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Pet Insurance for Australian Cobberdogs

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

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, updated on September 15th, 2023       

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Price range

$5,500–$7,500+

Height

51cm - 61cm (standard size)

Weight

14kg - 42kg dependent on breed size

Personality

Intelligent, social, affectionate

Coat length

Medium to long hypoallergenic

Exercise needs

Low to moderate

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

13 - 16 years

Australian Cobberdog

Overview

The Australian Cobberdog, also known as the ‘Cobber Dog,’ is a relatively new breed developed in Australia and officially recognised in 2012. Its name means ‘dog-friend.’ They are a mix of Labradors and Poodles, but unlike other dogs that may be called Australian Labradoodles, they are a pure-bred dog that has stable DNA. Only registered Cobberdog breeders are entitled to call their dogs Cobberdogs, unlike Labradoodles, which are not a registered stable breed. 

These dogs have hypoallergenic coats and were bred to be therapy and assistance dogs. They are known for their very friendly and affectionate nature and their good sense of humour. They can appear to have a goofy nature, but in reality are highly intelligent and have high intuition. Cobberdogs have a wavy or curly coat that is non-shedding, but requires regular grooming and clipping to keep it in good condition. They are very willing and eager to please their human owners, making them excellent companions and therapy dogs. Their trainability and gentle temperament make them suitable for all families including those with children with disabilities and people with allergies. 

Common diseases and conditions of Australian Cobberdogs

  • Addison's Disease – This is a rare but severe condition in Labradoodles where the adrenal glands fail to produce necessary hormones. Symptoms include weakness, vomiting, and weight loss. Lifelong hormone replacement therapy can effectively manage this condition, which has almost been bred out in Cobberdogs. However, regular screening for Addison's Disease is still recommended.
  • PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy): Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an inherited eye disorder causing gradual vision loss. Initial signs include night blindness, leading to reduced day vision. Again, this condition has almost been bred out of purebred Cobberdogs.

Breed-specific information:  

Cobberdogs come in four sizes: 

  • Miniature: from 33cm to 42cm  
  • Medium: from 42cm to 51cm  
  • Standard: from 51cm to 61cm  
  • Extra large: from 61cm to 68cm 

They have two permitted types of coat, either a smooth coast with wavy shape, or a wavy mantle. Four solid colours are available, chocolate, gold, red and black. Various combinations of these colours are also available, for example dark gold or cream. All coats must be hypoallergenic. The breed also has very low odour so there’s very little ‘doggy smell’ with a purebred Cobber Dog.  

They are typically quiet, well-behaved and social dogs, but early socialisation and training are essential to ensure they adapt well to all situations and environments if they are to be used as a therapy or companion assistance dog. 

How much does pet insurance cost for an Australian Cobberdog?

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 Cobber Dog, 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

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Australian Cobberdogs

Why are Cobberdogs so expensive?

Cobberdogs are expensive due to meticulous breeding practices and the costs associated with health testing, training, proper socialisation, and specialist training if they are to be used as an assistance dog. Additionally, the rarity of the breed contributes to their high price. 

Are Cobberdogs worth the money?

Many consider Cobberdogs worth the investment due to their loving and adaptable nature, making them excellent family companions. Their beautifully soft hypoallergenic coat, intelligence and versatility contribute to their high perceived value. 

Are Cobberdogs able to bark?

Yes, Cobberdogs are able to bark like most dogs, however, they have been bred to only bark in certain situations, so they are a very quiet breed that won’t habitually bark if they are lonely or bored.  

Do Cobberdogs make good family pets?

Cobberdogs are known for being affectionate, gentle, protective and excellent with children and other pets. They are often considered wonderful family pets due to their friendly nature and adaptability to various living situations. However, they do tend to want to bond with one person in particular, so it’s important to give them a ‘primary owner’ so they can form an attachment, particularly in a large family.  

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Australian Cobberdog

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