Australian Bulldog Pet Insurance | Compare Polices, Prices | Savvy  

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Find out all about Australian Bulldogs and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

Written by , updated on September 15th, 2023

Price range

$2,500–$5,500

Height

43cm-52cm

Weight

24kg - 38kg

Personality

Friendly, confident, loyal

Coat length

Short and smooth

Exercise needs

Low

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

12 - 15 years

Overview

The Australian Bulldog is a robust and affectionate dog which is a relatively new breed developed for Australian conditions. They were first bred in the 1990’s in Queensland by crossing an English Bulldog with an Australian dog of bull terrier origin. The mating produced a breed that is taller and stronger than their British ancestors, with fewer health issues and more tolerance to the Australian climate. They are known for their strong stocky build and expressive wrinkled faces.

Australian Bulldogs have a short coat that requires minimal grooming. They make loyal and gentle indoor pets, and are very keen to please their owners, making them easy to train. These dogs are intelligent but can be strong-willed and stubborn, requiring early socialisation and consistent training. They thrive in homes where owners can provide affection and a structured environment, and are good with older children. They are not overly energetic and prefer long slow walks to fast-paced jogging or ball games. Regular gentle exercise is necessary to avoid excessive weight gain.

Common Australian Bulldog diseases and conditions

Hip Dysplasia: Australian Bulldogs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn't develop correctly, potentially leading to mobility issues.
Skin issues: Skin problems, including allergies or irritations, may affect Australian Bulldogs. Regular grooming and maintaining proper skin hygiene can help prevent these issues.
Respiratory problems: Due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) face, Australian Bulldogs may experience respiratory challenges. This can lead to issues like brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca: ‘Dry eye’ as it is known is often caused by an autoimmune reaction that affects a dog's tear glands, resulting in reduced tear production.
Entropion (Cherry Eye): This is a relatively common condition in both English and Australian Bulldogs. It occurs when the tear gland of the third eyelid detaches and protrudes over part of the eye. Surgical intervention is often necessary to reposition the membrane and correct the condition.

Breed-specific issues:

The stubbornness of Australian Bulldogs can mean they have a mind of their own, even if they are easy to initially train. Additionally, their short nose makes them sensitive to extreme heat, so precautions should always be taken in hot weather to avoid heat stroke.

How much does pet insurance cost for an Australian Bulldog?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Australian Bulldog, including the following:

Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.   
Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most. 
The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.  
Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.  
Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.  
Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do. 
Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Accident-only

This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions.

Accident and illness

This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.

Comprehensive

This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.

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Common questions about Australian Bulldogs

  Do Australian Bulldogs make good family pets?

Yes, Australian Bulldogs are known for their affectionate and loyal nature, making them excellent family pets. They are gentle with children and thrive on human companionship.

Are Australian Bulldogs safe to have around other pets?

Australian Bulldogs are usually gentle and affectionate, making them suitable companions for families with other pets. However, always supervise interactions, especially with smaller pets such as cats, as their natural instincts as herding dogs might lead to attempts to control or chase smaller animals.

How can I help my Australian Bulldog cope with hot Australian summers?

To assist your Australian Bulldog in dealing with hot Australian summers, follow these guidelines:

Provide shade: Ensure they have access to shaded areas, protecting them from the scorching sun.
Hydration: Keep their water bowl filled with fresh, cool water at all times to prevent dehydration.
Stay indoors: When the heat is at its peak, bring them indoors, as they struggle in extreme temperatures.
Limit exercise: Minimise strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day.
Cooling aids: Use cooling mats or vests designed for dogs to help regulate their body temperature.

Do they have high skin care and grooming needs?

Australian Bulldogs have a short, dense coat that is relatively low-maintenance. Regular grooming helps remove loose hair and promotes a healthy coat. Occasional baths are necessary to keep them smelling clean. Routine checks of their eyes are essential to check for any signs of eye problems developing.

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British Bulldog

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Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.