In an estimated canine population of 4.8 million nationally, there’s one breed Australians are still barking mad for – the loveable, family-friendly Labrador.
The kind, selfless Lab has been crowned the most popular breed in NSW, with more than 114,088 being kept as pets, according to the the NSW Animal’s Register.
‘It’s no surprise the Labrador Retriever is still the most popular breed in NSW and across the country,’ Chairman of Dogs NSW Lyn Brown said.
‘Labs are friendly, energetic and fun-loving breeds with a good temperament, as well as very useful working dogs, from search and rescue to assisting people with disabilities.
The kind, selfless Lab has been crowned the most popular breed in NSW and Australia for 2017
Staffy Bull Terrier (left) and Jack Russell (right) are the second and third most popular breeds
In Australia, the fourth-most popular is the German Shepherd, a working dog from Germany
It was closely followed the by the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, while the Jack Russell came in third – party due to the changing living situation of the average Australian.
‘We are now seeing an increase in popularity of smaller breeds, such as French Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Miniature Schnauzers, because they are charming and more suitable for apartment style living,’ Ms Brown explained.
Next on the list in NSW is German Shepherd in fourth place, followed by the Golden Retriever, Staffy, Border Collie, American Staffy, Cocker Spaniel and Miniature Schnauzer.
Labradors are consistently the most popular dogs in Australia and worldwide, known for their hardworking but devoted nature and ability to fit in with all different kinds of families.
In March 2017, the Labrador was named the most popular dog breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) for the 26th year in a row.
‘The Lab is such a versatile dog that it’s no wonder it makes a great companion for a variety of lifestyles. Keep your eye on the Rottweiler, though. It’s been quietly winning hearts over the past decade.’
The Rottweiler is tenth on the Nat Geo list of the most popular dog breeds in Australia in 2017
Originally a working and herding dog breed, the Border Collie is the sixth most popular breed
The Rottweiler is steadily gaining Aussie fans too, coming in tenth in National Geographic’s ranking of the most popular dogs in the country.
In Australia, the second-most popular dog is the Labrador, followed by the Staffy, French Bulldog, German Shepherd and ever-popular Border Collie.
Sixth on the list is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, followed by the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, adorable Miniature Schnauzer and newly-popular Rottweiler.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (left) came seventh followed by the American Staffy (right)
The Miniature Schnauzer is ninth on the list of the most popular dog breeds in Australia in 2017