Australia is a nation of devoted dog lovers, and at ardam, formerly CDK9 Raw, we see that passion every single day in the thousands of bowls we help fill across Sydney and beyond. From the tireless Cattle Dog to the cuddly Cavalier, the breeds Australians choose to bring into their homes say a lot about our lifestyle, our backyards and our love of the outdoors. With an estimated 4.8 million pet dogs across the country, roughly one dog for every five people, we thought it was time to take a fresh look at the ten most popular breeds and what makes each one special.
Whether you already share your home with one of these breeds or are considering adding a new furry family member, understanding a breed's traits, energy levels and nutritional needs helps you set them up for a long, happy life. Let's count down the list.
1. Labrador Retriever
Originally bred on the coast of Newfoundland to haul in fishing nets from icy waters, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most versatile dogs in the world today. Strong swimmers with an incredible sense of smell, Labs excel as guide dogs, detection dogs and loving family companions. They are famously food motivated, which makes portion control important. A quick meal plan quiz can help you work out exactly how much to feed so your Lab stays lean and active rather than overweight.
2. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffy has long carried an unfair reputation, but owners across Australia know the truth: this breed is affectionate, loyal and endlessly enthusiastic. Bred originally for very different purposes centuries ago, today's Staffy is a devoted family dog that thrives on companionship and consistent training. Their compact, muscular build means they do well on a protein rich diet that supports lean muscle without excess kilojoules.
3. French Bulldog
Small in stature but huge in personality, the French Bulldog is a favourite among apartment dwellers thanks to modest exercise needs. Frenchies are prone to overheating, so summer walks are best scheduled for early morning or evening. Because brachycephalic breeds can be sensitive around meal times, many owners find that fresh, easily digestible raw proteins sit better than heavily processed kibble.
4. German Shepherd
Renowned for intelligence and trainability, the German Shepherd is a top choice for police, military and assistance work worldwide, as well as being a devoted family guardian. GSDs need consistent mental and physical stimulation, and a diet rich in quality protein supports the muscle condition this athletic breed relies on. Sourcing a variety of proteins such as beef, chicken and duck keeps meals interesting for dogs that can be selective eaters.
5. Border Collie
Widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed, the Border Collie was developed to herd livestock with remarkable precision. This is a high-drive dog that needs a job to do, whether that's agility, obedience or simply a long daily run. High-energy breeds like the Border Collie burn through kilojoules quickly, so their diet needs to keep pace with sustained energy and recovery.
6. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are gentle, eager to please and famously good with children, which explains their enduring popularity across Australian households. Bred as gundogs to retrieve game undamaged, they retain a soft mouth and a love of water and fetch well into adulthood. Their double coat sheds regularly, and a diet with good quality fats supports skin and coat condition.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This toy breed combines the sporty instincts of its spaniel ancestors with a deep desire to be close to its humans. Cavaliers are prone to certain hereditary health considerations, which is why many owners focus on supporting overall wellbeing through fresh, balanced nutrition rather than relying solely on heavily processed food. Smaller breeds, including popular Cavalier crosses like cavoodles, also benefit from measured portions matched to their size as part of a small dog raw diet.
8. American Staffordshire Terrier
Larger and heavier than its English cousin, the Amstaff is a loyal, people oriented dog that thrives as part of the family when given consistent training and socialisation from an early age. Like other muscular breeds, the Amstaff benefits from a diet that supports lean muscle mass and joint resilience through sustained activity.
9. Miniature Schnauzer
Originally bred in Germany to hunt rats on farms, the Miniature Schnauzer is alert, spirited and endlessly curious. Personalities vary widely between individuals, but all Miniature Schnauzers share that distinctive bushy-browed look. This breed can be prone to skin sensitivities, so many owners pay close attention to ingredient quality when choosing food.
10. Rottweiler
Despite an undeserved reputation from media portrayals, the Rottweiler is a calm, good-natured and deeply loyal family dog when responsibly raised. With a heritage that includes guarding livestock and driving cattle, the Rottweiler is a powerful, athletic breed that needs plenty of physical exercise and a protein-dense diet to match its build.
Why Breed-Aware Feeding Matters
No two breeds have identical nutritional needs. A working German Shepherd burning energy all day needs a different portion than a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel curled up on the couch. Age matters too. Puppies of large breeds like Labradors and Rottweilers need carefully managed growth rates, while senior dogs of any breed often do better with slightly reduced portions and easily digestible proteins.
Fresh raw feeding gives you the flexibility to adjust for all of these factors in a way that a one-size-fits-all bag of kibble simply cannot. Because you control exactly what goes into the bowl, you can dial protein, fat and portion size up or down as your dog's breed, age and activity level change throughout their life.
Choosing the Right Diet for Your Breed
Whatever breed shares your home, fresh nutrition plays a central role in keeping them at their healthy best. At ardam, our range of proteins, including beef, chicken and duck, lets you match your dog's individual needs, whether that's lean protein for weight management or richer options for working breeds. If you're not sure where to start, our sample pack is a great low-risk way to see how your dog responds to fresh raw feeding, and our meal planner quiz takes the guesswork out of portion sizes based on breed, weight and activity level.
According to the RSPCA, understanding a breed's specific needs, from exercise to diet, is one of the most important parts of responsible pet ownership. Here in Sydney and across Australia, more owners are choosing fresh feeding as part of that responsible care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular dog breed in Australia?
The Labrador Retriever consistently ranks as one of the most popular dog breeds in Australia thanks to its friendly nature, trainability and versatility as both a family companion and working dog.
Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers good family dogs?
Yes. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are affectionate, loyal and generally excellent with children when raised and socialised responsibly, despite an undeserved reputation.
Which popular Australian dog breeds need the most exercise?
Border Collies, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are high-energy breeds that need daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay content and well behaved.
Is raw feeding suitable for every dog breed?
Raw feeding can suit most breeds and life stages, but portion sizes and protein choices should be tailored to the individual dog's size, age and activity level.
What should I feed a Labrador to avoid weight gain?
Labradors are prone to overeating, so measuring portions with a raw food calculator and choosing lean proteins like chicken or fish helps keep them at a healthy weight.
Do small breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel need a different diet?
Smaller breeds generally need smaller, more frequent portions, but the same principles of fresh, balanced raw nutrition apply regardless of size.
Where can I find raw food suited to my dog's breed?
ardam offers a sample pack so you can trial different proteins and see which suits your dog's breed, size and preferences before committing to a full order.
Reviewed by the ardam team.
