Pet insurance premiums can vary widely depending on the dog breed, due to factors such as the breed’s susceptibility to certain health conditions, life expectancy, and overall health profile. Understanding which breeds come with higher insurance premiums can be important for dog owners when planning for long-term pet care. This article explains the 15 dog breeds that are expected to have the highest pet insurance premiums in 2024. These breeds often require more frequent veterinary care and specialized treatments or have a greater propensity for genetic conditions, making them more expensive to insure.
15. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are strong and robust dogs, but are prone to a number of health problems that can increase pet insurance premiums. Common conditions include hip and elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma, and heart problems. Their propensity for these serious conditions means higher veterinary costs, which increase insurance premiums. Additionally, Rottweilers are large dogs, and treatments for larger breeds tend to be more expensive because higher doses of medication and larger supplies are required.
14. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are athletic and intelligent dogs, but they are also prone to a variety of health problems that can lead to high veterinary bills. Common problems include cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and von Willebrand’s disease. Their susceptibility to these serious conditions makes them more expensive to insure. In addition, 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 a number of health issues. Brachycephalic syndrome, hip dysplasia, and allergies are just a few of the conditions that plague this breed. Their flat faces can lead to serious respiratory problems, which often require surgery. The need for frequent vet visits and possible surgical interventions drives up insurance costs for French Bulldogs.
12. English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is another brachycephalic breed that has a number of health concerns, including respiratory problems, hip dysplasia, and skin infections. Their unique anatomy makes them prone to a variety of complications that often require medical intervention. The combination of frequent health problems and the need for specialized care results in higher insurance premiums for English Bulldogs.
11. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and versatility, but are also prone to a number of serious health problems. Hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and several genetic disorders are common in this breed. Treating and managing these conditions can be costly, leading to higher insurance premiums. Additionally, German Shepherds often serve in working roles, which increases the risk of injury and further increases insurance costs.
10. Great Dane
Great Danes are gentle giants with short lifespans and a tendency to have a number of health problems, including hip dysplasia, heart disease, and bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus). Insurance premiums tend to be higher due to the cost of treating these conditions and their short lifespan. Their larger size also means that medical treatments or surgeries are more expensive, which contributes 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 histiocytic sarcoma), and bloat. These health problems often require expensive treatments and regular veterinary visits, leading to higher insurance premiums. Their short lifespan and the severity of their potential health problems make them one of the more expensive breeds to insure.
8. Boxer
Boxers are energetic and loyal dogs, but they are also prone to a variety of health problems, including cardiomyopathy, cancer, and hip dysplasia. Their active nature also increases the risk of injuries, which increases veterinary costs. The combination of these factors results in higher insurance premiums for Boxers. Regular medical checkups and treatments for chronic diseases are common for this breed, further increasing insurance costs.
7. Dachshund
Dachshunds are small dogs with big personalities, but their elongated bodies make them prone to spinal problems, particularly intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This condition often requires surgery and ongoing care, leading to significant veterinary costs. Additionally, Dachshunds are prone to obesity, which can exacerbate other health problems. These factors contribute to higher insurance premiums for Dachshunds.
6. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are active and resilient dogs, but they are also prone to specific health problems such as hip dysplasia, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Their high energy level can lead to injuries, and their genetic predisposition requires regular monitoring and possible treatment. The need for constant care and the risk of costly medical treatment contribute to 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 costly, leading to higher insurance premiums. Their susceptibility to genetic disorders means that owners often face significant veterinary expenses over the dog’s lifetime.
4. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are sweet and calm-natured dogs, but their unique anatomy makes them prone to a variety of health problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and ear infections. Their long ears and slanted eyes require regular care to prevent infection, and their tendency to obesity can lead to other health problems. These factors contribute to higher insurance premiums for Basset Hounds.
3. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest dog breed, known for their gentle and friendly nature. However, their size also comes with a variety of health issues, including hip dysplasia, heart disease, and bloat. Treatment and management of these conditions is often costly, leading to higher insurance premiums. Additionally, Irish Wolfhounds have a relatively short lifespan, which means annual veterinary costs can be high.
2. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are large, gentle dogs that are prone to several health problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and heart disease. Their large size also makes any medical treatment more expensive. Newfoundlands require regular checkups and special care to manage their health problems, resulting in higher insurance premiums.
1. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are known for their gentle and friendly nature, but their insurance premiums tend to be higher due to their large size and their propensity for health problems. Common health problems include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and inflammation. The costs associated with treating these conditions, combined with their short lifespan, contribute to higher insurance premiums for Saint Bernards. Their size also means that medical treatments or surgeries are more expensive, increasing the cost of insuring this breed.
In conclusion, these fifteen dog breeds are known for having higher pet insurance premiums due to their susceptibility to various health problems, need for frequent 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.