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Are you the type to search for dog friendly accommodation when planning a weekend away? Do you rock up to the local dog park bright and early on a Saturday morning so your pup can play rough and tumble with some neighbourhood pals? Does your Instagram feed contain a slightly concerning amount of canine content? You’re not alone.
It’s no secret that we’re are a nation of dog lovers. According to Dogster, there are a total of 29 million pets in Australia, and around 48% of pet owners have a dog – that’s quite a lot of pooches. If you’re thinking of getting a puppy yourself, or if you’re just curious, you may be wondering about the most popular dog breeds in the country.
What are the most popular dogs in Australia?
Nadia Crighton of Pet Insurance Australia told Canstar the Cavoodle is the number one dog breed in Australia in 2025, and that one of the most notable trends in recent years has been the increasing popularity of doodle breeds – Cavoodles, Groodles, and Labradoodles.
“These breeds offer the best of both worlds: the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle, combined with the temperament and loyalty of breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Golden Retriever, and Labrador,” she said.
“As more Australians prioritise hypoallergenic dogs, it’s likely that these breeds will continue to dominate in the years to come.”
So what about the rest? In order, the ten most popular dog breeds in Australia for 2025 are:
- Cavoodle
- French Bulldog
- Golden Retriever
- Border Collie
- Groodle
- Miniature Dachshund
- German Shepherd
- Labrador
- Maltese
- Poodle
What makes these pups so special?
Crighton told Canstar that that Australia’s most popular dog breeds for 2025 showcase a mix of enduring favourites and rising stars.
“While the Cavoodle remains the undisputed leader, the continued success of traditional breeds like the Golden Retriever, Labrador, and Border Collie proves that Australians still have a deep love for loyal, intelligent companions,” she said.
“Meanwhile, the rise of doodle breeds reflects a shift toward allergy-friendly pets with friendly, trainable personalities.”
How much do Australia’s favourite dogs cost?
There is no definitive answer to the question of how much a particular breed of dog will cost, as prices depend on individual breeders. Given the continuing demand for dogs, though, many do not come cheap, and it may be the case that registered breeders will have waiting lists for puppies.
In terms of average prices, if you were to buy from a registered breeder, a Cavoodle can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000, according to RightPaw.
French Bulldogs, while adorable, are also very costly, with prices from registered breeders typically costing anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000. Some rare and sought-after variations such as lilac and blue-coloured Frechies can sell for upwards of $14,000.
Searching sites like Dogz Online and Pets Online as well as registered breeders’ websites, we found that golden retrievers can cost between $3,000 and $7,000, and miniature dachshunds sell for about $3,000 to $4,000. A purebred Maltese cross pup can cost from $1,500 to $4,500 or more.
For a Border Collie, you might pay somewhere in the range of $3,000 to $7,000, while some breeders list Labrador puppies for sale for as high as $4,000 or more. German Shepherd pups can sell for anywhere between about $1,300 to $3,000.
What should you do before buying a puppy?
If you’re considering buying a puppy, the RSPCA has put together a Smart Puppy and Dogs Buyer’s Guide that has some information to consider. If you are thinking about buying from a breeder, it is important to find out as much information as you can about them, and pay them a visit if at all possible.
In general, it is important to ensure that breeders provide a high standard of care and good living conditions for their animals, that they are open to questions about the breed you’re buying as well as the individual dog’s family history and any possible health conditions it may have, and that they are not operating a puppy farm.
If you choose the rescue route, you can also adopt a puppy or full-grown dog from the RSPCA. Prices for these dogs will vary depending on availability, so it is best to make enquiries with your local branch.
Cover image source: kathrineva20/Shutterstock.com
