Large dog breeds in Australia

Large dog breeds are popular in Australian homes and noted for being good watchdogs, their devotion, protective temperament and strong friendship. Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, Newfoundlands and Irish Wolfhounds are among popular breeds.¹ While these different breeds of dogs have different temperaments and physical requirements, they’re also well known for their adaptability and family-friendliness.

Golden Retrievers are renowned for their friendly, calm and gentle temperament.⁷ They are patient and tolerant, making them ideal for households with young children. Golden Retrievers are also highly trainable and enjoy playing, making them great companions for active kids or to be trained as therapy dogs. Their even-tempered nature ensures they adapt well to different family dynamics.

Labradors are one of Australia’s most popular dog breeds, loved for their playful, affectionate and loyal personality.⁸ They are particularly good with children due to their sociable and tolerant nature. Labradors thrive on companionship, and their high energy makes them perfect for an active family, allowing them to join in on all types of activities, from playing in the yard to going on adventures together.

Often called ‘nanny dogs’, Newfoundlands are famous for their gentle and protective nature around children.⁹ They’re incredibly patient and calm, making them excellent companions for families with toddlers. Despite their large size, Newfoundlands are affectionate and soft-hearted, forming strong bonds with their families. They also love water, so they’re perfect for families who enjoy outdoor water activities.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a calm and friendly breed, well-suited to families with children.¹⁰ They are affectionate and gentle, with a playful side that makes them great with young kids. Known for their loyalty, Bernese Mountain Dogs are protective without being aggressive, ensuring a safe and loving environment for children.

Despite their towering size, Great Danes are gentle giants with a surprisingly affectionate nature.⁴ They are known for being patient and tolerant, making them good companions for children. While they may require supervision due to their size, Great Danes are calm and loving, making them excellent family pets for households with enough space.

Poodles and Poodle crosses (like Labradoodles, Cavoodles and Groodles) are excellent family dogs due to their intelligence, trainability and affectionate nature.¹¹ This intelligent dog breed bonds well with children, is adaptable to various living environments and thrives in active households. Their hypoallergenic, low-shedding coats suit families with allergies, although regular grooming is needed. These dogs are playful yet gentle, making them great companions for kids, while their versatility and loyalty ensure they fit seamlessly into family life.

Australian Shepherds are known for their unmatched loyalty, intelligence and versatility, making them great guard dogs.¹² These traits make them one of the most sought-after working dog breeds, often used in police, military and search-and-rescue roles. While protective and alert, Australian Shepherds are affectionate with their families and can form strong bonds with children when appropriately socialised. Their confidence and eagerness to learn make them a rewarding breed for experienced dog owners.

• The Irish Wolfhound is known as the tallest dog breed, with some dogs of this breed reaching up to 100 cm tall.³ Despite its towering appearance, Wolfhounds have a soft, gentle and affectionate personality. These calm, intelligent and friendly dogs make wonderful family pets; however, they retain a hunting instinct from their history as hunting dogs in Ireland, so proper training and supervision are crucial. Irish Wolfhounds are sensitive and form deep bonds with their families despite their size.
• Often referred to as ‘gentle giants’, Great Danes are known for their imposing size but equally for their affectionate and gentle nature.⁴ Despite their massive stature, they are incredibly friendly, patient and calm, especially around children. Great Danes are also surprisingly adaptable to indoor living, provided they have enough space to stretch out. Their affectionate and low-energy nature makes them excellent companions, though their short lifespan can be a consideration for potential owners.
• A muscular, large breed weighing up to 120kg, Saint Bernard’s are known as working dogs in the Swiss Alps, but their loving and patient temperament makes them equally suited to family life.⁵ These gentle giants are affectionate and protective, often forming strong bonds with children. They are laid-back when indoors but require regular exercise to maintain their health. Their thick double coats, while beautiful, make them less suited to hot climates.

Dog owners often choose large dogs for loyalty, protection and emotional support. Their size gives a sense of security compared to small dog breeds, and many large dogs are known for their calm and affectionate demeanour, making them excellent companions. They’re especially favoured by families who have ample space and enjoy an active lifestyle, as many large breeds thrive with regular exercise and outdoor activities.

Whether you’re seeking a loyal guardian, the smartest companion or a gentle family member, there’s a breed to suit every lifestyle. These majestic animals can enrich your life in countless ways with proper care, training, and love.

Large dog breeds are not only defined by their size but also by their unique personalities, temperaments and traits.

Labradors and Golden Retrievers are among Australia’s most popular large breeds due to their intelligence, trainability and loving nature.⁶ German Shepherds are another favourite, valued for their versatility and loyalty. Other beloved breeds include Great Danes, Saint Bernard’s and Newfoundlands, each bringing their unique qualities to the table.¹

It’s always important to remember that while these breeds are popular, they must be trained early to ensure they’re well-mannered and responsive. Always supervise the interactions between your dog and your children (especially if they’re very young) and build your dog’s confidence by introducing them to different environments, people and experiences to socialise with them early.