The ultimate guide to dog breeds

Pet insurance tips
21.09.25 | 2 min read
A dog holding a large fallen tree trunk

Whether you’re planning to welcome a new four-legged friend or just starting to explore dog breeds, knowing a bit about different breeds can be handy. Pet insurance may also help lend a paw with vet visits and those unexpected moments along the way.

Here’s a quick guide to a few familiar breeds - from the chill to the chaotic (in the best way):
  • Labrador Retriever: Known to some as the classic all-rounder. Labs are friendly, loyal, and always ready for a game (or a snack). Big hearts, big energy, and a love for tennis balls that borders on obsession.
  • French Bulldog: Small frame, big personality. These snorty little snugglers are equal parts couch potatoes and class clowns.
  • Border Collie: Usually smarter than all of us, honestly. Collies are focused, fast, and always one step ahead - usually wondering why you haven’t organized a group activity.
  • Golden Retriever: A golden ray of sunshine. Gentle, goofy, and always up for a cuddle. You’ll rarely see a Golden without a grin… or something stolen in its mouth.
  • Cavoodle: A little bundle of energy and affection. Curious, playful, and happiest when part of whatever’s going on around them.
A dog with a beehive
Why your dog’s breed matters (for more than just cuddles)

Every dog breed usually comes with its own personality, energy, and some little quirks. Some pups prefer lounging on the couch, while others thrive on zoomies and staying busy - every breed’s got their own thing.

Knowing a bit about what makes your dog tick, can help make life with them even more entertaining - like figuring out why your Lab can’t resist every possum or why your Chihuahua runs the show like a tiny CEO!

Matching your dog’s personality with your lifestyle

Beyond the breed, a dog’s happiness often depends on how their energy and personality fit with your groove. Some pups may enjoy daily adventures and brain teasers, while others prefer slow mornings, long naps, and the occasional snack break. When your dog’s personality rhythm matches yours, life tends to run a bit smoother (and the tail wags usually follow).

Life’s full of surprises. Sometimes fun, sometimes not so much! Vet bills can pop up when you least expect it, which is where pet insurance might come in handy - helping you manage those unexpected furry friend mishaps.

Thinking about pet insurance? Thanks to ahm, you can get 2 months free* pet insurance, just use the code AHM2MF when getting a quote. As a Petinsurance.com.au policy holder, you also get access to things like GapOnly®**, myPetPass®^ and Live Vet Support~.

You can get a quick quote online here, or for more information head to ahm.com.au/pet-insurance.

Things you should know

Petinsurance.com.aupolicies entered into for the first time prior to 7 November 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s Authorised Representatives (AR) Pet Insurance Pty Ltd ABN 38 607 160 930, AR 1234944 (PIPL) and Medibank Private Limited ABN 47 080 890 259, AR 286089 trading as ahm Health Insurance (ahm). Petinsurance.com.au policies entered into for the first time on or after 7 November 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s ARs, PIPL and ahm. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsurance.com.au*Offer starts 12:01am AEDT, 7 May 2025 and ends 12:01am AEDT, 7 May 2027 (Offer Period). Offer provides new customers with two months free in their first policy year only when they purchase a Petinsurance.com.au Pet Insurance Policy during the Offer Period (Offer). Instalment payers will not be charged an instalment for the first two months and instalments will be charged from the third month of your policy period. Annual payers will have the two months free deducted from the annual premium at the time of purchase. Provide promo code AHM2MF at the time of purchase. Offer will cease if you change your level of cover. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer with the exception of the multi-pet discount. Offer subject to Petinsurance.com.au Pet Insurance Policy T&Cs available at: petinsurance.com.au. Eligibility criteria applies, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement. Petinsurance.com.au reserves the right to withdraw, vary or extend this Offer at any time.**The gap means the difference between the vet’s invoice and the eligible claim benefit under your policy. GapOnly® is available at participating Vets with an eligible pet insurance policy. Meet our partners at gaponly.com.au(opens in a new tab). Any advice is general and may not be right for you GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure).^myPetPass® is a rewards programme provided by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923 (PetSure). Available only to holders of active ahm together with petinsurance.com.au policies. myPetPass® perks are provided by PetSure and third-party suppliers and also subject to these third-party suppliers’ terms and conditions. myPetPass® perks may be amended or withdrawn any time without notice. PetSure does not guarantee that any particular third-party providers will continue to participate in myPetPass® through the offer or provision of perks, or that the myPetPass® rewards programme or any myPetPass® perks or features of myPetPass® will continue to be available. Full Terms & Conditions available at mypetpass.com.au/terms(opens in a new tab)~Live Vet Support is a service provided by PetSure that gives you 24/7 access to general veterinary telehealth advice for your insured pet(s) via online video or chat, via the Customer Portals owned and operated by PetSure. Access to Live Vet Support consultations subject to the Customer Portal terms of use available at petportal.petinsurance.com.au(opens in a new tab)