National Dog Day: man’s best friend shrinks as more Australians buy smaller dogs

TO celebrate National Dog Day, here are the breeds we love the most, and the reason why pint-sized pooches are on the rise.

National Dog Day: Hugh Jackman can’t get enough of his adorable French bulldog, Dali. Picture: Instagram

AUSTRALIANS are downsizing their four-legged friends as celebrities and apartment living drives the trend for pint-sized pooches.

While labradors, staffies and German Shepherds remain the three most popular pedigree dogs, research from Sydney University suggests high density living is increasing demand for smaller breeds such as French bulldogs, pugs and miniature schnauzers.

August 26 is National Dog Day — a day to appreciate all of our furry friends, great and small, and reflect on responsible pet ownership.

In a Sydney University study published in April this year, researchers who examined dog registration statistics between 1986 and 2013 found the preference for smaller dogs correlated with a trend towards more high density living.

NSW breeders say celebrity influence is helping drive demand for French bulldogs. Hugh Jackman with his French bulldog, Dali. Picture: Instagram

Professor Paul McGreevy from the Faculty of Veterinary Science said the appeal of small dogs may not only reflect the increased density of Australia’s housing and lack of space, but also the popular misconception that small dogs need less exercise than big dogs — an outcome that may have increasing appeal as we become time poor.

Fashion and celebrity influence may also explain the reason why Australians have developed a sudden penchant for dogs with short, wide faces, he added.

“There’s no evidence of this trend being a flash-in-the-pan,” Professor McGreevy said.

“The increased demand for short-sculled breeds such as Frenchies and Pugs may be a response to fashion and an appreciation that they are so damned cute and comical but, of course, being cute and comical doesn’t equate to being healthy and happy.”

We’re not just choosing smaller dogs, but often breeds that are riddled with health issues.

There’s no question they’re adorable, however brachycephalic breeds such as bulldogs and pugs have shorter and wider heads which leaves them more susceptible to respiratory problems, skin and eye conditions, and digestive disorders.

Life expectancy among these popular breeds is estimated to be four years lower than non-brachycephalic breeds.

And when you consider most Australians pay anywhere between $3500-$4000 for a French bulldog pup, it’s a short-lived investment.

Despite this, it hasn’t stopped a thriving French bulldog culture from developing in Australia and around the world.

Hugh Jackman, Lady Gaga, Zach Braff, Hilary Duff, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Rachel Bilson are just some of the high profile names that love their squishy-faced friends.

Breeder and president of the French Bulldog Club of NSW, Debra Brady, said the club had experience an increase in demand for French bulldogs over the past five years.

“(Bulldogs) are very good for apartment living. They’re wonderful with children and very easygoing,” Ms Brady said.

“A lot of Frenchies are used in commercials and movies. They are becoming quite popular as they are seen everywhere.

“I think the celebrities help in making people inquire a lot more.”

Ms Brady said she had received requests for French bulldogs the same colour as Stella, who stars in Modern Family.

Most popular dog breeds by Australian National Kennel Council registrations

1. Labrador Retriever

2. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

3. German Shepherd Dog

4. Golden Retriever

5. Border Collie

6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

7. American Staffordshire Terrier

8. French Bulldog

9. Rottweiler

10. Cocker Spaniel

11. Pug

12. Schnauzer (Miniature)

13. British bulldog

14. Boxer

15. Poodle (Toy)

16. Australian cattle dog

17. Bull Terrier

18. West Highland White Terrier

19. Dachshund (Smooth and Min. Smooth)

20. Rhodesian ridgeback