Top 5 Most Expensive Dog Breeds to Insure in 2025
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.
What Influences Dog Insurance 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:
- Age and prior health of the dog
- Where you live in the UK
- Claims history
- Coverage level and insurance provider policies
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.
1. Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux puppies are often the most expensive to insure for several reasons:
- Large, muscular build increasing injury and joint disease risk
- Prone to hereditary health issues including heart and respiratory problems
- Average lifespan of only 7-8 years, increasing the likelihood of claims during their shorter life
Some registries even track Dogue de Bordeaux dogs that live beyond ten years due to their rarity.
2. Great Dane
The Great Dane puppies belong to the giant breed category, which drives higher insurance costs:
- Shorter lifespan compared to smaller breeds
- Common conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia and gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), which require costly surgical treatment
Due to their size, veterinary bills are generally higher, contributing to expensive premiums.
3. English Bulldog
The English Bulldog puppies present unique health and breeding challenges:
- Brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure leading to respiratory issues and heat sensitivity
- Prone to skin conditions, joint problems, and a shorter life expectancy
- High purchase price due to small litters and frequent caesarean deliveries
These risks and costs drive insurance premiums up significantly.
4. Bullmastiff
Bullmastiff puppies are large molosser-type dogs with unique risks:
- Growth period lasting up to three years making early years critical
- Susceptible to hip, elbow, and joint problems
- Prone to bloat and digestive emergencies
- Other health concerns include eye issues, hyperthyroidism, and arthritis
The combination of size and health predispositions mean their insurance costs remain high.
5. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland puppies are known for their gentle nature but also their health challenges:
- Large and heavy, leading to higher treatment costs for injuries and chronic conditions
- Common problems include hip and elbow dysplasia, and congenital heart murmurs
- Rarely live beyond 10 years, creating a higher risk profile for insurers
Other Factors Affecting Insurance Costs
Individual insurance policies are personalised using automated scoring systems that also consider:
- Your postcode and vet costs in your region
- Whether your dog has pre-existing conditions
- If you’ve made previous claims
- Your chosen coverage limits and excess amounts
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.
Summary and Responsible Ownership
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.
