The Labrador Retriever, regularly tops the charts as the most popular dog breed in many countries around the world, including Australia. It is easy to see why, with their pleasant and kind temperament yet outgoing and loyal nature. They are often referred to as the perfect mix of being a great family dog yet an intelligent and focused working dog too. They are used as assistance dogs for the visually impaired and autistic, as well as in law enforcement, and search& rescue. However, don’t let the relaxed temperament fool you, these dogs need a lot exercise and stimulation, often having lots of puppy-like energy up until at least three years of age.

Despite their tough appearance, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are actually sweet tempered, gentle and fun loving. This medium sized dog, generally lives over 12 years and weighs around 15kg when fully grown.  On average, food for this breed costs around $25-35/month. Although this energetic breed loves and craves human attention, they can sometimes be defensive towards other dogs that they do not know. Therefore, they need an owner who is loving yet firm and who has the time to give them daily exercise and training. They have a short, easy to care for coat, that can have a wide variety of colours including red, fawn, white, black, blue or brindle,with or without white. Although the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a robust and healthy type, there are some health problems associated with this breed, including juvenile cataracts, skin allergies and hip dysplasia.

Fun fact…They are commonly referred to as “Staffies”.

The German Shepherd, also commonly known as the Alsatian, is known for it’s intelligence, bravery and fierce loyalty. They are extremely versatile and are trained for many different roles including shepherding, police and military service, search and rescue, guarding and competitive agility. This breed is extremely active and needs to be kept busy with regular exercise and training to keep their mind stimulated. Due to their loyal and loving nature they make great family dogs, but can be protective of their loved ones and suspicious of strangers, hence why they also make great guard dogs. This large breed dog has a life expectancy of around 9-13 years and adults weigh in the range of 30-40kg.  Feeding a German Shepherd could cost you around $50-70/month. They are predisposed to certain health conditions including bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Fun Fact…They have a double coat which helps keep them warm and dry. The outer coat sheds year round.

The Golden Retriever is a medium-large sized dog, well known for their long and dense golden coat. They are intelligent, eager-to-please and friendly, and make great family dogs. Originally bred as a gundog to retrieve birds, these dogs also excel as guide dogs for the blind, search & rescue and in competitive obedience and agility events. They are very energetic and enjoy a lot of exercise (especially swimming) and playtime to burn off excess energy. The average life expectancy for this breed is 12 years old. They are prone to some specific health conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, certain cancers (hemangiosarcoma), hypothyroidism and epilepsy. Unfortunately, they are also prone to obesity so they need lots of exercise and a suitable diet. Their ideal adult weight is normally around 25-34kg, and feeding a Golden Retriever costs around $40-60/month.

Fun Fact.. Former presidents of the USA, Ford and Reagan both had Golden Retrievers as pets while in office.

This toy breed, is sweet, gentle and friendly. They have a silky, medium length coat that can come in four main colors. They are very affectionate and love human attention, and are often very friendly with people and other dogs they don’t know too. Although mainly thought of as a lap dog, they do enjoy a regular amount of exercise and playtime. However, they may be just as happy chilling out on the sofa than going for a long walk. The breed is prone to several health issues including mitral valve disease, syringomyelia, eye conditions (cataracts, retinal problems) and patella luxation. They have an average life expectancy of 12-15 years and usually weigh between 6-8kg. On average it costs around $20/month to feed this small breed.

Fun Fact… The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel gets its regal name from King Charles I of Britain, as he was very fond of the small spaniel breed in the 1600s.

There are three recognised Schnauzer breeds: Miniature, Standard and Giant. The Miniature Schnauzer is a small and robust terrier breed, that originates from Germany. They are a lively, outgoing, friendly and often fearless breed. They have a wiry coat that requires regular brushing or trimming and comes in three colours: salt & pepper, black & silver and black. Most owners of Miniature Schnauzers choose to have their dogs regularly clipped by a professional groomer. This bright breed requires daily moderate exercise to keep in shape, and enjoys being part of the family. They have a life expectancy of around 12-15 years and adults generally weigh between 5-8kg. Miniature Schnauzers are prone to some health conditions such as pancreatitis, diabetes and urinary stones. A good quality, balanced diet can help reduce the risk of some of these health conditions, and on average it should cost around $20/month to feed this breed.

Fun Fact…Miniature Schnauzers are thought to have come from breeding standard Schnauzers with Poodles and Affenpinschers.

The Rottweiler is a powerful, confident and muscular large breed dog. An adult Rottweiler tend to weigh between 40-60kg. Despite their big appearance, they are gentle, friendly and playful within their family. They are also protective, brave, and strong, hence why this breed is often used as a police dog or guard dog. It has a black and tan, thick coat which is easy to care for. The breed needs good socialisation and moderate daily exercise, to help prevent obesity and to keep fit and mentally stimulated. As with many large breed dogs, the Rottweiler is prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat (GDV) and dilated cardiomyopathy. Other health problems they are prone to include osteosarcoma and parvovirus. On average this breed has a life expectancy of 8-10 years. Feeding a Rottweiler generally costs around $50-70/month.

Fun Fact…The Rottweiler is thought to descend from the Mastiff dogs from Roman times.