WHO’S TOP DOG?

Nation’s most popular pets revealed

IT WILL come as no surprise to their owners but Maltese cross breeds are officially Australia’s most popular dogs.

The breed took out the top spot in Pet Insurance Australia’s Most Popular Breeds for 2019 survey ahead of cavoodles, labradors, staffies and border collies.

Proud Darwin Maltese cross owner Barbara Baugh said the loveable breed was generally more like a child than a pet to their loyal humans.

“They’re loving but they can also be very feisty and cheeky, which gives them a lot of personality,” she said.

“I think maybe that’s why they’re so popular.”

Other popular dog breeds included the golden retriever, German shepherd and Jack Russell terrier cross.

In the cat stakes, it was the domestic shorthair named most popular, with domestic house, ragdoll, domestic medium hair and Burmese rounding out the top five.

Barbara Baugh, with pooches Baxter and Bella, can understand why Maltese crosses are one of Australia’s most popular dog breeds Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL Barbara Baugh with here Maltese cross, Baxter