Cheapest Dog Breeds to Insure in UK
Looking to add a furry friend to your family but worried about the insurance costs? Good news! Some dog breeds are cheaper to insure, making them budget-friendly options for pet owners. Nowadays, certain breeds stand out for their low insurance premiums. These dogs are typically healthier and less prone to genetic issues, which keeps vet bills low.
Whether you’re after a playful pup or a loyal companion, there’s a breed that won’t break the bank. This article will discuss the cheapest dog breeds to insure and how to find the perfect pet for your home.
10 Cheapest Dog Breeds To Insure in 2024
| Breed Name | Health Profile | Reasons for Lower Premiums |
|---|---|---|
|
Mixed Breed Dogs |
Generally healthier due to genetic diversity, with lower incidence of breed-specific conditions. |
Fewer genetic health problems and lower likelihood of requiring expensive treatments. |
|
Beagles |
Occasional issues like hip dysplasia and epilepsy can occur. |
Good health and fewer breed-specific problems reduce overall veterinary costs. |
|
Terriers (such as Border Terriers and Jack Russell Terriers) |
Few genetic problems, generally healthy with occasional joint issues. |
Hardy and low-maintenance with fewer medical needs. |
|
Labrador Retrievers |
Can suffer occasional hip and elbow dysplasia. |
Good health and temperament lower the risk of frequent medical issues. |
|
Whippets |
Generally healthy with occasional heart issues and eye conditions. |
Lower incidence of serious health problems. |
|
Chihuahuas |
Usually healthy with minor concerns like patellar luxation. |
Small size and lower likelihood of serious health issues. |
|
Shih Tzus |
Healthy with some eye and respiratory issues |
Healthy with fewer severe health conditions. |
|
Poodles (Miniature and Toy) |
Genetic issues like hip dysplasia and eye problems |
Long lifespan and lower incidence of severe health problems. |
|
Shetland Sheepdogs |
Can sometimes face genetic issues like hip dysplasia and eye problems. |
Good overall health and lower incidence of severe conditions. |
1. Mixed Breed
Mixed-breed dogs, also known as mongrels, are incredibly common, with around 150 million worldwide. About 40% of dogs in the UK are mixed breeds, making them popular for many pet owners.
They typically have a lower risk of genetic diseases, leading to cheaper insurance premiums. While purebred dogs might cost £25 to £45 a month to insure, mixed breeds often cost just £15 to £25 a month.
Some health problems that a mixed-breed dog can face are:
- Hip dysplasia
- Allergies
- Obesity
- Dental disease
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
2. Beagles
Beagles are small to medium-sized hounds known for their keen sense of smell and friendly, energetic nature. Originating from the UK, they are popular family pets due to their affectionate temperament.
There are around 200,000 beagles in the UK, making them one of the more common breeds. They are relatively healthy, with fewer genetic issues compared to other purebreds. This makes them cheaper to insure, with average monthly premiums ranging from £20 to £35.
Beagles are generally healthy, but they can still face some health issues. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Ear infections
- Obesity
- Hypothyroidism
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
3. Jack Russell
Jack Russells are small, lively terriers known for their intelligence and boundless energy. Originally bred for fox hunting, they’ve become popular pets thanks to their playful and determined personalities. There are over 60,000 Jack Russells in the UK, making them a common sight in homes.
They tend to be healthier than many breeds, which helps keep insurance costs lower. Jack Russells aren’t prone to the genetic health issues that affect larger dogs, such as hip dysplasia. Their robust nature means fewer vet visits, leading to cheaper insurance premiums ranging from £15 to £25 per month.
Common health issues faced by Jack Russells include:
- Patellar luxation
- Deafness
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Dental problems
- Cataracts
- Allergies
4. Whippets
Whippets are sleek, fast dogs known for their speed and gentle nature. Originally bred for hunting and racing, they’ve become popular pets due to their calm temperament and minimal grooming needs. In the UK, there are about 42,000 Whippets, with many more worldwide.
Whippets are generally healthy, suffering fewer genetic disorders compared to other breeds. Their lean build also makes them less prone to joint issues, which lowers vet costs. Insurance for Whippets typically ranges from £15 to £25 per month, making them cheaper to insure than many breeds with higher health risks.
Whippets are generally healthy, but they can face some common health issues, including:
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- Skin issues
- Heart disease
- Thyroid problems
5. Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with big personalities, known for their loyalty and spirited nature. They originally hail from Mexico and are one of the smallest dog breeds, weighing between 1.5 to 3 kg. In the UK, there are roughly 80,000 Chihuahuas, making them a popular choice for those seeking a small companion.
Their lower insurance costs, typically £10 to £20 a month, stem from their generally good health and fewer severe genetic conditions compared to larger breeds. Their small size and manageable health risks contribute to more affordable premiums.
Chihuahuas, though generally healthy, can face some common health issues:
- Dental problems
- Patellar luxation
- Heart issues
- Tracheal collapse
- Hypoglycemia
6. Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus are charming toy dogs known for their long, flowing coat and sweet nature. Originating from Tibet, these dogs typically weigh between 4.5 to 8 kg. In the UK, there are around 60,000 Shih Tzus, making them a popular choice for families.
They are generally cheaper to insure, with premiums averaging £15 to £30 a month. This is partly due to their relatively low risk of severe genetic health issues. Shih Tzus are a lovely, budget-friendly option for many dog lovers.
Shih Tzus can face several common health issues:
- Eye problems
- Dental issues
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
- Hip dysplasia
- Skin conditions
7. Poodles
Poodles are elegant, intelligent dogs known for their curly coats and versatility. They come in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard, weighing 2.5 to 30 kg. In the UK, there are about 80,000 Poodles, reflecting their popularity.
They tend to be cheaper to insure, with monthly premiums averaging £15 to £30. This is because they have fewer severe genetic issues compared to some purebreds. Their potent health and low risk of serious hereditary diseases help lower insurance costs.
Poodles can encounter several health issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Skin conditions
- Ear infections
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Hypothyroidism
8. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are agile, intelligent herding dogs known for their striking double coat and graceful appearance. They weigh between 6 to 12 kg and are a beloved breed, with about 20,000 in the UK.
They tend to be cheaper to insure, with premiums around £20 to £35 a month. This is due to their generally strong health and lower risk of severe genetic conditions compared to other breeds. Shelties are a smart, cost-effective choice for many dog owners.
Shetland Sheepdogs can face several common health issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Thyroid issues
- Allergies
- Epilepsy
9. Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers are friendly, energetic dogs known for their love of play and boundless enthusiasm. They typically weigh between 25 to 36 kg and are one of the most popular breeds worldwide, with around 200,000 in the UK alone.
They’re generally cheaper to insure, with premiums averaging £20 to £35 a month. This affordability is due to their relatively robust health and lower risk of severe hereditary conditions compared to some breeds. Labradors are a great, budget-friendly choice for many families.
Labrador Retrievers can encounter several common health issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Obesity
- Ear infections
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
10. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small dogs with big personalities, famous for their silky coats and spirited nature. They typically weigh around 2 to 3 kg. In the UK, there are approximately 80,000 Yorkies, reflecting their popularity as lively companions.
They are generally cheaper to insure, with monthly premiums averaging £15 to £25. This is because, despite their delicate appearance, they often face fewer severe genetic health issues than other breeds. Their overall health profile helps lower insurance costs.
Yorkshire Terriers can face several common health issues:
- Dental problems
- Patellar luxation
- Hypoglycemia
- Tracheal collapse
- Luxating patella
How to Find the Perfect Dog Breed for You?
Choosing the right dog breed can feel overwhelming, especially when there are over 300 recognised breeds worldwide. Each breed comes with its personality, energy level, and care needs. With nearly 13 million dogs in the UK alone, ensuring your choice matches your lifestyle is important.
- Explore Dog Owner Forums and Online Communities: Dog owner forums and social media groups are treasure troves of information. Websites like Reddit or breed-specific Facebook groups, allow you to ask questions, read others' experiences, and get advice from seasoned dog owners.
- Do Your Own Research on Dog Breeds: Books, websites, and breed databases like The Kennel Club are excellent resources for gathering detailed information on dog breeds. Look into each breed’s history, temperament, grooming needs, health issues, and exercise requirements. Make sure to check how well a breed matches your activity level and home environment.
- Talk to Dog Owners About Their Experience: One of the best ways to learn about different breeds is by talking to people who already own them. They can give you real-life insights into the temperament, energy needs, and daily care of their dogs. Ask them how their dog fits into their lifestyle—whether the breed is easy to train, how much exercise it needs, and any unexpected challenges. This firsthand experience can help you avoid surprises and guide you toward a breed that suits you best.
Don’t Forget to Insure Your Dog
One essential step is securing pet insurance regardless of which breed you choose. Even the healthiest dogs can face unexpected accidents or illnesses, and vet bills can quickly add up. Insurance can cover everything from routine check-ups to major surgeries, ensuring your dog gets the best care without putting a strain on your finances.
Whether you opt for a mixed breed, a playful Beagle, or a regal Shih Tzu, make sure you protect your furry friend with a good insurance plan—your peace of mind is priceless!