Non-sporting dogs are a diverse group of breeds, so it can be difficult to generalise about their characteristics and personalities. They tend to vary in size, personalities, coats, and more, from the docile French Bulldog to the prey-driven Keeshond. They’re characterised as being previously developed to hunt or work but now are bred for shows or companionship instead. Non-sporting dogs will usually still need plenty of exercise and outside time, so they’re generally not considered best for apartment dwellers or busy professionals.
Non-sporting dogs is an umbrella term for several breeds that may have been previously developed to hunt or work, but are now usually only bred to compete in shows or kept as pets. This definition can be applied to plenty of breeds, so it’s a very broad classification.
Even though non-sporting dogs aren’t necessarily bred for working anymore, some owners still choose to train them this way. This type of dog is perfect for farmers, hunters, and even athletes who want a running partner. If you’ve been looking for a high-energy breed that can keep up and challenge you, a non-sporting dog might be the perfect companion.
As ‘non-sporting dogs’ is such a broad classification, they’re some of the most popular breeds in Australia! They have plenty of energy and tend to be extremely loyal to their owners. Keep reading for ten of the most popular non-sporting dog breeds in Australia.
Weight: 9 to 12.5 kg
Lifespan: 9 to 12 years
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French Bulldogs are complete charmers, making almost anyone they meet fall in love with them. They love a good cuddle and are very loveable, so it doesn’t matter whether they’ve known you for five years or five minutes – if you have a lap they can curl up on, they’re going to take the opportunity! French Bulldogs have high attention needs though, so they’re not the best if you’re going to be out all day. They like to follow their owners around and nudge them when they want extra TLC, so if you work away from home every day, you might find your belongings have been chewed by the time you get back.
Weight: 18 to 30 kg
Lifespan: 8 to 12 years
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The Chinese Shar-Pei is a unique dog that has plenty of loveable characteristics that make them different to other non-sporting dogs. They’re extremely devoted to their families and will often be cautious around strangers, although they’ll prefer new humans over dogs any day. They love being with their owners, but they’re also independent and strong-willed. They don’t always take well to being told what to do, but plenty of training during the puppy phase can make them more adaptable and willing to listen to their owners.
Weight: 8 to 10.5 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
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Shiba Inus are highly intelligent dogs that can pick up on training commands within no time at all. They’re good-natured as long as they’ve been trained and socialised from an early age, but they should still be watched when close to other animals. They’re very independent-minded with strong instincts to hunt, and can be territorial over the owner who they’ve formed the strongest bond with. Shiba Inus are also susceptible to developing allergies, so you might need to change their diets and environments depending on how they react.
Weight: 20 to 30 kg
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
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Poodles are one of the most popular breeds in the world, not just in Australia! They’re incredibly intelligent and easy to train, and they like making their owners happy by following their commands. Because of their intelligence, though, Poodles will need lots of mental stimulation and don’t like being left alone for too long at a time. Poodles have been bred and interbred for centuries, which has led them to be more susceptible to health conditions than other breeds. As a result, insurance premiums might be higher should you need to make a claim for your Poodle’s healthcare.
Weight: 18 to 41 kg
Lifespan: 9 to 15 years
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Unlike most dog breeds, the Chow Chow is often characterised as ‘cat-like’ thanks to its independent nature. These dogs are more than happy to get on with things alone, making them a good choice for working professionals. Be careful though, as a poorly socialised dog can lead to behavioural issues in the future. Plus, their independence can make them more stubborn, so they’re not always recommended for first-time owners. Chow Chows aren’t high energy, so they’ll only need one good walk a day. As long as you train and socialise them early – and show them who’s boss of the house – they can make wonderful family pets.
Weight: 8 to 14 kg
Lifespan: 15 years
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The Tibetan Terrier has been bred to be a loyal family dog, so you can expect them to fit into your lifestyle without much of an adjustment period. Their gentle nature means that they get attached to people and places they trust very quickly, so make sure you give them lots of attention to prevent any attachment anxiety from rearing its head. Tibetan Terriers are very active dogs who require plenty of regular playtime and exercise, so they fit into active households best. When they’re not given a sufficient amount of stimulation, you might start to notice behavioural issues, including barking and chewing.
Weight: 5.5 to 8 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
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The Bichon Frise might be a small dog, but you’ll find that their personalities are larger than life! Originally bred to be performers, this breed loves to make people happy and always strives to please their owners. They’re also incredibly intelligent and love learning new tricks, so make sure you have plenty of treats at the ready to practice every day! They’re the perfect companion if you want to try your hand at dog shows. Bichon Frises hate being alone though, so they’re not always ideal for working families.
Weight: 5.5 to 6.8 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
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Lhasa Apso dogs have been being bred for more than 100 years, and in that time they’ve become quite the couch potato. This dog was once the epitome of royalty – if you had a Lhasa Apso as a lapdog, your social status went through the roof. This happy and playful dog has never really outgrown their lazy trait, although they’re also very puppy-like. While many other breeds mature after a few months to a year, the Lhasa Apso can remain immature for as long as three years. These dogs don’t mind being left alone too much, making them great for busy families.
Weight: 22 to 25 kg
Lifespan: 10 to 13 years
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Dalmatians have a background as coach dogs, meaning they’ll have plenty of energy that they need to get out every single day. They’ll also benefit from mental stimulation, so owning a Dalmatian is almost like a full-time job. Still, their sassy sense of humour and loveable personality will make their high needs all the more worth it for many owners. They’ll need plenty of socialisation from early on, and it’s a good idea to get them involved in dog sports whenever possible. While they might not be the best family dog, Dalmatians are excellent for active single owners or couples looking for a training buddy.
Weight: 7 to 34 kg
Lifespan: 10 to 13 years
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Aussiedoodles are super loveable and goofy, and one of their favourite things to do is give their owners lots of affection. They’re excellent herd dogs, which means that they quickly become protective of anyone they love – so they need plenty of socialisation early on to keep them accepting of strangers. They’re very intelligent and constantly crave mental stimulation, just like a lot of Doodle dogs, so they’re not the best for busy households. They need lots of your attention and new toys to play with, so make sure you have enough time to help them get their zoomies out!
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