Australia's Top Dog Breeds for 2025: A State-by-State Showdown

Let's be honest, Australia is a country completely besotted with its dogs. As an SEO in the pet niche for over a decade, I've seen trends come and go, but the national obsession with our furry mates is a constant. According to fresh insights from the folks at Pet Insurance Australia, the list of our most-loved breeds is always evolving, painting a fascinating picture of our lifestyles. From the unstoppable rise of the Cavoodle to our collective soft spot for 'doodle' mixes, it's clear that certain canine characteristics are winning hearts all over the nation.

Australia’s Overall Top 10 Furry Favourites

So, who's sitting on the throne? Here's the national Top 10 list that gives us the big picture:

• Cavoodle
• French Bulldog
• Golden Retriever
• Border Collie
• Groodle
• Miniature Dachshund
• German Shepherd
• Labrador
• Maltese
• Poodle

It's no surprise that the Cavoodle is still reigning supreme. I remember when these little guys first started popping up in parks; now they're practically a national icon! You're getting the gentle, loving soul of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mixed with the smarts and low-shedding coat of a Poodle. What's not to love? This massive trend towards 'designer breeds', especially those that don't leave hair all over your couch, is why you see other doodles like the Groodle climbing the charts, too.

But don't count out the classics! It warms my heart to see the Golden Retriever, Border Collie, and German Shepherd still holding their own. These breeds are legendary for a reason—their incredible intelligence and can-do attitude make them a perfect fit for so many Aussie families.

A Look at Each State's Top Dogs

Things get really interesting when you zoom in on a map. What's popular in Sydney might not be the top choice in Darwin. Let's break it down.

New South Wales (NSW)

• Cavoodle
• French Bulldog
• Golden Retriever
• Groodle
• Border Collie
• Miniature Dachshund
• Poodle
• Labrador
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• German Shepherd

Folks in New South Wales clearly have a type: smart, family-oriented dogs. The Cavoodle's top spot makes perfect sense. I've seen firsthand how their smaller size and adaptable nature make them ideal for city living in places like Sydney, where a backyard isn't always a given. The fact that Goldens and Border Collies are still so high on the list tells me that plenty of NSW residents are still getting outdoors and want a clever, active dog to join their adventures.

Queensland

• Cavoodle
• French Bulldog
• Golden Retriever
• Border Collie
• Miniature Dachshund
• German Shepherd
• Groodle
• Maltese
• Labradoodle
• Cocker Spaniel

Up in the Sunshine State, the list looks pretty similar to the national one, but with a slight twist for that warmer climate. It seems Queenslanders are looking for breeds that can handle the heat. You've got your ever-popular Labradors, perfect for a trip to the beach, and the classic Maltese. The doodle craze is strong here too, likely because a low-shedding coat is a huge bonus when the weather is constantly warm and sticky.

South Australia

• Cavoodle
• French Bulldog
• Border Collie
• Golden Retriever
• Groodle
• Maltese
• Miniature Dachshund
• Labradoodle
• Labrador
• German Shepherd

South Australians seem to have a deep respect for a good working dog. Seeing the Border Collie and German Shepherd ranked so highly speaks volumes about their versatility for life in both the suburbs and more rural settings. Of course, the ever-present doodle mixes show that even here, the demand for clever, allergy-friendly companions is a major factor for families choosing a new pup.

Victoria

• Cavoodle
• Golden Retriever
• French Bulldog
• Groodle
• Border Collie
• Labrador
• German Shepherd
• Poodle
• Maltese
• Miniature Dachshund

Down in Victoria, the Cavoodle is still number one, but look who's nipping at its heels—the Golden Retriever! This suggests a huge preference for that famously loyal and gentle family dog temperament. My cousin in Melbourne just got a Golden, and she said half the neighbourhood already knows its name. The strong showing for Poodles and Groodles also reinforces the Victorian love for intelligent, low-shedding dogs that are as smart as they are cuddly.

Western Australia

• Cavoodle
• French Bulldog
• Golden Retriever
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Groodle
• Miniature Dachshund
• Border Collie
• Miniature Schnauzer
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Labrador

Now this is where the list gets a unique flavour! Western Australia breaks from the pack a bit by featuring the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. Having worked with many clients from WA, I know there's a real appreciation for these loyal and powerfully built companions. They're fantastic, sturdy dogs for active families who want a devoted and protective friend by their side.

Northern Territory

• Jack Russell Terrier
• Miniature Dachshund
• Boerboel
• Border Collie
• Great Dane
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Cross
• Australian Cattle Dog
• Australian Shepherd
• Brittany Spaniel

The Top End has a list all its own, and it's built for a rugged lifestyle. You won't find many apartment-friendly fluffballs here. The energetic Jack Russell Terrier takes the crown, a testament to its boundless energy and hardy nature. And the inclusion of powerful breeds like the Boerboel and Great Dane? It's clear that in the Territory, a big, protective dog is highly valued. It's all about function and resilience up there.

Why the Big Difference Between States?

Ever wonder why a Perth favourite isn't necessarily a Brisbane top dog? It really boils down to a few key factors that shape our choices.

• Climate: It’s pretty simple—hotter states like Queensland and the NT lean towards dogs with shorter coats that can handle the sun. You wouldn't want a Siberian Husky in Darwin!
• Lifestyle: City slickers in Sydney and Melbourne often need smaller breeds that are cool with apartment life. Think Cavoodles and Frenchies.
• Work & Rural Living: In places with big backyards and farming traditions, like parts of SA and the NT, you see a real love for working breeds like Border Collies and Cattle Dogs.
• Trends & Hypoallergenic Needs: The 'doodle' revolution is a nationwide phenomenon. It's a clear sign that more and more Aussies are looking for low-shedding dogs to avoid sniffles and sneezes.

The Unstoppable Rise of Doodle Breeds

Let's talk about the 'doodle' takeover, because it's truly remarkable. We're talking Cavoodles, Groodles, and Labradoodles. A client of mine recently switched from a purebred Labrador to a Labradoodle for her second dog, purely because her son developed allergies. She said it was a game-changer. These mixes really do offer the perfect package for many: the Poodle's incredible intelligence and hypoallergenic coat, blended with the sweet, loyal nature of a Cavalier, Golden Retriever, or Labrador. As allergy-consciousness continues to grow, I'd bet my bottom dollar these breeds will stay at the top for years to come.

The Bottom Line: Aussies Just Love Their Dogs

So, what's the big takeaway from the 2025 rankings? Australia's dog scene is a wonderful mix of tried-and-true favourites and exciting new stars. While the charming Cavoodle is the undisputed champion for now, the unwavering popularity of classics like the Golden Retriever and Border Collie proves our deep-rooted love for intelligent, dependable companions. At the same time, the surge in doodle popularity shows we're adapting our choices to fit modern needs, like allergy-friendliness. Whether you're team little-and-fluffy, team big-and-brainy, or team curly-and-clever, one thing is for sure: we Aussies are serious about our four-legged family members.