12 Most Expensive Dog Breeds for Pet Insurance in 2025 (With Pictures)

Choosing the right canine companion involves many factors, from temperament to grooming needs. But one consideration that‘s easy to overlook is the long-term cost of pet insurance. Depending on your dog‘s breed, you could end up paying significantly more to insure your furry friend over their lifetime. We‘ve compiled the latest data to bring you the 12 most expensive dog breeds for pet insurance in 2024.

How Does Breed Affect Pet Insurance Premiums?

Many new dog owners don‘t realize that their pet‘s breed is used to calculate their insurance rates, similar to how your age, vehicle and driving history impact your car insurance premiums. Actuaries at pet insurance companies analyze their claims data to determine which breeds are more likely to experience health issues and rack up expensive veterinary bills.

Larger breeds tend to have shorter lifespans and be more prone to conditions like hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament injuries. Flat-faced or brachycephalic breeds frequently struggle with respiratory problems and skin fold infections. Some breeds are genetically predisposed to chronic illnesses like allergies, eye disorders, blood clotting diseases, and certain cancers. Mixed breed dogs are often cheaper to insure because their genetic diversity tends to make them hardier.

Owners of high-risk breeds can expect to pay anywhere from 25-50% more in premiums compared to less expensive breeds, according to North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) data. These averages are based on accident and illness policies with $5,000 in annual coverage, 80% reimbursement, and a $500 deductible. Of course, your individual quote will depend on factors like your location, policy details, and the age of your pet. Let‘s take a closer look at the breeds that top the list.

1. Bernese Mountain Dog

These large, lovable Swiss working dogs are predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, and bloat. Their calm, affectionate temperament makes them great family pets, but they have a relatively short lifespan of 7-10 years. Average annual insurance premium: $1,415.

2. Newfoundland

Newfies are giant, gentle dogs with thick, water-resistant double-coats originally bred as working dogs on fishing boats. They‘re prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiac issues, cataracts, and cruciate ligament ruptures. Average annual insurance premium: $1,217.

3. Rottweiler

Powerful, protective, and loyal, Rottweilers descend from herding dogs used by the Romans. Unfortunately, they have high cancer rates and are predisposed to joint problems, heart disease, and eye disorders. Average annual insurance premium: $1,197.

4. Great Dane

With males reaching up to 175 pounds, Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds in the world. These huge, noble dogs are prone to hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism, and a deadly intestinal condition called bloat. Average annual insurance premium: $1,136.

5. Bullmastiff

Originally bred as estate guardians and big game trackers, Bullmastiffs are a giant breed prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, lymphomas, and heart conditions. Their large size and health risks mean high insurance premiums. Average annual insurance premium: $1,117.

6. French Bulldog

With their adorable "bat ears" and compact muscular bodies, Frenchies have skyrocketed in popularity. But these flat-faced dogs are prone to breathing problems, spinal deformities, skin fold infections, and eye injuries. Average annual insurance premium: $1,050.

7. English Bulldog

These medium-sized dogs have a charming wrinkled face and friendly temperament, but their flat muzzle makes them prone to breathing difficulties, especially in the heat. They frequently struggle with skin allergies, cherry eye, joint problems, and heart disease. Average annual insurance premium: $1,045.

8. Dogue de Bordeaux

Also known as French Mastiffs, these massive, powerful dogs are prone to hip dysplasia, gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat), and heart problems. They have one of the shortest lifespans of any breed at just 5-8 years. Average annual insurance premium: $1,001.

9. Doberman Pinscher

Athletic and intelligent, Doberman Pinschers are working dogs with a long history in police and military roles. The breed is prone to cervical vertebral instability, von Willebrand‘s disease (a blood clotting disorder), hip dysplasia, and certain heart conditions. Average annual insurance premium: $984.

10. Dalmatian

These iconic spotted dogs were originally bred to accompany horse-drawn carriages and protect the horses from harm. Modern Dalmatians are prone to deafness, skin allergies, kidney and bladder stones, and a devastating metabolic disorder called hyperuricemia. Average annual insurance premium: $962.

11. Irish Wolfhound

One of the tallest dog breeds, Irish Wolfhounds were bred to hunt wolves in Ireland. These gentle giants are prone to bone cancer, hip dysplasia, heart problems, bloat, and a neuromuscular disorder called megaesophagus. Average annual insurance premium: $950.

12. Rhodesian Ridgeback

These muscular African hunting dogs are known for the distinctive ridge of backward-growing hair along their spine. The breed is generally healthy, but prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and eye problems. Average annual insurance premium: $936.

Why Are Dalmatians So Expensive to Insure?

Despite their medium size, Dalmatians consistently rank among the most expensive dog breeds for pet insurance. Let‘s take a closer look at why these striking spotted dogs tend to have high veterinary costs.

Dalmatians were originally bred to run alongside horse-drawn coaches, so they‘re athletic, high-energy dogs that require lots of exercise. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, they can become anxious and destructive. Their short, dense coat sheds heavily and requires regular brushing to prevent mats and skin irritation.

One of the most common health problems in Dalmatians is deafness, with 22-24% of puppies born either unilaterally or bilaterally deaf. Dalmatians with blue eyes are more likely to experience hearing loss than their brown-eyed counterparts. Responsible breeders use a test called a BAER (brainstorm auditory evoked response) to check puppies‘ hearing before offering them to new homes.

Dalmatians are also prone to developing bladder and kidney stones due to a unique metabolic condition called hyperuricosuria or hyperuricemia. They have trouble breaking down uric acid, so it builds up and forms crystals that coalesce into painful stones that can lead to blockages and infections. The condition is hereditary, and Dalmatians with hyperuricosuria require a special low-purine diet, medication, and frequent monitoring.

In addition, Dalmatians are susceptible to various allergies that can cause skin irritation, hair loss, excessive licking of the paws, and recurrent ear infections. Some of their other health issues include hip dysplasia (which may require costly surgery), eye disorders like iris sphincter dysplasia, and hypothyroidism.

Tips for Managing Pet Insurance Costs

While some breeds are inevitably more expensive to insure than others, there are steps owners can take to keep their premiums more manageable:

1. Enroll your dog when they‘re young and healthy, before any pre-existing conditions emerge that could be excluded from coverage.

2. Keep your dog at a healthy weight with regular exercise and a nutritious diet to avoid obesity-related health issues.

3. Stay up-to-date on preventive care like vaccines, heartworm meds, and dental cleanings to avoid costly illnesses.

4. Consider a high-deductible plan to lower your premiums if you can afford to pay more out of pocket for minor incidents.

5. Shop around and get quotes from multiple pet insurance providers to find the best rates and coverage for your dog‘s specific needs.

Key Takeaways

At the end of the day, the best dog for you is one whose personality, energy level, and grooming needs fit your lifestyle. But it‘s important to understand the potential long-term costs associated with certain breeds, including pet insurance premiums. Mixed breed dogs are often the cheapest to insure, while giant breeds, flat-faced dogs, and those prone to hereditary disorders tend to be the most expensive.

If you‘ve fallen in love with one of the breeds on our list, don‘t let the insurance costs dissuade you. With a little research and careful budgeting, you can find a policy that fits your needs and keeps your furry friend protected without breaking the bank. The peace of mind of knowing you can afford to give them the best possible care is truly priceless.