If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
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.
Pet insurance costs can vary considerably depending on the type of dog an owner chooses.
To help current and prospective owners understand the potential costs associated with different breed, money experts at Monzo have gdata on popular UK dog breeds and crossbreeds before comparing pet insurance quotes to calculate the average annual cost of cover for each.
Here are the 10 breeds of dog that will see you paying the highest monthly insurance premiums.
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9. Labrador Retriever
Britain's top dog the Labrador Retriever commands an average insurance premium of £278.98. | AFP via Getty Images
10. Golden Retriever
Completing our list of the most expensive dogs to insure is the Golden Retriever, which costs an average of £278.72 a year. | AFP via Getty Images