Pet owners with pedigree cats and dogs are more likely to claim on their insurance than those with crossbreeds, according to a leading insurer.

Sainsbury's Bank pet insurance says that 37 per cent of purebred dog owners and 24 per cent of purebred cat owners will make a claim to cover vets bills because inbreeding makes their pets more susceptible to certain illnesses.

The Animal Health Trust says that there are more than 350 inherited diseases specifically linked with pedigree dogs. West Highland Whites, Cocker Spaniels and Bulldogs are prone to skin conditions whilst Labrador Retrievers, Rottweillers, German Shepherd Dogs and Golden Retrievers are susceptible to hip dysplasia.

In contrast, 22 per cent of mutt owners and 16 per cent of those with moggies claim on their policies. With vet treatment bills sometimes running into hundreds of pounds, the bank is urging pet owners to make sure they have adequate cover in case of injury or illness.
Vet Neal King, said the extremes of purebreds sizes and shapes can lead to problems the animal grows.

"Conditions of the joints, ears, eyes and skin can emerge as the puppy grows up and require the sophisticated and inevitably expensive surgical treatment which vets can now provide to correct them," he said.

"In addition some diseases such as epilepsy and allergy are in part hereditary and can need life long medication.

"It is therefore wise to insure a pedigree puppy as soon as you take it in to your care and select a policy which provides adequate levels of long term cover. Once any of these conditions become apparent it will be too late to get cover," he added.