Which dog is the most popular in Brisbane? Search for your postcode’s top pooch

Staffies are marking their territory in Brisbane, carrying the crown for the most popular dog breed in most postcodes.

The Staffordshire bull terrier dominates areas on both sides of the Brisbane River, from Ferny Grove, Everton Park and Chermside to Woolloongabba, Cannon Hill, Mansfield, Salisbury and beyond.

The exceptions are mostly clustered around the inner city – where a few postcodes prefer poodles or Maltese – and Brisbane’s western suburbs, where labradors and border collies top the list.

You can search for the top dogs in your area using the interactive below.

Staffies are favoured outside Brisbane too: it’s the most popular breed statewide, followed by Maltese and border collies.

The data comes from Central Animal Records, which has registered more than 621,000 dogs in Queensland. It’s based on microchipped animals, so does not include strays.

Sophie Mather with Delilah, one of many staffies who call Brisbane home.Credit: Glenn Campbell

Staffy owner Sophie Mather, a paralegal, was surprised residents in her suburb of Ashgrove preferred border collies, labradors and cavoodles.

“That’s so funny because I know heaps of [staffies] in the area,” she said.

“They’re just superior in their size. They’re not too big and not too small. They’re super gentle but also have big personalities and always have energy to play.”

After losing their last paw friend, Mather’s family bought blue staffy Delilah in 2021.

“I was spending hours by myself at home during the pandemic,” she said. “She was worth every penny.”

Nathan, where Jack Russells are popular, and suburbs from Robertson to Underwood that have a preference for Malteses, are surrounded by staffy territory.

Dani Oatway with her staffy, Bailey.

Griffith University demographer Heather Shearer said space, dog needs, availability and price factored into people’s decisions to buy a canine.

“Certain dogs are more suitable for detached houses with larger yards,” she said.

“If you live in a high rise, you’re not going to have a big dog or something like a Neapolitan mastiff.”

Dani Oatway, a dance teacher from Salisbury, said her staffy Bailey was full of energy and followed her everywhere.

“I wanted a breed that could match my fitness and come along on walks with me,” she said.

Oatway said training and mental stimulation were crucial to avoiding problems.

“They can be pro escape artists. They can scale fences that you didn’t think were possible for a dog,” she said.

Shearer said a boom in dog buying during COVID-19 had passed, and shelters were now overflowing as workers returned to the office and struggled with the cost of living.

“People once needed the companionship but, sadly, bigger dogs like staffies have been put up for adoption or left in shelters,” she said.

American Staffordshire bull terriers, bull Arabs, kelpies and cattle dogs were the most commonly surrendered breeds, the RSPCA said.

“[It’s] always tough to see elderly pets needing to start over,” RSPCA spokeswoman Emma Lagoon said.

“The most common reason we’re seeing pets surrendered is due to financial hardship and being unable to find appropriate rentals or housing.

“Staffies are highly social and do thrive when they’re part of a family and generally do better when not left alone for long periods of time.

“Most love to have a chat to you as well, which is simply adorable. They generally love to cuddle up and enjoy playtime and toys, too.”

Central Animal Records managing partner Varun Uthappa said his company’s database included about half of all cats and dogs microchipped in Queensland.

He urged owners to keep their pet’s details up-to-date.

“Microchipping helps reunite lost pets with their owners, increasing the chances of pets returning home,” he said.

“Our national registry listing also ensures that owners can be contacted even if their pet is found across state borders.”