It doesn’t matter if they’re there for work, companionship, or helping others get around; Aussies love their dogs. That’s why many opt for pet insurance. In 2016, around 38% of Australian households had at least one dog.

What breeds of dogs are the most beloved by Aussies? What breeds are best? These are the top 10 most popular Australian dog breeds, according to the Australian National Kennel Council’s National Animal Registration Analysis.

Miniature Schnauzer

Utility dogs, a miscellaneous breed often bought for companionship and support, are usually too large to belong in the Toy category.

Life expectancy: 14 years

Rottweiler

Utility dogs, which can be used for many purposes, are often kept as companions. The Rottweilers are listed in this category because they have a history of being guard dogs.

Life expectancy: 10-12 Years

Advantages

Affectionate

Rottweilers are happy to be with their owners. Rottweilers love to cuddle, whether they are a puppy or an adult.

Dogs are great for security.

Although your Rottweiler is a sweet dog, their energy, size, and bark can make them seem intimidating. A fully grown Rottweiler will not be able to guard your home from intruders.

Low-maintenance grooming routine

Rottweilers aren’t as meticulous about grooming as other breeds. Rottweilers also shed very little during the moulting season to be brushed regularly.

Disadvantages

You can be recognized for dominating behaviour.

Rottweilers must be taught to recognize their place in the family. Rottweilers are large and energetic, so it can be hard to keep them in line.

Boredom can make it destructive.

Rottweilers should not be left unattended. Rottweilers are a large breed full of energy and can cause a lot of damage if they become bored or not exercised enough.

Reputation

Rottweilers have a reputation for having a bad image. Many countries ban or restrict Rottweilers.

American Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The American Staffordshire Bull Terrier is similar to the Staffie. Although originally bred for fighting, it has become a companion dog and shows dog for active families. They are known for digging up rodents and small animals and good hunters.

Life expectancy: 12-14 Years

Advantages

It is easy to train

American Staffordshire Bull Terriers can be trained and obedient, contrary to their reputation. The American Staffie is a confident dog that loves to please its owners.

Great guard dog

The American Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a Pit Bull breed and makes a formidable guard dog. Potential intruders won’t be able to get into your home if they see this Staffie because of their aggression and strength.

Great for active households

The American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a strong and energetic dog, is eager to be active with its family.

Disadvantages

Can you be aggressive?

American Staffordshire Bull Terriers should be trained at an early age. They can tend to dominate by their strength. They can be difficult to walk and pull on your leash and go for a walk.

They may not get along well with other animals.

American Staffies must be socialized early in their development. They could become aggressive if this is not done.

Reputation

The American Staffie is a great dog, but they have a reputation for being aggressive and intimidating. You should be aware that other people may not love your Staffie the same way you do.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Toy breeds, the smallest of dogs, are often bought to provide companionship. Toy breeds can also include miniature versions of larger dogs.

Life expectancy: 13-15 Years

Advantages

Affectionate

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a great lap dog. They are sweet, cuddly, and extremely social with almost everyone.

It is easy to train

Cavaliers can be a low-maintenance breed. Cavaliers are easy to train and respond well to commands.

Great for children

Cavaliers’ large size and easy-going, loving nature make them a great breed for children. You can take them on family trips as they fit in any vehicle.

Disadvantages

Potential for weight loss

Although a lap dog is great, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can gain weight if not exercised enough and overfed.

Thorough grooming is required.

The Cavalier has cute ears and needs extra care when grooming. Food scraps and other debris can become trapped in long hairs, leading to ticks and flea infestations. Infections can also be caused by a lack of airflow to the ears. It would be best if you took preventative measures when grooming your dog.

Separation anxiety

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are likely to love you, so they won’t be able to cope without you. Separation anxiety can cause destructive behaviour and excessive barking.

Golden Retriever

Gundogs are also known as retrievers. They were originally bred to retrieve fallen game for hunters.

Life expectancy: 12-17 Years

Advantages

Excellent intelligence, very easy to train

Golden Retrievers are one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs. They can be trained easily. They can learn more complicated tasks, such as helping disabled people, in addition to standard training.

Great for children

The Golden Retriever will love your children and be a great companion. They are a big hit with children because of their playful, energetic, and social nature.

With other animals, she gets along.

The Golden Retriever is a gentle and loving dog. They will get along well with all their pets. They are one of Australia’s most loved breeds.

Disadvantages

Regular grooming is required.

It is important to regularly groom your Golden Retriever’s coat to keep it looking beautiful and luxurious. If you have to do it professionally, it will take a lot of time to brush and trim the coat.

A lot of hair is shed.

Golden Retrievers shed a lot, just like regular grooming. You will soon be accustomed to golden hairs everywhere in your home if you purchase one. A dog that sheds less is recommended if you have people with allergies.

A poor guard dog

Golden Retrievers can be alert and ready for any intruders trying to enter your home, but they aren’t the most intimidating dog.

Border Collie

Working dogs are suitable for active households. They excel at specific tasks and can be trained to do certain tasks for their owners. Border Collie can be used on farms to herd sheep.

Life expectancy: 12-14 Years

Advantages

Excellent intelligence, very easy to train

The Border Collie is a smart dog breed that can be trained easily. The Border Collie can learn many tricks and not only the basics. A Border Collie can likely learn it if they are capable.

Great working dog

The Border Collie is smart, intelligent and easy to train. Border Collie’s instinct to herd animals makes them a great choice for anyone who works on farms.

Great for active households

Border Collies are energetic dogs that can be used for outdoor activities due to their high energy levels. They love to be active, whether they’re playing in the yard or at the beach.

Disadvantages

Herd groups are guided by instinct.

Border Collie instincts can sometimes take over, just like other dog breeds. Border Collies were originally bred to herd farm animals. They may try to herd people or cars, as they are accustomed to doing so. To curb this behaviour, you will need to train your puppy early.

Boredom can make it destructive.

Border Collies are working dogs and require active owners. Even though Border Collies are not aggressive by nature, they can show destructive tendencies if they don’t get enough exercise.

Escape artists can be found.

The Border Collie breed is active and intelligent. However, if your home doesn’t have security fencing around it, this could pose a problem. Border Collies can escape from your home if left unattended. This could be dangerous because they were tending to form herd groups.

German Shepherd

Working dogs can be bred not only for companionship but also to aid in their owners’ daily lives. German Shepherds are often used as guard dogs.

Life expectancy: 10 years

Advantages

Excellent intelligence, very easy to train

German Shepherds are skilled learners and respond well to training. They can also be taught other skills. You will unlikely find a more loyal German Shepherd once you have trained it properly.

Great guard dog

With their loyalty to their owners and their vicious bark, German Shepherds are an intimidating prospect for potential intruders.

Great for active households

German Shepherds make great family pets if you and your family enjoy long walks or frequent the beach. They are energetic and love to be exercised.

Disadvantages

Boredom can make it destructive.

German Shepherds are intelligent and energetic, so they can easily become bored if left alone. German Shepherds should not be lived in apartments.

Potential aggression toward other animals

German Shepherds can be very protective of their owners and aggressive towards other animals. If you have pets or want to take your dog to dog parks, this could cause problems.

A lot of hair is shed.

German Shepherds are well-known for their thick coats, which they shed often. The German Shepherd may not be the best choice if you have allergies.

French Bulldog

This category includes dogs from other breeds and may not be able to fit in the other categories. These breeds, primarily used for companionship and are not suitable for the Toy category, are often bought.

Life expectancy: 10-12 Years

Advantages

Recommended for children

Because of their small size and friendly nature, French Bulldogs are very good with children.

It’s great with other animals.

Although it can be difficult to introduce a French Bulldog to a family with pets, they are generally good friends with all animals. They are a great addition to your fur family.

Barely sheds any hair.

You don’t want to have stray hairs all over your home, but you do not want to get a pet. French Bulldogs shed very little, so they are a great choice for those who don’t want their house to be constantly swept or vacuumed.

Disadvantages

During training, he can be stubborn.

Although they are not difficult to train, they can be difficult to handle if the owner isn’t careful. This breed requires patience from the trainer – you might find yourself in the doghouse.

They are not able to adapt to warmer climates.

French Bulldogs are more susceptible to overheating during hot days. Because of their short noses, they often have difficulty breathing on hot days. They should not be overexerted, and they should be kept cool in the summer.

They don’t swim well.

It is hard to imagine a dog who isn’t capable of swimming – or who doesn’t jump into the water enthusiastically when offered the chance – but the French Bulldog is an exception. They are much like children and require constant supervision in the water. If you want to get them into the water, they will need life jackets.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Excellent at hunting and digging small animals. Although originally bred for fighting, the Staffie is now a popular choice for active families.

Life expectancy: 12-14 Years

Advantages

It is easy to train

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are easy to train, and they love to please their owners. They are loyal and obedient once they learn the basics.

Great guard dog

The Staffie, although not the largest breed, is a sturdy guard dog. They will keep any potential intruders away with their energy and bark.

Great for active households

Staffies are energetic and love to be active with their families. Walking, fetching and going on beach trips are great ways to bond with your Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Disadvantages

Boredom can make it destructive.

Although an active dog is great for some, it can also burden families who want their pets to rest at home. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is destructive and a great chewer due to all their extra energy. You should ensure that they get plenty of exercise and lots of chew toys to keep them busy.

Can you be aggressive?

When walking Staffies, they can be difficult to handle. Staffies can pull on the leash due to their eagerness. This can be a problem for owners.

Potential aggression toward other animals

Staffies may not be the right dog for households with pets. They might be hostile to other animals. It is important to start training them young.

Labrador Retriever

These dogs were originally bred to retrieve game (birds and rabbits). The dog breed with “retriever” in its name is likely a gundog.

Life expectancy: 12-14 Years

Advantages

Excellent intelligence, very easy to train

If trained correctly, the Labrador breed is capable of doing everything.

Great for children

Labradors are a friendly breed that is great for homes with children. They are playful, affectionate, and, most importantly, patient.

Be kind to other animals.

Conflict can occur if you have more than one pet. Labradors are generally friendly and will not harm other pets, so this is not something to worry about.

Disadvantages

They are adventurous

Sometimes Labradors can be a bit too intelligent for their good. Labradors can wander off to other places if left unattended. If you live close to a major road, this could pose a problem.

Boredom can make it destructive.

Labradors require constant attention and stimulation because they often rely on their helpers. Labradors are destructive, just like other breeds. Labradors need to be exercised and supervised.

A lot of hair is shed.

Labradors, a breed with a short coat, shed quite during their main moulting periods.