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On the JJ Barnes Blog, I check out which breeds of dog have the most expensive pet insurance.
During this cost of living crisis, we are naturally all looking for ways to cut back on expenses. Now I’m finding my way as a single mum, this is particularly true for me. While I considered cutting back on pet insurance, I quickly decided against it. We rescued our Springer Spaniel Mollydog seven years ago. She’s a big lump of fluff and love, the most loyal and loving souled creature you could imagine, and definitely part of the family.
The idea of her getting sick and then not being able to afford to have her cared for scares me, so I’m definitely not letting that expense drop. But that did get me wondering, which are the most expensive dog breeds to insure? And why do they cost so much? To help me out, the insurance specialists at A-Plan Insurance sent over some data about the average monthly cost of pet insurance for different breeds in the UK.
The Importance Of Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is an important consideration for any dog owner. It can provide peace of mind knowing that you will be able to afford the cost of veterinary care if your dog becomes ill or injured. Here are some of the benefits of pet insurance for dogs:
- Peace of mind: Pet insurance can give you peace of mind knowing that you will be able to afford the cost of veterinary care if your dog becomes ill or injured. This can be especially important if you have a high-cost breed of dog or if your dog has a pre-existing condition.
- Financial protection: Pet insurance can help protect you financially from the high cost of veterinary care. In the event of a major illness or injury, pet insurance can help you pay for things like surgery, hospitalization, and medications.
- Access to care: Pet insurance can help you access the best possible veterinary care for your dog. Some pet insurance plans even offer reimbursement for alternative or holistic therapies.
- Discounts: Many pet insurance companies offer discounts for things like multiple pets, annual checkups, and good behavior.
If you are considering getting pet insurance for your dog, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Shop around: There are many different pet insurance companies, so it is important to shop around and compare policies before you buy.
- Read the fine print: Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the policy before you sign up.
- Choose the right coverage: There are different levels of coverage available, so choose one that fits your needs and budget.
Pet insurance is a personal decision, but it can be a wise investment for dog owners. By considering the benefits and drawbacks of pet insurance, you can decide if it is right for you and your dog.
Here are some additional tips for choosing a pet insurance plan:
- Consider your dog’s age and health history. Some plans have higher premiums for older dogs or dogs with pre-existing conditions.
- Read the policy carefully to understand what is and is not covered.
- Compare different plans and prices to find the best fit for you and your dog.
- Make sure the plan you choose is from a reputable company with a good track record.
Breeds Of Dog With The Most Expensive Pet Insurance
Breed | Monthly Insurance Cost |
English Bulldog | £66.50 |
French Bulldog | £54.73 |
German Shepherd | £38.15 |
Labrador Retriever | £31.24 |
Golden Retriever | £24.30 |
Miniature Schnauzer | £24.16 |
English Springer Spaniel | £23.20 |
Cocker Spaniel | £22.72 |
Crossbreed | £22.67 |
Border Terrier | £17.84 |
English Bulldog
Taking the title of the most expensive dog breed to insure is the English Bulldog. They’re sweet-natured, excellent with children, and don’t require too much exercise – but with this breed, you can expect an average insurance cost of £66.50 a month, equating to £798 annually. Due to being flat-faced, English Bulldogs suffer from brachycephalic syndrome, which consists of long-term breathing problems as well as difficulty cooling down in warm weather.
French Bulldog
Second on the list is the French Bulldog, descendants of the English Bulldog. The breed is favoured by many celebrities including David Beckham and Hugh Jackman, and their small size and quiet demeanour makes them loveable to say the least; however, the breed has an average cost of £54.73 each month, making that £656.76 a year. Not only are French Bulldogs are brachycephalic like the English Bulldog, but they are also prone to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which causes problems like back and neck pain and difficulty walking.
German Shepherd
Third is the German Shepherd, known to be one of the most loyal dog breeds, not to mention that they are one of the smartest. However, while these are desirable traits, insuring this breed will set you back £38.15 a month – or £457.80 a year. Over the years, German Shepherds have been bred to enhance some features which has led to lots of health issues, Hip Dysplasia being one of these; this condition consists of symptoms like groin pain and limping.
Labrador Retriever
Fourth on the list is the Labrador Retriever. They are one of the most common breeds used for guide dogs, so their intelligence can’t be doubted; but the average cost of insurance for this breed is £31.24 a month, making that £374.88 annually. Labs are high at risk of Arthritis due to having problems with their joints, which can cause limping, a stiff walk, and irritability.
Golden Retriever
Fifth in the ranking is the Golden Retriever. Known for being playful, affectionate, and easy to train, Golden Retrievers make great family dogs. Although, £24.30 is the average monthly cost of insurance which equates to £291.60 a year. Goldens have a high chance of developing cancers such as Lymphoma, which includes symptoms like difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is sixth in the ranking. This breed is hypoallergenic, so they can be a great choice for those with pet allergies – but their insurance cost is an average of £24.16 a month, or £289.92 a year. Miniature Schnauzers are predisposed to Pancreatitis, a disease which can cause repeated vomiting, dehydration, and even a hunched back.
English Springer Spaniel
Seventh on the list is the English Springer Spaniel. Due to their friendly nature and their ability to learn quick, they are a good fit for first time dog owners – but with them comes an average insurance bill of £23.20 a month, equating to £278.40 annually. Springer Spaniels are susceptible to Patent Ductus Arteriosus, a heart condition which can cause shortness of breath, weak limbs and weight loss.
Cocker Spaniel
In eighth place is the Cocker Spaniel, a high energy breed that thrives outdoors – making them a perfect match to an active owner. Insuring Cocker Spaniels costs an average of £22.72 a month, or £272.64 a year. Chronic Hepatitis is one of the health issues that many Cocker Spaniels can suffer from, a condition associated with the liver; symptoms include weight loss, vomiting, and even seizures.
Crossbreeds
Crossbreeds take the ninth spot on the list, with an average insurance cost of £22.67 each month, or £272.04 for the whole year. As different breeds have different personalities, owners can never predict the traits of a crossbreed – so they’re suitable for owners who aren’t too picky. While health issues in these dogs can vary depending on what breeds they are a mix of, there’s a risk of conditions such as Hip Dysplasia and Arthritis which are common across many breeds.
Border Terrier
Last on the list is the Border Terrier. They are known to be low-maintenance, eager to please, and they also get along well with other dogs if they are well-socialised from being a puppy. Insuring border terriers will cost an average of £17.84, or £214.08 annually. Cataracts are common in older Border Terriers, a condition which can cause blindness if left untreated.
Pet Insurance Costs
A spokesperson from A-Plan Insurance has commented on the findings: “Across the UK, 10 million households own a dog – they make loyal companions, reduce loneliness, and can generally improve our quality of life. Not to mention, daily dog walks increase physical activity, therefore benefitting our physical health.”
“However, it’s important to consider the additional costs when owning a dog. While you may have the perfect dog breed in mind, the cost of insurance can vary across breeds due to things like hereditary conditions. So, it’s important to consider the price of insurance and not just the cost of the pet itself to ensure that it won’t set you back too much.”
This information was provided by A-Plan Insurance which has more than 100 branches nationwide. The company, established in the 1960s, provides a personalised service to more than 900,000 policy holders.
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