Pet insurance premiums can vary greatly depending on the breed of dog due to factors such as the breed’s susceptibility to certain health conditions, lifespan, and overall health profile. Understanding which breeds have higher insurance premiums can be important for dog owners when planning for their pet’s long-term care. This article takes a look at the 15 dog breeds that are expected to have the highest pet insurance premiums by 2024. These breeds often require more frequent veterinary care and specialized treatments or are more prone to genetic conditions, making their insurance costs more expensive.
15. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are a healthy and robust breed, but they are prone to a number of health problems that can increase your pet insurance premiums. Common conditions include hip and elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma, and heart problems. Their susceptibility to these serious conditions means higher veterinary costs, which can increase your insurance premiums. Additionally, Rottweilers are large dogs, and treatment for large breeds is often more expensive due to the need for higher doses of medication and larger supplies.
14. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are a healthy and intelligent breed, but they are also prone to a variety of health problems that can lead to high veterinary costs. Common problems include cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and von Willebrand disease. Their susceptibility to these serious conditions makes them more expensive to insure. Furthermore, their active nature often leads to injuries that require medical attention, increasing the overall cost of care.
13. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are beloved for their charming personalities and distinctive looks, but they have their fair share of health problems. Brachycephaly, hip dysplasia, and allergies are just some of the conditions that plague this breed. Their flat faces can lead to significant respiratory problems, which often require surgery. The need for frequent vet visits and potential surgery increases the cost of insuring a French Bulldog.
12. English Bulldog
English Bulldogs are another brachycephalic breed that has a number of health problems, including respiratory problems, hip dysplasia, and skin infections. Their unique body structure makes them susceptible to a variety of complications that often require medical intervention. The combination of common health problems and the need for specialist care leads to high insurance premiums for English Bulldogs.
11. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and versatility, but they are also prone to some serious health problems. Hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and several other genetic disorders are common in this breed. Treatment and management of these conditions can be costly, leading to higher insurance premiums. Additionally, German Shepherds are often working dogs, which increases the risk of injury and adds to insurance costs.
10. Great Dane
The Great Dane is a gentle giant with a short lifespan and is prone to a number of health problems, including hip dysplasia, heart disease, and bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus). The cost of treating these conditions and their shorter lifespan translates into high insurance premiums. Their large size also means that medical treatments or surgeries are more expensive, contributing to the overall cost of insuring a Great Dane.
9. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, affectionate dogs that are prone to serious health problems. They are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer (particularly histiocytoma), and bloat. These health problems often require expensive treatments and frequent veterinary visits, leading to high insurance premiums. Their shorter lifespan and the severity of potential health problems make them one of the most expensive breeds to insure.
8. Boxer
Boxers are an active and loyal breed, but they are also prone to a number of health problems, including cardiomyopathy, cancer, and hip dysplasia. Their active nature also increases their risk of injury, which adds to veterinary costs. The combination of these factors leads to high insurance premiums for Boxers. Regular health checks and treatment for chronic conditions are common for this breed, which adds to the cost of insurance.
7. Dachshund
Dachshunds are small dogs with big personalities, but their long bodies make them susceptible to spinal problems, especially intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This condition often requires surgery and ongoing care, resulting in significant veterinary costs. Additionally, Dachshunds are prone to obesity, which can exacerbate other health problems. These factors contribute to high Dachshund insurance premiums.
6. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are an active and resilient breed, but they are also prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Their high energy levels can lead to injuries, and their genetic predisposition requires regular monitoring and potential treatments. The need for constant care and the risk of expensive treatments contribute to the high insurance premiums for Siberian Huskies.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate and gentle dogs, but they are prone to a number of serious health problems, including mitral valve disease, syringomyelia, and hip dysplasia. Treatment and management of these conditions can be expensive, leading to high insurance premiums. Their susceptibility to genetic disorders means that owners often face significant veterinary costs throughout the dog’s life.
4. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are a loving and laid-back breed, but their unique body structure makes them susceptible to a number of health problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and ear infections. Their long ears and droopy eyes require regular grooming to prevent infections, and their tendency to become obese can lead to other health problems. These factors contribute to the high insurance premiums for Basset Hounds.
3. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest breed of dog, known for their gentle and friendly nature. However, their size comes with a host of health issues, including hip dysplasia, heart disease, and bloat. Treatment and management of these conditions are often costly, leading to high insurance premiums. Additionally, Irish Wolfhounds have a relatively short lifespan, which can mean higher annual veterinary costs.
2. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are large, gentle dogs that are prone to a number of health problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and heart disease. Their large size also makes any medical treatment more expensive. Newfoundlands require regular health checks and specialist care to manage their health problems, leading to high insurance premiums.
1. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are known for their gentle and friendly temperaments, but their large size and tendency to suffer from health problems lead to high insurance premiums. Common health problems include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and bloat. The costs associated with treating these conditions, combined with their shorter lifespan, contribute to high insurance premiums for Saint Bernards. Their size also means that medical treatments or surgeries are more expensive, which increases the cost of insurance for this breed.
In summary, these fifteen dog breeds are known to have higher pet insurance premiums due to their susceptibility to various health issues, their need for regular veterinary care, and their overall health profile. Understanding these factors can help prospective dog owners plan for the potential costs of caring for these breeds. While the love and companionship these dogs provide is invaluable, being prepared for their medical needs is essential to providing them with the best possible care.
