Frenchies vs. Collies: Australia’s Most and Least Expensive Dog Breeds to Insure
Next time you find yourself asking, "How much is that doggy in the window?", you might want to factor in the long-term cost of pet insurance before bringing your new furry family member home.
New research from comparison website Compare the Market has analysed ten of Australia’s most popular dog breeds, revealing a staggering $875 gap between the cheapest and most expensive breeds to cover.
French Bulldogs Lead the Pack for Premium Costs
According to the data, the French Bulldog ranks as the most expensive popular dog breed to insure in Australia. Annual premiums for a six-month-old puppy start at $1,194 per year (around $99 a month).
Why the hefty price tag? Pet insurers calculate premiums based on risk factors including breed lifespans, historical claims data, and known hereditary conditions.
"Fancy breeds often fetch bigger price tags, but what a lot of people probably don't account for is bigger vet bills too – especially in breeds with known hereditary conditions," explains Compare the Market spokeswoman Sarah Orr.
French Bulldogs possess a flat-faced (brachycephalic) anatomy, leaving them particularly susceptible to severe breathing complications like BOAS, spinal and joint diseases, alongside skin and eye issues. Surgeries and ongoing care for these conditions can quickly climb into the thousands of dollars.
Which Breeds Are the Cheapest to Insure?
If you are looking for lower ongoing healthcare expenses, working breeds and popular designer crosses offer far more budget-friendly insurance options.
The Border Collie takes out the top spot as Australia’s cheapest popular breed to insure, with premiums starting from just $319 a year—working out to less than $1 a day.
Popular "oodle" crossbreeds also sit on the lower end of the cost spectrum:
- Cavoodles: $343 per year ($0.94/day)
- Groodles: $355 per year ($0.97/day)
“Pet insurance can be a great financial safety net for many pet owners – but of course animals with a higher risk of potential problems may have to account for that with a higher premium,” Orr notes. “For lower-risk varieties, cover can often be found for less than a cup of coffee (or a puppuccino) each day.”
Australia's Top 10 Popular Dog Breeds: Insurance Cost Breakdown
| Dog Breed Type | Daily Cost | Monthly Premium* | Annual Premium* |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Bulldog | $3.27 | $99 | $1,194 |
| Labrador | $2.11 | $64 | $771 |
| Golden Retriever | $1.72 | $52 | $628 |
| Dachshund | $1.53 | $46 | $559 |
| German Shepherd | $1.53 | $46 | $559 |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | $1.35 | $41 | $494 |
| Maltese Cross | $1.22 | $37 | $445 |
| Groodle | $0.97 | $29 | $355 |
| Cavoodle | $0.94 | $28 | $343 |
| Border Collie | $0.88 | $26 | $319 |
*Rounded to the lowest dollar amount. Source: Compare the Market.
How Have Insurance Costs Changed Over Time?
It is interesting to note how premium pricing aligns with historical veterinary claim figures.
Back in 2019, insurance claim data from Pet Insurance Australia showed that giant purebreds like the Bullmastiff and British Bulldog generated the highest individual claims (see our 2019 breakdown on the top 10 most expensive dog breeds for insurance claims).
Fast-forward to today, and while insurance premiums broadly reflect those ongoing purebred health risks, purebred popularity trends—like the massive rise of the French Bulldog—have reshaped upfront policy pricing.
What Should Prospective Pet Owners Do?
If you're currently choosing the right dog breed for your family, researching potential health risks and running insurance comparisons early will ensure you aren't caught off guard by unexpected medical costs down the track.
Always review policy features carefully, including annual payout limits, benefit percentages, and excess options, to find cover tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
Data Disclaimer & Attribution:
Pet insurance premiums quoted via Compare the Market based on a six-month-old male desexed dog with no pre-existing conditions residing in Alderley, QLD (4051). Quotes feature a $12,000 annual limit, 80% benefit percentage, and $200 excess. Quotes are indicative only; always refer to individual Product Disclosure Statements (PDS) and Target Market Determinations (TMD).
