportage 1.6 GDi 130 '1' (£18,795); Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer 1.6 CDTi 110 Design (£19,485)

Budget: £20,000 to £30,000

Best in breed: Skoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 150 SE Technology
Cost: £24,800
Options: Plastic boot tray (£165); variable boot floor (£150); rear bumper protector (£54)
Alternative breeds: Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv-D 150 SE-L Nav (£25,695); Seat Ateca 1.4 TSI 150 SE Technology (£23,885)

Budget: £30,000 to £50,000

Best in breed: Mercedes E-Class Estate E220 d SE
Cost: £37,205
Options: Boot tub deep (£213.60)
Alternative breeds: Land Rover Discovery Sport TD4 180 HSE auto (£40,140); Volvo XC90 D4 Momentum (£48,655)

Budget: More than £50,000

Best in breed: Land Rover Discovery TD6 SE
Cost: £51,295
Options: Luggage divider (£331); loadspace liner tray (£203)
Alternative breeds: Audi Q7 3.0 TDI 272 SE (£50,735); Range Rover Vogue (£76,795)

Graham Scott is a writer for WhatCar.