According to the latest registration statistics from the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC), the top 10 most popular dog breeds in Australia in 2022 are a diverse group of breeds, each with their unique characteristics and personalities.
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Border Collie
- German Shepherd
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- French Bulldog
- Cocker Spaniel
- Schauzer (Miniature)
- Rottweiler
Ranking at the top of the list is the Labrador Retriever, which has been the most registered breed in Australia for many years. Known for their friendly, loyal and outgoing personalities, Labs are excellent family pets, and they're also popular as working dogs, including guide dogs, therapy dogs, and search and rescue dogs.
In second place is the Golden Retriever, a breed known for their friendly, sociable personalities and their love of human companionship. They are often used as therapy dogs, guide dogs, and as family pets.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier comes in at number three, which is a strong, muscular breed that has a reputation for being great with children. While they were originally bred for dogfighting, Staffies have become popular family pets due to their loyal, affectionate nature.
In fourth place is the Border Collie, a breed that is highly intelligent, energetic, and trainable. They are often used as working dogs on farms, but also make excellent family pets for active households.
The German Shepherd comes in at number five, a versatile and intelligent breed that is often used as police and military dogs due to their loyalty, courage, and protective instincts. They also make excellent family pets and are known for their obedience and trainability.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ranks at number six, a breed known for their affectionate and gentle nature. They make excellent family pets and are often used as therapy dogs due to their sweet temperament.
In seventh place is the French Bulldog, reflecting a trend towards smaller, more compact breeds in recent years. These adorable dogs are known for their unique appearance, affectionate personalities, and love of human company.
The Cocker Spaniel ranks at number eight, a breed known for their friendly and affectionate nature, as well as their adorable and distinctive appearance. They are also highly trainable and make excellent family pets.
In ninth place is the Schnauzer (Miniature), an intelligent, loyal, and protective breed, making them great companions and watchdogs. They have a unique appearance with their signature moustache and beard, as well as their compact size, making them suitable for apartment living.
The Rottweiler rounds out the top 10, a breed known for their strong and powerful appearance, which makes them excellent guard dogs and protectors. They are also known for their loyal and affectionate nature towards their families, which has helped them gain a reputation as a loving and reliable companion dog breed.
While the rankings can vary year to year and from region to region, these statistics from the ANKC provide a valuable insight into the breeds that Australian dog lovers are most drawn to. Whether you're looking for a loyal family pet or a working dog, these top 10 breeds offer plenty of options to choose from, each with their unique personalities and characteristics.