This week, we explore the top 20 most popular dog breeds in Australia.
As one of the most pet-loving nations in the world, Australia is home to a diverse array of breeds, each with its unique traits and health considerations.
From the energetic Border Collie to the affection-loving Cavoodle, every breed deserves tailored care to ensure their well-being.
Whether you're a proud dog parent or considering adding a new member to your family, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to better care for your canine bestie.
The Top 20 Most Popular Dogs in Australia: Common Issues and Solutions for Each Breed
This chart is a summary of the health issues, with more detailed information under each section below.
Understanding the common health issues associated with these popular breeds is crucial for ensuring your fur family leads happy, healthy lives. Let’s get started:
1. Cavoodle (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Poodle)
Patellar Luxation
Kneecap dislocation can be common due to their small size.
Solution: Regular vet check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and using joint supplements like PetWell MOBILITY is a great way to prevent and support joint health.
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
MVD is a progressive heart condition that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to, it’s where the mitral valve degenerates, causing blood to leak backward into the heart, leading to symptoms like coughing, fatigue, and eventually heart failure, particularly in older or predisposed dog breeds.
Solution: Routine cardiac screenings and appropriate medications if required.
Ear Infections
Their floppy ears can trap moisture and bacteria causing painful infections.
Solution: Regular ear cleaning and grooming can prevent infections.
2. Labrador Retriever
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint is improperly formed, leading to joint instability, pain, and mobility issues.
Solution: Maintain a healthy weight, provide anti-inflammatory diet and joint supplements and treats, like PetWell MOBILITY for joint support.
Obesity
Labradors are highly driven by food and tend to overeat, leading to weight gain.
Solution: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and using supplements that support their digestive system like PetWell DIGEST. Also opt for high quality natural, healthy treats, PetWell freeze-dried treats are a great source of protein and low in fat.
Ear Infections
Their floppy ears can trap moisture and bacteria causing painful infections.
Solution: Regular ear cleaning and grooming can prevent infections.
3. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies cause itching, redness, and discomfort, leading to significant irritation and distress for affected dogs. Serious cases can also lead to open sores and infections.
Solution: A hypoallergenic diet, regular baths with medicated shampoos, and using natural, anti-inflammatory supplements and treats like PetWell THRIVE range to support immune health.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint is improperly formed, leading to joint instability, pain, and mobility issues.
Solution: Maintain a healthy weight, provide anti-inflammatory diet and joint supplements and treats, like PetWell MOBILITY for joint support.
Dental Problems
Their strong jaws can contribute to dental problems, including tooth fractures and tartar buildup.
Solution: Regular dental check-ups and teeth cleaning.
4. Border Collie
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes recurring seizures, which can vary in intensity and frequency, leading to episodes of abnormal behaviour, sensations, or even loss of consciousness in affected dogs.
Solution: Regular vet consultations, medication, and natural supplements like PetWell CALM to help manage anxiety associated with epilepsy.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint is improperly formed, leading to joint instability, pain, and mobility issues.
Solution: Maintain a healthy weight, provide anti-inflammatory diet and joint supplements and treats, like PetWell MOBILITY for joint support.
Obsessive Compulsive Behaviours
Their high energy and intelligence can lead to obsessive-compulsive behaviours like tail chasing and excessive chewing.
Solution: Mental stimulation, regular exercise, and consider natural supplements and treats like PetWell CALM to help manage anxiety.
5. German Shepherd
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint is improperly formed, leading to joint instability, pain, and mobility issues.
Solution: Maintain a healthy weight, provide anti-inflammatory diet and joint supplements and treats, like PetWell MOBILITY for joint support.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy (DM), a progressive spinal cord disease in dogs, causing progressive muscle weakness and loss of coordination.
Solution: Regular vet check-ups and physical therapy.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)
A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. More common in larger chested dogs, it occurs when a dog's stomach becomes dilated and distended due to an accumulation of gas or fluid
Solution: Feed smaller, more frequent meals and avoid vigorous exercise after eating.
6. French Bulldog
Breathing Problems
Their brachycephalic nature can cause respiratory issues. Their narrow nostrils and short noses restrict airflow.
Solution: Avoid overexertion and keep them cool in hot weather to help with breathing.
Skin Issues
Skin folds can trap moisture and bacteria. This can lead to excessive itching, causing open sores and infections.
Solution: Regular cleaning and drying of skin folds can prevent infections.
Spinal Disorders
Spinal Disorders such as intervertebral disc disease due to their structure.
Solution: Avoid jumping from heights and provide proper support to their back.
7. Golden Retriever
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint is improperly formed, leading to joint instability, pain, and mobility issues.
Solution: Maintain a healthy weight, provide anti-inflammatory diet and joint supplements and treats, like PetWell MOBILITY for joint support.
Cancer
Genetic factors play a significant role in cancer diagnosis. Golden Retrievers have been found to have a higher likelihood of inheriting these genes.
Solution: Regular vet check-ups and early detection are crucial for managing cancer.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies cause itching, redness, and discomfort, leading to significant irritation and distress for affected dogs. Serious cases can also lead to open sores and infections.
Solution: A hypoallergenic diet, regular baths with medicated shampoos, and using natural, anti-inflammatory supplements and treats like PetWell THRIVE range to support immune health.
8. Cocker Spaniel
Ear Infections
Their floppy ears can trap moisture and bacteria causing painful infections.
Solution: Regular ear cleaning and grooming can prevent infections.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint is improperly formed, leading to joint instability, pain, and mobility issues.
Solution: Maintain a healthy weight, provide anti-inflammatory diet and joint supplements and treats, like PetWell MOBILITY for joint support.
Eye Problems
Common eye issues such as cataracts which can affect vision.
Solution: Regular eye check-ups, removing tear stains and proper care can help maintain eye health.
9. Dachshund
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Their long backs make them susceptible to Intervertebral Disc Disease, a condition that can lead to spinal issues and discomfort.
Solution: Avoid jumping from heights, provide proper support to their back, and incorporate strength exercises like controlled walking on an incline, sit-to-stand exercises, and gentle balance activities to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and reduce the risk of Intervertebral Disc Disease.
Obesity
Dachshunds are prone to easy weight gain which can strain their back and joints due to long structure
Solution: Regular exercise, a balanced anti-inflammatory diet and joint supplements and treats, like PetWell MOBILITY for joint support.
Dental Problems
A small mouth can lead to overcrowded teeth, which increases the risk of dental problems like tooth fractures and tartar buildup due to less space for proper cleaning and more friction.
Solution: Regular dental check-ups and teeth cleaning.
10. Poodle
Ear Infections
Curly hair can trap moisture in and bacteria causing painful infections.
Solution: Regular ear cleaning and grooming can prevent infections.
Addison’s Disease
Addison’s Disease is a hormonal disorder affecting the adrenal glands, which can present with symptoms like lethargy, digestive issues, increased thirst, increased urination, and unplanned weight loss.
Solution: Regular vet check-ups and prescribed medications help manage this condition.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes recurring seizures, which can vary in intensity and frequency, leading to episodes of abnormal behaviour, sensations, or even loss of consciousness in affected dogs.
Solution: Regular vet consultations, medication, and natural supplements like PetWell CALM to help manage anxiety associated with epilepsy.
11. Miniature Schnauzer
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is caused by Inflammation of the pancreas which can cause digestive issues.
Solution: A low-fat, anti-inflammatory diet, including natural supplements and treats like PetWell DIGEST to support gut health. Regular vet check-ups.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies cause itching, redness, and discomfort, leading to significant irritation and distress for affected dogs. Serious cases can also lead to open sores and infections.
Solution: A hypoallergenic diet, regular baths with medicated shampoos, and using natural, anti-inflammatory supplements and treats like PetWell THRIVE range to support immune health.
Bladder Stones
Can cause urinary issues, pain and discomfort.
Solution: Proper hydration and diet management can prevent the formation of stones.
12. Boxer
Cancer
Genetic factors play a significant role in cancer diagnosis. Boxers have been found to have a higher likelihood of inheriting these genes.
Solution: Regular vet check-ups and early detection are crucial for managing cancer.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint is improperly formed, leading to joint instability, pain, and mobility issues.
Solution: Maintain a healthy weight, provide anti-inflammatory diet and joint supplements and treats, like PetWell MOBILITY for joint support.
Heart Problems
Such as cardiomyopathy which affects heart function.
Solution: A balanced diet, and routine cardiac screenings with appropriate medications if required.
13. Beagle
Obesity
Beagles are highly driven by food and tend to overeat, leading to weight gain.
Solution: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and using supplements that support their digestive system like PetWell DIGEST. Also opt for high quality natural, healthy treats, PetWell freeze-dried treats are a great source of protein and low in fat.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint is improperly formed, leading to joint instability, pain, and mobility issues.
Solution: Maintain a healthy weight, provide anti-inflammatory diet and joint supplements and treats, like PetWell MOBILITY for joint support.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes recurring seizures, which can vary in intensity and frequency, leading to episodes of abnormal behaviour, sensations, or even loss of consciousness in affected dogs.
Solution: Regular vet consultations, medication, and natural supplements like PetWell CALM to help manage anxiety associated with epilepsy.
14. Shih Tzu
Breathing Problems
Their brachycephalic nature can cause respiratory issues.
Solution: Avoid overexertion and keep them cool in hot weather to help with breathing.
Eye Problems
Common eye issues such as cataracts which can affect vision.
Solution: Regular eye check-ups, removing tear stains and proper care can help maintain eye health.
Skin Issues
Their long hair can cause skin problems by trapping moisture and bacteria. This can lead to excessive itching, causing open sores and infections.
Solution: Regular grooming, skin care, and using anti-inflammatory supplements like PetWell THRIVE to support and strengthen immune health will result in healthy skin and coat.
15. Maltese
Dental Problems
Small mouth can lead to dental problems, including tooth fractures and tartar buildup.
Solution: Regular dental check-ups and teeth cleaning.
Patellar Luxation
Kneecap dislocation can be common due to their small size.
Solution: Regular vet check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and using joint supplements like PetWell MOBILITY is a great way to prevent and support joint health.
Collapsed Trachea
Breathing issues due to the trachea collapsing.
Solution: Use a harness instead of a collar, avoid overexertion, and use natural supplements and treats like PetWell CALM to help manage anxiety that may exacerbate breathing problems.
16. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
MVD is a progressive heart condition that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to. It’s where the mitral valve degenerates, causing blood to leak backward into the heart, leading to symptoms like coughing, fatigue, and eventually heart failure, particularly in older or predisposed dog breeds.
Solution: Routine cardiac screenings and appropriate medications if required.
Syringomyelia
A serious neurological condition affecting the brain and spinal cord.
Solution: Regular vet check-ups, appropriate treatment, and natural supplements and treats like PetWell CALM to help manage associated anxiety.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint is improperly formed, leading to joint instability, pain, and mobility issues.
Solution: Maintain a healthy weight, provide anti-inflammatory diet and joint supplements and treats, like PetWell MOBILITY for joint support.
17. Rottweiler
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint is improperly formed, leading to joint instability, pain, and mobility issues.
Solution: Maintain a healthy weight, provide anti-inflammatory diet and joint supplements and treats, like PetWell MOBILITY for joint support.
Obesity
Rottweilers are highly driven by food and tend to overeat, leading to weight gain.
Solution: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and using supplements that support their digestive system like PetWell DIGEST. Also opt for high quality natural, healthy treats, PetWell freeze-dried treats are a great source of protein and low in fat.
Heart Problems
Heart problems, like aortic stenosis, involve the narrowing of the aortic valve, which forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, potentially leading to reduced heart function and other cardiovascular complications.
Solution: A balanced diet, and routine cardiac screenings and appropriate medications are essential if required.
18. Siberian Husky
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint is improperly formed, leading to joint instability, pain, and mobility issues.
Solution: Maintain a healthy weight, provide anti-inflammatory diet and joint supplements and treats, like PetWell MOBILITY for joint support.
Eye Problems
Common eye issues such as cataracts which can affect vision.
Solution: Regular eye check-ups, removing tear stains and proper care can help maintain eye health.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a hormonal disorder where the thyroid gland underproduces hormones, leading to a slowed metabolism, weight gain, lethargy, and other health issues in dogs.
Solution: Regular vet check-ups and medication help manage this condition.
19. Pug
Breathing Problems
Their brachycephalic nature can cause respiratory issues. Their narrow nostrils and short noses restrict airflow.
Solution: Avoid overexertion and keep them cool in hot weather to help with breathing.
Skin Issues
Skin folds can trap moisture and bacteria. This can lead to excessive itching, causing open sores and infections.
Solution: Regular cleaning and drying of skin folds can prevent infections.
Patellar Luxation
Kneecap dislocation can be common due to their small size.
Solution: Regular vet check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and using joint supplements like PetWell MOBILITY is a great way to prevent and support joint health.
20. Whippet
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
MVD is a progressive heart condition that Whippets are prone to. It’s where the mitral valve degenerates, causing blood to leak backward into the heart. Leading to symptoms like coughing, fatigue, and eventually heart failure, particularly in older or predisposed dog breeds.
Solution: Routine cardiac screenings and appropriate medications if required.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint is improperly formed, leading to joint instability, pain, and mobility issues.
Solution: Maintain a healthy weight, provide anti-inflammatory diet and joint supplements and treats, like PetWell MOBILITY for joint support.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies cause itching, redness, and discomfort, leading to significant irritation and distress for affected dogs. Serious cases can also lead to open sores and infections.
Solution: A hypoallergenic diet, regular baths with medicated shampoos, and using natural, anti-inflammatory supplements and treats like PetWell THRIVE range to support immune health.
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this email and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet healthcare decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.
