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We’re a nation of dog lovers, with around one-in-three households including at least one four-legged friend.
By far the most popular pet in the UK, they make for wonderful companions, all the while improving both our mental and physical health.
The army of dog owners continues to grow, with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
Of course there’s also the practicalities of affordability, with different breeds commanding very difference prices - and upkeep costs like insurance.
Getting insurance for your dog is crucial if you don’t want to face astronomical vet bills should your pet fall ill.
A new study by pet insurance comparison website Pet Insurance Deals used data from Animal Friends to determine which dog breeds command the highest and lowest insurance premiums across more than 150 recognised breeds.
Here are the 10 breeds of dog that will see you paying the lowest monthly insurance premiums.
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5. Papillon
Completing the five cheapest breeds of dog to insure is the tiny Papillon, with average monthly premiums of £5.15. One of the oldest of the toy spaniels, it derives its name from its characteristic butterfly-like look of the long and fringed hair on the ears. | Canva/Getty Images
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6. Black and Tan Coonhound
Just missing out on a spot in the top five cheapest dogs to insure is the Black and Tan Coonhound - with an average monthly premium of £5.16. Bred in the USA to hunt racoons (hence the name), it's a scenthound created by crossing the Bloodhound and the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound. | Canva/Getty Images
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7. Toy Poodle
One of three dog breeds with average monthly insurance premiums of £5.25 is the smallest of the three Poodle sizes - the Toy Poodle. Active and intelligence, the Poodle is a very popular pet, particularly for dog lovers with allergies - they shed very little of that curly hair. | Canva/Getty Images
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8. Miniature Poodle
The Miniature Poodle - the middle-sized Poodle breed - also has average monthly insurance premiums of £5.25. | Canva/Getty Images