Shar Pei
Loyal & Independent
Did you know? The Shar Pei was registered as the American Kennel Club's 134th breed and shares the distinctive blue-black tongue trait with only one other breed - the Chow Chow
Medium
20-27 kg
8-12 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
Shetland Sheepdog
Intelligent & Gentle
Did you know? The Sheltie ranks 6th in Stanley Coren's list of most intelligent dog breeds, making them one of the smartest companions you can find
Small to Medium
7-11 kg
12-16 years
Shiba Inu
Independent & Spirited
Did you know? Shibas are considered the oldest and smallest of Japan's native dog breeds, with archaeological evidence of their ancestors dating back thousands of years
Medium
8-10 kg
13-16 years
Shih Tzu
Affectionate & Playful
Did you know? The Shih Tzu was the cherished house pet throughout most of the Ming Dynasty, living in luxury within Chinese palaces for centuries
Small
4-8 kg
10-18 years
Shikoku
Spirited & Devoted
Did you know? The Shikoku has been eligible to compete in AKC Companion Events since January 2010 and was added to the Foundation Stock Service Program in 2014
Medium
16-25 kg
10-12 years
Siberian Husky
Energetic & Independent
Did you know? In 1910, a team of Siberian Huskies driven by John "Iron Man" Johnson won the grueling 400-mile All Alaska Sweepstakes Race, and for the rest of the decade, the breed captured most of the racing titles in Alaska
Medium to large
16-27 kg
12-14 years
Skye Terrier
Elegant & Loyal
Did you know? Greyfriars Bobby, the famous Skye Terrier, spent 14 years guarding his master's grave in Edinburgh, becoming one of the most celebrated examples of canine loyalty in history
Medium
16-20 kg
12-14 years
Sloughi
Elegant & Independent
Did you know? The Sloughi comes in many beautiful colour variations, with sand and black mask being most common, but they can also be found in all shades of sand with or without black masking, brindling, or mantling
Medium to large
23-29 kg
12-15 years
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Friendly & Energetic
Did you know? Artist Frederick William Burton frequently featured Wheatens in his paintings, including the famous 1841 watercolour "The Drowned Child of Ara Fisher"
Medium
14-18 kg
12-14 years
Spanish Mastiff
Powerful & Loyal
Did you know? The Spanish Mastiff has no upper size limit in breed standards - the bigger, the better! Some males can weigh over 100kg
Giant
50-100+ kg
10-12 years
Spanish Water Dog
Versatile & Intelligent
Did you know? The Spanish Water Dog became eligible for AKC registration in December 2014 and started competing in the Herding Group from January 2015, despite initially being considered for the Sporting Group
Medium
14-22 kg
12-14 years
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Loyal & Courageous
Did you know? The first Staffordshire Bull Terriers to become champions in England were Lady Eve (female) and Gentleman Jim (male) in 1939
Medium
11-17 kg
12-14 years
Sussex Spaniel
Gentle & Determined
Did you know? The Sussex Spaniel was among the first ten breeds recognised when the American Kennel Club formed in 1884, making them true canine aristocracy
Medium
16-20 kg
11-13 years
Swedish Vallhund
Energetic & Loyal
Did you know? The Swedish Vallhund is considered an ancient breed, with Sweden claiming they've existed for well over 1,000 years as an original species that didn't develop from other dog breeds
Small to Medium
9-16 kg
12-15 years
Tibetan Mastiff
Watchful & Aloof
Did you know? Tibetan Mastiff females have only one heat cycle per year (usually late autumn), unlike most dogs who cycle twice yearly, and most puppies are born in December and January
Giant
32-68 kg
10-12 years
Tibetan Spaniel
Alert & Independent
Did you know? Tibetan Spaniels were called "Little Lions" by Buddhist monks and held great value and prestige because lions were considered sacred in Tibetan culture
Small
4-7 kg
12-15 years
Tibetan Terrier
Devoted & Independent
Did you know? Tibetan Terriers were bred and raised in monasteries by lamas almost 2,000 years ago, making them one of the world's most ancient breeds
Medium
9-14 kg
14-16 years
Weimaraner
Active & Loyal
Did you know? Eisenhower owned a Weimaraner named Heidi who lived in the White House with the First Family during his presidency.
Large
25-40 kg
10-13 years
Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)
Intelligent & Loyal
Did you know? The Cardigan Welsh Corgi springs from the same ancestral line as the Dachshund, which explains their similar long, low build
Medium
11-17 kg
12-15 years
Welsh Corgi (Pembroke)
Loyal & Energetic
Did you know? The Pembroke Welsh Corgi can trace its ancestry back to 1107 AD, making it one of the oldest herding breeds still popular today
Medium
11-14 kg
12-13 years
Welsh Terrier
Spirited & Intelligent
Did you know? The Welsh Terrier is considered one of the oldest terrier breeds in Britain, with some historians suggesting Roman origins
Medium
9-9.5 kg
12-15 years
West Highland White Terrier
Confident & Playful
Did you know? The West Highland White Terrier shares common ancestry with Scottish Terriers, Cairn Terriers, and Dandie Dinmont Terriers – they're essentially branches from the same Scottish terrier family tree
Small
7-9 kg
13-15 years
Whippet
Athletic & Gentle
Did you know? The Whippet can reach speeds of up to 56 km/h, making them the fastest dog breed for their size
Medium
11-18 kg
12-15 years
Xoloitzcuintle (Intermediate)
Ancient & Loyal
Did you know? The Xoloitzcuintli is Mexico's national dog and considered one of the world's oldest and most ancient breeds, existing for over 5,000 years
Intermediate/Miniature
6.8-14 kg
13-18 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.