The top 10 dogs In Australia – our most popular breeds

Australians truly love their dogs, and our choices of favourite breeds say a lot about our lifestyles and personalities. From loyal working dogs to affectionate fur babies, the most popular breeds reflect our love for active outdoor living and our desire for loving, dependable companions.

In this article, we list the top 10 most popular dog breeds in Australia and explore what makes each of them so beloved. Intelligent, energetic, fun-loving, gentle and loyal, these dogs are Australia’s favourite companion animals. Many of us have grown up with one of these breeds, and often they are the first we consider when, as adults, we start the search for our very own furry companion.

Whether you’re considering adding a new four-legged friend to your household or simply curious to see if your chosen breed made the list, this article will give you a snapshot of the breeds winning Aussie hearts.

1. Cavoodle

The Cavoodle (a.k.a Cavapoo), a cross breed of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, is the most popular small to medium designer breed in Australia. Cavoodles usually have soft, wavy or curly coats which tend to shed a little since Poodles do not shed but Cavaliers do. Cavoodle puppies come in a variety of colours, and as it is not a standardised breed, no two puppies look the same.

The Cavoodle temperament combines the best traits from the Cavalier and the Poodle to create an intelligent, affectionate, playful and eager-to-please family companion. They are highly trainable, obedient and are very easy to teach. They thrive on the company of their family and other household pets, and do not like to be left alone.

As a mix between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle parents, you can expect Cavoodles to be small to medium, depending on the size of the Poodle parent. Generally, they stand at 30 – 35 cm tall and weigh between 5 and 12 kg, although many are smaller or larger. Their lifespan is around 10 to 14 years.

Common health issues for Cavoodles

Cavoodles are prone to gastrointestinal issues and anal sac disorders, which occur approximately 25% more frequently than in other dogs. They are also twice as likely to develop mitral valve disease (MVD), possibly due to the genetic predisposition from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in their lineage.

Learn more about pet insurance options for your Cavoodle.

2. Miniature Dachshund

The Miniature Dachshund, affectionately known as Doxie, has a long muzzle, almond-shaped eyes, and three coat varieties – shorthaired, wirehaired and longhaired. They have an independent nature, which can make them more challenging to train.

With their loveable temperament and bright personalities, Miniature Dachshunds make great family pets and  loyal companions. They love nothing more than curling up under a blanket with their owners and they enjoy the company of other dogs, especially other Dachshunds.  They also make great watchdogs.

Be aware – their long back can be injured if not handled with care, so young children should always be supervised. They don’t require a huge amount of exercise, so are a great choice for the elderly and less mobile. They do need to be kept on the lead during walks because they have a strong hunting drive and will take off if they catch a scent.

The Miniature Dachshund weighs about 4.9 kilos at the age of 12 months and they stand at about 13 to 18 cm. Dachshund’s have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Common health issues for Miniature Dachshunds

Miniature Dachshunds are significantly more prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and spinal issues—about 4.8 times more likely than other dogs due to their long body structure. They’re also more likely to experience lameness and back pain.

Learn more about pet insurance options for your Miniature Dachshund.

3. Golden Retriever

Kind, confident and friendly, the Golden Retriever is one of the world’s favourite dog breeds. Originally bred as a working gun dog, the Golden Retriever is an intelligent, trainable and loyal companion that is widely considered to be the perfect family dog.

Because of their intelligence, they make great working dogs and can perform a number of different roles including seeing-eye dogs, hearing dogs, hunting & detection dogs, and search and rescue dogs. They need a lot of daily exercise to keep them entertained and fit, so they suit families with active lifestyles.

The breed is named for its lustrous, thick, golden coat which sheds throughout the year but particularly around the change of the season. It has a thicker, water-repellent top coat and a soft undercoat to keep the dog cool in warmer months and warm in cooler months.

Healthy male Golden Retrievers weigh between 29 and 34 kg on average and stand at about 58 – 61cm tall. Females weigh in at 27 – 32 kg and stand at 55 – 57 cm tall.

The average lifespan of a Golden Retriever is around 11-12 years.

Common health issues for Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are particularly susceptible to skin, ear, eye, and digestive issues. Their long ears trap moisture, inviting infections, while loose skin and droopy eyelids make them sensitive to wind, dust and pollen, increasing the risk of eye problems. They’re also more than twice as likely as other dogs to develop hip dysplasia, leading to joint pain and mobility issues. Plus, their habit of swallowing foreign objects often causes digestive trouble and emergency vet visits.

Learn more about pet insurance options for your Golden Retriever.

4. Labrador

Claiming the number one spot on the list of the most popular large size dogs in Australia over many years, Labradors have a lovable nature, an excellent temperament and are easy to train. Bred originally as gun dogs, today Labradors are renowned for their work as assistance dogs for visually impaired and autistic people, detection & screening dogs, therapy dogs and law enforcement dogs.

Affectionately known as Labs, these are highly intelligent dogs who are keen to learn and eager to please. Labradors will thrive with plenty of mental stimulation and confident, consistent handling. Energetic dogs and therefore well-suited to people who love to get out and about, they need to be taken on a long, brisk walk or jog at least once a day to burn off some their energy – or else may resort to chewing the furniture or digging up the garden.

Labradors vary widely in appearance, but they are generally quite large and muscular with a short, dense, water-repellent coat, a broad head, brown or hazel eyes, strong jaws, a medium muzzle, and an “otter tail” which is thick at the base and narrower at the tip. There are three main colour varieties in Labradors: black, yellow, and chocolate, and occasionally all three can be present in the same litter.

Healthy male Labradors weigh between 29 and 36 kg and stand at about 57 – 62 cm tall. Females weigh about 25 – 32 kg and stand at 55 – 60 cm tall. They tend to gain weight quite easily, so exercise and a balanced diet are especially important for this breed.

Life expectancy in Labradors is around 10-13 years.

Common health issues for Labradors

Labradors are overly vulnerable to skin and ear issues and have a 50% higher risk of developing mass lesions, especially mast cell tumors. Their curious nature and eating habits often lead to swallowing foreign objects. They’re also about 1.6 times more likely to develop lameness and arthritis, driven by genetics and weight.

Learn more about pet insurance options for your Labrador.

5. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog has a small to medium stature and a lean and muscular build, with a large head and short legs. They have proven a popular choice for families and people living in apartments as they don’t require a lot of space to keep them occupied and aren’t prone to barking without good reason.

The French Bulldog is popular for its unique appearance and clownish, good-spirited behaviour. A playful, friendly and reliable dog with a good reputation for playing nice with kids, it is an energetic and loyal companion. Although the breed requires little dedicated exercise beyond a daily walk, consistent human contact is required and indoor living is a must.

A healthy French Bulldog will weigh between 10 to 13 kg and will generally live for between 12 to 16 years.

Common health issues for French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs are especially prone to skin and ear issues—twice as likely as the average dog. Their flat faces and small nostrils put them at high risk for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), making respiratory problems more than 17 times more likely. They’re also five times more likely to develop intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and 2.5 times more likely to experience patella luxation.

Learn more about pet insurance options for your French Bulldog.

6. Golden Doodle (Groodle)

The Groodle or Goldendoodle is a fairly new, hybrid breed of the Golden Retriever and Poodle. Developed as a hypo-allergenic companion animal and family pet, they have a mid-length coat that can be wavy or curly. Highly intelligent and energetic, Groodles require a good deal of mental and physical stimulation and do best with an active, engaged family that doesn’t leave their dog alone for extended periods.

As family pets the Goldendoodles show a great deal of tolerance and loyalty to their owners. Known for their easy going and calm nature, they have a great reputation with children. The placid and care-free nature of the Golden Retriever, paired with the energetic and playful character of the Poodle, makes for an enthusiastic and joyful companion. Being very social and human-orientated animals, Goldendoodles love being involved with the family and need regular human contact to remain happy.

Because the Goldendoodle is a crossbreed, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Larger sized Goldendoodles can weigh between 23-45kgs. A healthy Goldendoodle will usually live to between 12 and 15 years of age.

Common health issues for Groodles

Groodles are more likely to experience skin and ear conditions. Ear issues are nearly twice as common as in the average dog, likely due to their coat type and floppy ears. They’re also slightly more prone to gastrointestinal problems and have a higher chance of developing eye and eyelid issues, including conjunctivitis.

Learn more about pet insurance options for your Groodle.

7. Border Collie

Active and intelligent

The Border Collie is one of the world’s most intelligent – some would say they top the list – and most popular dog breeds. Originally developed as a herding dog, the Border Collie is a medium size working dog with tireless energy, and consequently it needs ample exercise. This makes the breed a perfect working dog and favourite of farmers who need a trusted, helpful and loyal farmhand.

Despite their reputation as devoted, loyal and affectionate family dogs, with their active minds and natures they aren’t suited to every lifestyle. They will thrive when they have a job to do, even if it’s chasing after a ball or extracting food from an interactive dog toy. If not exercised enough, or if left alone too long, they may become bored and destructive.

Border Collies have thick, double coats which vary from smooth to rough and they come in a variety of colours with black and white being the most popular. They require regular brushing or combing to keep a gleaming, healthy coat, and should only be bathed when necessary. Border Collies are average shedders.

Healthy males usually weigh between 14 and 20 kg and stand around 48 – 56 cm tall. Females are usually 12-19 kg and stand at 46 – 53 cm tall.

The average lifespan of a Border Collie is about 12 years, but many live longer than 16 years. In fact, the fourth longest-living dog was a Border Collie.

Common health issues for Border Collies

Border Collies are generally a robust and healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. While their risk for hip dysplasia is relatively low, it’s slightly higher than the average (0.5%) at 0.7%. They’re also somewhat more likely to develop arthritis as they age.

Learn more about pet insurance options for your Border Collie.

8. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, affectionately known as the ‘Staffy’, is one of Australia’s most popular medium-sized breeds, and when trained properly, it has proven to be a loving, playful and  personable companion pet. They are energetic, enthusiastic dogs that require a good deal of exercise and human attention.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier shares its lineage with the Pit Bull and both of these breeds are renowned for their aggressive and highly loyal characteristics. Firm but fair obedience training and early socialisation are a necessity. Staffies that have been raised in a good environment and have been well trained have largely been very suitable family pets that are loving, playful and great with kids.

The average Staffordshire Bull Terrier will measure between 35 to 40cm and a healthy dog should weigh between 13 and 17kgs. They live to between 10 and 15 years of age.

Common health issues for Staffordshire Bull Terriers

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are highly prone to skin conditions, with a risk 1.8 times higher than the average dog. They are also more likely to experience lameness (1.3 times higher) and arthritis (1.3 times higher). Additionally, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are at an increased risk for cruciate ligament issues.

Learn more about pet insurance options for your Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

9. Dachshund (standard)

The Dachshund, affectionately known as Doxie, has a long body with short, muscular legs, a long muzzle, almond-shaped eyes, and three coat varieties – shorthaired, wirehaired and longhaired. They have an independent nature, which can make them more challenging to train.

With their loveable temperament and lively personalities, Dachshunds make great family pets and  loyal companions. Because they are very social, they want to be with their humans having regular interaction with them, and don’t do well as outdoor dogs.

Be aware – their long back can be injured if not handled with care, so young children should always be supervised. Dachshunds don’t need a lot of space and make ideal apartment dogs as long as they can get the attention and exercise they need.

The Dachshund weighs about 9 to 12 kilos and they stand at about 20 to 27 cm. Dachshund’s have an average lifespan of 14 to 16 years.

Common health issues for Dachshunds

Dachshunds are highly susceptible to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and spinal issues, with their risk being 4.5 times higher than the average dog. This significantly increased risk is due to their long body structure and short legs, which place additional strain on the spine. As a result, they are more prone to spinal disc degeneration and herniation, leading to pain, mobility issues, and potential paralysis in severe cases

Learn more about pet insurance options for your Dachshund.

10. German Shepherd

Consistently making the top 10 list of most popular breeds of any size in Australia for many years, German Shepherds are renowned  for their bushy, thick tails, pointy ears and wolf-like appearance. Interestingly, their coat colour is not known until they shed their puppy coats, but it is generally a mixture of black and gold.

German Shepherds were bred for their intelligence, and are regarded as one of the smartest dog breeds. Their intelligence, obedience and trainability have led the German Shepherd to become one of the most adaptable and versatile dog breeds in the world and they are often employed in military, search & rescue and police roles.

German Shepherds are considered to be a very safe breed when trained well and socialised early and often, and for this reason they are a very popular family pet. They are highly active and love strenuous activity, while a lack of exercise or mental challenge can lead to restless and destructive behaviour.

Healthy male German Shepherds generally weigh in at 30 – 40 kg and stand at 60 – 65 cm tall. Females are usually between 22 and 32 kg and stand at about 55 – 60 cm tall. Their life span is usually around 10 to 14 years, but some have been known to reach the ripe old age of 20.

Common health issues for German Shepherds

German Shepherds are more prone to certain health issues than the average dog, especially skin conditions, with a 1.2 times higher risk. They also face a much higher chance of hip dysplasia (3 times more likely) and arthritis (1.5 times more likely), likely due to breed disposition.

Learn more about pet insurance options for your German Shepherd.

In summary

From playful companions to loyal protectors, Australia’s top 10 dog breeds each bring something special to the table. Whether your favourite made the list or not, every dog has the potential to be the perfect match when given love, care and a place in the family.

It’s important to remember that every breed comes with its own unique needs and potential health issues. Being aware of common conditions, from hip problems in larger breeds to skin sensitivities in smaller ones, helps owners provide the best possible care. By understanding both the joys and the challenges that come with your chosen breed, you can ensure your dog stays happy, healthy and a cherished member of the family for many years to come.