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.
Read more:
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.
Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.

9. Spanish Mastiff
You can expect to pay an average monthly insurance premium of £14.76 for a Spanish Mastiff dog. These powerful beasts were used by Spanish shepherds to protect thier flocks from wolves and other predators. | Canva/Getty Images

10. Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog
Completing our list, with average monthly insurance premiums of £14.76 is Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog - the joint ninth most expensive bred of pup to insure. It's another dog bred to protect livestock - this time in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. | Canva/Getty Images

