10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Australia

So you have finally decided to get yourself a faithful canine friend, or maybe you’re just curious about which dog breeds are popular in Australia. No matter the reason, here in this blog we are going to uncover which breeds are the most admired ones.

There are certain distinct sets of features in every dog breed. Because of these unique characteristics, one breed is preferred over another according to the requirements of the owner. Some dogs are strong and tough and are good for security; some are agile and are good for guarding flocks on the farm; others are lap dogs who win your heart with their cuteness, and the majority are good for companionship and are kept as family dogs. Australians love dogs, and the culture of having a dog as a loyal friend or as a diligent four-legged work partner has been growing like never before.

According to the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC), nearly half of all dogs owned are purebred dogs, with the other half being crossbred dogs. In recent years, crossbred dogs have become more popular because of their low risk of inherited health complexities that purebred dogs generally suffer from.

Observing this positive surge and increasing interest in dogs, we have listed the ten dog breeds that are most preferred by Australians among more than 200 different official dog breeds available in Australia.

10. Labradoodle

The Labradoodle, as its name hints, is a hybrid of Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. This crossbred dog breed is smart, well-mannered, and very lively. It was bred originally as a hypoallergenic dog. That means these dogs have low-shedding coats and are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in people who are hypersensitive to dogs’ fur, hair, and dander.

It is easy to train and is widely used as a guide dog that helps impaired people cope with their disabilities. The curly and fluffy strands of fur give these dogs an appealing and adorable look. Because of their affable, playful, and intellectual nature, Labradoodles are gaining huge popularity as affectionate therapy dogs.

Acknowledged for: Easy to train. Hypoallergenic. Playful.

9. Kelpie Cross

The Kelpie Cross includes a wide variety of crosses between the Australian Kelpie and other breeds like Labrador, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and much more. It was originally developed by mixing English herding dogs and indigenous Australian dingoes.

Regardless of their various mixes, these dogs are extensively owned as herding dogs that help farmers take care of their livestock. Kelpies are intelligent, obedient, and have an excellent work ethic. They are healthy and have low-maintenance costs. It demands high physical exercise and active mental stimulation, because of which it is used as a service dog as well.

Acknowledged for: Excellent Work Ethic. Healthy. Agile. Multiple Sub-breeds.

8. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is gaining more and more popularity amongst Aussie households because of its playful and affectionate behavior. These dogs are great for toy groups since they mingle with kids very well. These dogs are smaller and more compact in size and civil in nature. With little to no shedding at all, French Bulldogs are the best if you don’t want any stray furs around your house.

These dogs love relaxing and being in the house and are mostly owned as family pets. They love making new friends and get along very well with other pets

Acknowledged for: Friendliness. Compact Size. Civil Nature.

7. German Shepherd

Best owned as a guard dog, the German Shepherd is an intelligent, strong, and easy-to-train breed. These dogs are clever learners and can be trained in several skills. Because of this, it is used for multiple purposes like herding, and security and is highly preferred by the police and military for patrolling purposes as well. This breed is celebrated with various glorious awards for its excellent service in the infantry.

Although a bit less friendly in nature, German Shepherds are very loyal to their owners. These are popularly known for their beautiful brown and black coats. A lively household who prefers to take their pets on walks and adventures is best suited for German Shepherds, who demand high physical exercise.

Acknowledged for: Strong Physicality, Loyalty. Easy to Train.

6. Border Collie

The Border Collie is regarded as one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. They are intelligent, nimble, and easy to train. Due to their excellent physical and mental ability, Australian farmers love to have Border Collies as their farm dogs. It loves being outdoors and demands a lot of physical activity.

Therefore, if you want a dog that can round up your livestock in a certain area or need a friend to go on an adventurous hike, the Border Collie is one of your top options. This breed has also won multiple awards in various dog competitions and canine sports.

Acknowledged for: Smartness. Herding sense. Resilient Physicality.

5. Golden Retriever

Primarily bred as a hunting breed, Golden Retrievers are clever and easy-to-train dogs and are owned by a lot of Australians as family pets and service dogs. These are loyal and compassionate breeds, suitable for living with children and other pets as well. Their playful, energetic, and social nature, along with their adorable appearance, make Golden Retrievers the most fitting choice.

These are also owned as service dogs for their smartness and easy-to-train capability in order to help people with vision and hearing disabilities.

Acknowledged for: Easy to Train. Family Dog. Adorable Looks.

4. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Known for their courageous temperament and tough physicality, Staffies are one of the best guard dogs. This breed is active, playful, and extremely loyal to its family. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is energetic and vigorous in nature, and low-maintenance because of less shedding.

Despite their tough looks, they are sweet and require affection suitable for active households. Its protective and safeguarding behavior inherited from Pit Bulls, along with their compact and tough build, makes this breed a great guard dog.

Acknowledged for: Guard Dog. Active. Strong.

3. Labrador

Labradors are one of the most popular breeds not only in Australia but all around the globe. This breed is extremely friendly and caring and is popular amongst active households with children and other pets. Initially used for small hunting expeditions, Labradors come from a long line of gundogs by nature.

They are easy to train, intelligent, and are also considered one of the most patient dogs. Labradors also make excellent service and guide dogs. These are also popular in various canine sporting contests and dog competitions.

Acknowledged for: Friendly. Easy To Train. Intelligent.

2. Maltese Cross

The Maltese Cross also includes a wide range of sub-breeds bred between pure Maltese and other breeds like Poodles, Chihuahuas, Beagles, Pugs, and many more. The Maltese breed is also considered to be one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. These are closely associated with luxury and are assumed to have positive luxury and prosperous omens. It is popular amongst royal families and wealthy people.

They shed very little and have a low maintenance cost. Maltese crosses are small in size, relaxed, playful, and affectionate in nature.

Acknowledged for: Luxury Breed. Calm and Relax.

1. Cavoodle

Cavoodles are a mix of Charles Spaniels and Poodles. This breed is gaining wide popularity because of its strong immunity against genetic diseases. These are easy to groom and shed very little, hence they are cost-effective. Small in size, the Cavoodles are playful and are highly participative in activities inside the house.

This breed is calm, and compassionate and can be used as a great therapy dog. Cavoodles are best for families with children and are also popular as guard dogs. These dogs are less aggressive and social in nature.

Acknowledged for: Strong Immunity. Social. Calm.

As we look back over the last decade at Aussie preferences for various dog breeds, we can see that herding dogs and family-friendly dogs that can guard are becoming increasingly popular.

According to a study done in 2016, it is believed that around 38% of households had at least one dog.

Regardless of its breed, every dog has their own personality. They are faithful, and compassionate, and have been man’s best friend since primitive times. Whether it is for companionship, helping on farms and herding livestock, or guarding and helping people to get around, it is evident that Australians love dogs, and there is no doubt that their furry friends love them back twice as much.

So when are you getting yourselves a doggy friend?