Australians are known for their love for pets. As per recent research, approximately 48% of Australian households have at least one pet dog in their family. No wonder, Australia has become home to a variety of dog breeds. However, some dog breeds are more popular in certain terrains due to their suitability and relevant personalities. If you are planning to add such a furry member to your family, one of these cuties can be a perfect match for you.

This blog lists the 10 most popular dog breeds in Australia, along with the details about their personalities, temperaments and suitability to the different geographical regions of Australia. Keep reading to learn about them and find the perfect match for you.

10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Australia

  1. Cavoodle
    This designer breed is well-known for its friendly nature. It has a combination of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s sweetness and Poodle’s intelligence. Cavoodles are excellent with children and have a hypoallergenic coat making them suitable for allergy-sensitive homes. They are suitable for small spaces as well as open backyards and are popular in almost all the states.

  2. French Bulldog
    French Bulldogs or Frenchies, as they are affectionately called, have a charming personality and are intelligent dogs. They are good with children and other pets and have a compact size, making them a favourable choice for apartment living. These loyal, playful, and cuddly dogs are popular across the country.  

  3. Golden Retriever
    Golden Retrievers have a lively temperament. This dog breed is highly intelligent and trainable. Goldies love outdoor adventures and are often used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, and search & rescue dogs. This versatile breed gels well with children, other pets, and even strangers. This loyal and sweet breed is a favoured choice, especially in Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, & regions of Western Australia.

  4. Border Collie
    Border Collie is one of the world’s smartest dog breeds. These working dogs are agile, easily trainable and need a lot of physical & mental stimulation, making them suitable for households with active, outdoor lifestyles. Known for their social and affectionate nature, Border Collies develop strong bonds with their humans. These loyal canines are popular in almost all the regions of the country.

  5. Miniature Dachshund
    With short stature and bold personalities, Miniature Dachshunds are funny, curious and sometimes stubborn. These ‘sausage dogs’ are lively and have an independent nature. Considered intelligent, Dachshunds bark very loudly and are quite courageous. This breed is suitable for families that can provide them with the required care and attention. Dachshunds are more popular in New South Wales and Northern Territory regions.

  6. German Shepherd
    German Shepherds are loyal and courageous. This breed is exceptionally intelligent and easy to train. They possess strong protective instincts due to which they need to be trained to greet children and other pets with a friendly hello. Known for their versatility, German Shepherds make loyal family members and are also a perfect match for police and military work, search and rescue operations, and service or therapy dogs. German Shepherds are happy when they have a ‘job’ to do and are equally popular in all the regions of the country.

  7. Labrador Retriever
    Labrador Retrievers are playful and very energetic. They have a friendly and outgoing personality and love adventure. Their eagerness to please their people makes them easily trainable. Because of the high energy levels, this intelligent breed requires a good amount of exercise. These loyal canines add joy to every moment and are ideal for families with young kids and a backyard. Labs are a popular breed across almost all regions of the country.

  8. Groodle (Golden Retriever + Poodle)
    A cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, a Groodle has a friendly and social nature. This smart and easy-to-train dog breed excels in various dog sports and needs a good amount of mental stimulation to stay engaged and happy. Groodles have a hypoallergenic coat and are good for households with sinus sensitivities. Groodles have an affectionate, caring and loyal personality and get along well with children as well as other pets. This trendy breed is more popular in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.

  9. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
    Staffordshire Bull Terriers or Staffies, as lovingly called, are courageous and loyal. This highly intelligent breed needs at least an hour of exercise daily. Staffies love to play making it essential to fill the house with a lot of toys. These dogs have an unwavering love for their human families and are gentle, especially with children. Always ready for snuggle, this dog breed is very popular in Queensland and Western Australia.

  10. Maltese
    Maltese dogs are gentle and are well-known for their high intelligence. This dog breed loves to please, making them easy to train. Though small in stature, these dogs require a good dose of daily exercise and are a good choice for families with active lifestyles. This adorable breed gets bored easily and needs a ‘job’ to do when they are required to stay alone. The small size makes Maltese a good choice for apartment living. Maltese are very popular amongst Victoria and New South Wales dwellers.

In a nutshell

Dogs are undoubtedly men’s best friends. Though a variety of dog breeds have won the hearts of Australians, the breeds listed in this blog have gained high popularity. Learn about the traits of these adorable breeds and find the one that is popular in your locality and matches your lifestyle the best.