What Is the Most Popular Dog Breed in Australia

Advantages

Very intelligent, easy to train

With an assertive trainer, the Miniature Schnauzer can learn basic commands and be housebroken in a timely fashion.

Can be left unattended

Some dog breeds can cause a path of destruction when left alone by their owners – but Miniature Schnauzers generally don't have this issue. This makes them a great dog for just about any household.

Sheds very little hair

While the completely hypoallergenic dog doesn't exist, the Miniature Schnauzer may be the one of the closest breeds for dog lovers. The hair they shed is minimal, so extra vacuuming might not be necessary.

Disadvantages

Requires regular grooming

Even though the lack of shedding makes the Miniature Schnauzer a wonderful dog to own, it also means they require regular grooming. After all, the hair continues to grow and has to go somewhere. With this in mind, clipping and general grooming costs will be more than other breeds that tend to shed.

Potential for weight gain

It may be tempting to buy a Miniature Schnauzer to be a lap dog, but they require regular exercise just like any other dog. Without the right balance of exercise and diet, Schnauzers can get out of shape fairly quickly.

Barking

Schnauzers are very alert and will bark loudly whenever someone approaches the house. While this can be a great trait for a guard dog, Miniature Schnauzers can be a little excessive when it comes to their barking.

Advantages

Affectionate

Rottweilers love to be near their owners. Whether it is a puppy or a fully-grown adult, Rottweilers usually love cuddles and may even want to lay in their owner's lap.

Great security dog

While your Rottweiler may be the sweetest dog, they can certainly come across as intimidating with their size, bark and energy. It is unlikely you will have any intruders with a fully-grown Rottweiler guarding your house.

Low maintenance grooming routine

Rottweilers don't require the meticulous grooming routine of some other breeds. They also shed very little hair during moulting seasons, so a good brushing during these times is generally enough.

Disadvantages

Can be known for dominant behaviour

It is imperative that Rottweilers are trained to learn their place in the family. Otherwise, with their size and energy, Rottweilers can be difficult to keep in line.

Can become destructive when bored

Rottweilers aren't the best dog to leave unsupervised. Being a larger breed with lots of energy, they can leave a path of destruction if they are bored or under-exercised.

Reputation

It's no secret that Rottweilers suffer from an image problem. In fact, there are various countries that have restrictions or flat out bans when it comes to the breed.⁴ So while you may love your Rottweiler, it's best to keep in mind that your neighbours may not share the same attitude.

Advantages

Easy to train

Contrary to what their reputation might suggest, American Staffordshire Bull Terriers are actually fairly easy to train and are quite obedient. Although they may require someone who is confident to teach them the basics, when trained properly, the American Staffie loves to impress its humans.

Great guard dog

Since they are a type of Pit Bull, the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier makes for an intimidating guard dog. With their reputation for strength and aggression, potential intruders will be hesitant to break into your house when they see this Staffie.

Excellent for active households

Energetic and strong, the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a dog that craves being active with its family.

Disadvantages

Can be aggressive

It is important to train American Staffordshire Bull Terriers at a young age, since they can have the tendency to dominate with their strength. They can be particularly challenging to walk, and at times, may pull on the leash and take you for a walk instead.

May not get along with other animals

American Staffies need to be socialised early in their development. If this isn't done, they could become aggressive, given they were initially bred to fight.

Reputation

While generally great dogs, the American Staffie does have a slight reputation problem, as they can be seen as an aggressive and intimidating breed. This is something you need to be aware of when taking your dog out for a walk, as other people might not love your Staffie as much as you do.

Advantages

Affectionate

If you're simply looking for a lap dog, it's hard to go past the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They're sweet, cuddly and incredibly sociable with just about everyone.

Easy to train

Cavaliers are a fairly low-maintenance breed. They generally respond well to commands and as a result, can be trained relatively quickly.

Great for children

The Cavalier's size, along with their easy-going, loving nature makes them an excellent breed for children. They are also great to take on family trips, as they will easily fit into any car you may have.

Disadvantages

Potential for weight gain

As great as having a lap dog can be, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be particularly susceptible to weight gain if they are overfed and aren't exercised regularly.

Needs thorough grooming

While you may love the Cavalier's cute, floppy ears, they require extra attention while grooming. During meal time, food scraps can get caught in the long hair, and they can also be a convenient hiding place for fleas and ticks. The lack of air going to their ears can also lead to infections, so to keep your dog happy and healthy, you have to make sure you're proactive when it comes to grooming.

Separation anxiety

If you have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, chances are it absolutely adores you, which means it wouldn't cope well when you're not around. This separation anxiety can lead to destructive behaviour and excessive barking.

Advantages

Very intelligent, easy to train

One of the more intelligent dog breeds, Golden Retrievers can be trained quite easily. Along with standard training, they can also learn to perform more complex duties, including helping people with disabilities.

Great for children

Your children will absolutely love the Golden Retriever, and the feeling will be mutual. Their playful, energetic and sociable nature makes them a hit with the little ones.

Gets along with other animals

An incredibly gentle dog, the Golden Retriever will most likely get along with any existing pets you may have. This adaptability is part of what makes them one of Australia's most popular breeds.

Disadvantages

Requires regular grooming

To keep the Golden Retriever's coat beautiful and luxurious, a lot of grooming is required. It needs to be brushed and trimmed regularly, which can add up if you're getting it done professionally.

Sheds a lot of hair

Along with the regular grooming schedule, Golden Retrievers also shed a lot. If you buy one, get used to seeing those golden hairs all over your house. If your household has people that have allergies, a dog that sheds less would be recommended.

Not a great guard dog

While alert and ready to bark at any intruders that may attempt to enter your house, Golden Retrievers aren't the most intimidating dogs.

Advantages

Very intelligent, easy to train

Commonly regarded as one of the smarter dog breeds, the Border Collie can be trained quite easily. They have the capacity to learn not just the basics, but various tricks that you can show off to other dog owners at the park. Chances are if a dog can do it, it's not beyond a Border Collie.

Great working dog

In addition to them being incredibly smart and easy to train, the Border Collie thrives as a working dog. Collies are particularly helpful if you work on a farm and need to round up animals, as herding is a natural instinct of the breed.

Excellent for active households

The high energy levels of Border Collies make them great dogs for people who enjoy outdoor activities. Whether you're just playing with them in the backyard or going to the beach, they absolutely love being active with their family.

Disadvantages

Natural instinct to herd groups

Similar to other dog breeds, the Border Collie's instincts can take over at times. Since they were initially bred to herd farm animals, Border Collies may attempt to herd groups of people and in some cases, cars. You will have to effectively train your pup early to curb this behaviour.

Can become destructive when bored

Being working dogs, Border Collies need active owners. Even though they aren't an aggressive dog by nature, the Border Collie can develop destructive tendencies without a regular exercise routine.

Can be escape artists

Being active and highly intelligent are two great traits the Border Collie breed possesses – but if you don't have secure fencing around your house, this can also be a problem. If left unattended, Border Collies might find a way to escape your property, which could potentially be a major issue, given their tendency to herd groups.

Advantages

Very intelligent, easy to train

An astute learner, German Shepherds respond well to training and can be taught various skills outside of the basics. Once you have properly trained a German Shepherd, it's unlikely you will have a more loyal dog.

Great guard dog

With their unwavering loyalty to their owners – along with their vicious sounding bark – German Shepherds are a daunting prospect for potential intruders.

Excellent for active households

If your family are regulars down at the beach or enjoy long walks, then German Shepherds are great dogs to own. They have plenty of energy and thrive on being exercised regularly.

Disadvantages

Can become destructive when bored

Due to their high levels of energy and intelligence, German Shepherds can become bored easily when they are left alone. For this reason, German Shepherds are not recommended for apartment living.

Potential aggression towards other animals

German Shepherds may love their owners, but they can be aggressive towards other animals. This could be an issue if you want to go to dog parks or have existing pets in your family.

Sheds a lot of hair

German Shepherds are known for their thick coats - and as a result, shed frequently. If you have someone in your house who has allergies, the German Shepherd might not be the most suitable breed.

Advantages

Suitable for children

With their smaller size, friendliness and playful nature, French Bulldogs are generally very compatible with children.

Great with other animals

Introducing a dog to a household that already has pets can be a problem at times, but generally speaking, the French Bulldog gets along with other animals. This makes them an excellent dog to add your existing fur family.

Barely sheds any hair

Want a pet, but don't want to deal having stray hair all around your house? The French Bulldog barely sheds, making them a great option for people who don't want to be continuously sweeping or vacuuming.

Disadvantages

Can be stubborn during training

They aren't an overly hard dog breed to train, but it can be a challenge if the owner doesn't have the right approach. It requires patience on the trainer's part – otherwise, you could find yourself in the doghouse with this particular breed.

They don't adapt well to warmer climates

French Bulldogs tend to struggle with overheating on warm days. They often have trouble breathing during hotter days due to their short snouts. It is important that they aren't overexerted and are constantly kept cool during the summer time.

They don't swim very well

It's hard to imagine a dog that isn't able to swim – or one that doesn't enthusiastically dive into the water when given the opportunity – but the French Bulldog is one of the rare exceptions. Much like children, they require constant supervision around water, and generally need life jackets if you plan on getting them in the water.

Advantages

Easy to train

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be trained fairly easily, as they are always eager to impress their owners. Once they have learned the basics, they are generally very obedient and loyal.

Great guard dog

Although they're not the biggest breed, the Staffie is built solid and make for an intimidating guard dog. With their energy and bark, they will most likely keep potential intruders at bay.

Excellent for active households

Staffies are very energetic and absolutely love being active with their family. Going for walks, playing fetch and beach trips are all great ways to bond with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Disadvantages

Can become destructive when bored

While having an active dog can be great, it isn't ideal for families who just want to stay at home. With all its extra energy, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be destructive and are notorious chewers. It's best to make sure they have plenty of exercise and plenty of chew toys to keep their mouths occupied.

Can be aggressive

Some Staffies can be a handful, particularly when you're trying to walk them. Their over-eagerness can lead them to pull on the leash – and with their strength, this can provide quite a challenge for some owners.

Potential aggression towards other animals

Staffies might not be the best dog for households that already have pets, as they might not be friendly to other animals. For this reason, it's imperative to train them at a young age.

Advantages

Very intelligent, easy to train

From providing seeing eyes for the blind to detecting contraband at airports, there isn't a whole lot the Labrador breed can't do if trained properly.

Great for children

The friendly nature of the Labrador makes them an excellent dog breed for houses with children. They are affectionate, playful, and most importantly, patient.

Friendly towards other animals

If you already have a pet, adding another can potentially lead to conflict among your furry children. However, that generally isn't something you have to worry about with Labradors, as they are usually friendly to other pets they encounter.

Disadvantages

They're adventurous

Sometimes Labradors are a little too smart for their own good. If they are left unattended, they may have the tendency to go for an adventure outside the confines of your property. This could be a problem if you live near a main road.

Can become destructive when bored

Labradors tend to require constant attention and mental stimulation – after all, they are a breed that have been heavily relied on as helper dogs. Like most other breeds, Labradors can be destructive if they aren't getting enough exercise or if they are left unattended.

Sheds a lot of hair

For a breed with a relatively short coat, Labradors shed a significant amount during the main moulting periods.

What Is the Most Popular Dog Breed in Australia

Source: https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/pet-insurance/dog-breeds-aussies-love/

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