Puppy love on a budget: Cheapest dog breeds revealed
- Written by: Times Media
Australians dreaming of adding a four-legged friend to the family are being urged to think beyond the purchase price, with new insurance data from CoverMy Pet revealing the dog breeds which can save owners thousands of dollars over the lifetime of their pet with Border Collies, Labradoodles and King Charles Spaniels among the cheapest.
While the upfront price of a puppy can run into the thousands of dollars, it's the years that follow that often prove the biggest financial commitment, making breed choice more important than ever for budget-conscious households.
"Choosing a puppy is an emotional decision, but it's also a financial one and the cutest face shouldn't be the only factor. Many people focus on the price of getting the puppy without considering the ongoing costs they'll face over the next 10 to 15 years,” said CoverMy Pet General Manager Grant Pugh.
“Responsible pet ownership starts before bringing a puppy home. Along with researching temperament, exercise and suitability, families should factor in unexpected veterinary costs, ongoing health care and insurance when comparing breeds.”
Mr Pugh said analysis of dogs aged between zero and five years reveals the major breeds that are typically the least expensive to insure, offering a practical guide for people looking to keep long-term costs under control.
“We see these breeds as being lower risk because statistically they have fewer health issues and less likelihood of developing hereditary conditions in the first five years which makes them among the least expensive to insure,” he said.
The five least expensive major dog breeds to insure are:
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Border Collies and Sheepdogs
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Chihuahuas and Chihuahuas crosses
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Labradoodles
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Maltese terriers
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King Charles Spaniels and crosses
"For families already feeling the squeeze from mortgage repayments or rent and grocery bills, choosing a breed with lower ongoing costs can make pet ownership more sustainable without sacrificing the joy of having a dog."
The Australian Veterinary Association estimates the average lifetime cost of owning a dog is more than $25,000, with the average household spending around $4,000 in the first year alone.
“Puppy vaccinations and preventative worming and tick treatments can be upwards of $400 a year. Some breeds are prone to health problems that will cost you more in vet bills, while a dog with long hair will cost you more in grooming.
"Insurance has traditionally been one of the biggest recurring costs but it doesn’t have to be. Costs are generally influenced by a range of factors, including a breed's likelihood of developing hereditary conditions, injury risk and historical claims experience,” said Mr Pugh.
The average cost of pet insurance in Australia is $134 a month, however the launch of CoverMy Pet as a new affordable pet insurance alternative can now be accessed for as little as $22 a month, covering 85% of usual vet bills for the lifetime of their pet.
While every puppy steals hearts, choosing one that's also gentle on the family budget could be one of the smartest financial decisions dog lovers make.
About CoverMy Pet
Australian owned CoverMy Pet offers no-frills, affordable pet insurance to help cover unexpected vet bills. https://covermy.au/
