Discover Dog Breeds Loved in Australia

From tiny lapdogs to big backyard legends — explore profiles with size, temperament, and care tips to help you find your perfect mate.

Size
Afghan Hound
Afghan Hound

Independent & Elegant

Did you know? Snuppy, an Afghan Hound, became the world's first successfully cloned dog in 2005 by South Korean scientists, requiring 123 surrogate mothers in the process

Large
23-27 kg
12-14 years
Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terrier

Intelligent & Versatile

Did you know? From 1864 onwards, early Airedales were called Working, Waterside, and Bingley Terriers before settling on their current name based on their origin in England's Aire Valley.

Large
18-29 kg
11-14 years
Akita
Akita

Dignified & Loyal

Did you know? The most famous Akita, Hachiko, waited at a Japanese train station for nine years for his deceased owner to return. His unwavering loyalty has been immortalised in books, films, and a bronze statue.

Large
32-59 kg
10-14 years
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamute

Powerful & Independent

Did you know? In 1933, Admiral Richard Byrd selected Malamutes for his Antarctic expedition, proving their incredible working abilities in the planet's most extreme conditions.

Large
34-39 kg
10-14 years
American Hairless Terrier
American Hairless Terrier

Intelligent & Energetic

Did you know? American Hairless Terriers are the first and only hairless breed to have originated in the United States, tracing back to a single hairless puppy born in Louisiana in 1972.

Small
5.5-13 kg
14-16 years
American Staffordshire Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier

Loyal & Athletic

Did you know? An American Staffordshire Terrier named Stubby became the most decorated dog of World War I, earning the rank of Sergeant for his service in warning soldiers of gas attacks and capturing a German spy.

Medium
18-32 kg
12-16 years
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Protective & Independent

Did you know? Anatolian Shepherd Dogs have appeared in Hollywood movies including "Cats and Dogs," "Kate and Leopold," and "Friends With Benefits".

Large
36-68 kg
10-13 years
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dog

Energetic & Intelligent

Did you know? Despite what some people believe, there's no temperament difference between blue and red Australian Cattle Dogs—the colour is purely cosmetic!

Medium
16-23 kg
12-16 years
Australian Kelpie
Australian Kelpie

Intelligent & Energetic

Did you know? The name "kelpie" comes from Celtic mythology, referring to a shape-shifting water spirit that could appear as a horse - fitting for dogs known for their almost supernatural working abilities.

Medium
13-23 kg
10-14 years
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd

Intelligent & Energetic

Did you know? Australian Shepherds aren't actually from Australia - they were developed in the United States by ranchers who imported sheep and herding dogs from Australia.

Medium
18-29 kg
12-15 years
Australian Silky Terrier
Australian Silky Terrier

Spirited & Affectionate

Did you know? The breed originated from crossings between native Australian Terriers and imported Yorkshire Terriers in late 19th-century Australia.

Extra Small
3.5-4.5 kg
13-15 years
Australian Terrier
Australian Terrier

Spirited & Confident

Did you know? The Australian Terrier was the first native Australian breed to be recognised and shown in its homeland, making its debut at a Queensland dog show in 1880.

Extra Small
6.5-9 kg
11-15 years
Azawakh
Azawakh

Independent & Loyal

Did you know? The Azawakh is also known as the Tuareg Sloughi, named after the nomadic Tuareg people of the Sahara who have treasured the breed for centuries.

Large
15-25 kg
12-15 years
Basenji
Basenji

Independent & Intelligent

Did you know? The Basenji doesn't bark but makes a unique yodelling sound that's been described as something between a chortle and a yodel.

Medium
9-11 kg
13-16 years
Basset Hound
Basset Hound

Gentle & Determined

Did you know? A Basset Hound named Mr. Jeffries holds the world record for the longest dog ears, with each one measuring an incredible 29.2 cm.

Small
18-29 kg
12-13 years
Beagle
Beagle

Friendly & Energetic

Did you know? The American Beagle standard includes a "Recommendations for Show Livery" section, detailing appropriate hunting attire - a nod to their working heritage

Small
9-14 kg
10-15 years
Bearded Collie
Bearded Collie

Energetic & Independent

Did you know? The earliest known pictures of Bearded Collies appear in 1771 and 1772 paintings by famous artists Gainsborough and Reynolds, showing these dogs accompanying British aristocracy

Medium
20-25 kg
12-14 years
Beauceron (Berger de Beauce)
Beauceron (Berger de Beauce)

Powerful & Loyal

Did you know? Beaucerons are relatively unknown outside France but are a very popular and common working and companion breed within their homeland.

Large
32-50 kg
10-12 years
Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terrier

Gentle & Spirited

Did you know? The first dog officially called a 'Bedlington Terrier' was Ainsley's Piper, whelped in 1825, who famously continued hunting ferocious otters and badgers even when blind and toothless in old age.

Medium
7.7-10.4 kg
11-16 years
Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael)
Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael)

Intelligent & Devoted

Did you know? The Belgian Shepherd has its origins in the late 1800s as part of a group called the Continental Shepherds, which also included German Shepherds and Dutch Herders.

Large
20-34 kg
12-14 years
Belgian Shepherd (Malinois)
Belgian Shepherd (Malinois)

Intelligent & Energetic

Did you know? Cairo, a Belgian Malinois, was part of the elite SEAL Team Six operation that captured Osama Bin Laden in 2011, showcasing the breed's exceptional working abilities at the highest levels of military operations

Large
20-30 kg
10-14 years
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog

Independent & Intelligent

Did you know? Bergamascos have extremely long upper eyelashes to keep the curtain of hair falling from their forehead out of their eyes, protecting them from sun glare and snow blindness in their native Alps.

Medium
26-38 kg
13-15 years
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog

Gentle & Loyal

Did you know? The ancestors of Bernese Mountain Dogs were brought to Switzerland over 2,000 years ago by Roman soldiers and their molossoid war dogs.

Large
35-50 kg
7-10 years
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise

Playful & Affectionate

Did you know? The name 'Bichon Frise' literally means 'curly lap dog' in French, perfectly describing their appearance and affectionate purpose.

Extra Small
5-8 kg
14-15 years
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FAQs & Tips

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Dog Breed Guides

Find easy-to-read profiles of dog breeds — personality, size, exercise needs, and which homes they suit best.

Training & Behaviour

Step-by-step tips and guides to help with obedience, socialisation, and common behaviour challenges.

Dogs are social animals by nature. They thrive on interaction, whether it’s with other dogs, their human family, or both. This pack mentality is what makes them so loyal and eager to bond, but it also means they rely on regular companionship and daily engagement to stay happy.

Because of this closeness, dogs are more likely to share both the good and the bad — from affection and play to potential health issues if not properly cared for. Good nutrition, vaccinations, and enough daily exercise are essential for all dog breeds to stay strong and healthy.

Choosing a dog means welcoming a partner who wants to be part of your everyday life. From long walks and play sessions to quiet evenings at home, dogs bring energy, connection, and companionship that truly make them part of the family. Our dog breeds directory makes it easier to find the right match, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly breed, a small dog for apartment living, an active mate for outdoor adventures, or a low-shedding companion for allergy-sensitive homes in Australia.

Dog Breeds — Petggle