How much is that doggie? The price tag on man’s best friend
New research reveals which dog breeds are the most expensive to buy in Australia – with an endearing European pup claiming the biggest price tag.
New research by Compare the Market has uncovered the average advertised or quoted prices for the ten most popular puppy breeds in Australia.
The most expensive breed depended on how the puppy was acquired. French Bulldogs had the highest registered breeder price ($4,363), Golden Retrievers had the highest private-sale average ($3,199) and Cavoodles had the highest adoption average ($1,347).
For French Bulldogs, the big price tag comes from the complexity of their breeding, requiring artificial insemination and caesarean sections.
Friendly and easy-going Cavoodles are the most expensive breed to adopt in Australia because they rarely end up in rescue shelters or adoption sites.
At the other end of the scale were Border Collie puppies, which had the lowest breeder average cost at $2,809 and the lowest private-sale average at $1,767.
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The research found that adoption or rehoming was the least expensive option, averaging at $911 compared to $2,201 through private sellers and $3,528 through registered breeders – essentially making adoption 74 per cent cheaper than going through breeders.
At breed level, Golden Retrievers were the best money-savers when comparing adoption to breeders with an 80 per cent, or $3,284 difference in cost.
French Bulldogs also reported big differences in costs, with breeder prices being four times higher than adoption costs.
The largest proportional difference for adoption versus breeder was for Staffordshire Bull Terriers, which averaged a 81 per cent difference.
If a specific breed is not available for adoption, the research found the next cheapest option was through private sellers, typically found on Gumtree, PetsForHomes and Trading Post.
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The research also found that private buying pets came with a higher risk of health issues, unethical breeding practices, misleading seller claims and a lack of ongoing support or guarantees with your new puppy.
Buying a puppy from a registered breeder was the most expensive choice (averaging more than $3,500) but came with more predictable characteristics.
In terms of registered breeders, Victoria recorded the highest average at $3,792, followed by Western Australia with $12 less, and South Australia just over $100 behind. The most affordable dog to buy from a registered breeder was German Shepherds at just over half the price of a Golden Retriever.
For private sales, Western Australia recorded the highest private-sale average at $2,627, followed by South Australia and New South Wales. Golden Retrievers remained the most expensive breed to buy from a private seller, averaging at $4,575.
New South Wales recorded the highest adoption average at $1,175 and was one of only two states to break the $1,000 mark for adoption pricing alongside Victoria.
The Northern Territory recorded the lowest available registered breeder average at $2,932, although this result was based on fewer breeds than most jurisdictions. Queensland had the lowest comparable private-sale average at $1,970, while Tasmania had the lowest adoption or rehoming average at $738.
Queensland topped the rankings for the lowest average price from a private seller, just ahead of Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
The most expensive breed to buy from a private seller in QLD was a Golden Retriever ($2,860), and the least expensive was a Miniature Dachshund ($1,542).
Compare the Market chief executive of general insurance Adrian Taylor said prospective owners should look beyond the advertised price.
“Research the breeder, seller or rescue organisation, ask what registration and health documentation is available, and verify the animal and the person or organisation offering it before making any payment,” he said.
“But most importantly, prospective owners should choose a dog that suits their household and lifestyle rather than making a decision based on price alone.”
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