New Zealanders love their dogs — and it shows in the variety of breeds seen across cities, farms, and coastal communities. Whether you're looking for an energetic companion for the kids, a loyal farmhand, or a laid-back snuggle buddy, there's a breed suited for every Kiwi lifestyle.
Below, we explore the 15 most common dog breeds in New Zealand, drawing on data from the New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC) and the SPCA, along with vet advice and real-world owner experiences.
Table of Contents
Dog Breeds in New Zealand
1. Labrador Retriever
Overview:
The Labrador Retriever has held the title of New Zealand’s most popular dog for years. Originally bred as a fishing and retrieving dog in Newfoundland, they’ve since become beloved family pets. Labs are easy-going, trainable, and always up for a cuddle or a game of fetch. Their gentle nature and versatility make them ideal for everything from therapy work to duck hunting.
Traits: Friendly, loyal, eager to please
Behaviour: Labs are social and love being around people. They’re incredibly food-motivated, which makes training easier but also means you have to be careful with portions.
Exercise Needs: High. They need at least 1–2 hours of active play or walks per day. Swimming is a great exercise for Labs, and they usually love the water.
Feeding Tips: Labs are prone to obesity, so choose a weight-management or breed-specific formula. Good options include Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult or Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight.
Challenges: Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections due to floppy ears, and obesity if not managed.
Best For: Families, active individuals, service or therapy work
2. Border Collie
Overview:
The Border Collie is synonymous with New Zealand farm life. Revered for their intelligence and work ethic, these dogs thrive on mental and physical stimulation. They’re incredibly agile, and many excel in dog sports like agility, flyball, and obedience competitions. They are also one of the few breeds that can learn hundreds of commands.
Traits: Intelligent, energetic, focused.
Behaviour: This breed is constantly thinking. Without challenges or tasks to complete, they can become frustrated or destructive. Not ideal for couch-potato owners.
Exercise Needs: Extremely high — at least two hours of activity daily. Border Collies thrive when they have a job, whether it's herding, fetching, or learning tricks.
Feeding Tips: Their high energy needs are best met with performance or working-dog formulas. Consider Eukanuba Premium Performance or Pro Plan Sport 30/20 Chicken & Rice.
Challenges: Can become neurotic or develop obsessive behaviours without stimulation. Not suited to apartment living.
Best For: Active rural homes, working farms, experienced dog owner.
3. German Shepherd
Overview:
Highly versatile and incredibly loyal, the German Shepherd is a common sight among working dogs in New Zealand — from police and military K9s to loyal household companions. Bred originally in Germany for herding, they are confident, brave, and form strong bonds with their handlers.
Traits: Loyal, confident, intelligent
Behaviour: They’re natural protectors and can be wary of strangers, but deeply devoted to their families. German Shepherds require early socialisation to prevent overprotectiveness or nervous aggression.
Exercise Needs: At least 1–2 hours daily. They love structured activities like scent work or obedience drills.
Feeding Tips: Opt for large-breed food with added joint care ingredients like glucosamine. Recommended options include Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Adult or Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult.
Challenges: Common issues include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and skin allergies.
Best For: Experienced dog owners, active homes, service or protection role.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Overview:
Sweet, affectionate, and adaptable, the Cavalier is a small dog with a royal history and a huge heart. They’re particularly loved by urban Kiwi families and older adults for their calm nature and low-maintenance size. They’re often found snoozing on laps or shadowing their favourite human around the house.
Traits: Affectionate, gentle, adaptable
Behaviour: Cavaliers are affectionate companions and enjoy cuddling as much as playtime. They generally get along well with other pets and children.
Exercise Needs: Moderate. A few short walks and indoor play sessions each day are enough.
Feeding Tips: Choose small-breed or toy-specific formulas with heart health support. Royal Canin Cavalier King Charles Adult and Ziwi Peak Small Breed Lamb are great choices.
Challenges: Mitral valve disease (heart condition) is common. Also prone to ear infections and dental issues.
Best For: Seniors, families, apartment dwellers.
5. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Overview:
Staffies are known for their strong, muscular build and surprisingly sweet and affectionate nature. Originally bred in 19th century Britain as a fighting dog, the modern Staffy is a loyal companion known for being excellent with children when well-socialised.
Traits: Brave, affectionate, energetic
Behaviour: Staffies are people-focused dogs who form strong bonds with their families. They’re often called “nanny dogs” due to their patience and gentleness with kids. However, they do best with early socialisation and consistent, confident training.
Exercise Needs: High. They need 60–90 minutes of structured activity per day. Tug-of-war, fetch, and agility training are great outlets for their energy.
Feeding Tips: Opt for a high-protein, skin-supportive diet. Royal Canin Medium Dermacomfort or Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach are solid choices.
Challenges: Can be prone to skin allergies, resource guarding, and chewing if bored.
Best For: Active homes, experienced owners, families with secure fencing.
6. Golden Retriever
Overview:
Golden Retrievers are patient, kind, and loyal — the ultimate family dog. Their gentle temperament, intelligence, and good looks have made them a top choice across generations of Kiwi homes.
Traits: Loving, patient, sociable
Behaviour: Goldens thrive on human attention and are eager to please. They are gentle with children and usually friendly with other dogs. They enjoy games like fetch and often carry things around in their mouths.
Exercise Needs: Moderate to high. Around 1–1.5 hours daily of walking, swimming, or playtime is ideal.
Feeding Tips: Golden Retrievers benefit from food with joint support and weight management. Try Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult or Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Light.
Challenges: High shedding, risk of cancer, joint issues
Best For: Families, those seeking a companion dog, multi-pet homes
7. Spoodle (Cocker Spaniel x Poodle)
Overview:
Also known as a Cockapoo, the Spoodle is one of the most popular designer breeds in NZ. They combine the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the loving, gentle nature of the Cocker Spaniel.
Traits: Friendly, clever, sociable
Behaviour: Spoodles are affectionate, intelligent, and love being around people. They thrive in households where someone is home often. Early socialisation helps prevent separation anxiety.
Exercise Needs: Moderate. A mix of play and 30–60 mins of walking is ideal.
Feeding Tips: Choose a formula suited for small to medium breeds with skin and coat support. Royal Canin Medium Adult and Ziwi Peak Lamb for Dogs are great picks.
Challenges: Grooming-intensive, prone to ear infections
Best For: Families, allergy-sensitive homes, first-time dog owners
8. Huntaway
Overview:
Developed in New Zealand, the Huntaway is a true Kiwi breed, prized for its strength and loud bark, which helps herd sheep over large areas. They’re hardworking, independent, and best suited to farm life.
Traits: Energetic, vocal, loyal
Behaviour: Huntaways need purpose. Without one, they can become bored and destructive. While loving their owners, they aren't usually suited to urban environments.
Exercise Needs: Extremely high. They need space to roam and preferably a job to do.
Feeding Tips: High-calorie working dog diets like Black Hawk Working Dog or Pro Plan Performance 30/20 help maintain their energy.
Challenges: Not suited to city life, needs constant stimulation
Best For: Rural families, active farmers, outdoor-oriented owners
9. Maltese Cross (Maltese x Bichon/Shih Tzu)
Overview:
This popular small dog cross has found a devoted following in New Zealand homes thanks to its sweet nature, compact size, and fluffy coat. Whether mixed with Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, or Poodle, Maltese crosses tend to be affectionate and well-suited to indoor living.
Traits: Affectionate, gentle, low-shedding
Behaviour: These little companions love being close to their owners. They’re intelligent but may develop clingy behaviour if not taught independence early.
Exercise Needs: Low to moderate. Two short walks a day and some interactive toys are ideal.
Feeding Tips: A high-quality small breed food that supports skin, coat, and dental health is essential. Try Royal Canin Mini Adult or Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Adult.
Challenges: Prone to dental issues and tear staining. Regular grooming is required.
Best For: Apartment dwellers, seniors, small homes
10. Beagle
Overview:
Beagles are lovable scent hounds originally bred for hunting rabbits. Today, they’re popular in New Zealand for their playful, curious personalities and manageable size. They’re known for their expressive eyes, baying howl, and stubborn streak.
Traits: Inquisitive, energetic, sociable
Behaviour: Beagles are food-driven, social, and mischievous. Their noses rule their world — they’ll follow scents for kilometres if not contained.
Exercise Needs: High. They need over an hour of varied activity a day to prevent boredom.
Feeding Tips: Portion control is essential. Choose formulas that support digestive health and lean muscle maintenance.
Challenges: Escapists, vocal, stubborn to train
Best For: Families with active lifestyles and secure fencing
11. French Bulldog
Overview:
The Frenchie has taken the world (and New Zealand) by storm. With their flat faces, big ears, and clownish charm, they’re a favourite among apartment dwellers. Despite their compact size, Frenchies have big personalities and are very people-oriented.
Traits: Playful, charming, laid-back
Behaviour: They love lounging, attention, and short bursts of play. French Bulldogs form strong bonds and can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone.
Exercise Needs: Low. Short daily walks and indoor games suffice.
Feeding Tips: Digestive-sensitive formulas work best. Brands such as Royal Canin or Hill’s Science Diet provide many options.
Challenges: Prone to breathing issues, heat sensitivity, and allergies
Best For: Urban dwellers, small homes, low-activity owners
12. Jack Russell Terrier
Overview:
Small, smart, and endlessly energetic, the Jack Russell is a terrier through and through. They are confident, fearless, and happiest when they’re busy. JRTs are best suited to active households that can keep up with their pace.
Traits: Spirited, intelligent, tenacious
Behaviour: Jack Russells thrive on stimulation and interaction. They love chasing balls, digging, and sometimes barking. Without training, they can become a handful.
Exercise Needs: High. They need over an hour daily, with variety and play.
Feeding Tips: High-protein, energy-support formulas like Ziwi Peak Beef for Dogs or Acana Sport & Agility are ideal.
Challenges: High prey drive, escape-prone, barky
Best For: Experienced owners, agility lovers, outdoor homes
13. Miniature Schnauzer
Overview:
Known for their distinguished beards and alert expressions, Mini Schnauzers are smart, social, and a great hypoallergenic option for NZ homes. Their watchdog nature and lively attitude make them entertaining companions.
Traits: Loyal, vocal, intelligent
Behaviour: They can be wary of strangers but are affectionate with family. They love puzzles, games, and routines.
Exercise Needs: Moderate. A daily walk and some interactive play is enough.
Feeding Tips: Look for small-breed food that supports digestive health and maintains lean muscle. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws is a great option.
Challenges: Can be barky, grooming-intensive
Best For: Allergy-prone owners, structured homes, active seniors
14. Boxer
Overview:
Boxers are muscular, fun-loving dogs with big hearts and goofy personalities. They’re loyal protectors and high-energy clowns who need stimulation and strong leadership.
Traits: Energetic, loyal, affectionate
Behaviour: Boxers love attention, games, and companionship. Without direction, they can become destructive. They’re great with kids but can be overwhelming for small children due to size and energy.
Exercise Needs: High — minimum 1–2 hours daily with room to run
Feeding Tips: Large breed food with joint and heart support is ideal. Royal Canin Boxer Adult or Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Adult are excellent choices.
Challenges: Prone to cancer, heart issues, food allergies
Best For: Active families, large backyards, confident handler.
15. Shih Tzu
Overview:
The Shih Tzu is a regal yet playful breed that excels as a lapdog and companion. Originally bred to live in Chinese palaces, they’ve adapted well to modern living — especially in New Zealand’s cities and towns.
Traits: Gentle, calm, affectionate
Behaviour: Shih Tzus are alert but not overly yappy. They enjoy attention, short walks, and relaxing at home. Great for low-energy households.
Exercise Needs: Low. A couple of short walks and playtime inside is sufficient.
Feeding Tips: Choose small-breed food that supports dental and skin health. Try Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult or Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Lamb & Rice.
Challenges: Eye and breathing issues, requires regular grooming
Best For: Seniors, apartments, calm homes
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dog breed in New Zealand comes down to lifestyle, time, and energy levels. Whether you're in an Auckland apartment or a Canterbury farm, there's a perfect pup out there for you. Investing in the right nutrition, healthcare, and enrichment will help your dog thrive — and build a bond that lasts a lifetime.
To support your chosen breed, browse our curated ranges of:
Sources:
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New Zealand Kennel Club (www.nzkc.org.nz)
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SPCA New Zealand (www.spca.nz)
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Royal Canin Breed Library
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Hill’s Pet Nutrition
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PetMD & VetStreet Veterinary Databases
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Vets4Pets NZ, Animates NZ, Companion Animal Register