Top 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds to Insure in Australia (2026)

Why Some Breeds Cost More to Insure

Pet insurance premiums aren’t one-size-fits-all. Insurers price policies based on the likelihood and cost of claims, and some dog breeds are significantly more expensive than others. Breeds with known genetic health conditions, brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy, or giant size consistently attract higher premiums.

Here are the 10 most expensive dog breeds to insure in Australia, ranked by average monthly comprehensive insurance premium.

1. French Bulldog — $70 to $130/month

The French Bulldog tops the list due to its brachycephalic anatomy. BOAS surgery ($3,000-$6,000), IVDD spinal surgery ($5,000-$10,000), chronic skin allergies, cherry eye, and hip dysplasia make Frenchies the most claimed-on breed in Australia. Their popularity means insurers have extensive claims data showing just how expensive they are.

2. English Bulldog — $65 to $125/month

The English Bulldog shares many of the French Bulldog’s brachycephalic issues but with the addition of more severe breathing problems and joint conditions due to their heavier build. BOAS surgery, skin fold infections ($200-$800 per episode), hip and elbow dysplasia, and cardiac issues contribute to very high insurance costs.

3. Rottweiler — $60 to $110/month

Rottweilers are a large breed prone to cruciate ligament rupture ($3,500-$6,000), osteosarcoma (bone cancer, $5,000-$12,000 for treatment), hip and elbow dysplasia, and heart conditions including aortic stenosis. Their size means higher anaesthesia costs and longer recovery times, which increases claim amounts.

4. German Shepherd — $55 to $105/month

German Shepherds suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia at high rates, along with degenerative myelopathy (progressive spinal disease), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), and bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus, or GDV). Emergency bloat surgery costs $3,000-$8,000 and is a life-threatening emergency.

5. Bernese Mountain Dog — $55 to $100/month

The Bernese Mountain Dog has one of the shortest lifespans of any breed (6-8 years) and a very high cancer rate. Histiocytic sarcoma is particularly common. Their giant size means higher drug doses, bigger surgical costs, and more expensive imaging. Cancer treatment alone can cost $5,000-$15,000+.

6. Great Dane — $50 to $95/month

As one of the largest breeds, Great Danes are expensive to insure due to their susceptibility to bloat (GDV), cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and bone cancer. Their short lifespan (7-10 years) and the higher cost of treating a giant-breed dog (larger drug doses, bigger surgical equipment) contribute to elevated premiums.

7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — $50 to $90/month

Despite being a small breed, Cavaliers have serious genetic health issues. Mitral valve disease (MVD) affects virtually 100% of Cavaliers by age 10. Syringomyelia (a neurological condition) is also common. Heart disease management costs $1,000-$5,000/year, and syringomyelia treatment including MRI scans and possible surgery costs $3,000-$8,000+.

8. Dogue de Bordeaux — $50 to $90/month

The Dogue de Bordeaux has one of the shortest lifespans of any dog breed (5-8 years). They are prone to dilated cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, bloat, and lymphoma. Their massive size makes everything more expensive, from medications to surgery to imaging. Cardiac management can cost $2,000-$6,000/year.

9. Boxer — $45 to $85/month

Boxers are predisposed to multiple cancers including mast cell tumours, lymphoma, and brain tumours. They also commonly develop heart conditions (aortic stenosis, cardiomyopathy) and hypothyroidism. Cancer treatment costs $3,000-$12,000, and heart disease management is an ongoing annual expense of $1,000-$4,000.

10. Dachshund — $40 to $80/month

The Dachshund’s elongated spine makes it extremely prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Up to 25% of Dachshunds will develop IVDD in their lifetime. Spinal surgery costs $5,000-$10,000, and some dogs need multiple surgeries. Dachshunds also suffer from dental disease, obesity, and patellar luxation.

How Breed Affects Your Premium

Insurance premiums for high-risk breeds can be 30-80% higher than mixed-breed dogs of similar size. This pricing reflects the actual claims data that insurers have collected. A French Bulldog at $100/month compared to a mixed-breed medium dog at $50/month is directly linked to the Frenchie’s higher likelihood and cost of claims.

Tips for Insuring an Expensive Breed

1. Insure at 8 weeks: The younger you start, the lower the initial premium and the fewer pre-existing exclusions
2. Compare multiple providers: Premiums for the same breed can vary significantly between insurers
3. Consider a higher excess: A $200-$300 excess can reduce premiums by 15-25%
4. Don’t go accident-only: Expensive breeds need illness cover — that’s where the big claims come from
5. Check breed exclusions: Some insurers exclude breed-specific conditions. Avoid these policies
6. Review annual limits: Ensure the annual limit is high enough for potential breed-specific claims

Is It Worth Insuring an Expensive Breed?

These breeds are the ones where insurance makes the most financial sense. The higher premiums are directly proportional to the higher probability and cost of claims. A single IVDD surgery on a Dachshund pays for 5-10 years of premiums. A cancer diagnosis in a Boxer covers the lifetime premium cost with a single claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest dog breed to insure?

Mixed-breed dogs are typically the cheapest to insure, followed by generally healthy breeds like the Australian Kelpie, Border Collie (small/medium build), and Whippet. These breeds have fewer genetic health predispositions and lower average claim costs.

Can an insurer refuse to cover my breed?

In Australia, most insurers will cover any breed, but some may have breed-specific exclusions for known conditions (e.g., excluding BOAS for brachycephalic breeds). It’s legal for insurers to price by breed, and refusing coverage entirely for a breed is uncommon but possible.

Do mixed breeds cost less to insure than purebreds?

Generally, yes. Mixed-breed dogs benefit from genetic diversity and are statistically less prone to breed-specific conditions. Mixed-breed premiums are typically 20-40% lower than high-risk purebreds of similar size.

Will my premium go down if my dog stays healthy?

No, Australian pet insurance premiums don’t work like a no-claims bonus. Premiums increase with age regardless of claims history. However, not making claims means your coverage remains broader since claimed conditions can sometimes lead to policy adjustments at renewal.