Rottweilers the most expensive dog to treat

Rottweilers are the most expensive breed of dog for veterinary treatment, according to new figures based on analysis of claims data released by Sainsbury's Finance. The average treatment cost for a Rottweiler is in the region of £441, 32% above the average treatment cost for pedigree dogs and 61% higher than the average treatment cost for a West Highland White, at £271. The bank, whose extensive Pet Insurance covers vets bills up to £7,500 per condition, is warning that people looking to buy pets should consider all the possible costs before entering into pet ownership, as costs can vary enormously between different breeds.

The research, which takes into account veterinary treatment costs for the 20 most common breeds of dog, also reveals a huge disparity in the cost of treating different breeds of cats. The average treatment cost for the most expensive breed, the Maine Coon, is a huge £487.93, 40% above the average cost of treating all types of cat, and almost twice as much as the average treatment cost for the cheapest breed, the Persian.

Neal Devine, Sainsbury's Pet Insurance Manager, commented: "The average cost of treating different breeds can be huge, but many people don't consider the likely difference in cost between different breeds before buying a pet. We would urge people to look at all the costs they could face, from food to veterinary fees, before choosing a pet. Pet owners are well advised to protect themselves from unexpected vet costs by making sure they have good quality pet insurance cover."

Recent research from Petmeds showed that 2.1 million people intended to buy a pet for a friend or family member last Christmas, sparking fears that many people wouldn't give enough consideration to the ability of the recipient to look after the animals properly, particularly in the current economic climate.

Good quality pet insurance does not need to be expensive, good cover at a competitive price can be found by shopping around. Sainsbury's Pet Insurance offering up to £7,500 cover per condition for vet fees is also designed to offer some of the widest range of benefits available at a competitive price. For further information, visit sainsburys.co.uk