Welcoming a dog into your family is a big decision — one filled with excitement, a little research, and plenty of furry faces to consider.
Whether you're after a gentle giant for endless cuddles or an energetic explorer to join your family’s weekend adventures, the right match is out there.
From temperament to energy levels, finding the perfect fit means considering what works best for your household. Get ready to meet some of the best family-friendly breeds in Australia.
What to consider before choosing a family dog
Every breed has unique needs, energy levels, and quirks that can shape your daily life. Some thrive in busy households, while others prefer peace and quiet. A well-matched pup will be happier, healthier, and easier to care for in the long run.
Lifestyle and space
Your routine and living space play a big role in choosing the right dog. Social, playful breeds love active families, while independent dogs cope better with alone time. If you live in an apartment, a quieter, low-shedding breed might suit you best, while high-energy dogs need plenty of room to run and play.
Exercise and health
Every dog needs exercise, but some require much more than others. Active breeds like Border Collies need mental and physical challenges, while others, like Cavaliers, are content with a few short walks. Regular vet check-ups, proper training, and a complete and balanced diet all help keep your pup thriving.
Finding the perfect match
The best family dog isn’t just about size — it’s about temperament, lifestyle, and care. Whether you’re after an adventure buddy or a laid-back lapdog, the right choice will bring years of joy, companionship, and plenty of tail wags.
1. Labrador Retriever – the classic family companion
🐾 Size: Large
❤ Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, affectionate
⚡ Energy level: High
🏡 Best for: Active families, kids of all ages
🍽 Health tip: Labs love food, sometimes a little too much! A nutrient-packed, custom-portioned diet, like Lyka, is key to keeping them fit and avoiding obesity.
If there were an award for most lovable goofball, the Labrador Retriever would win. Labs are social butterflies who thrive in busy households, love kids, and never say no to a game of fetch, especially if it’s followed by a treat! Their boundless energy means they need plenty of exercise — perfect for families who enjoy hiking, swimming, or backyard playtime.
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2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – the snuggle buddy
🐾 Size: Small
❤ Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, adaptable
⚡ Energy level: Moderate
🏡 Best for: Families in apartments or houses, young children
💛 Health tip: Cavaliers are prone to heart issues, so a diet containing ingredients with antioxidant properties, like omega-3s, can support their heart health.
Cavaliers are pros at snuggling on the couch one minute and chasing a ball the next. They get along beautifully with kids and other pets, making them a great choice for a multi-dog (or pet) household. Whether your family is always on the go or enjoys quiet weekends, this adaptable little pup will fit right in.
Read more: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed insights: care, personality & expert tips
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3. Golden Retriever – the ultimate family all-rounder
🐾 Size: Large
❤ Temperament: Friendly, patient, intelligent
⚡ Energy level: High
🏡 Best for: Families with space and time for daily walks and play
✨ Health tip: Goldens can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. A nutrient-rich diet with ingredients like turmeric can be beneficial to their joints.
Golden Retrievers have big hearts, plenty of energy, and always up for an adventure. They’re affectionate and love being part of family activities, whether it’s playing in the backyard or going on long walks. Their calm nature makes them great with kids, and their eagerness to please makes training a breeze. Just remember, they’re high shedders and need regular brushing to keep it under control.
Read more: Golden Retriever breed insights: care, personality & expert tips
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4. Border Collie: the brainiac with boundless energy
🐾 Size: Medium
❤ Temperament: Highly intelligent, energetic, loyal
⚡ Energy level: Very high
🏡 Best for: Active families, those who love outdoor activities
👀 Health tip: Collies are prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia. Maintaining their healthy weight with a custom-portioned diet, like Lyka, prevents additional strain on their joints.
If your family loves staying active, a Border Collie might be the perfect pup. These incredibly intelligent dogs live for mental and physical challenges — they’ll happily learn new tricks, complete obstacle courses, and even help round up the kids! Just be ready to keep them busy — without enough stimulation, they might invent their own fun with your favourite shoes.
Read more: Border Collie breed insights: care, personality & expert tips
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5. Poodle (Miniature & Standard): the intelligent, allergy-friendly choice
🐾 Size: Small to large
❤ Temperament: Intelligent, affectionate, eager to please
⚡ Energy level: Moderate to high
🏡 Best for: Families with allergy concerns, first-time dog owners
🦷 Health tip: Poodles can be prone to dental issues, so a good teeth cleaning routine with dental-friendly treats like Lyka’s Busy Beefies can support their oral health
Poodles are brainy, playful, and stylish all in one. They’re quick learners, which makes training easy, and they love being part of family activities — whether that’s a walk in the park or a game at home. Gently cooked, real food meals are a great way to support their energy needs and keep them feeling their best.
Read more: Miniature Poodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips
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6. Cocker Spaniel – the family favourite
🐾 Size: Medium
❤ Temperament: Affectionate, intelligent, playful
⚡ Energy level: Moderate to high
🏡 Best for: Families with kids, multi-pet households
👂 Health tip: Their long ears make them prone to ear infections, so a diet supporting skin and coat health can help reduce inflammation.
Cocker Spaniels are known for their big eyes, even bigger ears, and endless affection. They love human company and enjoy a mix of playtime and relaxation. Their medium size makes them adaptable to both apartments and larger homes, but regular grooming is a must to keep those flowing ears tangle-free.
Read more: Cocker Spaniel breed insights: care, personality & expert tips
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7. Staffordshire Bull Terrier – the affectionate protector
🐾 Size: Medium
❤ Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, courageous
⚡ Energy level: High
🏡 Best for: Families with older children, active households
🩹 Health tip: Staffies can be prone to skin conditions. A real food diet containing ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, like omega-3 from fish and fish oil, can help keep their skin healthy and itch-free
Despite their strong, muscular build, Staffies are big softies at heart. They form deep bonds with their family and thrive on human companionship. With early training and socialisation, they can grow into gentle, well-mannered, and incredibly devoted family dogs.
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8. Spoodle – the friendly, low-shedding pup
🐾 Size: Small to medium
❤ Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, affectionate
⚡ Energy level: Moderate to high
🏡 Best for: Families looking for a social, easy-going dog
💛 Health tip: They can be prone to skin conditions and ear infections. Choose a real food diet containing vitamin E and zinc to support healthy skin
Spoodles are full of love, fun, and fluffy charm. Their friendly nature means they fit in well with kids and other pets, and their intelligence makes them easy to train. Bonus? They don’t shed much, making them a great choice for allergy-prone families.
Read more: Spoodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips
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9. Cavoodle – the cuddly, adaptable hybrid
🐾 Size: Small to medium
❤ Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, intelligent
⚡ Energy level: Moderate
🏡 Best for: Families looking for a low-shedding, affectionate companion
🦵 Health tip: Cavoodles can develop joint conditions so a diet containing ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, like turmeric and fish oil, can help.
Cavoodles are the definition of a lap dog with a playful twist. They love cuddles, get along with kids and other pets, and adjust easily to different living environments. Their low-shedding coat is great for allergy sufferers, but regular grooming is needed to prevent matting and keep them comfortable.
Read more: Cavoodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips
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10. Australian Shepherd – the energetic, loyal companion
🐾 Size: Medium to large
❤ Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, energetic
⚡ Energy level: Very high
🏡 Best for: Active families, homes with space to run
👀 Health tip: Prone to hip dysplasia, a diet high in omega-3s can support joint health.
Australian Shepherds are born to work and live to play. Whether it’s herding, agility training, or fetch, they’re happiest when they have a job to do. If your family loves the outdoors, this energetic and affectionate pup will fit right in.
Read more: Australian Shepherd breed insights: care, personality & expert tips
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New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
No matter which breed captures your heart, a real food diet can make a world of difference to your pup’s health and quality of life.
Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, Lyka dog food is made with human-grade ingredients to nourish your dog from the inside out. Our meals are backed by science and custom portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Learn more about how Lyka is transforming mealtimes with Australian-made dog food.
