Dog breeds in Australia

Your go-to source for temperament, size, health and price, plus what each breed is really like to live with
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Page 5 of 10 • 120 breeds

houndDachshundThe Dachshund is a small hound bred in Germany to hunt badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, and its long body, short legs and bold expression make it one of the most recognisable breeds in the world. It is confident, alert and often fearless, which makes it an effective watchdog and an engaging companion. Modern Dachshunds adapt well to Australian homes including smaller houses and apartments, provided they get consistent exercise and structured boundaries. Its long spine requires lifelong management to reduce the risk of intervertebral disc disease.View Details

companionDalmatianThe Dalmatian is an athletic, intelligent, and distinctive breed famous for its white coat covered in black or liver-coloured spots. Originally used as a carriage and coaching dog, Dalmatians have excellent endurance and thrive in active households. They are loyal, energetic, and affectionate with their families but require regular exercise and training to stay happy.View Details

companionDandie Dinmont TerrierThe Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a distinctive Scottish terrier known for its long body, short legs, and soft topknot of hair on its head. Originally bred to hunt otters and badgers, the breed is courageous, intelligent, and affectionate. Compared to many terriers, Dandies tend to be calmer and more reserved, making them appealing companions for owners seeking a small dog with a steady temperament.View Details

houndDeerhoundThe Deerhound, widely known as the Scottish Deerhound, is a giant, rough-coated sighthound bred in the Scottish Highlands to course red deer. It is gentle, dignified and quiet at home, often sleeping for much of the day, yet capable of explosive speed and a strong chase instinct outdoors. Males stand at least 76 cm and usually weigh 39 to 50 kg, with females a little smaller. Like most giant breeds it has a short lifespan of around 8 to 11 years, and owners should be aware of heart disease, bloat and bone cancer. Breeders are few in Australia and litters are infrequent, so waiting lists are normal.View Details

workingDoberman PinscherThe Doberman Pinscher is a powerful, intelligent, and highly trainable working breed originally developed for personal protection and guarding. They are loyal, alert, athletic, and strongly bonded to their owners, making them popular as family protectors, police dogs, and obedience competitors.View Details

workingDogue de BordeauxThe Dogue de Bordeaux, also called the French Mastiff or Bordeaux Mastiff, is a giant, short-faced guardian breed from south-western France. It is calm, loyal and devoted to its family, naturally protective of its home, and usually quiet indoors. Under the Dogs Australia standard, dogs stand 60 to 68 cm and weigh at least 50 kg, and bitches stand 58 to 66 cm and weigh at least 45 kg. The coat is short and fawn in every shade from mahogany to light fawn. It is a short-lived breed, with most sources giving 5 to 8 years, and owners should budget for heart, joint, skin and airway care and keep the dog cool in Australian summers.View Details

houndEnglish FoxhoundThe Foxhound is a powerful, athletic, and friendly scent hound originally bred for tracking and hunting foxes over long distances. Known for its exceptional stamina, keen sense of smell, and pack-oriented nature, the Foxhound thrives in active households that can provide plenty of exercise and outdoor space. They are generally good-natured, sociable dogs but can be independent due to their strong hunting instincts.View Details

sportingEnglish SetterThe English Setter is a gentle, affectionate British gundog developed to find game birds and "set", or crouch, to show the hunter where they lie. It is recognised by Dogs Australia in the Gundog group and is best known for its speckled belton coat in blue, orange, lemon, liver or tricolour. Dogs stand 65 to 69 cm and bitches 61 to 65 cm, with a lifespan of about 10 to 14 years. Friendly, slow to mature and often clownish, it needs plenty of exercise, company and regular coat care. Owners should be aware of hereditary deafness, hip and elbow dysplasia and bloat, and should ask breeders for BAER hearing results.View Details

sportingEnglish Springer SpanielThe English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized British flushing gundog, bred to find game and "spring" it into the air for the hunter. It is friendly, biddable and very energetic, and is equally at home as a family companion or a working dog in the field. The breed standard gives a height of approximately 51 cm, and most adults weigh about 18 to 25 kg. Show lines are heavier with longer feathering, while working lines are lighter, shorter-coated and more driven. A UK study of nearly 18,000 English Springers found a median lifespan of 13.5 years.View Details

companionEnglish Toy TerrierThe English Toy Terrier is a small, elegant, and alert breed originally developed for ratting and companion work in England. Despite their compact size, they are confident, intelligent, energetic, and loyal dogs that form close bonds with their owners and suit smaller living spaces when properly exercised.View Details

sportingField SpanielThe Field Spaniel is a balanced, affectionate, and intelligent sporting breed originally developed for flushing and retrieving game in the field. They are known for their calm nature, strong family bonds, trainability, and moderate energy levels, making them well suited to active families seeking a versatile companion and outdoor partner.View Details

herdingFinnish LapphundThe Finnish Lapphund is a friendly, intelligent, and adaptable breed originally developed by the Sámi people of northern Finland to herd reindeer. They are known for their gentle temperament, strong family loyalty, thick weather-resistant coat, and suitability for active households that can provide regular exercise and companionship.View Details