Quick Answer
French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Danes, and Cane Corsos are consistently among the most expensive dog breeds to insure in Canada. Three factors drive the pricing: brachycephalic anatomy (flat-faced breeds with chronic breathing issues), giant size (more orthopedic risk, shorter lifespans, higher cancer rates), and well-documented hereditary conditions that insurers price into premiums. Get a quote — for these breeds, premium differences between insurers can be substantial.
Why some breeds cost more
Insurers price your premium by anticipating how much they'll likely pay out over the pet's life. Three factors push that estimate up:
- Brachycephalic anatomy. Flat-faced breeds have lifelong upper-airway issues (BOAS), eye problems, skin folds, dental crowding, and heat sensitivity.
- Giant size. Bigger dogs have more orthopedic issues, more rapid joint wear, and shorter lifespans with higher cancer rates.
- Heritable disease load. Breeds with documented predispositions to expensive conditions (cardiomyopathy, dysplasia, IVDD) get priced accordingly.
These aren't arbitrary penalties — they reflect actual claim data.
The most expensive breeds (qualitative ranking)
1. French Bulldog
Brachycephalic, prone to BOAS surgery, IVDD, allergies, eye problems, and heat-related emergencies. Among the most insurance-relevant breeds in Canada because of how many issues are statistically likely. Full French Bulldog guide →
2. English Bulldog
Even more health issues than the French Bulldog on average — severe brachycephalic anatomy, hip dysplasia, skin disease, breeding-related complications. Premiums reflect a sobering health profile.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
Giant breed with one of the highest lifetime cancer rates of any breed (histiocytic sarcoma, lymphoma) plus orthopedic risk. Full Bernese guide →
4. Great Dane
Giant breed with cardiac concerns (dilated cardiomyopathy), GDV (bloat) risk, and orthopedic load. Shorter lifespan but heavy claim potential per year.
5. Cane Corso
Large molosser breed prone to orthopedic issues, cardiac problems, and certain cancers. Pricing varies widely between insurers.
6. Saint Bernard
Giant breed with elevated cancer rates, orthopedic stress, and predisposition to bloat. Similar pricing pattern to Great Danes and Berners.
7. Boxer
Higher than average cancer rates (mast cell tumours, lymphoma), cardiac concerns (boxer cardiomyopathy), brachycephalic issues. Strong insurance case but pricier.
8. Rottweiler
Higher orthopedic and cancer risk than most large breeds. Premiums reflect a meaningful claim profile.
9. Mastiff (English / Bullmastiff / Neapolitan)
Giant breed with shortened lifespan, orthopedic load, and breed-specific concerns. Premiums often steep.
10. Newfoundland
Giant breed with cardiac issues (subaortic stenosis), orthopedic concerns, and shorter average lifespan.
What "expensive to insure" means for your decision
A higher premium doesn't mean you should skip insurance — it usually means the opposite. Insurers price the way they do because the breed actually generates more claims. The whole point of a policy is converting that unpredictable claim risk into a predictable monthly cost.
For these breeds specifically, comprehensive coverage with an unlimited or very high annual cap matters more than chasing the cheapest premium. A capped policy can be exhausted by one bad year.
How to shop smart
- Get quotes from at least three insurers (Trupanion, Petsecure, Pets Plus Us). Premium differences for the same breed and same coverage can be substantial.
- Look at coverage structure as much as price: unlimited cap, hereditary condition coverage, direct vet pay availability.
- Enrol as young as possible. Breed-related conditions get diagnosed early in life — anything documented before enrollment is excluded.