What do I need to know before getting a dog?

So, you’ve decided to take the exciting step of buying a dog. Congratulations!

Is it a new addition to your family? Or, maybe you’re single and looking for a furry friend to keep you company? Whatever the reason, picking a breed that suits your environment and lifestyle are things you should consider. 

You’ve probably heard it before, but buying a dog comes with responsibilities. From training to pet insurance, it’s essential to make sure you’re ready for the challenges and financial commitment of owning a pet. 

Often puppies and dogs are bought without proper consideration of how much care they require, leaving thousands surrendered to shelters  every year in Australia. 

We’ve outlined some key traits and conditions of common dog breeds to help you find the perfect companion.


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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?
Choosing a dog breed

 

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).

Welcoming your new furry family member.

Your new best friend needs a little time to settle in. These simple tips will help both of you enjoy a happy start together!

Learn more
PetRescue

 

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:

 

eye conditions

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:

Skin conditions

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:

Gatrointestinal problems

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:

ear conditions

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.

Why pick Everyday Pet Insurance?

Claim up to $30,000 a year with Comprehensive Plus.#

Get up to 80% back on eligible vet bills.*

Offer of policy renewal for your pet's life, as long as we continue to provide the product.‡

Lifetime cover‡

Claim on the spot and only pay the gap with GapOnly.®=

Find out more about these dog breeds.

American Staffy.

Find out more
American Staffy dog breed information

Bernese Mountain Dog.

Find out more
Bernese Mountain Dog breed information

Border Collie.

Find out more
Border Collie dog breed information

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Find out more
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed information

Cavoodle.

Find out more
Cavoodle dog breed information

Chihuahua.

Find out more
Chihuahua dog breed information

Cockapoo.

Find out more
Cockapoo dog breed information

Dachshund.

Find out more
Dachshund dog breed information

French Bulldog.

Find out more
French Bulldog dog breed information

German Shepherd.

Find out more
German Shepherd dog breed information

Golden Retriever.

Find out more
Golden Retriever dog breed information

Great Dane.

Find out more
Great Dane dog breed information

Greyhound.

Find out more
Greyhound dog breed information

Labrador.

Find out more
Labrador dog breed information

Mini Dachshund.

Find out more
Mini Dachshund.

Newfoundland.

Find out more
Newfoundland dog breed information

Pocket Bully.

Find out more
Pocket Bully dog breed information

Pomeranian.

Find out more
Pomeranian dog breed information

Rottweiler.

Find out more
Rottweiler dog breed information

Important information.

 

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|| When: This offer is available between AEST 12:00 PM 23/06/25 and AEST 11:59 PM 30/09/25. Where: This offer is available when you buy an eligible Everyday Pet Insurance policy online. Who: This offer is personal to you and available only to Everyday Rewards members with an active registered Everyday Rewards Card. Everyday Rewards Plus Card holders are not eligible for this offer. How it works: To enjoy your first month of free cover, you must successfully link your active registered Everyday Rewards Card when purchasing an eligible Everyday Pet Insurance policy online during the offer period. This offer entitles you to one month free in your first policy year of your policy cover, provided the policy remains in force, with all premiums paid in full, and you remain an Everyday Rewards member. If you choose to pay annually, you will have the first month free automatically deducted from the annual premium at the time of purchase. If you choose to pay by monthly or fortnightly instalment, you will not be charged an instalment for the first month of your first policy period. Your payments will start from the second month of your policy period. The discounted premium will be shown on your Certificate of Insurance, which is sent on acceptance of your policy.

This offer is limited to one per Everyday Rewards member. Only one (1) offer may be selected under Unlock Your Offer.

You will no longer receive this offer if your policy is cancelled, you change your level of cover and/or your policy number changes, or if your Everyday Rewards account is cancelled, terminated, or suspended.

Enjoyment of this Everyday Rewards offer is subject to the Everyday Insurance Terms and Conditions. Please consider the Everyday Pet Insurance Product Disclosure Statement, Financial Services Guide and Target Market Determination available here to determine if the products are right for you. In addition to the above terms and conditions, by participating in the Everyday Rewards program you agree to the Everyday Rewards Terms and Conditions. Woolworths reserves the right to vary, withdraw or extend this discount or an offer at any time, and will provide reasonable notice of any adverse changes.

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^ 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.

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= 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).

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

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† 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.

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

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‡ As long as we continue to provide the product, we'll offer renewal of your policy every year for your pet's life. Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of your renewing policy. See details in your PDS.

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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.

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