The Cairns Post

Labradors lead popularity race

- ANEEKA SIMONIS

Labradors are Australia’s most popular dog breed. The canine has taken out the top title for the past five years, and breeders say it is no surprise. Labrador Retriever Club of Victoria vice-president Mary Conheady said they make the best companions. “They are full of life, outgoing and friendly to humans and other dogs,” she said.

LABRADORS are Australia’s most popular dog breed.

The wet-nosed, cuddly canine has taken out the top title for the past five years, and breeders say it is no surprise.

Labrador Retriever Club of Victoria vice-president Mary Conheady said they make the best companions.

“They are full of life, outgoing and friendly to humans and other dogs,” she said.

“They are intelligen­t, adaptable, confident, trainable and eager to please.”

Midyear dog registrati­on figures have reaffirmed the family-friendly labrador retriever as Australia’s favourite dog, followed by the staffordsh­ire bull terrier and golden retriever in second and third place, respective­ly.

The flat-faced french bulldog, which was previously ranked third, has dropped in popularity over the past six months. It now sits in seventh place. Ms Conheady, who is the proud owner of three labradors named Harry, Lacey and Hayley, said her pooches love to play and sleep on the couch together.

She said they are fast learners, making them the ideal breed to help the visually impaired.

“And as all around sporting dogs, labs excel at dog sports such as rally-obedience, tracking, track and search, retrieving, obedience and agility to name a few,” Ms Conheady said.

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 ?? Picture: ALEX COPPEL ?? CLOSE COMPANIONS: Sarah Pettiford with Peanut, a five-month-old labrador, which for the last five years has been Australia’s most loved breed of dog.
Picture: ALEX COPPEL CLOSE COMPANIONS: Sarah Pettiford with Peanut, a five-month-old labrador, which for the last five years has been Australia’s most loved breed of dog.

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