Rottweilers the Most Expensive Dog to Treat

    BRIGHTON, ENGLAND, March 26, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- 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(1). The average treatment cost for a Rottweiler is in the region of GBP441, 32% above the average treatment cost for pedigree dogs and 61% higher than the average treatment cost for a West Highland White, at GBP271. The bank, whose extensive pet insurance covers vets bills up to GBP7,500 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(2), 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 GBP487.93, 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."

Most and least expensive dogs per treatment

Top 3
Rottweiler - average treatment cost is GBP441.01, 32% more than the average dog breed
Weirmeraner- average treatment cost is GBP407.84, 22% more than the average dog breed
Bulldog - average treatment cost is GBP396.37, 19% more than the average dog breed

Bottom 3
King Charles Spaniel - average treatment cost is GBP284.72, 15% less than the average dog breed
Yorkshire Terrier - average treatment cost is GBP279.96, 16% less than the average dog breed
West Highland White - average treatment cost is GBP270.70, 19% less than the average dog breed

Most and least expensive cats per treatment

Top 2
Mained Coon - average treatment cost is GBP487.93, 40% more than the average cat breed
Bengal - average treatment cost is GBP409.79, 17% more than the average cat breed

Bottom 2
Burmese - average treatment cost is GBP296.17,15% less than the average cat breed
Persian - average treatment cost is GBP266.83, 24% less than the average breed

Recent research from Petmeds(3) 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 GBP7,500 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 call 0800 0565758, log on to www.sainsburysbank.co.uk or pick up a leaflet in a Sainsbury's supermarket. You will also be able to find information about our other financial services including savings accounts, personal loans, life insurance and home insurance.

For further information, please contact:
Ian Morris / Sarah Rowan
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
020 7638 9571

Notes to Editors:
Sainsbury's Pet Insurance is underwritten by AXA Insurance UK plc which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

(1) Based on analysis of Sainsbury's Pet Insurance data for 2008
(2) Kennel Club data (www.thekennelclub.org.uk)
(3) Petmeds research conducted by GfK NOP, October 2008

Sainsbury's Bank:
To view our latest press releases and product information, please visit the Sainsbury's Bank online media centre at www.sainsburysfinance.co.uk/media.

Sainsbury's Bank offers a range of quality, competitively priced, award-winning products. It opened for business on 19th February 1997 and was the UK's first supermarket bank. It is a 50:50 joint venture with Sainsbury's and Lloyd's Banking Group.

Sainsbury's Bank offers the following products: Credit Cards and Loans, a range of Savings products and Car Insurance, Life Insurance, Home Insurance, Travel Insurance and Pet Insurance.
For further information and general Sainsbury's Bank enquiries customers can call the freephone number on 0500 40 50 60 or visit www.sainsburysbank.co.uk

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