Fun-loving labs are New Zealand’s top dogs
JASON DORDAY / FAIRFAX NZ THE loveable labrador retriever has again topped the tables as New Zealand’s most popular dog.
Figures from the Department of Internal Affairs show there were 41,835 labradors registered as of May 31 – one for every 10 registered dog owners.
The next most popular breed was the huntaway, with 31,548 registered, followed by the border collie with 22,662.
Fourth most popular were New Zealand’s 18,238 heading dogs, then the country’s 18,066 jack russell terriers.
In Auckland, labs topped the table throughout all suburbs while staffordshire bull terriers were the second most popular breed in west Auckland and the miniature schnauzer was second in the central suburbs.
Labradors topped the tables because they were a popular family dog, SPCA chief scientific officer Arnja Dale said.
‘‘They are generally known to be friendly, relaxed dogs that are intelligent, active and attractive.’’
The New Zealand Blind Foundation Guide Dog Centre, in south Auckland’s Manurewa, breeds mostly labrador and golden retrievers.
National manager Paul Metcalf said the breeds formed great bonds with their owners and their temperament suited the job.
‘‘They’re just good, fun-loving, loyal, good solid dogs ... just very nice dogs to have, and cuddly at times too.’’
LDepartment of Internal Affairs figures show there are 414,541 registered dog owners throughout New Zealand and 552,236 registered dogs.