50 Most Common Dog Breeds In Australia

It’s official – Australians love dogs! Whether they are strong hunting breeds or sweet little lap dogs, Aussies love the companionship and joy that dogs bring into our lives. Some breeds have remained popular with Australians for decades, like the Labrador or the Golden Retriever. Then there are the less common breeds that have gained new popularity in Australia over the last few years, like the Cane Corso or Hungarian Vizsla. And of course there are the designer dogs, the cross breeds that bring together the best traits of some of the most popular dog breeds around.

Over time, the most popular breeds chosen by Australians have shifted, but there are some things that don’t change. Aussies love dogs that are intelligent, easy to train, active, and good with kids. Recently, smaller dog breeds have become popular with owners living in apartments or smaller houses. But most of all, we love dogs that love being a part of our families.

Top 10 Most Popular Dogs

The numbers are in – here are the most popular dog breeds in Australia!

1. Cavoodle
   It’s no surprise that the cavoodle has become one of the most sought after breeds in Australia. Cavoodles, also known as cavapoos, are a cross breed mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Toy Poodles. Cavoodles, like other cross breeds, are less prone to genetic disease than other breeds. They also shed less, and are fairly easy to groom.
   
   This small breed is very intelligent and playful, making them a great dog for families with small children. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, as does their eagerness to please and participate in activities. Cavoodles can also make good guard dogs.
   
2. Maltese Cross
   Famous for their beautiful white coats and loyal, affectionate nature, Malteses are now also well known for their amazing cross breeds. Maltese cross breeds take on many of the great traits of the Maltese, such as low shedding and maintenance and an easygoing personality. Some of the most popular cross breeds include maltipoms (Pomeranian/Maltese), maltipoos (Maltese/Poodle), malteagles (Beagle/Maltese), morkies (Yorkshire Terrier/Maltese), and malshis (Maltese/Shihtzu). As Maltese crosses are small in size and have a playful nature, they are perfect for those living in apartments as well as those with a big backyard.
3. Labrador
   Ever the popular breed, the Labrador is still one of the most popular dog breeds for families with kids and those who love an active lifestyle. Labradors are not just active and friendly, but are also very patient. This makes them the perfect choice for families with very young children. Labradors are also very sweet natured and loyal, with a love of water and swimming.
   
   Their temperament and trainability has made them the dog of choice when it comes to many different tasks. Labradors are often used as service dogs for blind and disabled people, as well as working as bomb detection dogs.
4. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
   Famously fearless and loyal, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is quickly becoming a favourite family pet for Australians. Staffordshire Bull Terriers, also known as staffies, are very intelligent, active, courageous, and exceptionally friendly with kids. Staffies can be very protective of their families and kids in particular, making them an excellent companion and guard dog.
   
   Staffies are tough and reliable, and are low maintenance. They are also fairly independent dogs, and are naturally very gentle. Their affectionate nature, high intelligence, and tolerant attitude means they also make great therapy dogs, as well as lovable members of the family.
5. Golden Retriever
   The Golden Retriever is another dog breed that has been popular with Aussies families for many years. This hunting breed is a great choice for rural and suburban families, as they love plenty of exercise and are great with kids. Golden Retrievers are loyal and eager to please, love spending time with their families and are even great with other animals.
   
   Golden Retrievers are a low maintenance and healthy breed, and are very intelligent. They are also very adaptable, and are often used as service dogs. They can assist people with hearing and visual impairments, and make great therapy dogs.
6. Border Collie
   Known for their incredible herding instincts, the Border Collie is an incredibly attentive and obedient breed that has become a very popular choice for farmers and families across Australia. Border Collies are high energy dogs that are easy to train and eager to please. Because of their active and loyal nature, they often thrive in many canine sports and competitions, including flyball and agility training.
   
   Border Collies are a great choice for families as well as sheep farmers. As they are so active and loyal, Border Collies are great with kids and love playing and running for long periods of time.
7. German Shepherd
   Protective, loyal, and incredibly intelligent, the German Shepherd dog has a famously beautiful coat. They are fearless, confident, and generally calm dogs that are easy to train. It is for these reasons that German Shepherds are often used for herding, or as guard dogs or police dogs.
   
   German Shepherds can be good with children, but are often thought as being aloof or intolerant. While they are not as friendly towards strangers as other breeds, the German Shepherd is an incredibly loyal dog that makes for an excellent addition to the family.
8. French Bulldog
   The French Bulldog is becoming a more popular breed in Australia, likely due to their unique personalities and appearance. These mild-tempered dogs make an excellent companion for kids and adults, and are known for their playful, even goofy dispositions. They are very social dogs, and are often well behaved and very affectionate. It’s no wonder French Bulldogs have been the companion dog of choice for royal families across Europe since the 18th century.
   
   French Bulldogs, or Frenchies, are just as happy relaxing at home as they are going for runs in the park. Because of this relaxed attitude, French Bulldogs are a great choice for city dwellers.
9. Kelpie Cross
   The kelpie crossbreed is a mild-mannered dog, perfect for those with an active lifestyle. Kelpie cross breeds originate with the Australian Kelpie, another very popular dog known for loyalty, intelligence, and an eagerness to please. Like other cross breeds, Kelpie cross breeds are also often genetically healthier than other breeds. Kelpie cross breeds are low maintenance, obedient dogs who are very protective of their families.
   
   Some popular Kelpie crosses include the Golden Kelpie (Australian Kelpie/Golden Retriever), an Australian Kelpie German shepherd mix, and the Kelpador (Australian Kelpie/Labrador).
10. Labradoodle
    Labradoodles have been rising in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Originally bred as hypoallergenic guide dogs, this breed is active, mild-mannered, and highly intelligent. They are incredibly sociable and a great family pet, as they are easy to train and very loyal. As such, they can make great therapy or guide dogs.
    
    Another popular poodle cross like the Cavoodle, Labradoodles love physical activity and mental stimulation, and enjoy time spent with their families. They can be especially good with children, and are a great choice for first-time dog owners.
    

50 MOST POPULAR DOG BREEDS IN AUSTRALIA

After the top ten, here are the breeds that Aussies love best!

11. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
    This breed is well-known for its calm temperament, loyalty, and gentle nature – they are the perfect companion for families.
12. Rottweiler
    They may have a fearsome reputation, but Rottweilers are good natured and intelligent, and have a natural guarding instinct.
13. Cocker Spaniel
    Cocker Spaniels are cheerful, lovable, and easygoing. This breed is eager to please and active, making them great for families with kids.
14. Miniature Schnauzer
    This breed is a great choice for a guard dog, while also being intelligent, loyal, and curious. They are devoted to their families.
15. American Staffordshire Terrier
    American Staffordshire Terriers, like other Staffordshire terriers, make the perfect family dog, as well as being great guard dogs.
16. Australian Shepherd
    Aussies Shepherds are high energy, affectionate working dogs. They love physical activity and need working dog food for their high energy needs. They are easy to train, and are great with kids.
17. Toy Poodle
    Toy Poodles are great with kids, highly intelligent and easy to train. The smallest of the poodle varieties, they are well suited to apartment living.
18. Australian Cattle Dog
    This breed is loyal and protective of its family and highly intelligent. A working dog, Aussies Cattle Dogs are easy to train and love exercise.
19. Boxer
    Boxers are extremely loyal and affectionate companions that love spending time with their families. They are playful, and make good guard dogs.
20. German Shorthaired Pointer
    This breed is known for being loyal, brave, and gentle. German Shorthaired Pointers are alert and intelligent hunting dogs who love being part of the family.
21. West Highland White Terrier
    The Westie is an out-going and people loving breed. Bred as a hunting dog, these dogs are often curious and very intelligent.
22. Whippet
    Whippets are agile and active dogs with big personalities. They love spending time with their families, and do well with other dogs.
23. Jack Russell Terrier
    Jack Russells are intelligent, easy to train dogs that are great with kids and do well in homes with other dogs.
24. Rhodesian Ridgeback
    Despite their size and guarding instincts, this calm tempered breed is great with kids. Ridgebacks are loyal, laid back, and very affectionate.
25. British Bulldog
    British Bulldogs are iconic for their dependable and loyal natures. They are relaxed and tolerate, making them great with small children.
26. Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshund
    Miniature Dachshunds are intelligent and gentle little dogs that make for good watch dogs. They are also an independent and alert breed.
27. German Shepherd (Long Stock Coat)
    This breed, like their short coat counterpart, is loyal and intelligent. They also make great guard dogs and are easy to train.
28. Hungarian Vizsla
    Hungarian Vizslas are often very loyal and eager to please. This hunting breed is very active and easy to train.
29. Chihuahua
    This breed is affectionate and very loyal. Small and feisty, chihuahuas make for good watch dogs and are well suited to apartment living.
30. Italian Greyhound
    Italian Greyhounds are very affectionate and devoted to their families. They are usually laid back dogs with gentle and humorous personalities.
31. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
    This breed is very intelligent, and perfect for those living in small spaces or families with children. Corgis are affectionate and can be very playful.
32. Dalmatian
    Dalmatians are sociable and active dogs that are great with kids. They are easy to train and love being with their families.
33. Beagle
    This highly intelligent hunting breed is active and independent, and great for families with small children. They are playful and very social.
34. Great Dane
    Great Danes are gentle and relaxed dogs, but also make for excellent guard dogs due to their large size and loyalty to their families.
35. Dobermann
    Dobermann’s are intelligent and devoted dogs. Despite their reputation as guard dogs, they also make good therapy dogs and are great with kids.
36. Bull Terrier
    This sociable breed is highly intelligent and independent. They love physical activity and relaxing at home, and make great apartment dogs.
37. Shetland Sheepdog
    Shelties are active, gentle and sociable dogs that are easy to train. They are great for families with small children and other pets.
38. Pomeranian
    Pomeranians are alert and sensitive dogs that can be very protective of their families. They are also active, playful and intelligent.
39. English Springer Spaniel
    These spaniels are loving, affectionate, and playful with strangers and family members alike. They are gentle and humorous additions to the family.
40. Tenterfield Terrier
    This breed is active, intelligent, and a great working or companion dog. They are low maintenance and well suited to apartment living.

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