Australia's Most Popular Dog Breeds in 2025: A State-by-State Look

“Australia is a nation of dog lovers, and every year, the list of most popular breeds shifts to reflect trends in pet ownership,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. “From the ever-popular Cavoodle to the growing fascination with doodle breeds, certain preferences stand out across different states.”

Australia’s Overall Top 10 Breeds

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

“The Cavoodle remains Australia’s favourite dog, combining the best of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle,” Crighton says. “The ongoing trend of designer breeds, particularly those with hypoallergenic coats, has contributed to the popularity of doodles like the Groodle and Labradoodle.”

Meanwhile, traditional favourites like the Golden Retriever, Border Collie, and German Shepherd continue to hold strong due to their intelligence and versatility.

State-by-State Breakdown

New South Wales (NSW)

1. Cavoodle
2. French Bulldog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Groodle
5. Border Collie
6. Miniature Dachshund
7. Poodle
8. Labrador
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
10. German Shepherd

“New South Wales dog owners show a preference for family-friendly, intelligent breeds,” notes Crighton. “The Cavoodle reigns supreme, thanks to its small size, adaptability to apartment living, and affectionate nature.”

The enduring appeal of Golden Retrievers and Border Collies suggests that many NSW residents value active, trainable dogs that fit well into outdoor lifestyles.

Queensland

1. Cavoodle
2. French Bulldog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Border Collie
5. Miniature Dachshund
6. German Shepherd
7. Groodle
8. Maltese
9. Labradoodle
10. Cocker Spaniel

“Queensland’s list closely mirrors the national ranking, with an added emphasis on breeds that thrive in warm weather,” Crighton says. “The Labrador and Maltese remain popular due to their suitability for the state’s beach-friendly lifestyle, while doodle breeds continue to rise due to their low-shedding coats.”

South Australia

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

“South Australians appreciate versatile working breeds like the Border Collie and German Shepherd, which are excellent for rural and suburban homes alike.”

The continued presence of doodle breeds suggests a preference for intelligent, allergy-friendly companions.

Victoria

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

“Victoria’s love for the Cavoodle is strong, but the Golden Retriever has claimed second place, reflecting a preference for loyal, family-friendly dogs,” Crighton says. “The high ranking of the Poodle and Groodle also suggests that many Victorians are drawn to intelligent breeds with low-shedding coats.”

Western Australia

1. Cavoodle
2. French Bulldog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
5. Groodle
6. Miniature Dachshund
7. Border Collie
8. Miniature Schnauzer
9. American Staffordshire Terrier
10. Labrador

“Western Australia stands out with the inclusion of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier, both known for their loyalty and protective nature.”

These breeds are popular choices for active households looking for sturdy, reliable companions.

Northern Territory

1. Jack Russell Terrier
2. Miniature Dachshund
3. Boerboel
4. Border Collie
5. Great Dane
6. Miniature Schnauzer
7. Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross
8. Australian Cattle Dog
9. Australian Shepherd
10. Brittany Spaniel

“Northern Territory’s list is unique, favouring working and hunting breeds that thrive in rugged environments”

The Jack Russell Terrier tops the list, likely due to its high energy and adaptability. The presence of the Boerboel and Great Dane suggests that many Territorians appreciate large, protective breeds.

Why Do Preferences Differ Across States?

The variation in popular dog breeds across states can be attributed to several factors:

• Climate: Warmer regions like Queensland and Northern Territory see more short-haired, heat-tolerant breeds.
• Lifestyle: Urban areas like Sydney and Melbourne favour smaller, apartment-friendly breeds like the Cavoodle and French Bulldog.
• Work & Rural Living: Regions with a strong agricultural presence, such as South Australia and Northern Territory, often prefer working dogs like the Border Collie and Australian Cattle Dog.
• Trends & Hypoallergenic Needs: The ongoing rise of doodle breeds across all states reflects a growing demand for intelligent, low-shedding pets suited to allergy-prone owners.

The Rise of Doodle Breeds

One of the most notable trends in recent years has been the increasing popularity of doodle breeds—Cavoodles, Groodles, and Labradoodles.

“These breeds offer the best of both worlds: the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle, combined with the temperament and loyalty of breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Golden Retriever, and Labrador.”

As more Australians prioritise hypoallergenic dogs, it’s likely that these breeds will continue to dominate in the years to come.

Aussies Love Their Dogs!

Australia’s most popular dog breeds for 2025 showcase a mix of enduring favourites and rising stars.

“While the Cavoodle remains the undisputed leader, the continued success of traditional breeds like the Golden Retriever, Labrador, and Border Collie proves that Australians still have a deep love for loyal, intelligent companions,” Crighton says. “Meanwhile, the rise of doodle breeds reflects a shift toward allergy-friendly pets with friendly, trainable personalities.”

Whether you’re a fan of small companion dogs, active working breeds, or the latest designer dogs, there’s no denying that Australians take their love for dogs seriously.

Featured By:

• Honey
• 2HD
• Your Life Choices
• Yahoo
• Australian Dog Lover

*Data is compiled from Pet Insurance Australia’s new customer data, for pets born in 2024-2025

Nadia Crighton

Nadia Crighton is a renowned and accomplished professional in the fields of Journalism, Public Relations, and Writing, with an extensive career spanning over 25 years, 20 of which have been dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets.

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