New Zealand’s most popular breeds of dogs

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Press Release: NZ Kennel Club
6 January 2006
New Zealand’s most popular breeds of dogs

Labrador Retrievers are still New Zealand’s most popular dogs according to 2005 registrations with the NZ Kennel Club. Over 1,200 of these chocolate or yellow or black purebred dogs were registered last year.

NZ Kennel Club president Lesley Chalmers said “The Labrador Retriever remains New Zealand’s most popular dog because it is both a great family pet and a working dog which is often used for hunting game for which it was bred.

“Overall registrations of purebred dogs are up 4.5% compared to 2004. The dog-owning public and responsible breeders know that a purebred dog registered with NZ Kennel Club is a dog they can have confidence in. That is reflected in the growth in our numbers,” said Mrs Chalmers.

Over 10,200 dogs (mainly puppies) of 150 breeds were registered in 2005. With an average lifespan of 12 or more years, it is clear that many New Zealand dogs are registered with NZ Kennel Club.

The second most popular dog is the German Shepherd, which recorded a significant increase. Over 860 dogs were registered, up over 19% on the 2004 year. Making up the the top ten breeds of dog in New Zealand are:

3rd Golden Retrievers
4th Border Collies
5th Boxers
(There were no changes in rank in the top five places.)
6th Rottweilers (up two places from 8th in 2004)
7th Staffordshire Bull Terriers (no change)
8th Bulldogs (up one place from 9th in 2004)
9th Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (up five places from 14th in 2004)
10th Chihuahuas (long coat) (up five places from 15th in 2004)

Dropping out of the top ten breeds were English Springer Spaniels (6th in 2004) and Bullmastiffs (10th.)