Bringing a new dog into the family can often be confusing. What type of dog should you get and what is the breed like are often questions which are asked.
In September 2021, the Australian National Kennel Council (now Dogs Australia) officially recognised 205 dog breeds in Australia. These recognised breeds encompass a wide variety of sizes, coat types, temperaments, and purposes. We have looked at 50 of these breeds and provided a brief description of each breed to help you decide on your new furry friend.
Good luck with and be safe when enjoying beach days with your furry friend!
Related article: How to enjoy beach days with your dog
A summary of dog breeds
Labrador Retriever: Friendly, outgoing, and intelligent. They are often known for their loyalty, trainability, and love of water.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Courageous, affectionate, and reliable. They are often strong and muscular, with a reputation for being good family dogs.
German Shepherd: Loyal, confident, and protective. They are often used as working dogs and are known for their intelligence and versatility.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Affectionate, gentle, and sociable. They are known for their friendly nature and make great companions.
Border Collie: Highly intelligent, energetic, and trainable. They are often regarded as one of the most intelligent dog breeds and excel in herding and agility activities.
Golden Retriever: Intelligent, friendly, and gentle. They are often great family dogs, known for their patience and loyalty.
Miniature Schnauzer: Energetic, alert, and intelligent. They are often characterised by their distinctive facial hair and make excellent companions and watchdogs.
Australian Shepherd: Intelligent, active, and agile. They are often known for their herding abilities, loyalty, and versatility in various dog sports.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Courageous, affectionate, and reliable. They are often strong and muscular, with a reputation for being good family dogs.
French Bulldog: Laid-back, affectionate, and adaptable. They are known for their distinctive appearance, compact size, and friendly nature.
Maltese: Gentle, playful, and affectionate. They are often small in size, with a long, silky coat, and make loving companions.
Rottweiler: Confident, courageous, and loyal. They are often protective and make excellent guard dogs when properly trained and socialised.
English Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Strong, muscular, and affectionate. They are known for their loyalty and can be great family pets when trained and socialised properly.
Shih Tzu: Affectionate, friendly, and outgoing. They are known for their distinctive long, flowing coat and are often great companion dogs.
Boxer: Playful, energetic, and friendly. They are known for their athleticism, loyalty, and protective nature.
Siberian Husky: Outgoing, intelligent, and active. They have a thick coat, strong endurance, and are often associated with sled-pulling.
Dobermann: Alert, loyal, and intelligent. They are often characterised by their sleek and muscular physique and are known for their protective nature.
Dachshund: Lively, courageous, and clever. They have a distinctive long body and are often spirited and independent.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Smart, friendly, and active. They are known for their short legs, expressive face, and herding abilities.
English Bulldog: Calm, courageous, and loving. They are typically characterised by their distinctive appearance, easygoing nature, and affectionate personality.
Beagle: Friendly, curious, and merry. They are known for their keen sense of smell, energy, and sociable nature.
Cocker Spaniel: Gentle, smart, and happy. They have a cheerful demeanor, often displaying enthusiasm and a desire to please.
Australian Terrier: Lively, spirited, and courageous. They are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and suitability as a watchdog.
Australian Cattle Dog: Energetic, loyal, and hardworking. They are often used as herding dogs and require an active lifestyle/
Great Dane: Friendly, patient, and dependable. They are known for their impressive size and gentle nature.
Poodle: Intelligent, active, and elegant. They come in different sizes (Standard, Miniature, and Toy) and are often recognised for their hypoallergenic coat.
Rhodesian Ridgeback: Strong, dignified, and loyal. They are often characterised by a ridge of hair along their back and are known for their hunting abilities.
Bernese Mountain Dog: Gentle, friendly, and affectionate. They are often large and have a calm and patient temperament.
Whippet: Gentle, affectionate, and playful. They are known for their grace and speed, often used in dog racing.
Jack Russell Terrier: Energetic, intelligent, and fearless. They are often small in size but have a big personality and require mental and physical stimulation.
Shetland Sheepdog: Intelligent, loyal, and responsive. They are often herding dogs and are known for their agility and obedience.
West Highland White Terrier: Confident, friendly, and independent. They have a white coat and are often characterized by their lively nature/
Bullmastiff: Courageous, loyal, and docile. They are often large and powerful, making them excellent guard dog.
Newfoundland: Gentle, patient, and sweet-natured. They are often large, with a thick coat, and are known for their swimming abilities and gentle disposition.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Courageous, affectionate, and reliable. They are often strong and muscular, with a reputation for being good family dogs.
Doberman Pinscher: Alert, fearless, and loyal. They are often characterised by their sleek and muscular build and make excellent guard dogs.
Pomeranian: Lively, friendly, and extroverted. They are often small in size and have a fluffy coat and a bright personality.
Bull Terrier: Playful, friendly, and mischievous. They are often recognized by their egg-shaped head and muscular build.
Irish Wolfhound: Gentle, dignified, and friendly. They are often tall and have a gentle and affectionate nature.
Samoyed: Adaptable, gentle, and friendly. They have a thick, white coat and are often associated with their smiling expression.
Scottish Terrier: Independent, confident, and spirited. They are often small but have a strong personality and distinctive appearance.
Chihuahua: Alert, lively, and courageous. They are often small in size and can be both confident and bold.
American Staffordshire Terrier: Courageous, confident, and good-natured. They are often strong and muscular, with a reputation for loyalty.
Bull Terrier (Miniature): Playful, energetic, and affectionate. They are often small in size and known for their unique egg-shaped head.
Australian Silky Terrier: Friendly, intelligent, and alert. They have a long, silky coat and make great companions.
Saint Bernard: Gentle, friendly, and patient. They are often large and have a thick coat, known for their rescue dog heritage.
Irish Setter: Affectionate, energetic, and outgoing. They have a beautiful red coat and are often lively and good-natured.
Pug: Charming, mischievous, and loving. They have a distinctive wrinkled face and are known for their playful and friendly nature.
English Springer Spaniel: Cheerful, intelligent, and obedient. They are often energetic and have a strong desire to please.
Boston Terrier: Friendly, intelligent, and lively. They are often small in size and known for their tuxedo-like coat and expressive eyes.
Conclusion
Humans are different and so are dogs, that is why we love our furry friends. Remember, individual dogs within a breed can vary in temperament and behaviour, and it’s important to consider specific breed characteristics alongside individual personality and training. When selecting a dog breed, research thoroughly, visit reputable breeders, and spend time with the breed to ensure it aligns with your preferences and lifestyle. Better still, you can adopt a rescue!
Once you've picked your dog it's time keep them safe
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Consider taking out pet insurance to protect your pet and your wallet from the costs of unexpected injuries or illnesses. Find out more about ExtrasJar Pet Insurance or get a quote now.
The information in this article is general in nature as it has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) & Target Market Determination, and obtain appropriate financial and taxation advice, before making a decision about whether ExtrasJar are right for you.
*ExtrasJar Pet Insurance is subject to exclusions, such as Pre-existing Conditions. Please see our (PDS) for more details.
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