Pet care costs extend far beyond adoption day.
An affordable pet purchase for you may not be so affordable to your pet insurer.
Certain dog breeds have genetic issues that make them more prone to health issues — and therefore more expensive to insure. A dog’s size and its perceived breed reputation can make a difference as well.
Lifespan matters too. Breeds with shorter lifespans often have higher lifetime risks, and their chronic health issues can be more costly over time.
The Zebra, an insurance comparison site, recently put the numbers together so you don’t have to. The Zebra looked at policy estimates from the insurance marketplace Pawlicy Advisor.
Based on those estimates, these dog breeds cost the most to insure, followed by the breeds that are the least expensive to insure.
5. Great Dane
Why this breed is more expensive to insure: Its large size and susceptibility to certain medical conditions (heart disease, hip dysplasia and bloat)
Average insurance premium for this breed: $60 to $85 per month
Great Danes were originally bred as working dogs in Germany more than 400 years ago and were typically used for boar hunting. It’s currently the tallest dog breed.
They require daily exercise, and the American Kennel Club says appropriate training is “a must.” Because of how large and powerful the breed is, it needs to learn to listen to commands — although it is generally a friendly breed.
4. Bernese mountain dog
Why this breed is more expensive to insure: High risk of cancer (especially histiocytic sarcoma), joint issues and a relatively short lifespan
Average insurance premium for this breed: $60 to $103 per month
The Bernese Mountain dog is a breed originating from Switzerland. They’re affectionately referred to as “gentle giants.” They were trained to work, helping farmers herd animals and transport food.
Bernese Mountain dogs are also described as “mouthy” — they like to use their mouths to explore the world around them. It’s recommended that owners provide them with chew toys.
3. Rottweiler
Why this breed is more expensive to insure: Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, bone cancer and heart problems; also sometimes considered a higher-liability breed
Average insurance premium for this breed: $65 to $110 per month
For millennia, few people have been brave — or foolish — enough to mess with a Rottweiler. The dogs are powerful and protective, which is why cattle herders used to put their money in a bag and tie it around their dog’s neck.
2. French bulldog
Why this breed is more expensive to insure: Flat-faced breeds (brachycephalic) like Frenchies often suffer from respiratory problems; also, spinal issues, eyelid issues and cataracts
Average insurance premium for this breed: $64 to $114 per month
Contrary to their name, the French bulldog actually originated in England. However, it quickly became popular as a lap dog among middle- and upper-class people in Paris, which led to the breed’s moniker.
The French bulldog has a shorter lifespan compared to other popular breeds. You can check out “9 Dog Breeds That Live Longest — and 10 With the Shortest Lifespans” for more on that.
1. Mastiff
Why this breed is more expensive to insure: Prone to dysplasia, cataracts and some types of cancer; has a relatively short lifespan
Average insurance premium for this breed: $69 to $130 per month
Mastiffs require early training, as they tend to be quite stubborn. While they’re generally eager to please their families, they’re unlikely to listen to commands when frightened or their feelings are hurt by an owner’s harsh words.
Mastiffs stay in the puppy phase longer than other breeds and are prone to joint injury when they’re young. Long walks and tough physical training should be avoided until they’re 18 to 24 months old.
The least expensive dog breeds to insure
Keeping your pet insurance under budget will be easier with these breeds.
5. Yorkshire terrier
Why this breed is less expensive to insure: Prone to eye issues and dislocating kneecaps, but is otherwise a “hardy” breed with a longer lifespan
Average insurance premium for this breed: $36 to $54 per month
Typically measuring between 7 and 10 inches tall, the Yorkshire Terrier — or “Yorkie” — is one of the smallest dog breeds. That makes them ideal dogs for those who live in apartments and other small homes.
4. Papillon
Why this breed is less expensive to insure: May experience eye and dental problems as they age, but otherwise a healthy breed with a long lifespan
Average insurance premium for this breed: $30 to $50 per month
Papillons are vocal, athletic and affectionate dogs. Their French name translates to “butterfly dog” and was given to them because of the shape of their ears. Papillon fans say the breed has a “sensible glamour” due to their flowing but easily-groomed coat. Royal figures like Marie Antoinette were known fans of papillons.
3. Border collie
Why this breed is less expensive to insure: Very active breed with few hereditary health issues
Average insurance premium for this breed: $27 to $41 per month
Border collies are herding dogs and have been used to herd sheep along the English-Scottish border for about 300 years.
It’s considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds and often excels in agility competitions. Border collies need vigorous daily exercise and play, often enjoying catching Frisbees, retrieving, running and swimming.
2. Maltese
Why this breed is less expensive to insure: A generally healthy breed with a long lifespan and a few hereditary issues
Average insurance premium for this breed: $25 to 40 per month
Legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor fawned over her many Maltese. She even took them to TV studios and promotional events.
1. Mixed breed
Why this breed is less expensive to insure: Lower likelihood of hereditary issues because of their genetic diversity
Average insurance premium for this breed: $25 to $40 per month
Mixed breeds are just that — a hodgepodge of two or more breeds. This can make them cheaper than pure breeds to adopt, but their costs for care can vary depending on their size, age and health conditions.
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