These days, more people are opting to forgo having children and instead give all their love and energy to their canine companions. With the rise of DINKWADs (Duel Income, No Kids, With A Dog) comes a new level of commitment to their dogs.
New research performed by Insurify revealed the extent to which people will go to care for their 'furbabies.' The study also showed which 10 dog breeds Americans are insuring. Some of which may surprise you.
Top 10 dog breeds Americans are insuring
1. Chihuahua
According to a study done by Insurify, Chihuahuas are the number one dog breed to be insured, accounting for around 5.9% of dogs. They are a tiny breed that can live around 14-16 years. Chihuahuas tend to have health issues related to their eyes, weight, knees, heart, and teeth. Despite these issues, Chihuahua pet insurance costs are lower than average, at around $636 yearly.
2. Pit Bull
Pit bulls may not have the best reputation, yet they are extremely loved throughout America and are the second most popular dog to insure. On average, they cost $929 annually to insure. Pit Bulls can live anywhere between 9 and 13 years and tend to have health issues such as skin cancer, cataracts, and hyperthyroidism, which explains why their insurance costs are on the higher side.
3. German Shepherd
Known for their loyalty and guarding skills, German Shepherds comprise around 3.6% of dogs insured in America. They are a popular family dog that requires lots of exercise to keep them well balanced. Commonly, you will notice that most police dogs are German Shepherds since they are easily trainable and loyal to their humans.
Unfortunately, German Shepherds only live between 7-10 years old due to how susceptible they are to health issues such as gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), hip and elbow dysplasia, and paralyzing degenerative myelopathy. Due to these common health problems, their insurance costs are higher at $742 annually.
4. Shih Tzu
It's no wonder the Shih Tzu made it to number four on this list. They are tiny dogs that do not need much exercise and are perfectly content to lay on their human's lap most of the day. This makes them suitable for older owners or those with health issues unsuitable for a more active, larger breed.
A Shih Tzu can live anywhere from 10-18 years and are prone to having problems with their hearts, eyes, ears, and teeth. They also commonly suffer from hip dysplasia and gastrointestinal diseases. On average, people will spend around $691 yearly to insure these tiny creatures.
5. Labrador Retriever
Tied for the fifth spot, the Labrador Retriever is consistently among the most popular dog breeds. They are playful, loving, and loyal and are great with families. They also have high energy and a strong desire to please their humans, making them great dogs for agility training and hunting. They have also been used for bomb detection, search-and-rescue, and as service dogs.
Annually, people will spend around $920 to insure their Lab. This is due to their tendency to get aggressive types of cancer along with frequent ear infections, retina atrophy (which can cause blindness), and hip dysplasia. These health issues are the reason for the higher than average insurance costs and their lifespan between 11 and 13 years.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers tied for fifth with the Labrador, making up 3% of insured dogs nationwide. One significant benefit of owning a Yorkie is that they are considered hypoallergenic and do not shed. However, their coats are high maintenance and require to be brushed every day and washed once a week at minimum.
Other than their grooming needs, Yorkies are incredibly friendly and trainable. They are prone to kneecap dislocations, cataracts, dental disease, and chronic dry eyes. However, keeping up with their health, a Yorkie can live anywhere between 11 and 15 years, and their owners are paid $669 every year to be insured.
7. French Bulldog
According to the American Kennel Club, the number seven on our list is the number one most popular dog breed two years in a row. French Bulldogs aim to please and can adapt to almost any environment. Their short snout tends to cause brachycephalic airway syndrome, which makes it hard for them to breathe.
The French Bulldog can live between 10 and 12 years and has a higher-than-average insurance cost of $1,035 per year. This is due to its many health concerns, such as blood clotting disorders, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and significant back, spine, and disc issues. Despite these health concerns, the popularity of this breed does not seem to be slowing down.
8. Golden Retriever
Another incredibly popular breed, the Golden Retriever, is number eight on this list. Their average lifespan is 10-12 years, and they are commonly seen as the happiest dogs on the planet. Their positive demeanor gives them more energy, so they need constant exercise. It wouldn't hurt to put them through an agility course.
Unlike other breeds, the Golden Retriever has fewer health problems. The most significant health issues to look out for are specific skin issues such as hot spots and dermatitis. Golden Retrievers can also be susceptible to hypothyroidism, certain types of cancer, and heart issues. The average cost to insure this breed is around $891, which is not as expensive as others but is not the lowest.
9. Dachshund
The Dachshund, a tiny dog bred originally for hunting, is number nine on this list, making up around 1.6% of insured dogs in America. Do not let their size fool you; regular exercise relieves some of their energy and strengthens their longer-than-average backs. Their backs tend to cause the most health risks as they are prone to intervertebral disc disease. Although they can live to be around 16 years old on average, their insurance is a little lower at $699 a year.
10. Pomeranian
Finally, at number 10, we have the Pomeranian. Making up 1.3% of insured dogs in America, these fluffy canine companions are popular for those living in the cities or smaller homes/apartments. These little dogs are full of personalities, and when they're not cuddling with their humans, they run around looking for someone to play with them.
On average, the premium for Pomeranians is 10% higher than the national average, costing their owners $771 every year. The reasoning for that price comes down to the health issues this breed tends to suffer from like luxating patellas hypoglycemia, and hypothyroidism. They can also be susceptible to skin issues such as alopecia X and can develop seizures over time.
The rise of DINKWADs comes with more dedication to their canine companions. Getting your dog insured is becoming more popular as these "fur babies" become integral to the family.