What to know before getting a dog

What to consider when choosing a dog breed.

Before purchasing your furry companion, consider where you live and which breed will be most suitable for it. Your environment will be a determining factor in what kind of dog you can accommodate.

Ask yourself these questions:

What does my living situation look like?
Do you live in a house, apartment, townhouse or rural area?

What does my day-to-day look like?
Do you work full-time, or are you free most of the week?

What does my family structure look like?
Do you have a large family with children, or are you single living alone?

Am I planning to move anywhere or have long-term travel plans?
Is there anyone that could look after your dog while you’re away?

If you live in an urban area with limited access to a backyard or outdoor area, a smaller dog that requires less physical exercise may be a better fit than a larger one. Big dogs often need more space and have greater physical activity needs.

Once you’ve considered these things, it’s time to start looking for your perfect match. Take a look at our guide below to see what kind of dog breed might be best for you.

Common things you need for a dog.

There are a few things you’ll need if you’re bringing a dog home. From a bed to toys, these basic items are essential for keeping your dog happy and healthy.

See a breakdown below:

Item	Description	Average cost per product#
Bed.	A comfortable bed that suits your dog’s size.	$20 - $70.
Food.	Opt for dry or wet food that’s appropriate for your dog’s age and size.	$2 - $5.
Water/Food bowls.	Get non-slip bowls so your dog can eat without making a mess.	$15 - $20.
Collar.	It’s best to get a collar you can adjust as your dog grows.	$8 - $45.
Lead.	A lead should be chosen based on the size and age of your dog. Not too long or short.	$10 - $20.
Toys.	Choose a range of toys - training, enrichment and interactive.	$5 - $20 (each).
At home grooming.	Brush, shampoo and conditioner.	$10 - $12 (per item).

Popular dog breed characteristics.

Dog Breed	Size	Energy level	Suits	Lifespan
Border Collie	Medium.	Highly energetic.	Farms or active family.	10 - 17 years.
German Shepherd	Large.	Low - moderate energy.	Active and experienced dog owners.	9 - 13 years.
Cavoodle	Small.	High energy.	Families or individuals that want a ‘low maintenance’ dog.	10 - 14 years.
Golden Retriever	Large.	Moderate energy.	Active families with a lot of space.	10 - 12 years.
Labrador	Large.	High energy.	Active people and families seeking a companion.	10 - 12 years.
Rottweiler	Large.	Moderate energy.	Experienced dog owners.	8 - 10 years.
Bulldog	Medium.	Low energy.	Homebodies and families.	8 - 10 years.
Pomeranian	Small.	High energy.	City lifestyle, individuals that live in smaller spaces (like apartments).	12 - 16 years.
Beagle	Small - medium.	High energy.	Active individuals and families.	12 - 15 years.
Dachshund	Small.	Moderate energy.	Homebodies and families.	12 - 17 years.
Pug	Small.	Low energy.	Older couples, homebodies and families.	12 - 15 years.
Cavapoo	Small.	Moderate energy.	Families, couples and single.	12 - 15 years.
Pit bull	Medium.	High energy.	Experienced dog owners.	8 - 15 years.
Boxer	Medium.	High energy.	Families.	10 - 12 years.
Chihuahua	Small.	High energy.	People living in apartments or smaller homes.	10 - 18 years.
Spoodle	Small.	High energy.	People living in apartments or smaller homes.	11 - 15 years.
Newfoundland	Large.	High energy.	People living on large properties and farms.	8 - 10 years.
Australian Cattle Dog	Medium.	High energy.	Active families or farm work.	12 - 15 years.
Greyhound	Large.	Moderate energy.	Homebodies and families.	12 - 15 years.
Poodle	Small - medium.	Moderate to high energy.	People living in apartments or smaller homes.	12 - 15 years.
Bernese Mountain Dog	Large.	Moderate.	Active families and farm work.	6 - 10 years.
Pocket bully	Small - medium.	Moderate energy.	Experienced dog owners.	11 - 13 years.
Cockapoo	Small.	Moderate energy.	People living in apartments or smaller homes.	12 - 15 years.
Great Dane	Large.	Low to moderate energy.	Families with big spaces.	7 - 10 years.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	Small - medium.	Moderate energy.	Families.	9 - 15 years.
American Staffordshire Terrier	Medium - large.	Moderate energy.	Experienced dog owners, couples and singles.	10 - 15 years.

Common conditions in dog breeds.

Maintaining the overall health of your pet is another important part of ownership. Factors like diet, exercise, and knowing common conditions associated with your dog’s breed play a huge role in their well-being.

Due to their genetic makeup, many purebred dogs and mixed breed dogs are prone to different skin, ear, and eye conditions. For example, due to their small skull structure, Pugs are predisposed to commonly suffer from corneal dystrophies that cause issues with their vision. This condition is also prevalent in other flat-faced breeds like the Shih Tzus and Bulldogs.

It’s essential to develop an understanding of potential health issues your dog could face, so you can identify the symptoms and seek veterinary help.

Take a look at some common conditions that different dog breeds are prone to below. These conditions may be covered by pet insurance.

Eye conditions.

Eye conditions are common amongst dogs. Corneal damage, dry eyes and conjunctivitis are some of the most common eye conditions seen in dogs.

The breeds more prone to these conditions are:

Skin conditions.

Whether a result of allergies or bacterial infections, skin conditions should be treated as early as possible. Folliculitis, ringworm, and environmental/ food allergies are some of the most common skin conditions seen in dogs.

The breeds more prone to these conditions are:

Gastrointestinal problems.

Digestive problems can occur in dogs from eating the wrong foods and bacterial infections. Diarrhea, worms, and gastritis are some of the most common gastrointestinal problems seen in dogs.

The breeds more prone to these conditions are:

Ear conditions

Ear conditions can appear in dogs from allergies, bacterial infections, and yeast. Excessive head-scratching or shaking are signs your dog might be suffering from an ear infection. Otitis externa is a common ear condition seen in dogs.

The breeds more prone to these conditions are:

Commonly claimed conditions by dog breed size.

Take a look at some commonly claimed conditions^{^} that different dog breeds by size are prone to below.

Commonly claimed health conditions for small dog breeds.^{^}

Conditions	Symptoms can include^~	Highest cost for a single treatment^>>
Skin conditions (including infections and allergies).	Scratching, biting, or rubbing the skin. Signs of irritation including red skin, scabs, bleeding, pustules, or weeping. Hair loss, flaky skin, texture changes, lumps or an unusual or unpleasant smell.	$8,766.
Gastrointestinal tract condition.	Diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation. Blood or mucus in stool/vomit. Increased frequency/urgency passing stool. Weight loss. Loss of appetite and interest in food. May seem more tired than usual.	$12,581.
Ear conditions (including infections and allergies).	Scratching, rubbing, or pawing at one or both ears. Head shaking. Odour or discharge from the ears. Ears may be red or warm to the touch. Droopy ears.	$8,165.
Heart conditions.	Increased tiredness, reluctance to exercise or slowing down on walks. Increased respiratory rate when resting. Gagging and/or coughing. Swollen abdomen or limbs. Weight loss. Loss of appetite. Fainting episodes. Heart murmur. Irregular heartbeat.	$30,369.
Eye conditions (including corneal ulcers, uveitis, keratitis).	Squinting, redness, and ocular discharge. Rubbing or pawing at the eyes/face. Colour changes to the eye or surrounding tissues. Cloudiness on the surface of the eye.	$8,794.

Commonly claimed health conditions for medium dog breeds.^{^}

Conditions	Symptoms can include^~	Highest cost for a single treatment^>>
Skin conditions (including infections and allergies).	Scratching, biting, or rubbing the skin. Signs of irritation including red skin, scabs, bleeding, pustules, or weeping. Hair loss, flaky skin, texture changes, lumps or an unusual or unpleasant smell.	$6,984.
Arthritis.	Lameness or limping on affected limb(s). Stiffness on rising. Reluctance to jump, use stairs. Swelling on legs.	$7,959.
Gastrointestinal tract condition.	Diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation. Blood or mucus in stool/vomit. Increased frequency/urgency passing stool. Weight loss. Loss of appetite and interest in food. May seem more tired than usual.	$11,898.
Ear conditions (including infections and allergies).	Scratching, rubbing, or pawing at one or both ears. Head shaking. Odour or discharge from the ears. Ears may be red or warm to the touch. Droopy ears.	$11,127.
Traumatic accidents (including bite injuries, wounds and broken bones).	Wounds, scratches, pus, bleeding, swelling, heat, pain. Limping, changes to movement. Behaviour changes. Broken claws. Pain/tenderness.	$15,834.

Commonly claimed health conditions for large dog breeds^{^}

Conditions	Symptoms can include^~	Highest cost for a single treatment^>>
Skin conditions (including infections and allergies).	Scratching, biting, or rubbing the skin. Signs of irritation including red skin, scabs, bleeding, pustules, or weeping. Hair loss, flaky skin, texture changes, lumps or an unusual or unpleasant smell.	$16,787.
Ear conditions (including infections and allergies).	Scratching, rubbing, or pawing at one or both ears. Head shaking. Odour or discharge from the ears. Ears may be red or warm to the touch. Droopy ears.	$8,010.
Arthritis.	Lameness or limping on affected limb(s). Stiffness on rising. Reluctance to jump, use stairs. Swelling on legs.	$10,168.
Gastrointestinal tract condition.	Diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation. Blood or mucus in stool/vomit. Increased frequency/urgency passing stool. Weight loss. Loss of appetite and interest in food. May seem more tired than usual.	$12,652.
Traumatic accidents (including bite injuries, wounds and broken bones).	Wounds, scratches, pus, bleeding, swelling, heat, pain. Limping, changes to movement. Behaviour changes. Broken claws. Pain/tenderness.	$21,162.

Dog insurance.

Now that you know a bit more about dog breeds and common conditions, you might want to consider ways you can combat unexpected veterinary bills if your pet falls sick.

Everyday Pet Insurance offers a range of cover options for dogs with basic, standard, comprehensive and comprehensive plus policies. All levels of cover come with free access to VetAssist, a service that connects you with credible vet advice 24/7.^†

Cover your furry friend today.

Get a quote

Find out more about these dog breeds.

American Staffy.

Find out more

Beagle.

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Bernese Mountain Dog.

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Border Collie.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Find out more

Cavoodle.

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Chihuahua.

Find out more

Cockapoo.

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Dachshund.

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German Shepherd.

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Golden Retriever.

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Great Dane.

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Greyhound.

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Groodle.

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Labrador.

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Newfoundland.

Find out more

Pocket Bully.

Find out more

Pomeranian.

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Poodle.

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Pug.

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Rottweiler.

Find out more

Important information

text

^{^} Pre-existing conditions and certain illnesses may be excluded. Policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, benefit limits, sub-limits, annual condition limits and excess may apply. For details, please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

^~ Symptoms listed are indicative only, others can apply.

^>> As at 31/12/2023 based on the previous 12 months of PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd claims data.

text: = The gap is defined as the difference between the vet's invoice and the claim benefit under your policy. Policy terms and conditions apply. GapOnly^® is only available at participating Vets. Please visit GapOnly^® to search for GapOnly^® enabled vets. GapOnly^® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure) (ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183).

text: ^#Policy Terms and Conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Benefit limit amounts vary by level of cover.

text: ^†Offer available to new Everyday Pet Insurance policyholders, and is limited to 1 membership per eligible policy. The free membership offer (valued at $199p.a) is from the date of your policy commencement, provided your Everyday Pet Insurance policy remains active. You are not eligible to redeem the free membership subscription for cash or credit. VetAssist is a separate subscription based service to the Everyday Pet Insurance product, and is provided independently by Everyday Insurance third party service provider, VetChat Services Pty Ltd (VetChat). Click here for full VetAssist Service terms and conditions. Everyday Insurance reserves the right to vary or remove this offer at any time and will provide reasonable notice of any such changes.

text: * Limits, waiting periods, exclusions and excesses may apply.

text: ^‡ Cover is available for the life of your pet provided you renew your policy each year without any break, lapse or change in the level of Cover. This means once your pet is insured with us and as long as we continue to offer the product, you will be able to renew your policy for that pet for life and your cover level will not be reduced as your pet ages provided you continuously maintain the cover. Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of your renewing policy. See details in your PDS.

text: Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time prior to 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436 (Hollard), arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by Hollard’s Authorised Representative (AR) Woolworths Group Limited ABN 88 000 014 675, AR 245476 (Woolworths). Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time on or after 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, Woolworths. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at insurance.everyday.com.au/pet-insurance.

What to know before adopting or buying a dog.

What do I need to know before getting a dog?

What to consider when choosing a dog breed.

Ask yourself these questions:

Common things you need for a dog.

Popular dog breed characteristics.

Common conditions in dog breeds.

Eye conditions.

Skin conditions.

Gastrointestinal problems.

Ear conditions

Commonly claimed conditions by dog breed size.

Commonly claimed health conditions for small dog breeds.^

Commonly claimed health conditions for medium dog breeds.^

Commonly claimed health conditions for large dog breeds^

Dog insurance.

Cover your furry friend today.

Why pick Everyday Pet Insurance?

Comprehensive Plus annual limit.#

Claim up to 80% back.*

Lifetime cover.‡

Introducing GapOnly.®

Find out more about these dog breeds.

American Staffy.

Beagle.

Bernese Mountain Dog.

Border Collie.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Cavoodle.

Chihuahua.

Cockapoo.

Dachshund.

German Shepherd.

Golden Retriever.

Great Dane.

Greyhound.

Groodle.

Labrador.

Newfoundland.

Pocket Bully.

Pomeranian.

Poodle.

Pug.

Rottweiler.

Important information

We're here to help

Commonly claimed health conditions for small dog breeds.^{^}

Commonly claimed health conditions for medium dog breeds.^{^}

Commonly claimed health conditions for large dog breeds^{^}