Dachshund vs Boston Terrier: Pet Insurance Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of Dachshund and Boston Terrier insurance costs, health risks, and coverage needs.
Both the Dachshund and the Boston Terrier are beloved breeds, but they differ significantly in terms of health risks, insurance costs, and long-term care requirements. Both are small breeds, so their size-related health risks are comparable, but breed-specific conditions create meaningful differences in insurance costs. The Dachshund has a typical lifespan of 12-15 years compared to 12-14 years for the Boston Terrier.
When it comes to insurance, the Boston Terrier is the more costly breed to cover at approximately $50/month compared to $48/month for the Dachshund — a difference of $2/month or about $24/year. This premium gap reflects higher average annual veterinary costs ($1,080 vs $900) and breed-specific health predispositions.
Health-wise, the Dachshund is predisposed to intervertebral disc disease, obesity, dental disease. The Boston Terrier, on the other hand, is prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome, luxating patella, cataracts.
For prospective owners, budget-conscious owners may find the Dachshund more affordable to insure. Regardless of which breed you choose, enrolling in pet insurance while your pet is young and healthy ensures you'll have coverage when you need it most — and avoids the pre-existing condition exclusion that makes later enrollment less valuable.
| Attribute | Dachshund | Boston Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | small |
| Weight | 11–20 lbs | 11–24 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12–15 yrs | 12–14 yrs |
| Avg Vet Cost | $900/yr | $1,080/yr |
| Insurance Premium | $55–$70/mo | $57–$72/mo |
| Common Conditions | 5 | 5 |
| Popularity Rank | #6 | #23 |
Dachshund Health Risks
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) — $3,000–$12,000
- Obesity — $500–$3,000
- Dental Disease (Periodontal Disease) — $500–$3,000
- Cushing's Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism) — $1,500–$6,000
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) — $1,000–$3,000
Boston Terrier Health Risks
- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS) — $2,000–$7,000
- Luxating Patella — $1,500–$5,000
- Cataracts — $2,500–$5,000
- Cherry Eye (Prolapsed Third Eyelid Gland) — $500–$2,500
- Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis) — $500–$3,000
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dachshund or Boston Terrier more expensive to insure?▾
Dachshund insurance starts at $55/mo while Boston Terrier starts at $57/mo. Boston Terrier is more expensive due to higher vet costs ($1080/yr).
Which breed has more health problems, Dachshund or Boston Terrier?▾
Dachshund is prone to intervertebral disc disease (ivdd), obesity, dental disease (periodontal disease), cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism), progressive retinal atrophy (pra). Boston Terrier is prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome (bas), luxating patella, cataracts, cherry eye (prolapsed third eyelid gland), allergies (atopic dermatitis).