Most Popular Dog Breeds in Australia

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Shell & Katy Updated 12 January 2022 · 10 Min Read

Shell & Katy are two style-savvy dog mums celebrating the best in pet-friendly living. A pet photographer and dog lifestyle writer, together they share trending pet products, recipes, inspiration and expert tips with discerning dog lovers around the world.

The most popular dog breeds in Australia have been officially ranked, and the results are pretty adorable.

Pet Insurance Australia crunched the numbers and put together a full list of Australia’s favourite dogs, from classic purebreds to poodle crosses and everything in between.

Whether your pup made the top 10 or not, one thing is certain: they’re forever number one in your eyes. But scroll on to find out which breeds Australians love most, plus a state-by-state breakdown at the end.

Quick Answer: The most popular dog breed in Australia is the Cavoodle, followed by the Labrador and Golden Retriever. Rounding out the top 10 are the Maltese Cross, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Border Collie, French Bulldog, German Shepherd, Miniature Dachshund, and Labradoodle, according to data from Pet Insurance Australia.

Australia’s Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds

#10. Labradoodle

Lifespan:

12 to 15 years.

Best for:

Families and allergy-sensitive households.

Notable trait:

One of the few breeds actually invented in Australia.

Popular traits: Intelligent, social, playful.

The Labradoodle is one of Australia’s most huggable dogs, and their social, people-loving nature has made them a firm favourite with families. They get along with children and other pets effortlessly, making them one of the best family dogs around (though their friendliness does mean they’re not exactly cut out to be watchdogs!).

Fun fact: the Labradoodle is actually an Aussie original, first bred in Melbourne in the late 1980s as a cross between a Labrador and Poodle. Born and bred Melburnians, really.

#9. Miniature Dachshund

Lifespan:

12 to 16 years.

Best for:

Apartment living and small-space households.

Notable trait:

Originally bred to hunt badgers, so expect a digger.

Popular traits: Lovable, energetic, curious.

Sausage dog, doxie, low rider, wiener dog, weenie. Whatever you call them, Miniature Dachshunds are a top dog in Australia.

These fun, curious little pups make great family pets and surprisingly energetic housemates. Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, Dachshunds still love digging and getting into mischief outdoors. Their small size makes them one of the best apartment dogs too. Just keep those enrichment toys handy.

#8. German Shepherd

Lifespan:

9 to 13 years.

Best for:

Active families, working roles, and experienced dog owners.

Notable trait:

Consistently ranked among the world’s most intelligent dog breeds.

Popular traits: Smart, faithful, easy to train.

German Shepherds are one of those dog breeds that manage to be both majestic and deeply devoted at the same time.

Known as “velcro dogs,” they bond closely with their families and are fiercely loyal to their pack. One of the smartest dog breeds around, German Shepherds are a popular choice for military and police work, and just as beloved as a family companion.

#7. French Bulldog

Lifespan:

10 to 12 years.

Best for:

City dwellers and apartment living.

Notable trait:

Brachycephalic breed, meaning they need extra care in hot weather.

Popular traits: Loving, sociable, lively.

Affectionately known as Frenchies, this charismatic little breed has personality to spare.

Ever the life of the party, French Bulldogs thrive on attention and are as entertaining as they are affectionate. They’re a great option for apartment living too. And don’t be fooled by those chunky bodies: Frenchies have a surprisingly energetic side and absolutely love a game of fetch.

#6. Border Collie

Lifespan:

12 to 15 years.

Best for:

Active households with plenty of outdoor time and mental stimulation.

Notable trait:

Widely considered the most intelligent dog breed in the world.

Popular traits: Intelligent, loyal, energetic.

The Border Collie is one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world, and Australians clearly agree.

Well-mannered, highly active, and deeply loyal, Border Collies are happiest when they have a job to do. They’re a wonderful family companion for active households who love the outdoors and plenty of exercise.

#5. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Lifespan:

12 to 14 years.

Best for:

Families, including homes with children.

Notable trait:

Nicknamed the “nanny dog” in England for their gentle nature with kids.

Popular traits: People-friendly, energetic, loyal.

Nicknamed the “nanny dog” in England, it’s easy to see why Staffies have such a devoted fanbase. They love people unconditionally and want to be around you at all times.

Despite the negative myths about Staffies and bull terriers that still circulate, they are widely recognised as wonderful family pets and are often used as therapy dogs. Stubborn sometimes? Yes. But mostly just sweet.

#4. Maltese Cross

Lifespan:

12 to 15 years.

Best for:

Apartment dwellers, singles, couples, and families.

Notable trait:

Low-shedding coat makes them a practical choice for allergy-conscious households.

Popular traits: Affectionate, intelligent, playful.

Bright, gentle, and utterly charming, the Maltese Cross has well and truly earned its place among the most popular dog breeds in Australia.

A top pick for apartment dwellers and small dog lovers, Maltese crossbreeds are loving, playful, and adaptable, making them a brilliant match for singles, couples, and families alike. Their breed originated on the island of Malta as a companion for wealthy families, which may explain the slightly regal attitude.

#3. Golden Retriever

Lifespan:

10 to 12 years.

Best for:

Families with children and households seeking a versatile, trainable companion.

Notable trait:

Regularly chosen as service and therapy dogs due to their calm, biddable temperament.

Popular traits: Kind, trustworthy, ideal family dog.

If dogs had a “most universally loved” award, the Golden Retriever would win every year.

Golden Retrievers are versatile, gentle, and eager to please, which makes them brilliant family pets and natural at obedience training. Their temperament also sees them regularly chosen as service dogs for people with disabilities, and in search and rescue roles.

#2. Labrador

Lifespan:

10 to 12 years.

Best for:

Families with children of all ages, therapy work, and service roles.

Notable trait:

One of the world’s most popular breeds for guide and assistance dog programs.

Popular traits: Gentle, even-tempered, trusting.

The Labrador is a perennial favourite, and it’s not hard to see why. Kind, patient, and endlessly good-natured, Labradors are one of the best dogs for families with children of all ages.

Beyond family life, Labradors excel as therapy dogs, military dogs, and loving companions across the board. And the record holder? A Labrador named Adjutant, born in August 1936, who lived to the remarkable age of 27.

#1. Cavoodle

Lifespan:

12 to 15 years.

Best for:

Almost every lifestyle, from apartments to large homes, singles to families.

Notable trait:

Combines the intelligence of a Poodle with the gentle nature of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Popular traits: Sociable, lovable, playful.

Australia’s most popular dog breed is the Cavoodle, and honestly, no one is surprised.

A cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature or Toy Poodle, Cavoodles are intelligent, friendly, and completely irresistible. They suit almost every lifestyle and age group, slot into apartments as easily as large homes, and are genuinely happiest when they’re with their people. Those fluffy curls are just a bonus.

Most Popular Dog Breeds in Australia: State by State

Curious about the most popular dog in your state? Here’s how the rankings break down across the country. And if you’re still looking for your perfect match, this dog breed selector quiz by Petbarn is a great place to start.

New South Wales

1. Cavoodle
2. Labrador
3. French Bulldog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Border Collie
6. Maltese Cross
7. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
8. Labradoodle
9. German Shepherd
10. Golden Doodle

Victoria

1. Cavoodle
2. Golden Retriever
3. Labrador
4. German Shepherd
5. French Bulldog
6. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
7. Border Collie
8. Maltese Cross
9. Golden Doodle
10. Miniature Dachshund

Queensland

1. Cavoodle
2. Maltese Cross
3. Labrador
4. Miniature Dachshund
5. Border Collie
6. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
7. German Shepherd
8. French Bulldog
9. Labradoodle
10. Golden Retriever

South Australia

1. Golden Retriever
2. Maltese Cross
3. Cavoodle
4. Border Collie
5. Labrador
6. German Shepherd
7. Kelpie Cross
8. Labradoodle
9. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
10. French Bulldog

Tasmania

1. Labrador
2. Border Collie
3. Golden Retriever
4. Miniature Dachshund
5. Labradoodle
6. Cavoodle
7. German Shepherd
8. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
9. West Highland White Terrier
10. British Bulldog

Western Australia

1. Maltese Cross
2. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
3. Cavoodle
4. Labrador
5. Kelpie Cross
6. Golden Retriever
7. Border Collie
8. Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross
9. Miniature Dachshund
10. German Shepherd

ACT

1. Cavoodle
2. Labrador
3. Golden Retriever
4. Maltese Cross
5. Kelpie Cross
6. Border Collie
7. French Bulldog
8. German Shepherd
9. Miniature Dachshund
10. Spoodle

Northern Territory

1. Kelpie Cross
2. Border Collie
3. Cavoodle
4. Rottweiler
5. Golden Retriever
6. Labrador
7. Maltese Cross
8. Miniature Dachshund
9. Spoodle
10. Australian Cattle Dog Cross

FAQ

What is the most popular dog breed in Australia?

The Cavoodle is Australia’s most popular dog breed, according to Pet Insurance Australia data. A cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, Cavoodles are loved for their friendly temperament, low-shedding coats, and adaptability to almost any living situation, from small apartments to large family homes.

What is the most popular small dog breed in Australia?

The Cavoodle takes the top spot for small breeds overall, followed closely by the Maltese Cross and Miniature Dachshund. All three are consistently popular across multiple states and are well-suited to apartment living and smaller households.

What dog breeds are native to Australia?

The Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) and the Australian Kelpie are true Aussie originals, developed specifically for working on Australian sheep and cattle stations. The Labradoodle is also Australian-bred, first developed in Melbourne in the late 1980s, though it’s a crossbreed rather than a purebred.

What is the most popular dog breed in Queensland?

Queensland’s top dog is also the Cavoodle, followed by the Maltese Cross and Labrador. Queensland dog owners tend to favour smaller, low-maintenance breeds, with the Miniature Dachshund placing fourth in the state rankings.

Are Cavoodles good family dogs?

Yes, Cavoodles are considered one of the best family dogs in Australia. They’re gentle, sociable, and patient with children of all ages. Their Poodle heritage gives them a low-shedding coat, which is a practical bonus for households with allergies. They also adapt well to both apartment life and larger homes, making them genuinely versatile.

What dog breeds are best for apartments in Australia?

The Cavoodle, Maltese Cross, French Bulldog, and Miniature Dachshund are among the best dog breeds for apartments in Australia. They’re all compact in size, relatively low-energy indoors, and comfortable in smaller living spaces, though every dog still needs daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Which Australian Dog Breed Is Right for You?

Whether you’re drawn to the fluffy charm of a Cavoodle, the golden loyalty of a Labrador, or the cheeky energy of a Miniature Dachshund, Australia has no shortage of wonderful breeds to choose from.

The best breed for you comes down to your lifestyle, living space, and what you’re looking for in a companion. Active households tend to do brilliantly with Border Collies or German Shepherds, while apartment dwellers often find their perfect match in a Cavoodle, Maltese Cross, or Frenchie.

Before you bring a new dog home, it’s worth spending time researching the specific needs of your chosen breed. Our guides on low-maintenance breeds for first-time owners and the best family dogs are a great place to start. You can also browse breed-specific enrichment ideas in our dog enrichment guide to keep your pup happy from day one.

For further reading on canine behaviour and breed temperament, the RSPCA Australia dog welfare resources are an excellent reference point.

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