New research has revealed the 10 most expensive dog breeds to insure, with the English Bulldog taking the top spot. Insurance specialists at A-Plan Insurance analysed data to discover the average monthly cost of pet insurance for different breeds in the UK to determine the ranking.
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.
Second on the list is the French Bulldog, a descendant 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 £656.76 a year. Not only are French Bulldogs 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.
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.
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 £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.
Fifth in the ranking is the Golden Retriever. Known for being playful, affectionate and easy to train, Golden Retrievers make great family dogs. But £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.
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.
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Seventh on the list is the English Springer Spaniel. Due to their friendly nature and their ability to learn quickly, 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.
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 seizures.
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.
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.
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 |
A spokesperson from A-Plan Insurance said: “Across the UK 10million 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.”
