Top Dog Breeds Australia
We love our dogs. They always find a way to bring a smile to our day, or much needed comfort when we’re down. Our dogs are our constant companions, ready to walk, play, or just hang out. Hill’s Pet Nutrition Australia wanted to find out the extent of national interest in dog ownership and which dog breeds capture Australian hearts. We performed a bespoke study into Australian search behaviour, utilising Google search volumes to reveal the current top trending dog breeds and dog names of the year.
*Analysing Google search interest of more than 470 breeds between September 2019 and August 2022, the study uncovered the top dogs and dog breeds in search demand across Australia, along with each state and main city. We also took a look into dog names to see what’s trending and most ‘pupular’ for our beloved companions right now. Read on to find out the most searched dogs of the year!
Dog Adoption Statistics
What do we want? Pets!
In 2022, Australians have continued to show their enthusiasm for bringing canine companions into their lives with almost 17 million searches surrounding getting a new dog this year. While searches have eased off from their 2020 high, it’s clear to see that many of us are still on the hunt for a new family member.
Whether we’re working from home permanently or back in the office, Australians are seeking to introduce new pets to our lives at the right time. Many would-be pet owners may have made finding the right dog their new year’s resolution, with total searches for both new and adopted dogs at its 2022 peak during January.
Many of those still searching for a dog are looking to bring home a brand new puppy, with 12.7 million searches related to new dogs in 2022. These searches accounted for more than 76% of the total interest, down from around 78% in 2021. This matches up with recent research from Animal Medicines Australia (AMA), which reported that 51% of pure-breed dogs and 41% of cross-breed dogs brought home in 2022 came from a breeder, while another 13% and 15% were purchased from pet shops respectively.[1]
However, Australians haven’t forgotten about adoption, with more than 4 million searches in the last year around adopting or rescuing a dog. AMA reported that 11% of pure-breed dogs entering Australian homes in 2022 were rescued from animal shelters, along with 13% of cross-breed dogs and 27% of mixed breeds. With many shelters filling up to capacity in 2022, there are still lots of dogs looking for a loving home.[2]
1 Pets and the Pandemic: a social research snapshot of pets and people in the COVID-19 era
2 VIDEO: Pet surrender on the increase as shelters are at a 'crisis'
Top Trending Dog Breeds Australia
There’s no doubt about it – Australians are on the hunt for dogs! But which breeds are they looking for?
This year’s top 10 includes three breeds making the list for the first time, plus one familiar breed making a return after a dip in 2021. Larger breeds continue to dominate the rankings, taking out 7 of the top 10.
Top 10 Trending Dogs
We analysed Google searches of 464 dogs and dog breeds, including traditional, pedigree, and cross-breeds, to reveal Australia’s top trending dog breeds– and there’s a few surprises! Does your four-legged friend feature below?
#1 Cavoodle
The Cavoodle is top dog once again, leaping up from #5 in 2021 with more than 1.3 million searches this year. A mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, the Cavoodle is in fact a cross-breed, but has been growing in popularity over the years.
#2 Shiba Inu
Australia’s second most searched for pooch is the Shiba Inu, making an impressive jump from #8 last year. The breed received a 57.19% increase in searches YoY, to a total of over 1.1 million. These hunting dogs from Japan are agile, alert and are often chosen as companion dogs.
#3 Border Collie
The Border Collie takes third place, with similar interest to last year at just over 1 million searches. The Border Collie is known for intelligence, perceptiveness, and stubbornness, making them common choices for working and training.
#4 Poodle
The Poodle has sprung into the top 10 with just under 1 million searches, up from #21 in 2021. A common choice for show dogs and creative grooming, the poodle is actually a high energy breed that needs lots of playful stimulation to thrive.
#5 Golden Retriever
Last year’s #1, the Golden Retriever dropped in search interest by 11.73% YoY, falling to #5. Receiving just under 1 million searches in 2022, the Golden Retriever’s sweet and social nature can be a draw for families.
#6 Dachshund
The second new entrant into the top 10, climbing from #15 with just over 900,000 searches. One of the most unique looking dogs, the Dachshund was originally bred to dive into burrows and chase out game. They are often vocal dogs who will regularly let you know their opinion! This dog's short legs and long body predispose him to back pain and disc issues and as such he shouldn't be encouraged to jump on/off furniture or go up and down stairs. He is more suited to a single level home, so if you have lots of stairs in your house another breed may be a better fit.
#7 Australian Shepherd
The gorgeous Australian Shepherd has made it back into the top 10 with almost 900,000 searches, after a drop to #14 last year. Despite their name, Australian Shepherds, also known as “Aussies”, originated on ranches in the United States. However, they have been energetic and indispensable working dogs here for over 70 years.
#8 French Bulldog
Our next new entrant into the top 10 is the French Bulldog, up from #13 last year. This laid-back breed is often thought to be a little goofy, and enjoys clowning around. Whilst many people may find the facial features of this breed to be part of his appeal, there are some serious health consequences that come from being a brachycephalic breed (having a shortened snout) which can impact on his quality of life. Learn more here
#9 Labrador Retriever
The Labrador slips in at #9 for the second year in a row with just over 772,100 searches. Known as both friendly companions and useful working dogs, you will find this affectionate breed in chocolate, yellow and black.
#10 German Shepherd
Moving from 3rd place to 10th, the large and lovable German Shepherd is intelligent and easily trained. The German Shepherd continues the trend of large dogs in the top 10, with just over 740,000 searches. They are often trained as herding or guard dogs and are a loyal family pet..
After the top 10, the following loveable breeds made it into the top 25 list of Australians’ current trending favourites.
Top 25 Trending Dog Breeds in Australia
Overall Rank 2022/2023 |
Breed | Type / Classification | 2021 | 2022 | YoY% | YoY Ranking Change +/- |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cavoodle | Miscellaneous Class | 1,494,900 | 1,333,400 | -11% | 4+ |
2 | Shiba Inu | Non-Sporting Group | 703,600 | 1,106,000 | 57% | 6+ |
3 | Border Collie | Herding Group | 1,100,200 | 1,063,700 | -3% | -1 |
4 | Poodle | Non-Sporting Group | 1,018,020 | 953,400 | -6% | 21+ |
5 | Golden Retriever | Sporting Group | 1,031,500 | 910,500 | -12% | -4 |
6 | Dachshund | Hound Group | 900,200 | 906,400 | 1% | 9+ |
7 | Australian Shepherd | Herding Group | 924,000 | 894,000 | -3% | 7+ |
8 | French Bulldog | Non-Sporting Group | 1,040,100 | 846,400 | -19% | 5+ |
9 | Labrador Retriever | Sporting Group | 810,200 | 772,100 | -5% | 0 |
10 | German Shepherd | Miscellaneous Class | 894,000 | 742,000 | -17% | -7 |
11 | Rottweiler | Working Group | 894,000 | 742,000 | -17% | -7 |
12 | Bulldog | Non-Sporting Group | 709,000 | 723,700 | 2% | -5 |
13 | Dobermann | Working Group | 823,400 | 717,100 | -13% | - |
14 | Australian Kelpie | Foundation Stock Service (FSS) | 742,000 | 679,300 | -8% | 73 |
15 | Pomeranian | Toy Group | 780,000 | 654,000 | -16% | -9 |
16 | Cane Corso | Working Group | 653,500 | 651,000 | 0% | -4 |
17 | Chihuahua | Toy Group | 522,000 | 558,000 | 7% | 3+ |
18 | Siberian Husky | Working Group | 654,290 | 540,160 | -17% | 26+ |
19 | Greyhound | Hound Group | 539,750 | 534,000 | -1% | -9 |
20 | Cocker Spaniel | Sporting Group | 578,000 | 531,000 | -8% | -4 |
21 | Jack Russell Terrier | Miscellaneous Class | 565,800 | 515,900 | -9% | 47+ |
22 | Welsh Corgi | Miscellaneous Class | 562,300 | 499,200 | -11% | 186+ |
23 | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Miscellaneous Class | 541,400 | 498,600 | -8% | 9+ |
24 | Great Dane | Working Group | 551,220 | 476,170 | -14% | -7 |
25 | Pug | Toy Group | 569,140 | 474,650 | -17% | 5+ |
Which dog name category was the most popular?
This year we analysed the ‘top of the top’, taking search trends of the top 25 most popular male, female, and gender neutral dog names from the Rover Seed list to reveal which are trending in Australia right now. If you’re looking for a name for your next four-legged friend, read on below for some inspiration!
Male Dog Names
The top 25 male dog names enjoyed more than 4.1 million searches. Of the top 10 and top 25 overall dog names, 40% are male. Some of these names are old-fashioned favourites, while others are names you wouldn’t be surprised to find among family or friends.
Top ten searches:
- #1 Bruno
- #2 Duke
- #3 Tucker
- #4 Gus
- #5 Max
- #6 Milo
- #7 Toby
- #8 Buddy
- #9 Winston
- #10 Oliver
Top Trending Male Dog Names
The higher the index score, the stronger the YoY % change and therefore, the increase in interest of name.
Category Rank | Name | 2021 | 2022 | YoY% | Index | Overall Rank |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bruno | 102,200 | 180,800 | 77% | 1.77 | 3 |
2 | Duke | 77,400 | 106,000 | 37% | 1.37 | 6 |
3 | Tucker | 35,500 | 48,300 | 36% | 1.36 | 7 |
4 | Gus | 25,200 | 33,000 | 31% | 1.31 | 9 |
5 | Max | 113,800 | 138,700 | 22% | 1.22 | 15 |
6 | Milo | 236,000 | 284,300 | 20% | 1.20 | 16 |
7 | Toby | 23,600 | 27,300 | 16% | 1.16 | 21 |
8 | Buddy | 47,400 | 54,500 | 15% | 1.15 | 22 |
9 | Winston | 30,800 | 35,200 | 14% | 1.14 | 23 |
10 | Oliver | 115,600 | 128,400 | 11% | 1.11 | 25 |
#2. Female Dog Names
The top female names drew in over 3.3 million searches, and made up 40% of the top 10 and 32% of the top 25. These names are a little more common in the human world than their male counterparts, with Luna, Chloe, Sadie, Willow, and Piper all relatively common baby names in 2022.
Top ten searches:
- #1 Luna
- #2 Chloe
- #3 Sadie
- #4 Millie
- #5 Willow
- #6 Roxy
- #7 Lulu
- #8 Lola
- #9 Piper
- #10 Maggie
Top Trending Female Dog Names
The higher the index score, the stronger the YoY % change and therefore, the increase in interest of name.
Category Rank | Name | 2021 | 2022 | YoY% | Index | Overall Rank |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Luna | 139,600 | 352,200 | 152% | 2.52 | 2 |
2 | Chloe | 178,800 | 290,600 | 63% | 1.63 | 4 |
3 | Sadie | 16,200 | 24,700 | 52% | 1.52 | 5 |
4 | Millie | 18,900 | 25,600 | 35% | 1.35 | 8 |
5 | Willow | 198,200 | 252,700 | 27% | 1.27 | 12 |
6 | Roxy | 262,400 | 328,000 | 25% | 1.25 | 13 |
7 | Lulu | 153,800 | 189,500 | 23% | 1.23 | 14 |
8 | Lola | 67,400 | 81,000 | 20% | 1.20 | 17 |
9 | Piper | 74,400 | 82,500 | 11% | 1.11 | 28 |
10 | Maggie | 50,400 | 55,700 | 11% | 1.11 | 29 |
#3 Gender Neutral Dog Names
Including this year’s #1 trending dog name, Pepper, these names saw the most searches with more than 7.9 million total, but had the least names in the top 25. Some of these names are also popular baby names, while some are a little more creative. Notably dogs named Bingo (#5) are likely inspired by the popular children’s TV show Bluey.
Top ten searches:
- #1 Pepper
- #2 Rebel
- #3 Billy
- #4 Frankie
- #5 Bingo
- #6 Sandy
- #7 Murphy
- #8 Darcy
- #9 Morgan
- #10 Rory
Top Trending Gender Neutral Dog Names
The higher the index score, the stronger the YoY % change and therefore, the increase in interest of name.
Category Rank | Name | 2021 | 2022 | YoY% | Index | Overall Rank 2022 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pepper | 305,500 | 804,500 | 163% | 2.63 | 1 |
2 | Rebel | 3,416,000 | 4,446,000 | 30% | 1.30 | 10 |
3 | Billy | 62,800 | 80,700 | 29% | 1.29 | 11 |
4 | Frankie | 231,100 | 277,000 | 20% | 1.20 | 18 |
5 | Bingo | 208,100 | 249,300 | 20% | 1.20 | 19 |
6 | Sandy | 30,800 | 36,500 | 19% | 1.19 | 20 |
7 | Murphy | 45,700 | 51,600 | 13% | 1.13 | 24 |
8 | Darcy | 23,000 | 25,300 | 10% | 1.10 | 30 |
9 | Morgan | 166,800 | 183,300 | 10% | 1.10 | 31 |
10 | Rory | 26,000 | 28,500 | 10% | 1.10 | 32 |
Dog Activities
Things to do with your dog
Australians love the quality time we spend with our dogs, and are always sniffing out dog-friendly places and activities. Searches for dog activities are on the rise, up 48% in the last year. This upward trend is likely related to the overall increase in dog ownership in the last couple of years, as we look to navigate the joys and practicalities of life with our canine companions.
The search “dog-friendly parks” topped the list, with more than 625,880 searches in 2022. This fits into our quest to find other everyday dog-friendly places to play, hang out and have fun, with cafes (#3), beaches (#6) and walks (#7) also in the top 10.
The next noticeable trend was the search for places to leave our dog when we’re away from home, whether short term (Dog Day Care at #2 and Dog Sitting at #5) or long-term (Dog Boarding at #7). Whether we’re heading back into the office, or heading off for a few days, we want to find the right place to leave our pup.
Finally, we dream of taking our dogs away with us, with the quest for accommodation (#4), camping (#9) and holidays (#10) a notable search trend.
Things To Do With Your Dog
Category Rank | Dog Activity | 2021 | 2022 | YoY% |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Parks | 414,040 | 624,880 | 50.92% |
2 | Dog Day Cares | 425,720 | 585,430 | 37.52% |
3 | Cafes | 318,490 | 497,890 | 56.33% |
4 | Accommodation | 310,030 | 444,530 | 43.38% |
5 | Dog Sitting | 229,710 | 369,280 | 60.76% |
6 | Beaches | 218,750 | 359,490 | 64.34% |
7 | Dog Boarding | 165,780 | 327,570 | 97.59% |
8 | Walks | 154,380 | 188,460 | 22.08% |
9 | Camping | 181,120 | 187,550 | 3.55% |
10 | Holidays | 80,070 | 87,830 | 9.69% |
Here to help with your dog
We all love our dogs, and try our best to make their daily lives happy and healthy. But if you’re a new pet parent, it can be hard to know how to look after your beloved friend the right way. Fortunately, Hill's Pet Nutrition is here to help. We’ve put together top tips and advice from our pet experts on topics from care, to training, to nutritional needs. No matter which breed or pup you adore, we’re there at every stage of your dog’s development to help them live their best life.
Remember, before getting a new dog or puppy, it’s important to make sure you’re ready for a new pet in your home. You will need to give your dog the attention and care they need throughout their life, so think carefully about whether you’re ready to make a long term commitment and care for a new friend. Consult with your family and talk to your vet if you already have other pets in the house. Consider adopting or rescuing a dog if you are able.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s Top Dog Breed Dietary Suggestions
We know how important the right nutrition and a well-balanced diet is to your dog’s health and wellbeing throughout their life. From the smallest of Chihuahuas to the biggest St. Bernard, we pride ourselves in providing the food your pet needs. See our table below to find our suggestion for foods to suit your dog or click here to browse food suggestions.
By Dog Breed
Dog Breed / Dog Type | Puppy | Adult | Mature |
---|---|---|---|
Australian Shepherd | (female) Hill's Science Diet Puppy Dry Dog Food (male)Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food |
(female) Hill's Science Diet Adult Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Healthy Mobility Adult Dry Dog Food (male) Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Healthy Mobility Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food |
Hill's Science Diet Youthful Vitality Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Dry Dog Food |
Border Collie | Hill's Science Diet Puppy Dry Dog Food | Hill's Science Diet Healthy Mobility Adult Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Adult Dry Dog Food |
Hill's Science Diet Youthful Vitality Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Dry Dog Food |
Cavoodle | Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Puppy Food | Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Adult Dry Dog Food | Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Senior Small Paws Senior Dry Dog Food |
Dachshund | Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Puppy Food | Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Small & Mini Adult Dry Dog Food | Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Senior Small Paws Senior Dry Dog Food |
French Bulldog | Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food | Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Small Bites Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Small Bites Dry Dog Food |
Hill's Science Diet Senior Vitality Small & Mini Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Perfect Digestion Small Bites Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Small Paws Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Senior Small Paws Senior Dry Dog Food |
Golden Retriever | Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food | Hill's Science Diet Healthy Mobility Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Light Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food |
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed Dry Dog Food |
Greyhound | Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food | Hill's Science Diet Healthy Mobility Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Oral Care Adult Dry Dog Food |
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed Dry Dog Food |
Pomeranian | Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Puppy Food | Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Small & Mini Adult Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult Small & Mini Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Oral Care Adult Dry Dog Food |
Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Senior Small Paws Senior Dry Dog Food |
Pug | Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Puppy Food | Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Small & Mini Adult Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Paws Dry Dog Food |
Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Senior Small Paws Senior Dry Dog Food |
Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Hill's Science Diet Puppy Dry Dog Food | Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult Dry Dog Food | Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Dry Dog Food |
Whippet | Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food | Hill's Science Diet Oral Care Adult Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Small Bites Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Small Bites Dry Dog Food |
Hill's Science Diet Senior Vitality Small & Mini Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food Hill's Science Diet Senior Adult 7+ Small Bites Senior Dry Dog Food |
By Dog Size
Dog Size | Puppy | Adult | Mature |
---|---|---|---|
Small Breed Adult weight up to 11 kg |
Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Puppy Food | Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Adult Dry Dog Food | Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food |
Medium Breed Adult weight from 11 to 24 kg |
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Dry Dog Food | Hill's Science Diet Adult Dry Dog Food | Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food |
Large Breed Adult weight 25+ kg |
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food | Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food | Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed Dry Dog Food |
Methodology
"Hill’s Pet Nutrition used data sourced from Google Keyword Planner to perform a bespoke data study based on over 248 million Google searches, to identify changes in search behaviour around dog ownership due to the current climate across Australia. The study identified search volume and interest around dog adoption and rescue, getting a new dog, dog breeds & dog names to highlight Australia’s current search interest in ownership and trending dog breeds and dog names. In 2022/2023 the study also looked at fur colour and dog traits prospective owners look for, and as current owners venture further outside, the study also looked at activities they partake in with their furry friends.
The data was distilled at a nationwide, state and city level to provide further insights on dog ownership and the rise in search interest.
To reveal the list of top trending dog names, a search ‘popularity’ index score based on growth in search and YoY change was applied and then ranked. In all other areas rankings were based on the largest amount of search volume for 2022.
The data relates only to search term volume, which may not correlate to actual preference of the nation. We can, however, draw the conclusion that the rise in search terms may be indicative of popularity or favouritism.
The study collated and analysed Google searches from September 2019 – August 2022 which allowed isolation of search behaviour in three twelve-month periods (Sept 2019 - Aug 2020, Sept 2020 - Aug 2021 & Sept 2021 - Aug 2022) to provide a YoY comparison. All data is correct and representative as of September, 2022. Full methodology is available on request. Data was collated and analysed in September 2022.
Dog breeds & Types:
Well known popular dog names:
When sharing this data, please credit Hill’s Pet Nutrition Australia as the original source of this information: https://www.hillspet.com.au/dog-care/australias-top-trending-dog-breeds
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