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Most and Least Expensive Dog Breeds to Insure (and Why)

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By Susan Meyer Info icon
Updated March 28, 2025
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Susan Meyer

Senior Editorial Manager

Susan is a licensed insurance agent and has worked as a writer and editor for over 10 years across a number of industries. She has worked at The Zebr…

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
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Beth Swanson

Insurance Analyst

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • Associate in Insurance
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  1. Why breed matters
  2. Key breed factors
  3. Most expensive breeds to insure
  4. Least expensive breeds to insure

What’s Driving Your Pet Insurance Price?

Most people don’t focus purely on the cost when choosing what breed of dog to get. However, cost can be a big factor. Research has found that the average amount spent for a dog and its care throughout its lifetime is $28,000.[1]

When choosing a dog, many people consider the cost of food, grooming, and routine vet care. But one often-overlooked expense is pet insurance. Of course, not everyone opts for pet insurance, but the number is increasing by about 17% of insured pets a year.

However, the cost is not the same for all dogs. Monthly premiums can vary significantly depending on the breed, mainly due to the breed’s risk profile for injuries and hereditary health issues.

Here’s a breakdown of the most and least expensive dog breeds to insure and why breed matters when it comes to your pet insurance premiums.

Why Does Breed Matter?

According to the American Kennel Club, there are 201 recognized dog breeds, each with their own unique characteristics.[2] Unfortunately, in addition to appearance and temperament characteristics, some breeds are more prone to health conditions or long-term care needs. 

Insurers base premiums on a breed’s statistical risk of illness, injury, and long-term conditions, which means:

  • Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds often cost more due to respiratory problems.
  • Large or giant breeds cost more to treat and have shorter lifespans.
  • Breeds with known genetic disorders like hip dysplasia, epilepsy or cancer risk typically have higher premiums.
  • Mixed breeds often cost less because they are statistically less likely to inherit specific genetic conditions.

Key Factors That Affect Pet Insurance Costs by Breed

Breed-Specific Health Risks

Certain breeds are prone to hereditary or congenital conditions. Insurance companies analyze data on how often a breed develops specific issues and adjust premiums accordingly. Breeds with more frequent or costly medical problems will typically have higher premiums.

Size of the Dog

Larger breeds usually cost more to insure for a few reasons. Higher vet bills (bigger dogs, bigger doses and more expensive equipment) and increased joint issues, to name a few.

Lifespan

Shorter lifespans often mean higher lifetime health risks per year. Short-lived breeds with chronic health issues may be more costly over time.

Reputation and Liability

Some breeds are statistically more likely to develop behavioral issues that may lead to injury. Though not always factored in, some insurers consider the breed’s perceived liability risk—especially in the case of dog bites or aggression.

Most Expensive Dog Breeds to Insure

These breeds are known for many wonderful traits but also come with higher health risks, leading to more costly insurance.

1. Mastiff

Note: There are a number of different types of Mastiffs (English, Tibetan, Spanish, Brazilian) and all have unusually high rates to insure). The numbers here are for the English Mastiff. 

  • Why expensive: Like many large dogs, they have a short life span and are prone to health issues like hip dysplasia, cataracts and some types of cancer.
  • Average monthly premium: $69 - $130 monthly. Note: Numbers from Pawlicy Advisor[3]
Mastiff

2. French Bulldog

  • Why expensive: Similar to English Bulldogs, Frenchies are brachycephalic and often suffer from respiratory issues, spinal issues, cataracts and eyelid issues.
  • Average monthly premium: $64 - $114
french bulldog puppy

3. Rottweiler

  • Why expensive: Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and heart problems. Also sometimes seen as a higher liability breed.
  • Average monthly premium: $65–$110
happy rottie pup

4. Bernese Mountain Dog

  • Why expensive: High risk of cancer (particularly histiocytic sarcoma), joint issues and a relatively short lifespan.
  • Average monthly premium: $60 - $103 monthly
bernie dog

5. Great Dane

  • Why expensive: Susceptible to bloat (a life-threatening condition), heart disease, and hip dysplasia. Their large size also makes treatment more costly.
  • Average monthly premium: $60–$85
great dane

Least Expensive Dog Breeds to Insure

If responsibly bred, these breeds generally enjoy better overall health, fewer genetic problems and longer lifespans, which means lower insurance premiums.

1. Mixed Breed Dogs

  • Why cheaper: Lower likelihood of inherited health issues due to genetic diversity.
  • Average monthly premium: $25–$40
mixed breed

2. Maltese

  • Why cheaper: Hardy, long-lived, and generally healthy aside from minor issues and few inherited conditions.
  • Average monthly premium: $25 - 40
Small white maltese dog

3. Border Collie

  • Why cheaper: Highly active and typically free from major hereditary conditions. Known for strong overall health.
  • Average monthly premium: $27–$41
Border collie

4. Papillon

  • Why cheaper: While they do occasionally experience eye and dental problems as they age, Papillon’s are generally long-lived, healthy little dogs.
    Average monthly premium:  $30–$50
small papillon dog

5. Yorkshire Terrier

  • Why cheaper: These tiny dogs sometimes experience eye issues and dislocating kneecaps, but overall are hardy dogs with a long lifespan.
  • Average monthly premium:$36 - $54
yorkshire terrier

Wrapping up

Of course, breed isn’t the only criterion that will impact the quotes you get. The age and overall health of your pet will factor in as well, and where you live will affect how much you pay for pet insurance. 

If you’re considering getting pet insurance, it’s worth researching your dog’s breed-specific risks and getting quotes in advance. Even if you own a more expensive breed, insurance can save you thousands over your dog’s lifetime—especially if unexpected health issues arise.

And if you’re still choosing a breed, considering insurance costs upfront can help you plan for long-term pet care expenses.

Sources

  1. How Much Do Americans Spend On Their Pets? [Source]

  2. Dog Breeds. [American Kennel Club]

  3. How Much Pet Insurance Costs in 2025: Compare Quotes by Breed and State. [Pawlicy Advisor]