Dog breeds

Queensland's favourite dog breeds

Whether you've already got a dog or you're thinking of getting one, we've got information to help you learn more about your favourite breed. Our library helps you choose the right breed for your family and covers common ailments and treatment so you can give your pet a happy, healthy life.

Cavoodle

How big am I?

Small

What do I look like?

Soft, small and sweet.

Across between a Cavalier and a Poodle, Cavoodles have a soft coat that can be wavy or straight, large sincere eyes and an eternal puppy-like disposition.

Lifespan:

12 – 15 years

How much exercise do I need?

A daily walk and play will keep Cavoodles happy.

Am I right for your family?

Cavoodles thrive on family interaction and company. Their gentle nature and teddy-bear look makes them perfect companions for children. Some Cavoodles have a fleece or wool coat so they're perfect for owners with allergies. Cavoodles are not demanding, but do need an owner that can dedicate lots of time and love.

How do I act?

Affectionate, agreeable and active.

The Cavoodle is an intelligent and friendly dog with buckets of energy. Their everlasting puppy nature gives them a playful inquisitive personality. Cavoodles can be good guard dogs as they bark when strangers approach, but are not aggressive.

If left alone too long they're prone to loneliness and may become very vocal or suffer anxiety.

Living in Queensland

Cavoodles can happily live in an apartment or small home, as long as they get daily exercise. They aren't big shedders but will need brushing, especially if they're beach bums or frolic in Queensland's waterways. A professional groom every few months is required to clean their ears, check their teeth and detangle their coat.

What will I see my vet for?

• Arthritis treatment/surgery for luxating patella
• Prescribed dietary and topical medications for allergies
• Surgery/treatment due to eye ailments
• Sedation for teeth cleaning and extractions

Border Collie

How big am I?

Medium

What do I look like?

Agile, athletic and alert. Border Collies have a long body, thick coat and a steady, alluring gaze.

Lifespan:

12 – 14 years

How much exercise do I need?

A long daily run if living in the city, or full day of work in rural Queensland to burn off that notorious Collie energy.

Am I right for your family?

Border Collies love people and spending time with their owner. They flourish in all family situations when they're well trained and given plenty of attention. With a high level of intelligence and endless stamina, the best owner for a Collie is one that can devote time and energy to suit their active mind and lifestyle.

How do I act?

Bright, bold and brave.

The Border Collie is ready to please and work. With a smart mind and big heart, Collies form a close bond with their family and are loyal to the ends of the earth. Gentle with children and other dogs, they're a great choice and will fit in with your active family.

If left alone for too long they may get destructive, anxious or escape to find more enjoyable activities. Their high energy means they'll need a family that can provide regular, stimulating exercise.

Living in Queensland

Regardless of their everlasting energy, Border Collies blossom working on Queensland farms and in the city alike. An ideal companion, these dogs enjoy outdoor adventure and exploring with their family. With their thick coat, Collies tend to overheat so owners should keep them cool and exercise early morning or late evening on Queensland's hot days.

What will I see my vet for?

• Arthritis treatment/surgery due to hip dysplasia and osteochondritis disease
• Neurological treatment and ongoing medication for epilepsy and seizures
• Prescribed dietary changes as they are prone to food allergies and can become overweight if not exercised regularly
• Eye anomalies which can cause blindness

French Bulldog

How big am I?

Medium

What do I look like?

Solid, sturdy and stocky.

The French Bulldog is a compact dog with prominent "bat" ears, a square jaw and wide chest.

Lifespan:

10 – 12 years

How much exercise do I need?

A daily play and a run around the back yard suits this couch potato.

Am I right for your family?

Gentle with children so great for families, singles and couples. They have a friendly nature and get along well with other dogs and strangers. Their tendency to develop health conditions means they'll need a little extra care so owners should have a big heart and lots of compassion.

How do I act?

Cheeky, cheerful and curious.

Frenchies are enthusiastic and playful, super loyal and funny. Their energy comes in bursts so expect short-lived gusto, followed by rest and recovery in the shade.

A strong personality, Frenchies can be stubborn, resistant to training and their sensitive soul won't respond well to loud, commanding orders.

Living in Queensland

Frenchies can do well in apartments, small homes and on larger properties alike. Prone to overheating, they need to be watched for heatstroke and kept cool indoors, year-round. They can't swim, so caution needs to be taken around Queensland beaches and backyard pools.

What will I see my vet for?

• Rehabilitation, steroid treatment or surgery for back injuries
• Surgery/arthritis treatment for luxating patella
• Soft palate surgery/nostril drilling due to breathing difficulties
• Treatment for overheating

German Shepherd

How big am I?

Large

What do I look like?

Sharp, superior and strong.

The German Shepherd is a muscular dog with a flat-haired coat, black muzzle and big bushy tail.

Lifespan:

10 years

How much exercise do I need?

A long daily run or walk, play time with friends and daily mental stimulation keeps the German Shepherds body and mind active.

Am I right for your family?

German Shepherds will build a close relationship with their owner and will need life-long guidance. They can tolerate children if trained and thrive living with singles, couples and families who are commanding and can offer plenty of time for exercise and play.

 

How do I act?

Clever, courageous and confident.

German Shepherds are fiercely loyal and protective of their family. An excellent companion, they enjoy being along for the adventure and are friendly, sociable and patient, when well-trained.

If un-socialised or untrained, German Shepherds can be wary of strangers and other dogs, aggressive, overly confident or unruly.

Living in Queensland

German Shepherds should live on a medium/large block and should be exercised with long walks or daily runs. They may need help shedding their thick coat to remain cool in Queensland summers.

What will I see my vet for?

• Arthritis treatment/surgery due to hip/elbow dysplasia and osteoarthritis
• Cancer treatment/surgery for tumours
• Prescribed dietary changes and antibiotics due to perianal fistula, megaesophagus and gastric dilation

Golden Retriever

How big am I?

Large

What do I look like?

Gorgeous, gentle and good-natured.

Golden Retrievers are balanced and perfectly proportioned with a flowing golden coat, black nose and kind brown eyes.

Lifespan:

12 years

How much exercise do I need?

A daily walk, catch, or play time at the park will keep Retrievers happy.

Am I right for your family?

Golden Retrievers are well-suited to all families – especially those with young children. Intelligent and loveable, the Retriever flourishes when included in family events both indoors, and outside. They love company of all kinds and desire being with others, whether dogs or humans.

How do I act?

Eager, energetic and easy-going.

Golden Retrievers are intelligent and aim to please. Easily trained and well-mannered, these dogs are loyal to family members and strangers alike and make friends easily.

They can become lonely if left alone too long which can lead to separation anxiety and unintended destructive chewing. Keep watch when there's food around. Their unrelenting hunger can cause over-eating, or eating items that they shouldn't

Living in Queensland

Golden Retrievers can do well on smaller blocks if they're exercised regularly, and blossom on larger properties. Their love of water makes them enthusiastic participants at family beach outings and on Queensland's waterways. Their fearless nature means owners should supervise their dog to avoid boisterous or dangerous activities.

What will I see my vet for?

• Tumour removal surgery and cancer treatment
• Prescribed dietary changes due to a tendency to be overweight and develop diabetes
• Stomach exploration surgery from eating dangerous foods
• Arthritis treatment/surgery and joint reconstructions due to unregulated breeding
• Epilepsy or OCD/brain intervention treatments

Labrador

How big am I?

Large

How do I look?

Outgoing, open and obedient.

The Labrador is an active dog with a strong body, otter-like tail, smooth coat and friendly eyes.

Lifespan:

10 – 14 years

How much exercise do I need?

A sporty dog, Labradors will need a daily walk, run at the park, or dip in the pool.

Am I right for your family?

Friendly with children of any age and with all other breeds of dogs, Labradors are super loyal and like to spend time with their owners or other dogs. Best for families who want to spend time with their active pooch.

How do I act?

Friendly, fuss-free and fun.

Labradors are a loveable dog with a patient and easy-going nature. They love being around people and other dogs and will happily join you on any adventure away from the house.

With a weakness for food, Labradors can eat everything and anything, so need supervision. They may get into mischief or become destructive if left alone too long.

Living in Queensland

This water-loving dog is made for life in Queensland. With a short, easy-dry coat, adventurous spirit and an insatiable love of everything, the Labrador can happily spend their days playing in the backyard, snagging a sausage at family BBQ's, or spending action-packed days at the beach.

What I will see the vet for?

• Arthritis treatment/surgery for hip dysplasia, elbow and luxating patella
• Prescribed dietary changes for diabetes, renal and liver defects and a tendency to be overweight
• Surgery and treatment for cancer and tumours

Maltese Cross

Size:

Small

How do I look?

Cute, cuddly and curious.

The Maltese Cross is the epitome of a fluffy white dog. With a soft coat and big smile, this cross is more like a living teddy-bear than the traditional rough and tumble dog.

Lifespan:

12 – 14 years

How much exercise do I need?

This pocket rocket does well with a backyard sprint, game of fetch or a short daily walk.

Am I right for your family?

Extroverted and friendly, this pooch is sweet-tempered and affectionate. Best suited for owners who spend time at home and want a lap-dog. Loving of all children and other dogs, the Maltese Cross resembles a living teddy-bear so needs a kind owner, willing to play and cuddle.

How do I act?

Loud, loyal and lovable

The Maltese Cross is a sociable little dog that enjoys being involved with the family. Energetic and comical, their energy comes in bursts before they happily collapse onto a family members lap.

If left alone too long the Maltese can become stressed, highly strung and yappy.

Living in Queensland

Maltese flourish in both small and large homes, as long as they get a daily walk or romp in the backyard. Prone to respiratory issues, Queensland's heat and humidity can aggravate this condition so an air-conditioned, or cooler home is key.

What will I see the vet for?

• Arthritis treatment/surgery for luxating patella or hip dysplasia
• Steroid therapy for white shaker syndrome
• Eye surgery for a predisposition to eye ailments
• Teeth clean and extractions under sedation

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Size:

Medium

What do I look like?

Stocky, strong and shiny.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or Staffy as they're affectionately known, is a broad chested, strong and muscular dog with a goofy smile and kind eyes.

Lifespan:

12 – 14 years

How much exercise do I need?

Staffies have tons of energy so need a daily run or play at the park. They won't sit around at home, usually tearing around the backyard on their "down time".

Am I right for your family?

Staffies thrive in a family unit that is active and adventurous. They aim to please and are friendly with children and other dogs, when well-trained. The Staffy needs a confident owner who can provide lifelong guidance so they avoid getting into too much trouble.

How do I act?

Bold, boisterous and brave.

Staffies are full of energy, have tremendous stamina and love playing. They are super loyal to their family and very affectionate. Their love of company means they won't cope well when left alone and can get destructive, aggressive if un-socialised and may become strong-willed.

Living in Queensland

With their short coat and active nature, Staffies are made for outdoor Queensland activities. Their playful energy means apartment living is out for this breed. Prone to heatstroke, Staffies should be kept indoors and in air-conditioning during hot Queensland days.

What will I see the vet for?

• Arthritis treatment/surgery for hip dysplasia, elbow luxation and patellar luxation
• Prescribed dietary changes and medication due to skin allergies, stomach sensitivity and bacterial infections
• Cataract surgery to remove hereditary juvenile cataracts
• Long-term medication for congenital heart disease

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross

Size:

Medium

What do I look like?

Happy, handsome and heroic.

The Staffy cross is a mix of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier mixed with another breed of dog, usually resulting in a short haired, medium-sized dog.

Lifespan:

10 – 14 years

How much exercise do I need?

A Staffy cross needs a daily run along with lots of outside play time.

Am I right for your family?

Just like the purebred Staffy, this cross needs lots of attention and companionship. They'll do best with an owner that can train them early on and give life-long guidance. Great for families, singles and couples alike.

How do I act?

Playful, pleasant and protective.

The Staffy cross is a fun-loving ball of energy that enjoys playtime, family time and dog time. Very affectionate, this breed is loyal to their family and enjoys being involved in everyday activities. Like Staffies, this cross needs companionship so can act out when left alone too long, or become aggressive or destructive if un-trained.

Living in Queensland

With a love of all things adventure, the Staffy Cross will thrive on outdoor activities. Due to their Staffy genetics, these dogs can find it hard to cool through panting. This means they'll need to be kept cool on hot Queensland days and balmy nights.

What will I see the vet for?

• Arthritis treatment/surgery for hip dysplasia, elbow luxation and patellar luxation
• Prescribed dietary changes and medication due to skin allergies, stomach sensitivity and bacterial infections
• Cataract surgery to remove hereditary juvenile cataracts
• Long-term medication for congenital heart disease