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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.
There’s always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust.
But for those with their heart set on welcoming a new puppy into their home, it’s worth looking at how much you are likely to be asked to pay.
It’s also important to realise that owning a dogs can be an expensive business on a ongoing basis, including paying for crucial insurance to ensure you’re not left with a huge vet bill should your pup 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.
Tom Sadler, Managing Director of Pet Insurance Deals, explained the importance of the findings saying: “With the cost of living still a concern for many households, more people will be basing their decisions based on finances. Unless you’re adopting a dog, it’s important to know that the initial cost of buying a dog isn’t as important as health or dietary care, and often-overlooked expenses like insurance premiums can come as a shock.”
So, here are the 10 breeds of dog that will see you paying the biggest - and smallest monthly insurance premiums.
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9. Finnish Spitz
Researchers found that the Finnish Spitz cost an average monthly premium of £5.02 to insure. This breed was originally trained to hunt a huge range of game in their native Finland - from squirrels to bears. | Canva/Getty Images
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10. 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