It’s no secret that Australians love their pets. In fact, approximately 62 per cent of households have pets. Of these, 38 per cent are dog owners. If you’re considering being part of the large community of dog owners in the country or perhaps want to add another pup to your home, you can choose from the most popular dog breeds in Australia.
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Right Dog Breed
There are so many dog breeds, all equally adorable, but like humans, they vary in shapes, sizes, temperament and required activity levels. When choosing the breed that is right for your home, here are a few factors to consider:
- Living space – A large breed dog may not be able to live comfortably in a tiny apartment. Choose a breed that can move freely in your home.
- Lifestyle – Dogs need attention, particularly when they’re puppies, so ensure your schedule allows you to spend ample time with them. When they’re older, some breeds require more physical activities than others. Choose those that will fit your lifestyle.
- Family Members’ Needs – Some dog breeds tend to become excessively protective and highly stressed with constant intrusions from new people around you or in your home. If your family is socially active, these breeds may not work well for you.
Furthermore, if anyone in your family is allergic to animals, consider choosing those that shed less hair. - Cost – No matter what breed, dogs need food, medication, other supplies, vaccines and vet visits. Larger dogs may have more food expenses, and certain breeds require more extensive medical care than others.
10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Australia
Cavoodle
Average Size: Small breed, 30cm in height and weighs 10 kgs
Average Lifespan: 10-14 years
Personality: Non-aggressive, intelligent, high energy, excellent family dogs
Labrador Retriever
Average Size: Medium to large breed, 54-67cm in height and weighs 25-34 kgs
Average Lifespan: 10-14 years
Personality: Athletic, intelligent, kind natured, loyal, active, great for families
Greyhound
Average Size: Large breed, 68-76cm in height and weighs 25-32 kgs
Average Lifespan: 10-14 years
Personality: Intelligent, calm and social indoors, low endurance, gentle, natural hunters and sprinters, affectionate with family but aloof with strangers
Border Collie
Average Size: Medium breed, 46-56cm in height and weighs 12-20 kgs
Average Lifespan: 10-14 years
Personality: Most intelligent dog breed, highly trainable, needs lots of physical and mental stimulation, loyal and dedicated to owners, herds other pets and even children around the house
Golden Retriever
Average Size: Medium breed, 51-51cm in height and weighs 6-30 kgs
Average Lifespan: 13 years
Personality: Confident, relaxed, friendly, affectionate, enjoys long walks and games, gentle with children, not barkers and lacks guarding instincts
Goldendoodle
Average Size: Small to large (Poodle mix), 33-61cm in height and weighs 27-36 kgs
Average Lifespan: 14-15 years
Personality: Affectionate, loving, easily trained, highly intelligent, sweet-natured, energetic, loves to cuddle, great service dogs
Labradoodle
Average Size: Medium to Large (cross between Labrador and Poodle parents), 51-66cm in height and weighs 23-30 kgs
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Personality: Comical, obedient, playful, extremely intelligent, gentle natured, loves to swim, can develop separation anxiety, often described as the best companion dog, great therapy dog
German Shepherd
Average Size: Large, 55-65cm in height and weighs 22-40 kgs
Average Lifespan: 7-10 years
Personality: Protective, highly intelligent, responsive to training, strong minded, with affinity to people, excellent companion dogs, good with children, extremely loyal to the point of giving their own lives for their owner
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Average Size: Medium, 36-41cm in height and weighs 13-17 kgs
Average Lifespan: 12 years
Personality: Tenacious, playful, strong, enthusiastic, sociable, too friendly that they tend to go with strangers, intelligent, can be stubborn, excellent watchdogs
French Bulldog
Average Size: Small to medium, 30cm in height and weighs 10-15 kgs
Average Lifespan: 12-16 years
Personality: Clownish or comical, intelligent, playful, affectionate, thrive in human companionship, not yappy, susceptible to overheating, does not take kindly to shouting and will ignore you if you do
10 Most Popular Dogs in Australia: Which Would You Love to be Part of Your Family
There you have it – the 10 most popular dog breeds in Australia! If you’re thinking of getting a furry friend, one of these breeds will make you and your family happy. Remember, before you adopt any pet, do your research to make sure you’re providing the best possible home for them. If you already have a pup, share this blog with friends to see if their favourite breed made it to the list.
