If pandemic puppies are all over your feed, you are not alone. It seems like everyone and their grandma is adopting or fostering an adorable dog right now. If you are thinking of getting one too, consider how the breed might impact your budget. Some types are more likely to end up at the vet, which can lead to huge bills. And you’re considering pet insurance in Canada, know that those same dogs can be more expensive to insure.
Before you pick a pooch, learn which breeds are more and less expensive to insure, and why.
Most Expensive: Bordeaux Mastiff
Also known as a French mastiff or a dogue de Bordeaux, this fancy pup on many lists of breeds that are pricy to insure. Dog insurance is so high for these muscular puppers because they suffer a variety of health problems, including breathing issues, which makes it hard for them to exercise. They are also prone to eye infections and heart issues. These strong, calm and loveable pure breds also have a short lifespan, about 5-6 years on average.
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Most Expensive: Bulldogs
These adorable and incredibly photogenic doggos can be expensive to own, and cost a pretty penny for dog insurance. That’s because their breed has a lot of natural health problems. Their tiny nostrils make it hard or them to breath and cool their bodies. This means they are prone to overheating. They also have more hip and joint problems than other breeds. Their lifespans are around 6 years. And while that may seem short, they make great family dogs, as they bond well with kids.
Most Expensive: St Bernard
These big boys were originally bred for rescue in the mountains between Switzerland and Italy. Now, these gentle giants are happiest as family dogs, showing loyalty and sweetness to adults and children. As one the giant dog breeds, it’s size is one of the biggest factors of why it can cost so much for dog insurance. Proper nutrition and exercise is important for bone health. Also, bone cancer is known to be passed down through the breed. Still, the beloved dogs have a lifespan of eight to 10 years, and are eager to please, making them easier to train than other breeds.
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Most Expensive: Great Danes
According to Pet First, Great Danes are 63 per cent most expensive to insure than other dogs. That’s because they’re prone to conditions like bloat, which requires them to rest after eating. Plus, heart conditions that can require surgery are common with the breed. They are also among the dogs most likely to run away. Despite being big and imposing, Great Danes are known to be gentle and affectionate.
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Most Expensive: Irish Wolfhounds
Another big breed, these adorably shaggy dogs are found on many lists of breeds that are expensive to own and insure. That’s because the traditional hunters are prone to bone cancer and bloat, just like Great Danes. Still, with an average lifespan of 7 years, these intelligent, loyal dogs will defend you to the end.
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Least Expensive: Chihuahua
These pint-sized pups come with a slew of health problems, but a Forbes investigation has found them on the lowest end of dog insurance prices. Weighing in at around five pounds, Chihuahuas live between 12 and 20 years, and most commonly suffer from cardiovascular issues. Personality-wise, they are spicy. Like a lot of small dogs, they are known to be more aggressive than other breeds.
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Least Expensive: Jack Russell Terriers
Terriers are overall on the less expensive end to insure. That’s because they are known to be a pretty healthy breed, with a long lifespan of between 13 and 16 years. The hearty, sporty dogs love to get outside and be active. They do have some genetic eye and joint issues, but overall are fun-loving, high energy dogs.
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Least Expensive: Maltese
Annual premiums to insure these adorable dogs fall way below the average. These silky little lap dogs are beloved because they don’t shed. This makes them perfect for those allergic to dogs. This breed does have some heart issues, and can be harder to house train than other dogs. But they are great companions, with long average lifespans.
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Least Expensive: Kelpie Cross
These energetic Australian sheepdogs are on the low end of dog insurance costs. These agile dogs are hearty, and tend to have very few genetic diseases. Smart and easy to train, they’re great family dogs.
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Least Expensive: Any Mixed Breed Dogs
If you’ve been eyeing a rescue mutt, but not sure if it comes with health problems, it might be ok. A mixed breed dogs is way less expensive to insure than any pure bred. That’s because it’s less likely to have those genetic diseases that can be hard and expensive to treat.
