Which Dog Breeds are the Most Expensive to Insure?

The cost of a pet insurance policy is not one size fits all. That's because several factors go into determining the premium for a policy, including the canine's age, where you live and, yes, the specific breed of your dog.

Why breed matters

When you're looking for a new soulful sidekick, you probably aren't thinking about the potential health issues they might develop later in life. But the truth is that some breeds are genetically predisposed to developing certain health conditions, such as hip dysplasia or epilepsy, that can be very costly to treat. Hip dysplasia, for example, can cost between $800 to $6,000 per hip.

Not surprisingly, the insurance premiums for dogs prone to hereditary diseases tend to be higher than for other breeds. However, it's important to note that having pet insurance could potentially save you thousands of dollars in medical treatment costs that you would otherwise have to pay out of your own pocket.

The 5 most expensive dog breeds to insure

These are five of the most expensive breeds to insure and some of the conditions that they are predisposed to developing:

Bernese Mountain Dog: According to a study conducted in December 2022, the Bernese Mountain Dog was the most expensive dog to insure. That's probably due to the fact that they are prone to a number of health issues, including bloat, hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and von Willebrand disease, which is a blood-clotting disorder.

Great Danes: These massive dogs are at risk of developing a number of health conditions, including wobbler syndrome, dilated cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia and degenerative lumbosacral stenosis. Great Danes also have a higher risk of bloat than any other breed.

English Bulldogs: It's hard not to fall in love with these waddling bundles of joy. But sadly, English Bulldogs are prone to many issues, including hip dysplasia, cherry eye and skin infections. In addition, they often suffer with serious breathing difficulties and autoimmune disorders.

Rottweilers: Rotties consistently make the AKC's top 10 list of most popular breeds. Unfortunately, this breed can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament rupture and osteosarcoma.

Dalmatians: These beautiful spotted dogs can be vulnerable to a number of health issues, including deafness. In fact, about 30% of Dalmatians are deaf in one or both ears. Dalmatians are also prone to bladder stones, dilated cardiomyopathy and bloat.

Just because these are the most expensive dogs to insure doesn't mean you should leave them off your list of potential pets. If you really want a Rottweiler, for example, find a rescue or reputable breeder, feed your pet a healthy diet, and consider pet insurance to help pay for the cost of treating any health issues your dog could develop over their lifetime.

And as with all dogs, the earlier you get pet insurance, the better. It ensures that your pet doesn't develop pre-existing conditions which may make them ineligible for certain coverages.

Lizz Caputo is a Content Strategist at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.