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.
A 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 highest monthly insurance premiums.
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5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Showing that large breeds aren't the only ones with higher premiums, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi completes the five most expensive dog breeds, with a average monthly premium of £15.02. Famously a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II, these dogs were used to held cattle and have a name that literally means 'dwarf dog'. | AFP via Getty Images
6. Large Munsterlander
The Large Munsterlander costs an average of £14.87 to insure each month. This dog was only recognised as a disinct breed by the UK Kennel Club in 1971. It was bred to 'point' at and retrieve game. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Small Munsterlander
Also with an average monthly insurance premium of £14.87, is the Small Munsterlander. Another 'pointing' dog from the same area of Germany as the Large Munsterlander, the two breeds are actually pretty distinct and do not share common direct descendants. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Estrela Mountain Dog
Continuing the theme of dogs bred at altitude costing most to insure is the Estrela Mountain Dog, which as an average monthly premium of £14.79. One of the oldest dog breeds from the Iberian Peninsula, they were first bred in Portugal as guard dogs. | Canva/Getty Images