Top 15 Dog Breeds That Rack Up Vet Bills

Owning a dog is a joy like no other, but along with the wagging tails and endless love, there comes the inevitable trip to the vet. Some breeds can drain your wallet due to their predispositions to certain health issues. If you’re a dog lover curious about which breeds might have you reaching for your checkbook more often, read on!
English Bulldog

It’s no surprise they top the list for vet expenses. Known for their adorable wrinkled faces, English Bulldogs often face many health issues. Their short noses lead to breathing problems, and their skin folds can result in frequent infections. Hip dysplasia and heart conditions are also common. These lovable dogs require regular vet visits to manage their health.
Rottweiler

Rottweilers are well known for their strength and loyalty, but they are also prone to heart conditions as well as joint problems. Rottweilers can also suffer from a variety of cancers. Their giant size often means higher medical costs, which the owners should be prepared for.
Bulldog

With their charming wrinkled faces and stocky bodies, Bulldogs are hard to resist. However, their unique structure often leads to respiratory issues, skin infections, and hip dysplasia. Additionally, their short noses make them prone to overheating, requiring careful monitoring and sometimes even emergency care.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These small, affectionate dogs are prone to various genetic health problems. Common issues include heart disease, particularly mitral valve disease, hip dysplasia, and ear infections. Their long, floppy ears require frequent cleaning to prevent infections, adding to the overall cost of care.
Chihuahua

Despite their small size, Chihuahuas come with a range of health issues. They are prone to dental problems, heart conditions, and patellar luxation. Their tiny size means that even minor health issues can be severe. Frequent vet visits are necessary to keep them healthy.
Siberian Husky

Possessing an active nature requires consistent check-ups to keep them in top shape. Famous for their striking looks and high energy, Siberian Huskies face health issues like hip dysplasia, eye disorders, digestive issues, and skin problems.
Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards are large, gentle dogs known for their rescue work in snowy regions. However, their size contributes to a range of health problems, including elbow and hip dysplasia, heart disease, and bloating. Their droopy eyes and ears are prone to infections, necessitating regular cleaning and monitoring.
French Bulldog

Frenchies and their adorable flat faces come with a host of health issues, like brachycephalic airway syndrome. These dogs often require corrective surgeries to improve breathing, alongside ongoing dental care due to their crowded teeth. Despite their small size, French Bulldogs can incur significant medical costs, making them one of the breeds with higher maintenance expenses.
Newfoundland

Hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, and cystinuria are common in Newfoundlands. The sheer size of these dogs can exacerbate these conditions, leading to higher vet bills. Routine check-ups and specialized care are vital for their well-being.
Bernese Mountain Dog

With their striking tri-colored coats, Bernese Mountain Dogs are a sight to behold. Unfortunately, they are also prone to a variety of health-related conditions like dysplasia and certain cancers. Their body mass can increase joint problems, making regular check-ups a necessity.
Poodle

Cherished for their intelligence and hypoallergenic coats, Poodles are inclined to several health problems regardless of size. They often suffer from hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and skin conditions. Poodles can also develop epilepsy and heart issues. Regular vet visits help manage these conditions.
Shar Pei

This breed is adorable for its distinctive wrinkled skin, but this kind of skin demands special attention to prevent issues. Consistent visits are crucial to managing several health challenges, like skin infections, eye disorders, and hip dysplasia in these dogs.
German Shepherd

Intelligent, versatile, and excellent working dogs, German Shepherds are all-encompassing. Nevertheless, they are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can require expensive surgery. They also suffer from various genetic conditions, such as degenerative myelopathy and allergies. Routine check-ups and potential treatments for these ailments can be costly.
Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are tiny but mighty expensive. They often suffer from dental problems, collapsing trachea, and liver shunts. Their tiny size means that even minor health issues can become major concerns. Consistent vet visits are necessary to keep them healthy.
Dachshund

Finally, the Dachshunds, with their long bodies and short legs, are prone to back problems. Intervertebral disc disease, hip dysplasia, and obesity are rampant in this breed. The unique shape requires special care to prevent injuries, so regular vet visits are necessary to keep them healthy.