Adopting a new fur baby? The top factors to consider before choosing a dog breed
With summer being peak pet adoption season, you may be thinking of introducing a new four-legged family member to your family. From breed-specific health conditions to grooming and exercise needs, adopting a new pooch is a long-term commitment so it’s important to do your homework.
In this guide, we review some of the factors pet parents should think about before adopting or purchasing a dog.
Pet healthcare expenses: can you afford it?
Knowing and preparing for pet healthcare costs is key. Beyond the initial purchase cost, there are plenty of ongoing costs you’ll need to budget for like food, accessories, boarding and of course veterinary costs (routine and unexpected costs).
The latest report from the Animal Medicines Australia “Pets in Australia” report^^ shows the average household spend for a dog in 2022 was $3,218 and for a cat $1,715 – but remember, these are just annual costs so you need to consider ongoing expenses throughout your pet’s life including costs for accidents and illness.
The below table lists common pet health mishaps and treatment costs, thanks to data from PetSure (the brand behind petinsurance.com.au).
Cost of top 10 Conditions in dogs (all ages), for the calendar year 2022
| Condition | Average cost for treatment of the condition* | Highest cost for treatment of the condition* |
| Skin allergies | $520 | $17,460 |
| Ear infection | $315 | $16,670 |
| Osteoarthritis | $423 | $12,255 |
| Gastritis | $523 | $28,232 |
| Diarrhoea | $416 | $20,663 |
| Lameness | $441 | $13,634 |
| Mass Lesion – Skin (Cutaneous) | $698 | $12,012 |
| Vomiting | $565 | $26,661 |
| Anal Sac Disorder | $260 | $11,021 |
| Dental disease | $706 | $11,923 |
Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider.
* Please note that values calculated are based on all claims for that condition and medically related conditions in each calendar year.
So how does breed impact pet healthcare costs?
While any dog breed can experience illness or accidents, some breeds may be more prone to experience specific health conditions than others.
This is why you should research different dog breeds to understand breed-specific health conditions your dog may experience during it’s life, and the estimated costs of veterinary care.
Most at Risk Dog Breeds, PetSure data 2022*
| 1. All Bulldog breeds |
| 2. Boxer |
| 3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels |
| 4. Bernese Moutain Dog |
| 5. Great Dane |
*Prevalence = Total number of unique claiming pets/total number of insured pets (trailing 12-month period). Excludes breeds with less than 500 exposed policies in the period.
Specific dog breeds like Brachycephalic breeds often experience respiratory issues, known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). This includes dog breeds like French Bulldogs, Bulldogs and Pugs.
Lifestyle Factors
Your living quarters
Consider your living situation and the type of accommodation that will suit your new fur baby. If you live in an apartment, smaller dog breeds like Dachshunds, Pugs, and French Bulldogs may be a good fit as they generally need less exercise.
Family-friendly breeds
If you have kids or plan to start a family in the future, consider breeds that are child friendly. Breeds like Golden Retrievers and Labradors are known for their patient, gentle and friendly personalities.
Your location and climate factors
Location and climate factors are also something to consider, especially if there are extreme or tropical weather conditions in your local area. For example, some locations like QLD or NSW may be more susceptible to ticks which may increase the risk of tick paralysis for your dog. Although any breed of dog can be affected by tick paralysis, in 2022 the top dog breeds treated for tick paralysis were the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Airedale Terrier, Australian Silky Terrier and Tibetan Spaniel, based on PetSure’s data.
Multiple Pets
Adding another pet to the mix can be exciting, but just like humans sometimes personalities clash. One way to help mitigate this is to introduce your existing dog to the new dog to ensure they get along.
Breed-specific factors
Exercise needs
Different dog breeds have different exercise requirements. While some breeds, such as Bordie Colliers, Labrador Retrievers and Kelpies need plenty of exercise others like Bulldogs or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may be happy to laze on the couch.
Breed Temperament and Personality
Knowing a breed’s temperament is a key part of your breed research, to ensure a good fit with your lifestyle and family. If you want an affectionate dog, breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Shih Tzu might be a good fit. However, if you like your own space, the Basenji or the Scottish Terrier might be suitable.
Grooming Needs
Long-haired breeds, like the Afghan Hound or the Maltese, often require frequent brushing and professional grooming to maintain their coat while short-haired breeds may shed less but still need regular care.
Before introducing a new fur baby into your home, make sure you research different breeds so you make the right decision about the best dog breed for you and your family.
References
^ https://www.rspcasa.org.au/pet-surrenders-2018/
Animal shelters overflowing as cost-of-living pressures prompt record pet surrenders
Surrendering your pet: What you need to know
Top 8 reasons people surrendered their pets in 2018 – and what they could have done instead