It’s no secret that Australians love dogs. But which are the top dogs, and did your dog make the cut in the list of Australia’s most popular breeds in 2021?
According to the RSPCA, around 40 per cent of Australian households own a dog. They’re more than just pets though, they’re part of our families. Just their mere presence can brighten the day and lift your mood.
Rates of dog ownership have skyrocketed in Australia over the past 18 months, thanks to many of us being stuck at home in lockdown over long periods. The friendship and companionship of dogs has helped many of us through these tough times.
But which breed is top dog in Australia in 2021? Canstar has revealed the top five most popular dog breeds in Australia for 2021, and the number one spot will probably not surprise you.
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1. Cavoodle
Yes, it’s no surprise that the number one spot has been taken out buy everybody’s favourite hybrid breed. A mix of King Charles cavalier and a toy poodle, the cavoodle’s popularity has skyrocketed globally over the past 10 years.
Cavoodles, a small breed with a long coat and tonnes of energy, have sweet personalities and are great with kids, making them even more popular.
Canstar says cavoodles are usually sold in Australia for between $2500 and $5000.
2. French bulldog
The French bulldog, or Frenchie, is a breed that legend says can be traced back to England (not France) during the Industrial Revolution. A short, stocky breed, Frenchies are known for their friendly personalities and boundless loyalty.
“French bulldogs are a popular choice for many Australian families,” says Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia.
“They are bright and affectionate and certainly have all the charm, plus they also make good watchdogs. They simply adore those who love them.”
Frenchies are not cheap, typically starting at around $5000. But there are specialty varieties that can go for upwards of $14,000.
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3. Golden retriever
The first big dog to appear on the list, the golden retriever is a perennial favourite. Full of energy and sporting its trademark golden coat, the golden retriever was originally bred as a hunting dog but has become one of the world’s all-time most popular breeds.
Typically, in Australia, golden retrievers sell for between $3500 and $5000.
4. Labrador
Similar in appearance to the golden retriever, Labradors are usually slightly larger than ‘goldens’. They are very strongly built, energetic and need a lot of space if they’re to be truly happy.
Also, like goldens, they were originally bred to be gun dogs, retrieving kills on the hunt. They are highly intelligent and will become bored easily if not kept sufficiently entertained.
Labrador puppies usually start at around $3500 but can easily go much higher.
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5. Border collie
Rounding out the top five is the classic sheep dog, which is also one of Australia’s all-time favourite dog breeds and has been since the breed was first introduced to country in the 1800s, with 2021 being no exception.
Initially all border collies in Australia were working sheepdogs but today most are sold in Australia are derivations of the strictly working dogs.
“Any dog that is bought from an Australian Kennel Club registered breeder will not be a true ‘working’ border collie,” Australian Dog Lover reports.
“These show derivations of the original working dogs can be trained to work stock, but they are unlikely to be as good as dogs from working strains.”
Slightly cheaper than some of the other breeds, a border collie usually sells for between $1800 and $2500.
Whichever breed of dog you buy, it’s important to remember that getting a dog is a long-term commitment. It’s understandable that people in 2021 are feeling lonelier than usual, and a dog can definitely help alleviate those feelings.
But as lockdowns begin to ease around the country, animal shelters are recording record numbers of dogs being surrendered to them.
“They’re not taking into consideration the amount of time and effort it takes to integrate a new animal into your home,” Melbourne animal shelter supervisor Allie Small told The Guardian.
“Adopting a pet can be exciting, it can be fun, but it’s not a game. It’s not a social media photo opportunity.”
Did your dog make the cut in the list of most popular breeds? What breeds are your favourite? Let us know in the comments section below.
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