Pet insurance for cross breeds

If you’re looking for pet insurance for cross breeds you’ve come to the right place.

There’s a lot to think about when choosing a dog. You’ll need to consider factors such as temperament, size, and cost. Much of your decision will depend on the breed. It helps you determine everything from how much exercise they need to their physical appearance and temperament. So what happens if you’re thinking of getting a cross breed?

This guide is full of useful information about how to look after your new pet. Whether you want to learn about common health problems, find out how to care for your pet or discover what type of insurance for crossbreeds is available, we’ve got it covered.

What is a crossbreed?

A crossbreed dog is one whose parents are two different breeds, or a mixture of various breeds. Examples of crossbreed dogs include Labradoodles (whose parents are a Labrador and a Poodle), a Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise) or a Puggle – a cross between a Pug and a Beagle. Crossbreeds with these portmanteau nicknames are sometimes referred to as ‘designer dogs’.

Because they are a mixture of two different dog breeds, they often display a mixture of their parents’ personality traits. The way in which those traits mesh together can produce an array of different temperaments. Knowing the breeds of the parents can help give you an idea of what a crossbreed dog may be like in terms of their disposition.

If you’re getting a puppy from a breeder, ask to see the mother with her puppies, find out the breed of the father and request any information gleaned from breed-related health tests.

Facts about crossbreeds

Learn more about crossbreeds with our selection of facts:

• You will never know what your dog will look like until they are fully grown. Coming from a mixed parentage, they could be bigger or smaller than you expected or have a coat with colourings you’ve not seen before.
• Crossbreed dogs are often thought to be healthier than purebreds. And they live longer. This is put down to genetics. Inbreeding among pedigree dogs can lead to a variety of health issues, as seen with English Bulldogs, for instance. Crossbreeds have a more diverse gene pool – hopefully making for stronger, hardier animals.
• They can be cheaper to buy than purebred dogs, depending on what combination of breeds you go for. However, some ‘designer dogs’ can actually cost more than a pedigree pooch.
• Because crossbreeds are not programmed as strongly as their parents, they are often less stubborn, more flexible, and can easily adjust to their surroundings. This means they can be trained pretty easily.
• Crossbreed dogs can reproduce - and have an interesting impact on your insurance premiums. For some insurance providers, a dog with two different breeds as its parents is considered a crossbreed. But if two of the same cross breeds reproduce (for instance two Springadors), some insurance companies may consider the offspring pedigree dogs.

Crossbreed profile

Personality traits

Crossbreeds can often display a mixture of their parent’s traits, so it’s important to take this into account when thinking about this breed. like humans’ dogs can take on the personality of one parent more than the other.

Making good family pets with their moderate temperament, it is also noted that Crossbreeds can sometimes tend to be healthier than their purebred friends as it limits the likelihood of any pre-existing genetic diseases being inherited.

Loving and friendly, just like any dog they are happiest when in the heart of a family home.

Crossbreeds at home

If there is one thing you can guarantee about any type of dog is that they all require some sort of regular grooming, so you will need to ensure you have the time to set aside, for daily/weekly grooming, to keep your pup looking at their best.

Like most dogs, your Crossbreed will need exercise to stay healthy and stimulate their minds. Supervised fun and gamed will satisfy many of your pet’s instincts to dig, herd, chew, retrieve, and chase. Regardless of breed, any dog will find their own entertainment- which may not be your idea of fun! If they aren’t kept stimulated.

Your Crossbreed pooch may have the stubbornness of a Beagle, the clinginess of a Staffy or the fun-loving nature of a Jack Russell, that’s what makes Crossbreeds so unique- you never know what you are going to get! Taking the adequate time to train and socialise your pet will ensure you have a friendly, loving, sociable dog.

Top care tips

• As with most dogs they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.
• Lots of chew toys are needed, as your dog can chew when bored.
• Physical as well as mental stimulation is needed to keep you dog out of mischief!

Common health problems in crossbreeds

There is a popular school of thought that suggests crossbreed dogs are healthier than pure breeds. However, while many genetic diseases are more common in pedigree dogs, there are plenty that are just as common in cross breeds – such as heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Mixed breeding can create more of a ‘lucky dip’. All of the puppies could be healthy, or all could have health conditions. The less you know about a puppy’s parents, the higher that risk.

There is also the possibility that breeding from two different types of dog doubles the chances of hereditary disease. For example, the ever-popular Cockapoo breed could inherit health issues from both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles.

It is important to remember that any dog can get sick, any dog can get injured, and any dog can suffer from a hereditary disease.

The best way to minimise the risk of your dog suffering serious illness is by doing your research. Whether you are selecting a dog from an animal rescue shelter or buying from a breeder, always choose a dog you are willing to look after for the rest of its life.

There are two most common health problems that affect crossbreeds and these include:

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a dental infection that causes inflammation of the gums. It occurs when food and bacteria collect along the gum causing a build-up of plaque. If this plaque is left it turns to tartar, which contains bacteria that will cause inflammation and infection in the gum tissue.

Your dog may be reluctant to eat due to the pain. Your vet can remove the tartar and any unhealthy teeth. Antibiotics will be given to treat any infection. It’s a progressive disease that can be prevented by brushing your dog’s teeth daily, removing the plaque before it turns into tartar.

Hip Dysplasia

This condition affects the ball-and-socket of the hip joint. The joint surfaces rub together instead of sliding smoothly into place. It’s a hereditary disease but can also be affected by diet and exercise. Overweight or over-exercised dogs are more likely to suffer from the condition.

If your dog is showing signs of leg weakness, it may be suffering from hip dysplasia. Take your dog to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.

Hip replacement surgery may be needed if the condition is severe. In some cases, the pain can be managed with pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by your vet. Your dog will need to take this medication for the rest of its life. Weight control and a restricted exercise programme will also help with the pain.

Hip dysplasia will lead to arthritis in the hip joints in later life. Your dog’s joints will become stiff, and movement will be painful. But with medication, most dogs still live a good quality of life.

The history of Crossbreeds

Several types of dog crossbreeds date from the 14th century or earlier, such as the lurcher or the longdog. Historically, crosses between dogs of different types were more well accepted at a time when modern purebred breeds did not yet exist.

These types of crosses were performed to aggregate qualities of two different types in the same dog or to perfect an already fixed type of dog, always for working purposes an example to be cited is the famous case of Lord Orford's Greyhounds, which were improved by adding courage through the crossing with Old English Bulldogs, achieving the desired result after six generations. 

With the success of Lord Orford's dogs, the practice was adopted by other Greyhound breeders and became more common.

Is it worth getting dog insurance?

If you’re a first-time dog owner, it can be surprising just how quickly a new pooch becomes part of a family. Such a strong bond between owner and dog means it can be upsetting if they should become ill or be injured in an accident.

Whatever treatment your dog might need, the costs can quickly add up.

Fixing a broken bone could cost several hundreds of pounds, while treatment for a serious health condition could easily run into the thousands.

According to data from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), pet insurance companies paid out £872 million in claims in 2021 – an increase of 9.2% since 2020. That’s a lot of dogs needing a lot of treatment.

Having a dog insurance/pet insurance policy in place before an injury or illness happens means you know your pet will be covered should they require treatment.

Types of insurance for cross breed dogs

When it comes to choosing insurance, there are different pet insurance policies to compare. Depending on the level of cover you require, here are the four most popular pet insurance in the UK policies on offer:

Lifetime pet insurance:

This offers the most comprehensive cover for your pet. It covers injuries (resulting from accidents), illnesses, and health conditions year after year as long as you renew the policy. You will often find there is a limit on how much you can spend on treatment for a condition every year.

However, the amount will reset every 12 months if you renew the policy annually. All lifetime pet insurance policies are different, so make sure you do your research and compare quotes.

Maximum benefit pet insurance:

Maximum benefit insurance gives you a fixed amount of money to spend on treatment for each injury or illness.

For example, if your pet develops a long-term health issue that requires ongoing treatment, you can make a claim as many times as you need until you have reached the maximum benefit.

However, once you have reached the set limit, you cannot make any further claims for the condition – even if you renew the same policy.

Time limited pet insurance:

A time-limited insurance policy covers your pet for a certain period of time – generally one year.

That means you can claim for a medical condition as much as you need for that period.

If you reach the limit before then, your pet will not be covered. And if your dog needs treatment for more than 12 months, they will not be covered.

This is a good option if you want cover for a year and then are happy to pay for additional treatment yourself.

Accident only pet insurance:

Accident-only pet insurance is the most affordable type of dog insurance, but it is also the most basic.

It covers your pet if they have been injured in an accident, but not for any other medical situation.

For instance, if they develop an illness or health condition, they will not be covered. The stats show the majority of veterinary treatments are for illness, rather than injury.

While accident-only insurance is a cheaper option in the short-term, this type of policy may not offer the best possible care for your pet in the long-run.

Read on to see what our pet insurance may be able to cover you for.

Want to find out more about our Crossbreed Insurance/Dog Insurance Product? 

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How to care for your crossbreed

Unlike a purebred dog, the traits and requirements of a crossbreed aren’t always obvious. However, observing the behaviour, appearance and size of your dog will help you better understand what you need to do to help keep them healthy.

Here are a few tips on how to care for your cross breed dog.

Feeding your dog

Some dog food brands are designed with specific breeds in mind, but you’ll find the majority are not. You can usually work out portion sizes based on your dog’s size and age, rather than their breed. All dogs need a good quality, well-balanced diet. And it’s important not to overfeed your dog as this could lead to obesity and various health issues. If you have any concerns about your dog’s diet or weight, you should speak to your vet for advice.

Exercising your dog

Exercise is a really important part of a dog’s routine. Making sure your dog stays active keeps them entertained and helps keep their joints and muscles healthy. The amount of exercise a mixed breed dog needs depends on the breeds of its parents – as well as the dog itself. Keep an eye on your dog so you can spot when they need more exercise or when they’ve had enough and want a snooze. For some breeds, lots of exercise can help reduce the risk of destructive behaviours emerging. Others will not need as much time running around outside, but can really benefit from shorter walks each day.

Training your dog

When it comes to training your pooch, all dogs are different. Some will have amazing attention spans, taking on board everything you teach them. Others will be easily distracted. However, all dogs need to be trained – however long the process takes. Not only does good training help with behaviour, it also helps them better interact with people and other pets (cats and dogs), and helps them stay safe when they are out and about. Dedicate up to 15 minutes a day to training your cross breed dog. For most dogs, any more time than that will be information overload. Make training fun and use positive reinforcement so your dog knows when they are doing something right. Consistency is key – if they don’t understand something straight away, just keep repeating it until they do.

Grooming your dog

Crossbreeds can have unpredictable coat combinations, meaning each can have unique grooming requirements. Make sure grooming is part of their weekly routine and speak with a professional groomer if you have any questions.

The cost of owning a crossbreed

Owning a dog is both an emotional and financial commitment. Here are some of the costs you’ll need to consider:

Buying a dog: You’d imagine a crossbreed would cost less than a purebred dog, however this is not always the case. Research carried out by Pets4Homes has revealed that some so-called ‘designer dog’ breeds can command high prices. A Cavapoo or Labradoodle might set you back £1,637 or £1,380, respectively. However, you can pick up a Border Collie for £616 or a Jack Russell for £760.

Equipment: You need a fair amount of ‘stuff’ as a dog owner. That includes everything from lead, collar, harness, bed, and food bowl to things like pet-safe toothbrushes and toothpaste, toys, grooming brushes and poo bags.

Health costs: Pet insurance doesn’t usually cover things like routine vaccinations, neutering and worming treatments. You will have to pay for these preventative treatments yourself. Vets costs can soon add up, so you may want to consider taking out dog insurance.

Other costs: Additional costs can include professional training, boarding kennels if you go away on holiday and dog walking services if you’re unable to walk your pooch as much as they need.

The Purely Pet Promise

At Purely, we’re here to support you. That’s why we offer a 24 Hour Vet Helpline free of charge to all of our customers. Our easy to use online portal ‘Manage My Policy’, enables you to access to your policy 24hrs a day. This provides greater flexibility, allowing you to manage your policy at a time that suits you, so that you can spend more time with your furry friends, and less time managing your insurance. Get a quote

How much does crossbreed dog insurance cost?

It’s hard to pin down UK pet insurance costs, as premiums depend on a range of factors. Cross breeds are often considered cheaper to insure than their pedigree or mongrel cousins. That’s because they are seen to be healthier and hardier than pure breeds, and don’t carry the genetic uncertainty of a mongrel whose parentage is unknown.

At Purely Pets, we are often asked questions about how breed impacts the pet insurance prices. For instance: Are Labradors more expensive to insure compared to Labradoodles?

Some cross breed dogs are cheaper to insure, but there are no hard and fast rules. You will often find that size plays a bigger part in determining insurance premiums than breed. That means a large crossbreed will tend to cost more to insure than a smaller pure breed.

Pet insurance companies will generally ask for the more dominant breed of your pet in order to work out premiums. The dominant breed could be either the mother or father, and is usually the breed your pet most closely resembles.

When you compare dog insurance policies and get quotes, it’s important that you use the definition given by the insurance company. If you use a different definition and use that to describe your dog, you could find yourself paying more than needed – or even having your claim rejected.

How can I lower my pet insurance?

There are all sorts of costs that come with looking after a dog. If you’re worried about these costs, there are things you can do to lower your premiums. Here are some tips to consider:

Increasing your excess: The higher the excess you pay, the lower your premiums could be. However, it is important that you set the amount at a level you can afford. If you are unable to pay the premium should your pet need treatment, your insurance company will not pay out.

Ask about a multi-pet discount: If you have more than one dog or cat, you may be able to find multi pet cover or a multi pet discount on your pet insurance.

Getting your pet microchipped: A microchipped pet could be cheaper for insurance purposes. Speak to your vet to find out more.

Is lifetime pet insurance right for you?

Lifetime insurance is generally seen as the Rolls Royce of pet insurance cover. Because many insurance companies don’t cover pre-existing conditions when issuing new policies, many dog owners choose to keep renewing their lifetime cover year-on-year.

Lifetime policies really come into their own if your pet develops a long-term illness, such as diabetes or arthritis. Treatment is paid for – up to the agreed limit – as long as the policy is renewed every 12 months. At renewal, the limit is then refreshed to ensure your pup is always covered.

A more basic pet insurance plan may only cover your dog’s treatment for a set period of time and that condition may be excluded when it comes to renewing the policy (for example, with a time-limited policy). The maximum payout for these cheaper types of insurance is usually lower as well.

If you’re worried about your dog being diagnosed with a chronic, long-term illness, lifetime pet insurance is a smart choice.

Finding the right pet insurance

At Purely Pets, we offer a range of lifetime policies designed to give you and your dog the support you need when you need it the most.

With 15 levels of lifetime cover up to £15,000, you’re sure to find a policy that meets the needs of your pet – whatever comes their way.

Added extras to your policy could include third party liability cover and cover for overseas travel.

Get in touch with our specialist team to get a free dog insurance quote today.

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