The world’s largest dog show, Crufts, returns to Birmingham this week (5-8 March 2026), to shine a spotlight on Britain’s most beloved breeds.
This year, Crufts announced that it’ll be focusing more than ever on breed health by introducing a new rule for brachycephalic breeds – dogs with short, flat faces like pugs, bulldogs and French Bulldogs. If they have moderate or severe breathing problems, they’re no longer allowed to compete. These changes are designed to protect the welfare of these popular dog breeds and raise awareness of the long‑term health issues they can face.
So, with this in mind, we thought it was the perfect time for owners – and brokers advising clients – to think about what really affects your dog’s health and how getting the right insurance can make a huge difference in protecting your pooches.
What affects your dog’s insurance premium?
A few key factors influence how much you pay for pet insurance, including:
1. Breed
The breed of your dog can have a huge impact on your insurance premiums, because some breeds are more likely to develop certain health conditions – meaning more trips to the vet.
According to Money Expert, large breeds like Cane Corsos, Bullmastiffs, Great Danes and Rottweilers are the most expensive breeds to insure due to their size and tendency to develop joint issues like hip dysplasia, heart disease or digestive disorders. These are closely followed by French bulldogs and English bulldogs, which tend to be prone to breathing issues, joint problems and skin conditions – all of which can push premiums up.[1]
2. Age
Just like us humans, as your dog gets older, sadly they become more likely to develop health problems. This in turn increases the likelihood of claims, which raises premiums.
Even mixed breeds – which are generally seen as lower-risk than pure breeds – aren’t immune to age related conditions like arthritis, kidney issues or even vision and hearing loss.
3. Lifestyle
A dog’s daily routine also affects risk. High‑energy dogs that enjoy lots of running or rough‑and‑tumble are more likely to get strains or injuries. Less active dogs might avoid these injuries, but they might find that they face other problems linked to weight gain or mobility issues.
Knowing about these lifestyle factors helps insurers estimate the likelihood that a dog is going to need vet care, and how much that care might cost.
How insurance supports your dog’s wellbeing
Pet insurance isn’t just helpful in emergencies. It helps the owner give their dog the best care throughout their life with them. There are many benefits of having insurance:
It helps you diagnose issues early and get treatment
Whether it’s catching joint issues before they get worse, managing hereditary conditions to ease the pain or treating a skin problem quickly and effectively, early intervention can dramatically improve the outcomes. When owners know that they’re covered, they’re more likely to set off to see the vet as soon as they see something isn’t quite right.
It can help you manage long-term conditions
Some illnesses require years of medication, monitoring or ongoing treatment and tests. Conditions such as hip dysplasia, cancer, Addison’s disease or cardiomyopathy can quickly become expensive, but having insurance can help spread the cost.
It can cover the everyday mishaps and accidents
Even the healthiest dog can have an off day. A dog who loves obstacle courses might slip off a piece of equipment. A boisterous pup might twist awkwardly when it’s chasing a ball. An old terrier might need a bit of extra help with its stiff joints. Insurance helps make sure these everyday mishaps don’t become major financial setbacks.
Why now is the time to review pet insurance
With Crufts shining a light on the realities behind some of the UK’s most popular breeds’ health, March quickly becomes the ideal time for owners to think about their dog’s specific needs. Whether you’ve recently brought home a new puppy, or you’re caring for a loyal companion that you’ve had for years, having the right insurance in place helps safeguard their future.
Good insurance supports proactive healthcare, spreads costs, reduces worry and ultimately helps keep your dogs healthier for longer. And as every dog owner knows – once they’re part of the family, you want to give them the best life possible.
[1] Pet insurance for Dogs – The top 16 most expensive dog breeds in the UK revealed
Back
