When planning to bring a new dog or puppy into your home, it's vital to consider the full cost of responsible ownership — and insurance is a key part of this. Dog insurance premiums can vary greatly depending on factors including breed, age, health, and location. Certain breeds are consistently more expensive to insure due to their predisposition to costly health issues.
Understanding why some breeds cost more can help you prepare financially and choose a dog that suits your lifestyle and budget. In this guide, we'll explore five dog breeds that are most expensive to insure in the UK in 2025 and explain the health and breed-specific reasons behind these costs.
The price of pet insurance depends on many combined factors making direct comparison challenging. While the dog’s breed plays a significant role, other considerations include:
However, some breeds, due to their size, genetics, and common health conditions, generally incur higher premiums across the board. These breeds have increased medical treatment costs or shorter lifespans that influence insurers' risk assessments.
The Dogue de Bordeaux puppies are often the most expensive to insure for several reasons:
Some registries even track Dogue de Bordeaux dogs that live beyond ten years due to their rarity.
The Great Dane puppies belong to the giant breed category, which drives higher insurance costs:
Due to their size, veterinary bills are generally higher, contributing to expensive premiums.
The English Bulldog puppies present unique health and breeding challenges:
These risks and costs drive insurance premiums up significantly.
Bullmastiff puppies are large molosser-type dogs with unique risks:
The combination of size and health predispositions mean their insurance costs remain high.
The Newfoundland puppies are known for their gentle nature but also their health challenges:
Individual insurance policies are personalised using automated scoring systems that also consider:
If you find a quote too high, discuss it with your insurer as some cases merit a reduction, especially with evidence of good health or lower risk.
Choosing a breed is a lifelong commitment that should balance your lifestyle and financial preparedness. Insuring breeds prone to hereditary or large-breed ailments can be costly but worthwhile for your dog's wellbeing and peace of mind.
Before choosing a dog, consider these insurance expenses and seek reputable breeders to promote the health and welfare of future pets. Always aim for ethical breeding and regular vet care alongside insurance.
Planning ahead with insurance is one of the best steps to protect your dog, your wallet, and your peace of mind.