Your Guide to The Most Popular Dog Breeds in Australia 2024
Unleashing Australia's Favourite Canine Companions
A Frenchie wears our Taupe Harness whilst out and about with mum!
What's the most popular dog breed in Australia? In Australia, we love our pets, especially our pooches, with almost two in every three households having a furry friend. As pet experts with four years of working with pups (and owners) under our belt with ST ARGO, we’re curious about what the most popular dog breeds in Australia actually are.
There’s approximately 360 breeds in the world, but here are the top 7 breeds Aussie’s just can't get enough of...
#1 Labrador Retriever
Friendly, faithful, full of beans
A handsome Chocolate Lab plays with his plush toy. He wears a Ruby Red ST ARGO collar (size Large).
Us Aussies can't resist a Labrador! These friendly and smart dogs are a hit with families all over the country. In fact, they’re commonly recognised as the best breed for families.
They're keen on playtime, easy to train, and always ready for a splash in the water. Just remember they need plenty of exercise, such as a daily walk, to keep their tails wagging and their temperament well behaved. With their playful and family-oriented nature, it’s no wonder they’re Australia’s most popular breed. Check out the best dog collars & best dog harnesses for the beloved Labrador.
#2 Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Affectionate, amusing, aplomb
You can see why Staffies are commonly referred to as the 'Seal' of the canine world. Luna wears our Ruby Red vegan leather dog harness (size Medium).
Don't let their tough looks fool you, Staffies are true softies at heart. Making them one of the most popular breeds that Aussie's love. They adore kids and love to play, making them great family pets, plus they make great guard dogs.
These four-legged friends are highly energetic, so be prepared for zoomies and ensure you've got time for daily walks to keep them at optimal health - they love food (don’t we all) and vets warn they get (extra) chunky easily. Check out our advice on picking the perfect dog collar for a staffy.
#3 French Bulldog
Cute, comical, cuddly
AKA, the ‘Frenchie’. There's been a lot of love for French Bulldogs lately. And it’s no wonder. These little guys are perfect for city living with their small size, with females growing to roughly 8kg and males to 10kg, and big personality, making them the perfect small dog breed.
They're laid-back, loyal, friendly, and those bat-like ears are seriously cute! Check out our blog on picking the best collar for a Frenchie.
#4 Border Collie
Fun-loving, fit, family dog
A Collie Keeps Guard Wearing the ST ARGO Lilac Harness Walk Set (size Large).
These intelligent hounds have their roots in herding sheep, so they’re always up for an active lifestyle. Border Collies love to run, jump and solve problems.
Intelligence is the Border Collie's distinctive trait: In fact, in 2009, NBC News reported that the average dog is as smart as a two-year-old child, while the Border Collie would trump a four-year-old when it comes to spatial problem-solving skills and basic arithmetic.
This intelligence lends itself to task-based satisfaction. Give a Border Collie a job, and she’ll be happy. If you have room for them to stretch their legs and plenty of energy to match, they'll be your best mate.
They also have a protective streak (originating from herding and surveying sheep), making them great guard dogs.
#5 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Loveable, lively, lapdogs
Blenheim Coloured Cavalier Spaniel Poses in the ST ARGO Taupe Collar and Leash (size Medium).
Cavaliers are the royalty of small dog breeds. Experts trace this breed back to the 1600’s in England. With their silky coats and adorable puppy-dog eyes, they're hard to resist.
They're also super sweet and get along with everyone, making them a top choice for many Aussies and great family companions.
Be warned, they can be a rather docile breed - they were originally bred to be lap dogs. This personality trait hasn't left them and they’ll need to be hustled for their daily walk. How relatable... Here is our guide on picking the best collar for you Cavalier.
#6 Golden Retriever
Gentle, gorgeous, goofy
#7 Australian Shephard
Beautiful, bold, bouncy
A Beautiful Australian Shepherd smiles for cameras whilst on set in the ST ARGO Taupe Harness and Leash (size Large).
While they didn't actually originate from Australia, Aussie Shepherds have still won our hearts, wiggling their way into the top dog breed charts. They're energetic, clever, and their colourful coats are really something special.
Studies have shown that they’re in the top 5 most intelligent dog breeds, alongside the likes of German Shepherds and Poodles. This means they'll require not just physical, but also mental stimulation. Originally a working dog, they'll usually be top of the class with all forms of obedience training - thriving in a stimulating environment.
These dogs are always up for an adventure, whether it's on the farm, in dog sports, or just a big family outing. They are beautiful dogs, and we’ll cheekily label them ‘Aussie’, and claim them as ours! Here is our guide on picking the best dog collar for an Aussie Shephard.
Honourable Mention: Cavoodle (Cavapoo)
Friendly, affectionate, attention hogs.
These three adorable siblings wear ST ARGO collars (size Small) in (from left) Ruby Red, Pale Pink, and Lilac.
We get it, they’re not technically a ‘breed’, but this Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cross Poodle mutt has shot to popularity in recent years. The vets from Greencross put it down to their loving nature (originating from the Cavalier) and hypo-allergenic coats (coming from their Poodle parent). They're a good option if you're looking for a small dog.
Because of their popularity, this cross-breed is also one of the most expensive dogs in Australia, with people paying upwards of $7,000 for a puppy! This new breed of highly social dog is perfect for apartment living, and won't necessarily require an active lifestyle.
Be warned, these dogs are infamous for craving affection - you won’t get a moment to yourself once introducing a Cavoodle into your family, yep, they’ll even follow you to the bathroom… Here is our guide on welcoming a cavoodle to your family.
Finding Your Pawfect Four Legged Friend
Each dog breed has its own quirks and needs, so it's super important to pick a pet that suits your lifestyle. After all, having a dog is a big responsibility, and you want to make sure both you and your new best friend are happy for the long run.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider when choosing a dog breed for my family?
When choosing a dog breed, consider factors such as the dog's energy level, size, grooming needs, temperament, and how well they get along with children and other pets.
How much exercise do different dog breeds typically need?
Exercise required varies by breed, ie. high-energy breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds require more physical and mental stimulation, while breeds like French Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are more content with moderate exercise and indoor play (and indoor cuddles).
What are some common health concerns for popular dog breeds?
Different breeds have specific health concerns. For instance, Labrador Retrievers may suffer from hip dysplasia, French Bulldogs can have breathing issues, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to heart conditions. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help manage these risks.
How do I socialise my new puppy?
Socialising your puppy involves exposing them to a variety of environments, people (including children), and other animals in a positive manner. Puppy school, regular walkies, and playdates with other dogs are great ways to make sure your puppy grows up to be well-adjusted to all different ways of life.
