Choosing the Right Dog Breed

Choosing a dog
May 25, 2023

Written by Dr Elle Burton-Bradley, Veterinarian, The Village Vet

Ready to bring a dog into your home? Make sure you read our blog on How to Choose a New Dog before you embark on the breed choices detailed below.

Choosing a dog breed isn’t (and shouldn’t be) that simple. Picking a breed that suits your lifestyle and budget is crucial, rather than choosing one based on looks. The breeds that we know today come from long lines of selective breeding for specific purposes, some more specialised than others. When selecting a breed, ask yourself “what was this breed designed for?”. This simple question will give you an understanding of the temperament and requirements to find the perfect fit for your family. And remember, owning a dog is a 15-year commitment!

The most popular dog breeds in Australia are:

Cavoodle (Cavalier King Charles spaniel X Poodle)

Cavoodle (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel X Poodle)

Overview

Cavoodles are a crossbreed between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. These adorable fluff balls are great for families and first-time dog owners.

Temperament and Personality

Cavoodles are friendly, affectionate, and playful. They love human companionship and are known for their easy-going nature.

Size and Appearance

Cavoodles are small-sized dogs, with soft, wavy coats that require regular grooming.

Exercise Needs

They need moderate exercise, including daily walks and playtime, but are adaptable to both apartments and houses.

Training and Intelligence

Cavoodles are intelligent and respond well to training, especially if it starts early.

Health and Lifespan

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to heart disease, while Poodles can suffer from separation anxiety. Cavoodles may inherit these issues, so regular vet visits are essential. They typically live 10-14 years.

Grooming Needs

Their coats need frequent grooming to avoid matting, and professional grooming may be required every few months.

Suitability for Families

Cavoodles are excellent for families, especially those with young children or other pets. They are also suitable for first-time dog owners.

Final Thoughts

Cavoodles make perfect companions for those seeking a loving, easy-going pet with minimal exercise needs.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Friendly and adaptable
  • Good with kids and other pets
  • Low shedding

Cons:

  • Requires regular grooming
  • Prone to separation anxiety
  • Risk of heart disease

Golden retriever

Overview

Golden Retrievers are popular family pets known for their loyalty and gentle temperament. They’re great with kids and have a playful, affectionate nature.

Temperament and Personality

Golden Retrievers are goofy, loveable, and gentle. They enjoy being around people and are extremely patient.

Size and Appearance

Golden Retrievers are large dogs weighing 25-34kg. They have dense, water-repellent coats that come in different shades of gold.

Exercise Needs

These dogs are active and require daily exercise, including walks, playtime, and swimming.

Training and Intelligence

Golden Retrievers are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They excel in obedience training and are often used as therapy or assistance dogs.

Health and Lifespan

Golden Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia. Their lifespan is usually 10-12 years.

Grooming Needs

Golden Retrievers require regular grooming to manage shedding and keep their coats healthy.

Suitability for Families

They are great family dogs, especially in active households. Their playful yet gentle nature makes them perfect for kids.

Final Thoughts

Golden Retrievers are ideal for families that enjoy outdoor activities and can provide plenty of attention.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Friendly and patient
  • Great with children
  • Easy to train

Cons:

  • Prone to shedding
  • Requires regular grooming
  • Prone to hip dysplasia

Border collies

Overview

Border Collies are known for their intelligence and were originally bred for herding. They require a lot of mental and physical stimulation.

Temperament and Personality

These dogs are energetic, loyal, and protective. They thrive when given tasks and enjoy learning new tricks.

Size and Appearance

Border Collies are medium-sized dogs.

Exercise Needs

Border Collies require extensive exercise and mental stimulation. Without it, they can become destructive or develop behavioural problems.

Training and Intelligence

One of the smartest dog breeds, Border Collies are highly trainable and excel at obedience and agility.

Health and Lifespan

They are prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia and eye conditions. Their lifespan is typically 12-15 years.

Grooming Needs

Border Collies have moderate grooming needs. Regular brushing is required, especially for rough-coated varieties.

Suitability for Families

They do well with active families who can provide them with plenty of exercise and mental challenges.

Final Thoughts

Border Collies are best suited for families with an active lifestyle. Their intelligence and energy make them excellent companions for outdoor activities.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Extremely intelligent
  • Loyal and protective
  • Great for active families

Cons:

  • Needs constant mental and physical stimulation
  • Can be destructive if bored
  • Requires early socialisation and training

French bulldogs

Overview

French Bulldogs are small, affectionate, and known for their goofy, loving personalities. They are great companions for those seeking a lower-energy dog.

Temperament and Personality

French Bulldogs are playful and affectionate but can be a bit stubborn. They enjoy human interaction and tend to be very loyal.

Size and Appearance

French Bulldogs are compact, muscular dogs weighing around 10-14kg. They have distinctive “bat ears” and a short, smooth coat.

Exercise Needs

They only need moderate exercise, such as short daily walks, and they are well-suited to apartment living.

Training and Intelligence

While French Bulldogs can be a bit stubborn, they respond well to positive reinforcement training. Early training and socialisation are recommended.

Health and Lifespan

French Bulldogs are prone to several health issues, including breathing difficulties, spinal issues, and skin conditions. Their lifespan is around 10-12 years.

Grooming Needs

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but regular cleaning of their skin folds and ears is essential to prevent infections.

Suitability for Families

French Bulldogs are great for families, especially in smaller homes or apartments. They are suitable for both first-time and experienced dog owners.

Final Thoughts

French Bulldogs are loving companions that thrive on human attention. However, potential health issues should be carefully considered.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Affectionate and goofy
  • Great for apartment living
  • Low grooming needs

Cons:

  • Prone to several health issues
  • Can be stubborn
  • Requires careful monitoring for breathing problems

German shepherds

Overview

German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and highly trainable dogs. They are commonly used as working dogs for police and military purposes.

Temperament and Personality

German Shepherds are protective and loyal, making them excellent guard dogs. They are also highly trainable and eager to learn.

Size and Appearance

German Shepherds are large dogs weighing between 22-40kg, with a double coat that can be either short or long.

Exercise Needs

German Shepherds need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy long walks, runs, and tasks that challenge their intellect.

Training and Intelligence

Highly intelligent and obedient, German Shepherds are easy to train. However, early socialisation is essential to prevent over-protectiveness.

Health and Lifespan

German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and other joint issues. They typically live between 9-13 years.

Grooming Needs

German Shepherds shed year-round and require regular brushing to manage their coat. Occasional baths help keep their coat clean.

Suitability for Families

They are great for families with older children and those who have the time and space for an active dog.

Final Thoughts

German Shepherds are loyal, intelligent, and protective dogs. They require an active household that can provide the necessary exercise and mental stimulation.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Highly intelligent and trainable
  • Loyal and protective
  • Excellent working dog

Cons:

  • Requires regular exercise and mental stimulation
  • Prone to hip dysplasia
  • Needs early socialisation to avoid overprotectiveness

Groodles (Golden retriever X Poodle) and Labradoodles (Labrador retriever X Poodle)

Overview

Groodles and Labradoodles are popular crossbreeds known for their intelligence, playful nature, and low-shedding coats.

Temperament and Personality

These dogs are affectionate and friendly, making them excellent companions for families. However, they may develop separation anxiety due to their Poodle lineage.

Size and Appearance

Both Groodles and Labradoodles can vary in size depending on the parent breeds. Their coats are usually low-shedding and may require regular grooming.

Exercise Needs

They require moderate exercise, including walks and playtime. They enjoy mentally stimulating activities like puzzles and agility training.

Training and Intelligence

Highly intelligent, they are easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement.

Health and Lifespan

Groodles and Labradoodles are generally healthy but may inherit issues like hip dysplasia or eye problems from their parent breeds. Their lifespan is typically 10-15 years.

Grooming Needs

They require regular grooming to prevent matting and may need professional grooming every few months.

Suitability for Families

Both breeds are great for families, especially those with children or other pets. They do well in homes where they are not left alone for long periods.

Final Thoughts

Groodles and Labradoodles are fantastic family dogs, combining the best traits of their parent breeds. However, they require grooming and attention to potential health issues.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Friendly and intelligent
  • Low-shedding coat
  • Great with kids

Cons:

  • Requires regular grooming
  • Prone to separation anxiety

Labrador retriever

Overview

Labrador Retrievers are easily trained, loving, and full of energy. Their versatility makes them excellent working dogs, often employed by police, customs, and as assistance dogs for the visually impaired.

Temperament and Personality

Labradors are known for their friendly, social nature. They are loving, intelligent, and thrive on human interaction, making them great companions for families.

Size and Appearance

Labradors are medium to large-sized dogs, with a muscular build and short, dense coats. They weigh between 25-36kg, with colors typically ranging from black, yellow, to chocolate.

Exercise Needs

Labs are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise. Regular walks, playtime, and activities like swimming or fetch are essential to keep them healthy and mentally stimulated.

Training and Intelligence

Labradors are highly intelligent and respond well to training. Their eagerness to please makes them a popular choice for various working roles, including assistance, search-and-rescue, and gun dogs.

Health and Lifespan

Like many large breeds, Labradors are prone to hip dysplasia, a painful condition that can lead to arthritis. Their lifespan is typically 10-12 years.

Grooming Needs

Labradors have short coats that are easy to maintain. Regular brushing helps control shedding, especially during seasonal coat changes.

Suitability for Families

Labradors make excellent family pets due to their friendly and gentle nature. However, their high energy levels and size may not be ideal for households with very young children unless properly trained.

Final Thoughts

Labradors are versatile, loyal dogs that suit active families or individuals who can meet their exercise and training needs. Their loving personality makes them one of the most popular breeds worldwide.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Highly trainable and intelligent
  • Loving and loyal
  • Great for active families

Cons:

  • Requires plenty of exercise
  • Prone to hip dysplasia
  • Tendency to chew if not mentally stimulated

Cavalier King Charles spaniels

Overview

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are loving, gentle lapdogs. They were bred to be companions and are known for their friendly and affectionate nature.

Temperament and Personality

These dogs are easy-going, making them perfect companions for families or first-time dog owners. They are adaptable and love to be around people.

Size and Appearance

They are small dogs with silky, medium-length coats that come in four distinct color combinations. Regular grooming is needed to maintain their beautiful coats.

Exercise Needs

They require moderate exercise, such as daily walks and playtime.

Training and Intelligence

Cavaliers are intelligent and easy to train, responding well to positive reinforcement.

Health and Lifespan

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to heart disease, which can be managed with early detection and regular vet visits. Their lifespan is typically around 9-14 years.

Grooming Needs

Regular grooming is essential to keep their coats healthy and free from tangles.

Suitability for Families

They are excellent family dogs, especially for those with young children or elderly individuals, due to their calm and affectionate nature.

Final Thoughts

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle, loving dogs that fit well into many households, especially for families or first-time dog owners.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Loving and gentle
  • Easy to train
  • Great for families

Cons:

  • Requires regular grooming
  • Prone to heart disease

Jack Russell Terriers

Jack Russell Terriers

Overview

Jack Russell Terriers are athletic, vocal, stubborn, intelligent, and loving! These little balls of energy were bred for sport and hunting, famously chasing foxes and badgers out of their burrows.

Temperament and Personality

These dogs are lively and playful, often displaying a strong will and intelligence. While they are affectionate with their families, their stubbornness can make training a challenge.

Size and Appearance

Jack Russells are small dogs. They can come in both short-haired and long-haired varieties, with a predominantly white coat and distinctive black or brown markings.

Exercise Needs

Jack Russells require high physical and mental stimulation. Without adequate exercise and mental engagement, they can become bored and destructive. Activities like agility training, fetch, or even a good run will help keep them satisfied.

Training and Intelligence

Intelligent and eager to learn, Jack Russells thrive when given tasks to complete. However, their stubborn nature means consistent training is essential. Positive reinforcement works best for this breed.

Health and Lifespan

Jack Russells are generally hardy dogs with few significant health issues, though they can be prone to luxating patellas. Their lifespan ranges from 13 to 16 years, often depending on their overall health and care.

Grooming Needs

Grooming needs vary between short-haired and long-haired Jack Russells. Short-haired varieties require minimal grooming, while long-haired versions may need regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats.

Suitability for Families

While Jack Russells can make great family pets, their energetic and sometimes stubborn nature means they may not be the best fit for families with very young children or small pets, as they have a strong prey drive.

Final Thoughts

Jack Russell Terriers are full of life and love. They thrive in active households where they can engage in plenty of exercise and mental challenges.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Highly intelligent and trainable
  • Affectionate and loyal
  • Energetic and playful

Cons:

  • Requires significant exercise
  • Can be stubborn and difficult to train
  • Not suitable for families with small pets

Dachshunds 

Overview

Dachshunds are playful, vocal, and stubborn dogs. Originally bred for hunting, their unique shape makes them prone to certain health issues, particularly with their spine.

Temperament and Personality

Dachshunds are strong-willed and sometimes difficult to train. They are very loyal to their families and can be protective or even fearful around strangers.

Size and Appearance

They have long bodies and short legs, giving them a distinctive appearance. They come in three coat varieties: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired.

Exercise Needs

Dachshunds need moderate exercise but should avoid strenuous activities like jumping, which could exacerbate spinal issues.

Training and Intelligence

They are intelligent but notoriously stubborn. They require patience during training and benefit from early socialisation.

Health and Lifespan

Dachshunds are prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) due to their elongated spine. Lifestyle factors like weight management and avoiding excessive jumping can reduce the risk. They also may suffer from luxating patellas. Their lifespan is 12-16 years.

Grooming Needs

Grooming depends on the coat variety, with long-haired Dachshunds requiring the most maintenance.

Suitability for Families

Dachshunds are not recommended for families with small children or inexperienced dog owners due to their stubborn nature and potential health issues.

Final Thoughts

Dachshunds are best suited for experienced dog owners who understand their unique health needs and temperament.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Loyal and protective
  • Playful and intelligent
  • Long lifespan

Cons:

  • Prone to spinal issues
  • Stubborn and difficult to train
  • Not ideal for first-time owners or families with small children

English and American Staffordshire bull terriers 

Overview

Staffordshire Bull Terriers (both English and American varieties) are sweet, robust, and excitable dogs. They are loyal and affectionate, often called “nanny dogs” for their protective nature around children.

Temperament and Personality

Staffies are extremely loving and people-oriented. They are energetic and require consistent training to control their strength.

Size and Appearance

English Staffies are stockier and smaller than American Staffies. Both breeds are muscular with short coats and weigh between 11-27kg depending on the variety.

Exercise Needs

These dogs are active and need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy playtime and need a secure environment for off-leash activities.

Training and Intelligence

Staffies are eager to please and respond well to training, though they can be excitable. Early socialisation is essential, particularly with other dogs, as they can become territorial.

Health and Lifespan

Staffies are prone to skin allergies and separation anxiety. With proper care and training, they live for around 12-14 years.

Grooming Needs

Their short coats are low-maintenance, requiring minimal grooming.

Suitability for Families

Staffies are excellent for families, especially those with children. However, they need to be socialised early with other dogs.

Final Thoughts

Staffies are affectionate, loyal dogs that thrive in loving homes. They are perfect for experienced dog owners who understand their strength and high energy levels.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Loving and great with children
  • Low grooming needs
  • Easy to train

Cons:

  • Prone to separation anxiety
  • Requires consistent training
  • May have trouble socialising with other dogs

For more information on dog ownership and breed traits please contact The Village Vet or see the resources below:

Sources

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