Gold Coast City Council shares dog registration statistics, naming the most popular breed, name and suburb

Labradors have been named the city’s top dog, overtaking the maltese terrier as the Gold Coast records a canine population boom. See if your pup made the top 10 and vote for your favourite.

Labradors have been named the city’s top dog, overtaking the maltese terrier as the Gold Coast records a canine population boom.

Based on registration data, Gold Coast City Council has shared the city’s top 10 dog breeds for 2024, with everybody’s favourite stomach-on-legs emerging victorious.

The maltese came in second and cavalier King Charles spaniels were third.

A council statement said the top four dogs on their 2024 list were often mixed with poodles, “making oodles a popular sight on the Gold Coast”.

Five-month-old border collie Tally is among the Gold Coast’s newest residents, and the city’s fourth most popular breed.

Swapping the farm for a Burleigh backyard, she’s already been won over by pats from everyone she meets and the occasional treat from Nook Espresso at Stocklands.

Tally the Border Collie puppy with owner Allan Beare on Burleigh headland. Border Collie's are the fourth most popular dog on the Coast. Picture Glenn Hampson

Her different-coloured eyes are a genetic quirk called heterochromia which can pop up in collies and other breeds including huskies and Australian shepherds.

“I like the border collie’s intelligence and that they form a strong bond with their people,” said Tally’s owner Allan Beare.

“She’s also very social and makes friends everywhere she goes.

“She has endless energy so needs two big walks a day and has a collection of toys, Kongs and herding balls to keep her busy.”

Tally is named for Tallebudgera Creek – a favourite spot across the road from her pawrent’s house – but the city’s favourite dog name is Bella … and has been since 2022.

Burleigh Heads border collie Tally as a puppy. Border collies are the Gold Coast's fourth most popular dog.

Burleigh Heads border collie Tally. Border collies are the Gold Coast's fourth most popular dog.

Gold Coast dog registration statistics showed Upper Coomera was the most popular suburb to have dogs.

The number of canine households was also higher in Helensvale, Robina, Southport, Pimpama, Nerang, Mudgeeraba, Palm Beach, Ormeau and Coomera.

Acting mayor Donna Gates said the population boom on the Gold Coast was a timely reminder to register pets to keep them safe.

“Please make sure your dog is registered so we can easily identify them if they go missing and make sure they are returned to you safely,” she said.

MOST POPULAR DOG BREEDS

1. Labrador retriever

2. Maltese

3. Cavalier King Charles spaniel

4. Border collie

5. Staffordshire bull terrier

6. Poodle

7. Australian kelpie

8. Jack russell terrier

9. Golden retriever

10. Shih tzu

MOST POPULAR DOG NAMES

1. Bella

2. Charlie

3. Coco

4. Buddy

5. Molly

6. Luna

7. Ruby

8. Daisy

9. Max

10. Teddy

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