Chihuahua (Long)
Feisty & Devoted
Did you know? Pictures of dogs resembling modern Chihuahuas appear in ancient Mexican paintings, with the breed's ancestors (called Techichi) existing as early as the 9th century AD
Toy
1.8-2.7 kg
14-16 years
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
Chinese Crested Dog
Affectionate & Playful
Did you know? Despite their name, genetic studies suggest Chinese Cresteds likely originated in Mexico, not China
Toy
3.5-5.4 kg
13-18 years
Chow Chow
Independent & Dignified
Did you know? Chow Chows have a unique blue-black tongue, a trait shared only with the Shar Pei, giraffes, and polar bears in the animal kingdom
Medium
20-32 kg
8-12 years
Clumber Spaniel
Gentle & Dignified
Did you know? The Clumber Spaniel was one of the first ten breeds recognised by the American Kennel Club when it was established in 1884
Large
25-39 kg
10-15 years
Collie (Rough)
Intelligent & Loyal
Did you know? The Collie Club of America, organised in 1886, was the second parent club to join the American Kennel Club (AKC)
Large
15.8-34 kg
12-14 years
Coton De Tulear
Charming & Affectionate
Did you know? The Coton de Tulear is officially known as the "Royal Dog of Madagascar" and has appeared on Madagascan postage stamps
Small
4-7 kg
15-19 years
Curly Coated Retriever
Intelligent & Independent
Did you know? The Curly Coated Retriever was first introduced to the United States in 1907, with the first American Kennel Club registration occurring in 1924
Large
27-43 kg
10-12 years
Dachshund (Long)
Brave & Independent
Did you know? The Dachshund's name was temporarily changed to "badger dog" during World War II to avoid associations with Germany, though it was later changed back
Small to Medium
5-16 kg
12-16 years
Dalmatian
Energetic & Loyal
Did you know? Dalmatian puppies are born completely white - their famous spots don't start appearing until they're about two weeks old, and new spots can continue developing until they're 18 months old
Medium to large
20-32 kg
11-15 years
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Dignified & Charming
Did you know? The breed got its name from a character in Sir Walter Scott's 1814 novel "Guy Mannering" - the character Dandie Dinmont owned six terriers
Small
8-11 kg
12-14 years
Deerhound
Gentle & Independent
Did you know? The Scottish Deerhound breed became so exclusive that at one point, only Scottish nobility ranking earl or above could own one, nearly causing the breed's extinction when the Highland clan system collapsed.
Giant
34-50 kg
8-11 years
Dobermann
Intelligent & Loyal
Did you know? The Dobermann Pinscher Club of America was founded in 1921, making it one of the older breed clubs
Large
32-45 kg
10-15 years
Dogue de Bordeaux
Gentle & Protective
Did you know? The Dogue de Bordeaux gained worldwide fame starring alongside Tom Hanks in the 1989 movie "Turner & Hooch," significantly boosting the breed's popularity among dog enthusiasts
Large
45-65 kg
5-8 years
Dutch Shepherd
Intelligent & Versatile
Did you know? The Dutch Shepherd has been in the American Kennel Club's Foundation Stock Service since 2012 and was approved for the Miscellaneous Class in 2017
Medium-large
19-32 kg
12-15 years
English Setter
Gentle & Elegant
Did you know? The term "belton," used to describe English Setters' speckled coat patterns, is unique to this breed and comes in delicious-sounding varieties like blue belton, lemon belton, and orange belton
Medium to Large
20-36 kg
10-12 years
English Springer Spaniel
Energetic & Affectionate
Did you know? The name "springer" comes from their historical hunting technique of "springing" game birds into flight for hunters to shoot, first officially used in 1902
Medium
18-25 kg
12-14 years
Estrela Mountain Dog
Loyal & Independent
Did you know? The Estrela Mountain Dog has been recorded in the American Kennel Club's Foundation Stock Service since 2004 and can compete in companion events
Large
35-60 kg
10-14 years
Eurasier
Calm & Loyal
Did you know? Eurasiers have been approved to compete in American Kennel Club (AKC) Companion Events since January 1, 2010, and are recorded in the Foundation Stock Service since 2008
Medium
18-32 kg
12-16 years
Finnish Lapphund
Friendly & Vocal
Did you know? The Finnish Lapphund is the 173rd breed recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC), first imported for breeding in 1987
Medium
15-24 kg
12-15 years
Finnish Spitz
Alert & Energetic
Did you know? The Finnish Spitz is Finland's national dog and is considered a national treasure in their homeland
Medium
9-15 kg
13-15 years
Flat Coated Retriever
Energetic & Cheerful
Did you know? The Flat Coated Retriever developed from the same "Labrador" family as the modern Labrador Retriever, but their popularity was eventually overtaken by both Labs and Golden Retrievers by the 1920s
Large
27-32 kg
8-10 years
Fox Terrier (Smooth)
Spirited & Intelligent
Did you know? President Herbert Hoover kept two Fox Terriers named Big Ben and Sonnie in the White House, making them some of America's most famous presidential pets
Small to Medium
7-8 kg
10-13 years
Fox Terrier (Wire)
Spirited & Intelligent
Did you know? The Wire Fox Terrier was originally bred to "go to ground" to chase foxes from their dens, which explains their fearless attitude toward much larger animals
Small
7-8 kg
12-15 years
French Bulldog
Affectionate & Adaptable
Did you know? French Bulldogs cannot swim due to their body structure and should never be left unattended near water, making pool safety crucial for Australian owners
Small
8-15 kg
10-12 years
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. Vaccinations, good nutrition, and enough exercise are essential to keep them 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.