Paws before you choose: finding the right dog breed for your family

Written by Dr Paws | Aug 21, 2026, 11:21:56 AM

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 2025 was $2,520 and for a cat $1,656 — 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 Australia. Cost of top 10 Conditions in dogs (all ages), for the calendar year 2025

Rank	Condition	Avg cost for treatment*	*Highest cost for treatment^**
1	Skin infections/allergies	$700	$15,894
2	Gastrointestinal conditions	$956	$33,077
3	Ear infections	$459	$22,142
4	Dental conditions	$884	$16,311
5	Mass lesions (lumps and bumps)	$1,014	$21,285
6	Musculoskeletal conditions (limping)	$668	$21,672
7	Osteoarthritis	$828	$21,157
8	Wounds from traumatic injuries and fights/bites	$873	$21,266
9	Anal sac disorders	$389	$15,087
10	Eye conditions	$490	$18,869

*Based on PetSure claims data 2025 as at March 2026. Amount claimed per policy over a 12-month period. Reimbursement for these claims under a pet insurance policy 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. ^Pet insurance policies can have an annual limit between $7,500 – $35,000 to assist with eligible treatment costs. 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. 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

Where you live 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 pet household 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. FAQs How do I choose the right dog breed for my lifestyle? The right dog breed depends on factors such as your living situation, activity level, family dynamics, budget, experience with pets and the amount of time you can dedicate to training, exercise and grooming. What should I consider before adopting a dog? Before adopting a dog, consider the long-term costs of ownership, exercise requirements, grooming needs, breed temperament, healthcare expenses, living space and how a dog will fit into your daily routine. How much does it cost to own a dog? The cost of dog ownership includes food, bedding, accessories, training, grooming, boarding, routine veterinary care and unexpected medical expenses. Costs can vary significantly depending on the dog’s breed, size and healthcare needs. Do some dog breeds have more health problems than others? Yes. Certain breeds may be predisposed to specific health conditions. Researching breed-specific health risks can help you better understand potential healthcare needs and veterinary costs throughout your dog’s life. Which dog breeds are best for families with children? Many families consider breeds such as Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers because of their reputation for being friendly, patient and sociable. However, every dog is an individual, and temperament can vary. What dog breeds are suitable for apartment living? Smaller breeds and dogs with lower exercise requirements are often considered better suited to apartment living. It’s important to consider a breed’s energy levels, exercise needs and temperament when choosing a dog for a smaller home. How important are exercise requirements when choosing a dog? Exercise needs vary greatly between breeds. Active breeds often require daily physical and mental stimulation, while other breeds may be content with shorter walks and lower activity levels. Matching a dog’s energy level to your lifestyle is essential. Should I consider grooming requirements before getting a dog? Absolutely. Some breeds require regular brushing, professional grooming and ongoing coat maintenance, while others have lower grooming needs. Grooming requirements can impact both time commitments and ongoing costs.

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