Most and least popular dog breeds in NSW revealed

More than 700,000 dogs have been registered in NSW since 2020. But for one breed, there have only been 34. And for one reason.

Marita Jansons with her two dogs Rue and Lucy. Picture: Tim Hunter

EXCLUSIVE: Spare a thought for Great Danes. They are one of the biggest dogs around, but come in the smallest numbers, with new data revealing the oversized dog breed is the least popular dog to own in NSW.

New data obtained by The Saturday Telegraph has revealed the most and least popular dog breeds, proving not every dog is man’s best friend.

There are just 34 Great Danes registered in NSW in 2024, with vet Katrina Warren contributing the low figures to the dog’s huge size.

“Danes have very, very specific requirements, and they also have a shorter lifespan than the average dog.

“The giant breeds as a whole aren’t usually as popular, and they are popular with people that are experienced with the breed and are passionate about them,” she said.

Of the more than 700,000 pooches registered between 2020 and 2024 there was one breed above all that we lab-ra-adored, with the labrador claiming the top spot for four years in a row.

In 2024 alone, there were more than 98,000 labradors registered across NSW councils.

Vet Katrina Warren said that labradors have earned their spot at the top of the list due to their personality.

“The Labrador is always considered the classic family pet. As long as we can remember. I think that they’re been viewed by people as a happy go lucky, trainable, fun dog,” she said.

Nipping at their heels are staffies, jack russells, border collies and cavoodles, which ranked

Where you live will likely impact the breed you have. Data shows that certain areas in Sydney attract higher adoptions of different breeds.

The cavoodle was the most popular dog in Sydney’s city, eastern suburbs, northern suburbs, and inner west, gaining love due to their “small size and low shedding.”

“They are very much city dogs,” said Dr Warren. “With the increased density in the city, people are looking for much smaller, manageable dogs.”

There have only been 34 Great Danes registered in NSW since 2020.

It’s the reason Rosebery local Marita Jansons opted for two cavoodles when selecting her new best friends, Rue and Lucy.

“Cavoodles combine the best traits of Cavalier King Charles spaniels and Poodles. With the right training they result in loving, intelligent, and low shedding companions,” she said.

Between 2020 and 2024, the dog’s popularity jumped more than 100 per cent, increasing from 35,926 in 2020 to 73,479 in 2024.

Staffies were Western Sydney’s dog of choice, ranking number one in Blacktown, Penrith and Campbelltown council, while German Shepherds claimed top spot in Liverpool.

Maltese came in first for those in Burwood, Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield and Strathfield, while in NSW’s regional and bush towns, the Australian Kelpie was consistently ranked as the most popular dog.

Other dogs that have recorded a surge in popularity between 2020 and 2024, include the Old English sheepdog, up 13500 per cent, jumping from 1 dog to 136, the English springer spaniel (4 to 124), the Beagle (44 to 166).