23 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Australia in 2026

Australia is a great place to visit if you love exotic animals. From kangaroos and dingoes, the country is bursting at the seams with species that we don’t have here in the United States. One species that we do share, though, is canines.

Australia loves its pups as much as America does, so here are 21 of the most popular dog breeds in Australia. If you’re traveling Down Under soon, prepare to see these dogs wandering around (on leashes, of course!).

The 23 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Australia

1. Cavoodle (Cavapoo)

It seems that everywhere you go, people want a Poodle hybrid! The Cavoodle is a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. They’ve been highly sought after in Australia for the past decade, hence why they’re at the top of the popularity list. This small dog has thick, soft fur that’s either wavy or straight, depending on their genetics.

Cavoodles are cheerful, affectionate dogs and love to play. Even with their bouncy, energetic tendencies, they’re gentle and adapt well to apartment life. These dogs are great for families with small children, so it makes sense that people adore them.

2. Dachshund

The Dachshund, a.k.a. the wiener dog, is one of the most recognizable breeds. Their long, hot-dog-shaped body and short legs have made them famous across the canine kingdom. They come in several colors and sizes, but overall, they’re a small breed. It’s actually the Miniature Dachshund that’s on Australia’s most popular pup list, but they’re the same as the Standard Dachshund in every way except size.

This breed isn’t built for speed, strength, or swimming. Instead, this little dog uses their slender body to dig out their prey from burrows. It’s also common to see a Dachshund dig underneath the blankets of their bed! These tiny pups make great indoor and outdoor pets. They can also make good watchdogs but overall, are quite friendly.

3. Golden Retriever

One of the most popular breeds in Australia is the beautiful and intelligent Golden Retriever. This dog is a devoted hunter in the fields and a loving family member at home. Goldens are sweet and equally playful, which makes them great around rowdy children and other dogs.

Due to the breed’s serious work ethic, law enforcement and search-and-rescue groups can put them to good use. These dogs even help lead the blind diligently and safely. You can literally trust a Golden Retriever with your life!

4. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs originated in England during the Industrial Revolution and made their way to France shortly after. The Frenchie is well-known as the class clown of dogs. Their wobbly walk, bat ears, and goofy personalities all come together in a breed that entertains everyone. You’ll never be bored with a Frenchie around!

French Bulldogs love showing off for attention, whether for an owner or a stranger. Generally, they love children and other pets but may try to compete for attention. You shouldn’t worry too much about competition, though, since Frenchies appreciate alone time.

5. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is one of America’s most popular dog breeds, and the same is true in Australia. These beloved waterdogs were bred to retrieve ducks (and lost hats) from the water. They still have excellent skills in maneuvering in water and will remain loyal to their owners through thick and thin.

Labs are social dogs, so interaction, playtime, and early socialization are necessary. Toys and anything else that stimulates their natural retrieval ability are ideal for playtime. Just keep an eye on your Lab, as they love to chew anything and everything!

6. Border Collie

Another popular dog in Australia is the Border Collie. The Australian National Kennel Club (ANKC) didn’t recognize the breed until 1994, but they have made quite an impression in Australia since then.

This dog is highly energetic and requires a heavy amount of playtime and mental activity to be happy, ideally something that stimulates their herding instinct. Owners living on farms (or willing to devote a great deal of time to training) will be thrilled with this breed's work ethic. The Border Collie is incredibly eager to please, and their rough, double-layer coat means they can herd livestock in any weather, rain or shine.

7. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a friendly, intelligent, and energetic dog. This breed was once used for gruesome sports like bullbaiting and dog fighting. Fortunately, these sports have been banned in most places, and the Bull Terrier has become a more widely popular breed.

These affectionate dogs get along with children and are open to strangers if properly socialized. They can make great guard dogs and learn all kinds of tricks. Bull Terriers always look forward to playtime, indoors or outside.

8. German Shepherd

The ANKC recognized the German Shepherd in 1994, and it didn't take love for them to rise in popularity. Even if you’re largely unfamiliar with dog breeds, you’ll know a German Shepherd when you see their long snout, black and brown fur, and squirrel-like tail. Their most notable feature, though, is their narrow, sloping hips.

German Shepherds are highly energetic and known as all-purpose workers. They herd livestock, protect those they love, and warn their owners of any nearby mischief. Therefore, they can seem distant toward new people. But give them time and show them that you care, and they’ll accept you as a friend.

9. Maltese Mix

The Maltese is a toy breed that is incredibly popular worldwide due to being eager to please, friendly, and low shedding and having a beautiful coat of long white hair. Due to that popularity, just like with Poodles, there are many Maltese mixes. It’s not clear exactly which is the most popular in Australia, but the most well-known ones are the Maltipoo and the Maltichon. Despite the variety, most Maltese crosses will be small, curious, affectionate, and adorable!

10. Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle—or as they’re known in Australia, the Groodle—is the mix of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, so their immense popularity is quite understandable! They weren’t the first “designer dog” (that honor arguably goes to the Cockapoo), but they have definitely helped set the standard.

A Goldendoodle is smart like their Poodle parent and eager to please like their Golden parent, so they’re easy to train and endlessly devoted to their owner. This mixed breed also tends to have the Poodle’s curly coat, so they likely won’t shed much, but since they’re a hybrid, this trait isn’t guaranteed.

11. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a hefty working dog with great strength and endurance. Even in ancient Rome, they marched with armies over mountains, protecting the soldiers and driving the cattle. For this reason, they keep their distance from strangers but are open to friendship with those willing to make the effort.

Regardless of their desire to protect and defend, Rottweilers remain calm. You still have to be careful with this breed, as they seem to think they’re a lap dog despite their size. They also have a puppy playfulness that shines in their owner's presence.

12. Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a small, poofy pup that believes that they’re a big dog, and Australia loves them! This lively dog looks similar to a small fox, with a long, fluffy coat that extends over the chest and shoulders and has a double layer underneath. These dogs come in several colors, but you will typically see tan or red.

Pomeranians make excellent watchdogs. They’re vigilant and actively respond to any threat nearby. Pomeranians are okay with children, strangers, and other dogs as long as enough time is given to establish a relationship.

13. Bulldog

The English Bulldog may be the national dog and symbol of Great Britain, but Australia loves them just as much.

Everyone knows a Bulldog when they see one. Their short, robust legs and smushed face wrinkles melt everyone’s heart. They can pack a large amount of weight onto their small body. They stand about 14–15 inches and carry 40–50 pounds. Bulldogs are sturdy and courageous but love to play and receive attention. They’ll even crawl in your lap if you give them a chance.

Australia has several different climates, but since Bulldogs have difficulty breathing, the best climate for this breed is any part of the country that isn’t hot and humid.

14. Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is native to Japan and has been around since 300 B.C. They were initially used as a hunter in the mountains but has since become a beloved house pet. These dogs are active and friendly with proper socialization. Shibas are also independent and are typically reserved around strangers but show off their puppy playfulness around their owners.

Due to their independence, Shiba Inus can be stubborn. They’re also a bit hoggish with toys and food and have a high prey instinct. It’s best to keep a Shiba in a one-pet household.

15. Greyhound

The Greyhound is famous as the world’s fastest dog and is possibly also the world’s oldest hunting dog. They were one of the first breeds to be brought to America, and they’re also one of Australia’s most popular breeds.

The Greyhound is long and slender and upholds themselves with regality. Their body is perfectly designed for high-speed pursuit. It’s no wonder that famous rulers like the great Pharaohs of Egypt and Alexander the Great owned Greyhounds!

Regardless, they’re also an ideal family dog. The Greyhound is friendly and pleasant around children and other dogs. They're gentle and quiet and keep to themselves inside the house. The biggest challenge with a Greyhound is their prey drive and independence.

16. Beagle

When you see this small hound walking down the street, you’re in for a treat! Beagles may be small, but they have a snout for the field and a big personality.

The Beagle is an ancient English rabbit hunter, though there’s a bit of debate about where they originated. Due to their high prey drive, Beagles can be stubborn, but they're also cheerfully unconcerned about life—unless there’s a small animal nearby to hunt.

Generally, Beagles enjoy children and other dogs and are easygoing, but they can be wary of strangers at first. Overall, they’re highly adaptable and intelligent and love coming home for evening cuddles and playtime.

17. Cane Corso

The Cane Corso isn’t a familiar breed for many people. Cani Corsi were known as ancient Roman guardians, and before 1988, they were only seen in Italy and considered rare. But this breed has since become quite common in Australia.

Standing at 28 inches and almost 100 pounds, this protective breed is loyal to their owner. These dogs are intelligent and a bit intimidating when you first look at them due to their size, which is why they earned the Latin name of “bodyguard dog.”

18. Australian Shepherd

It might surprise people that Australian Shepherds are actually native to America, but Australia loves them regardless. This fuzzy herding dog has striking eyes and a multicolored coat. They will herd anything from small animals to children—it’s hotwired in their DNA.

Overall, Aussies are intelligent, eager to please, and affectionate with their owners. They are also highly active, so owners looking for a laidback pup won’t do well with this breed. But give an Aussie a farm job, and they will be happy the rest of their life.

19. Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel is a hunting breed well-known for their big, dark eyes and long curly ears. Spaniels are believed to originate from Spain, helping bird hunters snatch their prey even before the rifle was invented.

Despite their ability to hunt around a gun, Cocker Spaniels have a soft side to them that sometimes comes across as clingy. You have to be careful with reprimanding, as they will take offense easily. Cockers love attention and demand companionship. Ultimately, these are sweet dogs that do well in family homes.

20. Great Dane

Quite the recognizable breed, the Great Dane stands tall and proud at around 32 inches and weighs between 110 and 175 pounds. Great Danes are often associated with Denmark, but they’re actually a German breed that was once used for hunting wild boar.

Many people are intimidated by the size of this dog, but they are sweet and playful. Surprisingly, they do quite well in apartment life. Just watch out when relaxing—a Great Dane will jump into your lap for cuddles if given a chance.

21. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow was initially used as a hunting breed in ancient China, over 2,000 years ago. They were recognized as the wild dogs of China in the early 1800s. That said, they weren’t well known in the West until Queen Victoria adopted one of them.

Interestingly, Chow Chows have hygienic habits similar to those of a cat, always wanting to be clean and have clean surroundings. These dogs are dedicated to their families but remain quiet and withdrawn, so don't expect the typical canine personality with a Chow Chow.

22. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua may be the national symbol of Mexico, but they can be seen all over the world, including Australia. This is one of the smallest dogs you can find. They weigh no more than 6 pounds and stand no taller than 8 inches. Even so, these dogs are known for having big personalities.

Chihuahuas don’t care for roughhousing with children and other dogs, mostly because of how small they are. But they thrive in city life with proper love and attention from their owners.

23. Samoyed

Samoyeds are the white-coated dogs of the Arctic, but they’re surprisingly quite common in the Land Down Under. The Samoyed people are responsible for developing the breed, a working dog capable of withstanding freezing temperatures. These semi-nomadic people huddled with their dogs at night, which is probably why Samoyeds are so social and demand attention. Even so, they are independent, self-reliant workers.

This breed is used to having a job, so confining them to a backyard will only lead to loneliness and destruction. But give them a problem to solve, and the Samoyed is happy as a clam!

Wrapping Up

As you can see, there are many popular dogs in Australia. Is your favorite on this list? If it isn’t, don’t worry—the list changes every year as pet trends come and go.

We hope that this list gives you inspiration for your next pup! There are many breeds to pick from, though, so choose carefully.

• See Also: Top 22 Asian Dog Breeds (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Rala3030, Shutterstock