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From mysterious cat breeds, to German hunting dogs, and an Australian-made hybrid exploding in popularity; these are the country's favourite pets.

Rounding out the top 10 for cats is the Peke-Faced Persian.

This breed is characterised by it's flat face and short yet plump body.

Representing the dogs at number 10 we have the Maltese Cross.

This designer breed sees a Maltese crossed with another, typically a Shih Tzu.

Their small size, and lively nature make them perfect for young families.

At number nine, we have the Bengal.

This breed is the result of crossing a domestic cat with an Asian leopard cat, but getting them into the country is no easy feat.

They are actually banned in Australia, under one exception.

"Bengal cats may be imported into Australia if the animal is five generations or more removed from the Asian Leopard cat," the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries says.

"This is known as an F5 hybrid".

Loyal, courageous, confident; these are some of the characteristics that define the German Shephard, the ninth most popular dog breed in Australia.

This striking cat breed, emerged in England in the 1950s and has become one of Australia's favourite cats.

They're characterised by their short wavy coats, slender bodies and long ears.

Devon Rex's are considered intelligent, friendly and outgoing.

Considered by many as the perfect family dog, the Labrador is the eight most popular dog breed in Australia, according to Pet Insurance Australia.

Their patient and gentle temperament is one of their defining traits.

The Burmese is one of the more-friendly cat breeds, and loves to be around other animals and their humans.

They are considered highly intelligent, vocal, and are extremely loyal.

The species is believed to have its roots near the Thai-Burma border.

From woolly and curly, to long and shaggy; Labradoodles' magnificent coats are one of their most defining features.

They - like the Labrador - are considered a great home dog as they are calm, intelligent and affectionate.

The Main Coon is one large domesticated cat breed, reaching lengths of 76 centimetres.

It also has a long, shaggy coat, perfect for the cold climate of the US' northeastern corner.

They are one of the oldest breeds in America, and their lineage is shrouded in myth and legend.

One origin story claims they were the result of a union between a racoon and a cat, which is a biological impossibility.

Nicknamed the "sausage dog", the Miniature Dachshund was originally bred to hunt badgers in Germany.

They make great family pets as they are energetic and curious.

Their novel shape and temperament makes them Australia's sixth most popular dog breed.

We are coming to the pointy end of this list, and at number five for cats we have the Ragdoll Cross.

These friendly cats are the result of crossing a Ragdoll cat with another domestic cat breed - for instance, the tabby.

Originating from Scotland, the Border Collie is a medium-sized herding dog, popular amongst Australian families.

They're considered by many to be one of the smartest dog breeds.

Their traits include; endurance, energy, loyalty, and friendliness.

Tabby cats are Australia's fourth-most popular cat, but the exact origins of this feline are hard to pin down.

For the name refers more to the cats' markings, meaning you can get tabbies all around the word, across different breeds.

Tabbies are considered to be any domestic cat with a distinctive stripped, and or, spotted pattern.

The cats can be distinguished by a "M" mark on their foreheads.

At number four for the dogs we have a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle - the Golden Doodle - or "Groodle".

This hybrid has become increasingly popular over the last 10 years, in large part due to their low-shedding coats, high intelligence, and gentle disposition.

The British Shorthair is a kind, and loyal feline.

They have a stocky body, dense coat, and broad face - and an ancient origin story.

The breed is believed to date back to the first century AD, originating from the domestic cats of Egypt and Rome.

The Romans are thought to be the first to import the animals, likely because they kept camps free of snakes, mice and insects.

The French Bulldog, or "Frenchies", are considered to be one of the most perfect city dogs as they do well in small spaces, like apartments.

They also have a loving and affectionate temperament. 

It's said the breed first appeared in Paris in the mid-nineteenth century after cross-breeding Toy Bulldogs from England, with local Parisian ratters.

However their distinct features - big heads, bulging eyes, flat noses - make them pre-disposed to health issues.

With that cute face, it's easy to see why the Ragdoll is Australia's second most popular cat.

The breed originated in the 1960s in Riverside, California. Breeder Ann Baker called the species "Ragdoll", as she had a cat called Josephine who was so placid that she went limp when held.

The breed has developed a reputation as one of the cuddliest felines, with an ultra-soft, fluffy coat and striking blue eyes.

They also have placid, affectionate temperaments, and are highly social.

Like Labradors, Golden Retrievers make for perfect family dogs.

They are gentle, love children, easy to train, and very intelligent.

They originated from the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s, and were bred as a sporting dog to help hunters recover game birds.

Much like Tabbies, Domestic Shorthair doesn't actually refer to a particular breed.

Instead they are any cat that possesses a coat of short fur.

Due to this broad catch-all term, they are Australia's most popular cat.

Get used to coming across Cavoodles, while walking down inner-city streets for this is the country's most popular dog.

The species was first bred in Australia in the late 1990's to make the perfect companion dog.

They are a cross between a cavalier king charles spaniel and a poodle.

Their intelligence, small size, and loving nature are what makes these fluffy pooches so popular.