Australia’s most popular dog and cat breeds have been announced, with cavoodles claiming the top spot of man’s best friend yet again.
The curly haired crossbreed, a mix of a cavalier King Charles spaniel and a toy poodle, was named Australia’s favourite canine, according to Bupa Pet Insurance data.
Cavoodles are no strangers to the top spot, having also been crowned the most popular dog breed by Hill’s Pet Nutrition Australia in January.
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While second place was claimed by another smaller four-legged friend, the Maltese cross, Bupa’s results showed Australians were not shying away from bigger dog breeds.
Golden retrievers, labradors, German shepherds and border collies all made the top 10.
The list, based on Bupa Pet Insurance policies from July 2023 to June 2024, named the domestic short hair as the top cat breed.
Ragdolls, domestic medium hair and tabby cats were also among the most popular.
Bupa general insurance general manager Lachlan Davidson said the range of pets reflected the wide range of lifestyle choices among Australians.
“Besides being cute and cuddly, cavoodles are able to fit in with many house settings — from large homes to small city apartments, they just make for the perfect housemate,” he said.
Davidson said, since the pandemic, Bupa has noted an increase in pet ownership with a 10 per cent bump in the number of people taking out pet insurance.
Bupa Pet Insurance claim data revealed gastrointestinal complaints, skin allergies, ear infections, eating foreign objects and eye problems were among the top claims for dogs.
Meanwhile, for cats, injuries from accidents, gastrointestinal diseases, skin allergies, eye problems, dental issues and urinary tract disease were the most common issues.
Davidson encouraged pet owners to remain vigilant about their pet’s health.
“Many conditions when not treated early can lead to more serious complications,” he said.
Top 10 dog breeds
- Cavoodle
- Maltese cross
- Golden retriever
- Labrador
- Border collie
- French bulldog
- Miniature dachshund – smooth-haired
- Staffordshire bull terrier
- German shepherd
- Golden doodle (groodle)
Top 10 cat breeds
- Domestic short hair
- Ragdoll
- Domestic medium hair
- Domestic house cat
- Tabby
- British short hair
- Domestic long hair
- Burmese
- Unknown breed
- Ragdoll cross
