What dog breed is most expensive to insure?

Mastiff breeds are the most expensive to insure, averaging $2,546/year in premiums—significantly higher than the national average of ~$500-600/year.

Why are French Bulldogs expensive to insure?

French Bulldogs are prone to breathing issues (brachycephalic syndrome), skin problems, joint issues, spinal disorders, and often require C-sections for birth.

Are mixed breeds cheaper to insure?

Yes, mixed-breed dogs typically have lower premiums due to genetic diversity, which reduces the risk of inherited conditions common in purebreds.

Most Expensive Dog Breeds to Insure: 2025 Premium Rankings

Your dog’s breed significantly impacts insurance costs. Here’s the data on which breeds cost the most—and why.

Most Expensive Breeds to Insure

Rank	Breed	Avg Annual Premium	vs National Avg
1	Mastiff (all types)	$2,546	+324%
2	English Bulldog	$1,800	+200%
3	French Bulldog	$1,650	+175%
4	Rottweiler	$1,450	+142%
5	Bernese Mountain Dog	$1,400	+133%
6	Great Dane	$1,350	+125%
7	German Shepherd	$1,200	+100%
8	Cavalier King Charles	$1,150	+92%
9	Golden Retriever	$1,100	+83%
10	Chow Chow	$1,050	+75%

National average: ~$600/year | Data from thezebra.com, Pawlicy

Why These Breeds Cost More

1. Mastiffs ($2,546/year)

Hip dysplasia: Very common in giant breeds
Eye issues: Cataracts, entropion
Cancer: Higher rates than average
Size: Larger pets = higher medication costs

2. English & French Bulldogs ($1,650-$1,800)

Brachycephalic syndrome: Breathing difficulties
Skin fold infections: Constant maintenance
Spinal disorders: IVDD common
C-section births: Almost always required
Cherry eye: Frequent surgical correction

3. Rottweilers ($1,450)

Bone cancer: Significantly elevated risk
Cruciate ligament tears: Common injury
Hip/elbow dysplasia: Genetic predisposition

4. Bernese Mountain Dogs ($1,400)

Histiocytic sarcoma: Cancer specific to breed
Joint issues: Hip dysplasia prevalent
Short lifespan: 6-8 years average

5. Golden Retrievers ($1,100)

Cancer: ~60% will develop cancer
Hip dysplasia: Common genetic issue
Allergies: Skin and food allergies prevalent
Heart conditions: Subvalvular aortic stenosis

Cheapest Breeds to Insure

Breed	Avg Annual Premium
Mixed Breed (medium)	$450
Beagle	$480
Australian Cattle Dog	$490
Border Collie	$510
Labrador Retriever	$550

Factors Affecting Breed Premiums

Factor	Impact on Premium
Genetic predispositions	+50-200%
Size (giant breeds)	+30-100%
Short lifespan	+20-50%
Brachycephalic features	+40-80%
Known aggressive tendencies	+10-30%

Purebred vs Mixed Breed

Category	Purebred	Mixed Breed
Avg Premium	$650/year	$450/year
Genetic Conditions	Higher risk	Lower risk
Lifespan	Varies	Generally longer
Premium Difference	-	31% cheaper

Regional Premium Variations

Same breed, different locations:

Breed	California	Texas	National Avg
Golden Retriever	$1,280	$920	$1,100
French Bulldog	$1,920	$1,380	$1,650
Labrador	$640	$460	$550

Coastal states typically 20-35% higher

Age Impact on High-Risk Breeds

For a French Bulldog:

Age	Monthly Premium	Annual Cost
Puppy (8 weeks)	$85	$1,020
2 years	$120	$1,440
5 years	$165	$1,980
8 years	$220	$2,640

Insurance Recommendations by Breed Risk

High-Risk Breeds (Mastiff, Bulldog, Rottweiler)

Enroll ASAP (8 weeks ideally)
Choose lowest deductible affordable
Select unlimited or high annual limits
Add orthopedic coverage

Moderate-Risk Breeds (Golden, German Shepherd)

Enroll within first year
Standard 80% reimbursement
$15,000+ annual limit
Consider wellness add-on

Low-Risk Breeds (Mixed, Border Collie)

Standard coverage adequate
Higher deductible acceptable
$10,000 annual limit often sufficient

Data sources: The Zebra, Pawlicy Advisor, Pumpkin Care, Forbes Advisor