The right pup doesn’t just fit into your life — they transform it, bringing joy, companionship, and countless memories.

Choosing a breed is a deeply personal decision, shaped by your lifestyle, space, and what you hope to share with your best friend. This list is here to help you discover the traits and qualities that will complement your life in a way that suits you best.

According to PetSure’s Pet Health Monitor 2024 data, these popular breeds have already earned a place in the hearts of countless Australian families, offering a sense of reassurance and inspiration.

Plus, we’ve collected insights from Lyka parents about each breed, so you can read first-hand experiences to help you take your first steps toward finding your perfect match.

1. Cavoodle

Loyal and loving, Cavoodles are ideal for modern families.

Combining the sweetness of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the intelligence of the Poodle, Cavoodles bring out the best of both breeds. They thrive in small spaces but are just as happy in a backyard. Their gentle temperament makes them excellent with children, while their hypoallergenic coat is a plus for allergy-sensitive homes.

"My cavoodle, Jeff, is the ultimate companion! He's playful, loves a walk and a cuddle. He's hypoallergenic and doesn't shed, which is a bonus.”

– Fiona, Jeff’s human

Cavoodles are prone to skin allergies and itchiness, the most common reason to visit the vet. Skin-enriching ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, spirulina and shiitake mushrooms found in Lyka’s meals contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties for targeted support.

🐕 Read more: Cavoodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →
🐕 Read more: Understanding your Cavoodle's health issues: how real food can help →

2. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers shine with their friendly nature and playful spirit.

They’re intelligent, highly trainable, and love outdoor adventures, making them fantastic companions for active families. Golden Retrievers are also known for their versatility, often working as therapy or guide dogs.

Golden Retrievers can be prone to hip dysplasia and weight gain, so staying active is essential. Keep their joints healthy with regular exercise and a balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids like fish oil and anti-inflammatory properties like turmeric and fennel seeds.

🐕 Read more: Golden Retriever breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →
🐕 Read more: Understanding your Golden Retriever's health issues: how real food can help →

3. French Bulldog

Compact and full of charm, French Bulldogs bring joy wherever they go.

Their distinctive bat-like ears and big personalities make them favourites in city homes. They’re loyal, playful, and love a cuddle, making them perfect companions for apartment dwellers.

"My Frenchies are the perfect companions because they're super affectionate and pocket-sized (no extreme pulling on the lead or heavy lifting into the back of the car!). They're very friendly with all of my friends and family's pets, which means we never have any socialising troubles.

They thrive when sharing the household with other pets as they love to lay and wrestle. They can be a little needy at times and require frequent vet checks to keep their eyes, ears and skin in good health – but they're the perfect fit for me! "

— Jaz, Wilma and Lulu's human

French Bulldogs are considered a brachycephalic breed which means they have a condition that can cause severe breathing difficulties due to their short snouts, overheating, and exercise intolerance.

If you do choose to adopt a Frenchie, choose an ethical breeder that meets the recommended standard using genetic testing and phenotypic assessment. This helps reduce the incidence of avoidable conditions that result in a lifetime of discomfort.

They’re also prone to skin allergies, causing red, itchy skin and inflammation. Lyka meals are designed with fish oil, spirulina and shiitake mushrooms that help strengthen skin resilience.

🐕 Read more: Frenchie breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →
🐕 Read more: Understanding your Frenchie's health issues: how real food can help →

4. Miniature Dachshund

With their long bodies and spirited energy, Miniature Dachshunds are small dogs with big personalities.

These courageous pups make excellent watchdogs and are known for their loyalty. Training may take patience, but the reward is a loving lifelong bond.

"My mini dachshund Charlie is my inseparable companion (literally), bringing me lots of laughs through his larger-than-life personality and endless affection with his velvety charm."

— Alex, Charlie's human

Dachshunds gain weight easily, especially if they’re not on a portion-controlled diet or don’t get enough exercise. Include real ingredients in their diet like quality proteins and low GI carbohydrates to maintain steady energy levels and support a healthy weight and body shape.

🐕 Read more: Dachshund breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →
🐕 Read more: Understanding your Dachshund's health issues: how real food can help →

5. Border Collie

If intelligence had a mascot, it would be the Border Collie.

These dogs love to be active, whether herding, running, or playing games. Their loyalty and energy make them a perfect match for families who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.

"My Border Collie, Arnie is the ultimate adventure buddy. Whether it's hiking, camping, going for a car ride to the beach, or even tagging along while I grab coffee with friends, he's always ready to join me wherever I go."

— Steph, Arnie's human

Daily exercise is non-negotiable to keep them happy and prevent behavioural issues. Border Collies can also be susceptible to joint issues like hip dysplasia and arthritis.

Although you can’t change your dog’s genetics, you can protect their limbs against stress and injury with real food that supports joint health. Anti-inflammatory foods containing the right ratio of essential fatty acids (EFAs) are a great place to start.

🐕 Read more: Border Collie breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →
🐕 Read more: Understanding your Border Collie's health issues: how real food can help →

6. Groodle (Golden Retriever + Poodle)

Groodles are social, adaptable, and ideal for families who enjoy an active lifestyle.

They combine the best of both worlds — the intelligence of the Poodle and the loving nature of the Golden Retriever. Their low-shedding coats are a bonus for allergy-sensitive households.

"My Groodle Pepper is the most affectionate companion — her gentle, friendly, playful nature makes her a perfect family member who fills our home with joy & love, whether she's playing at the beach, chasing balls, or snuggling up with us."

— George, Pepper's human

Like all poodle mixes, regular grooming helps prevent matting. Groodles can also experience digestive issues that cause vomiting, diarrhoea, gassiness, or constipation. These can be linked to food sensitivities or dysbiosis (an imbalanced gut).

Lyka’s real food contains bioactive ingredients, gut-supporting bacteria and nutrients that directly help with lining repair for optimal gut health.

🐕 Read more: Groodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →

7. Labrador Retriever

Friendly, outgoing, and always up for an adventure, Labradors are a favourite.

They’re highly trainable, excelling as family pets and service dogs. Whether it’s fetch at the park or a cosy night at home, Labradors bring joy to every moment.

"I absolutely love having Humphrey, my Chocolate Labrador in my life. We enjoy lots of the same things - long walks everyday, swimming in the ocean and of course eating!"

— Darcy, Humphrey's human

Labradors are prone to overeating, so portion control is crucial. Lyka meals are high in quality protein, low in complex carbohydrates with a low glycaemic load to nourish your Labrador and satisfy their appetite without promoting weight gain.

8. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffies are known for their courage and unwavering love for their families.

Despite their muscular build, they’re gentle, especially with children, and are always ready for a game or a snuggle.

"Meet Evie, my English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who thrives in the peaceful suburban life. With a backyard to run and play in and cozy beds and couches to lounge on during her downtime, she’s living her best life.

Owning a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is like having an endlessly affectionate, fun-loving shadow by your side. Always ready to cuddle or play, Evie brings joy and energy wherever she goes, making every day a little brighter."

— Steph, Evie's human

Keep their skin healthy, as they can be prone to allergies. A balanced, real food diet formulated to be free from wheat, corn, soy, lectins or dairy can help significantly reduce skin flare-ups.

🐕 Read more: Staffy breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →

9. German Shepherd

Known for their intelligence and versatility, German Shepherds are natural protectors.

Whether as police dogs, search-and-rescue heroes, or loyal family members, they give their all to every role.

"My Avalon is the perfect addition to my active lifestyle, no matter what I’m doing, from packing the dishwasher to jumping on my SUP, she’s right beside me! She loves to learn and tackle new obedience challenges with me and together we are always learning and working on our relationship as a team."

— Sarah, Avalon's human

German Shepherds can be susceptible to sore joints. Lyka’s meals contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce swelling and promote strong and healthy joints.

10. Labradoodle

This Labrador-Poodle mix has won hearts with its friendly and playful demeanour.

Labradoodles are adaptable, low-shedding, and bring joy to homes with their loving personalities. They’re great for families and individuals alike.

“My Labradoodle Walter is a real-life teddy bear, just looking at him makes me happy.  He has a fleece coat, so he doesn’t shed - perfect for bed time cuddles.”

— Cass, Walter's human

Labradors and Poodles are genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia, making Labradoodles prone to the condition too. Rapid growth as a puppy (caused by too much dietary calcium or protein) can also be a factor.

Keep your Labradoodle’s joints healthy with a diet containing natural anti-inflammatory ingredients and omega fatty acids at the optimal ratio (like Lyka).

🐕 Read more: Labradoodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →

Thinking about bringing a dog into your life? Great health starts with great nutrition — and real food is the key to helping dogs thrive.

Developed by a team of board-certified veterinary nutritionists, Lyka’s meals feature over 50 fresh, high-quality ingredients, including human-grade proteins, vegetables, and superfoods, gently cooked to retain nutrients. Real ingredients mean real benefits, like smoother digestion, shinier coats, and more energy.

When the time comes to welcome your future best friend, give them the best start possible.

Start your journey towards real food today.