French Bulldogs may be cute, but they’re also Australia’s most expensive dogs to insure, with annual premiums starting at almost $1200, according to new research.

Buying a dog is one cost but looking after one is another, as new research from Compare the Market has revealed there’s a staggering $875 difference between the cheapest and most expensive dog breeds to insure in Australia, highlighting another ongoing expense prospective owners should consider before bringing home a puppy.

The comparison, which investigated 10 of Australia’s most popular dog breeds, found French Bulldogs were the most expensive to insure, with annual premiums starting from $1,194 for a six-month-old puppy.

They were followed by Labradors, with premiums starting at $771 a year, while Golden Retrievers came in third at $628.

Further down the list were Dachshunds and German Shepherds, both with annual premiums starting from $559, followed by Staffordshire Bull Terriers at $494 and Maltese Crosses at $445.

Among the more affordable breeds were Groodles, with cover starting from $355 a year, closely followed by Cavoodles at $343.

At the bottom of the list sat the Border Collie, with policies available from $319 a year (less than $1 a day).

The difference between the highest and lowest premiums works out to $875 a year, meaning owners of some breeds could pay almost four times as much for insurance before their dog reaches its first birthday.

Why some dogs cost more to insure

Pet insurance premiums aren’t based solely on the purchase price of a dog.

Insurers also consider factors such as hereditary health conditions, expected veterinary costs, lifespan and previous claims data when calculating premiums.

French Bulldogs, for example, are prone to breathing difficulties because of their flat-faced anatomy, along with spinal, skin and eye conditions that can require expensive treatment.

Compare the Market spokeswoman Sarah Orr said many prospective owners focused on the purchase price without considering the ongoing cost of healthcare.

“Fancy breeds often fetch bigger price tags, but what a lot of people probably don’t account for is bigger vet bills too – especially in breeds with known hereditary conditions,” Orr said.

She said pet insurance could provide valuable financial protection, although breeds considered higher risk generally attracted higher premiums.

“Pet insurance can be a great financial safety net for many pet owners – but of course animals with a higher risk of potential problems may have to account for that with a higher premium.

“For lower-risk varieties, cover can often be found for less than a cup of coffee (or a puppuccino) each day.”

More than just insurance

Insurance is only one part of the cost of owning a dog.

Food, vaccinations, annual check-ups, dental care, grooming and unexpected veterinary treatment can all add up over a pet’s lifetime.

For Australians considering a new four-legged family member, comparing likely healthcare costs alongside the purchase price may help avoid surprises down the track.

Compare The Market’s research was based on quotes for a six-month-old desexed male dog with no pre-existing conditions. Premiums will vary depending on a dog’s age, breed, location and the level of cover selected.