Dog Breeds That Are Shockingly Expensive to Insure
Some dogs cost more to cover simply because their medical histories leave insurance companies nervous. Size, inherited conditions, and the types of emergencies vets see most often all play a part. These breeds remain wonderful companions, but their health patterns mean owners often face higher-than-expected premiums from the moment they start shopping around.
Rottweiler
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Orthopedic trouble shows up early with Rottweilers, especially ligament tears and hip dysplasia. These injuries require pricey imaging and rehabilitation, which insurers factor into their quotes. Families often find themselves planning around joint support or mobility care, especially once a growing pup starts throwing its weight around during play.
Doberman Pinscher
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Cardiac screenings are practically routine for Dobermans, since dilated cardiomyopathy appears frequently in the breed. Add in their higher cancer risk, and long-term care becomes expensive. Insurers consider how often these conditions require monitoring instead of one-time fixes, which pushes policies toward the upper tier even before a puppy reaches adulthood.
French Bulldog
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The Frenchie’s signature face creates a long trail of airway and skin issues that rarely disappear with age. Insurers expect repeated visits for breathing flare-ups, allergies, or spinal concerns. Warm weather becomes something owners plan around carefully, since a short walk on a hot day can spiral into an urgent vet visit.
English Bulldog
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Medical needs tend to stack up for English Bulldogs, too. Vets treat them for respiratory restrictions, cherry eye, allergies, and joint trouble at notable rates. Heat management becomes a lifelong concern, and surgeries to address airway or structural issues are common. Insurance companies see those recurring interventions in national data and adjust pricing accordingly.
Great Dane
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A Great Dane’s enormous frame invites expensive emergencies. Bloat is the most infamous threat, and treating it requires fast, costly surgery. Add rapid skeletal growth and occasional heart trouble, and premiums rise quickly. Owners often take a preventive approach through slow feeders, structured exercise, and routine cardiac screenings, which become part of normal life.
Bernese Mountain Dog
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Berners face multiple long-term risks: joint deterioration, autoimmune conditions, and cancers like histiocytic sarcoma. Those patterns show up repeatedly in breed studies, so insurers prepare for heavy medical involvement. Many households end up adjusting floors, adding ramps, or modifying routines as their Berner ages and mobility becomes a daily consideration.
Dalmatian
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This spotted breed comes with a higher chance of deafness, and bladder stones appear often enough that specialized diets or surgery may be necessary. Some dogs also develop cardiac conditions. Those overlapping issues shape a cost profile that insurers pay close attention to, which is why the premiums tend to run higher than expected.
Golden Retriever
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Goldens carry a reputation for being healthy family dogs, yet cancer appears at a higher rate in this breed than many expect. Hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma often require advanced treatment, which pushes premiums up. Routine screenings become part of life for owners who want to catch problems before they escalate.
Boxer
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Heart conditions and mast cell tumors show up regularly in Boxer medical records. Insurers anticipate these long-term expenses, so monthly costs climb. Boxers also stay active well into adulthood, and that nonstop energy occasionally leads to sprains or minor injuries that add a few extra vet visits each year.
German Shepherd
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This breed’s athletic build comes with a price of hip dysplasia, cruciate injuries, and spinal degeneration appearing frequently. Managing these issues often requires imaging, rehab, and long-term supplements. Shepherds thrive when they have structured activity, but high-impact play can speed up joint wear, which is one reason insurers keep premiums on the higher end.