5 Least Expensive Dog Breeds to Insure

Small and scrappy wins the race.

For most of us, our pets are part of the family. So treat them like family by ensuring they're properly insured. Pet insurance is the health insurance equivalent for our furry family, providing important coverage for major health issues and medical emergencies.

Just like human health insurance, how much you pay for pet insurance will vary based on your particular pets. For dogs, one of the biggest factors in the price of your monthly pet insurance premium is their breed.

When it comes to purebred dogs, smaller is typically better in terms of pet insurance costs. But you could save even more by adopting a scrappy mixed-breed pup. Here are some of the least-expensive pups to insure.

1. Mixed-breed dogs

If you have your heart set on getting that little rescue mutt from the shelter, then you're in luck. A mixed-breed dog will typically come without some of the more pervasive health concerns of their purebred counterparts. This means they're also generally cheaper to insure than purebred dogs. Choose a smaller dog with parents from healthier breeds to cut costs even more.

2. Chihuahuas

One of the smallest dog breeds -- they typically weigh a meager 3 lbs to 6 lbs -- Chihuahuas are one of the cheapest purebred dogs to insure. Though prone to a few size-related and genetic health issues, Chihuahuas are a fairly healthy breed when fed and exercised properly, and this helps keep monthly insurance costs low.

3. Jack Russell Terriers

Despite a handful of health concerns that stem from being a purebred dog, the Jack Russell is a generally hardy pup that can have a long, healthy life. As such, they're a relatively inexpensive breed to insure, with monthly rates as low as $1 a day. What's more, these energetic dogs are also one of the least expensive breeds to own overall thanks to their smaller frames and low-maintenance coats.

4. Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkies, as they are affectionately known, are another compact and affordable breed to insure thanks to their relative good health. Though prone to a few medical issues common in smaller breeds, Yorkies can live well over a decade. One thing to note is that Yorkies require regular grooming to stay in peak health, so factor that into your overall cost expectations.

5. English Springer Spaniels

If you're looking for a mid-sized pup, the English Springer Spaniel may be a good choice. These hardy dogs are very affordable to insure thanks to generally good health and long lifespans. That said, Spaniels on the larger side can be prone to a few issues uncommon to smaller dogs, such as hip dysplasia, which may increase insurance costs.

Breed is only part of the equation

The smaller breeds of dogs may have a lower monthly insurance cost, but don't let that sway you if your heart is set on that larger breed of dog. Although the monthly cost is lower, the smaller breeds outlive their larger canine counterparts. That adds up to more monthly payments overall.

If you want to save a few bucks on the cost of your pet's insurance, take a tip from your auto policy. Paying your policy annually can save over monthly installments. Also, just like there are multi-car discounts, those with many pets can look for multi-pet discounts.

Additionally, regardless of your dog's breed and insurance plan, make sure you also have a dedicated pet emergency fund. Most pet insurance plans require you to pay for services upfront, then submit a claim for reimbursement. Having a couple grand set aside for unexpected pet costs can make a huge difference to your peace of mind.