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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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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'. | Canva/Getty Images
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6. Lhasa Apso
Moving onto the cheapest pups to insure and the Lhasa Apso which has the joint lowest average insurance premium of any dog breed - just £4.85. A Tibetan breed, they were originally used as watchdogs, helping to guard homes and temples. | Canva/Getty Images
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7. Parson Russell Terrier
The Parson Russell Terrier also costs an average of just £4.85 per month to insure - that's £11.18 less than the table-topping Flat-Coated Retriever. This breed is named after the Reverend Jack Russell - who first bred both these dogs and the Jack Russell Terrier. | Canva/Getty Images
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8. Brazilian Terrier
The Brazilian Terrier takes the bronze medal as the third most affordable breed - at £4.86 monthly on average. They are thought to have been created by crossing Jack Russell Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers and Fox Terriers who were brought to Brazil from Europe in the 1800s. | Canva/Getty Images