
Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, with approximately 69% of households owning pets. Dogs are the most popular pets in Australia, with around 40-50% of homes having at least one dog, while cats are a close second, with around 25-37% of households owning one. The most popular dog breeds in Australia include Cavadoodles, Miniature Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs, and Labrador Retrievers. The Australian Mist Cat, a breed developed in the 1970s by mixing Abyssinians, Burmese, and Domestic Shorthairs, is a native cat breed.
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What You'll Learn

Dogs are the most popular pet in Australia
The Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, which covers 17,000 Australians annually, revealed that close to two-thirds of Australians have at least one pet, with dogs being the most popular, followed by cats. This survey also found that pet ownership was more prevalent among people under 65, with those under 25 or aged between 45 and 54 being the most likely to own a pet.
The Australian National Kennel Council tracks the number of registered litters born each year, and their recent data shows that the Cavadoodle is the most popular dog breed in the country. Miniature Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs, and Labrador Retrievers are also favoured, with the latter two breeds also making it into the top five most popular dogs according to insurance company Budget Direct. Interestingly, while Australians prefer pedigree dog breeds, they are not as particular about felines, with mixed-breed cats proving to be healthier.
In terms of pet expenditure, dog owners spend more on average per animal each year than cat owners. Dog owners spend an estimated average of $3218, while cat owners spend an estimated average of $1715.
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Cavadoodle is the most popular dog breed
Dogs are more popular than cats in Australia, with around 40% to 50% of homes having a dog and 25% to 33% owning a cat. The Cavadoodle, also known as the Cavoodle or Cavapoo, is the most popular dog breed in the country.
The Cavadoodle is a designer breed that originated in Australia in the late 1990s. They are known for their charming appearance, with their soft, curly or wavy coats coming in a variety of colours, and their amiable temperament. Cavadoodles typically average between 28cm to 38cm in height and often maintain their puppy-like appearance well into adulthood.
The breed is a cross between a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, resulting in a loving and intelligent dog. Their intelligence and affectionate nature make them suitable for singles or families with kids of any age. The rise in popularity of the Cavadoodle may also be attributed to the COVID-19 lockdowns, as they adapt well to indoor environments and any lifestyle.
According to data, the Cavadoodle represented about 15% of dogs in Australia, far outranking other popular breeds like Labradors and Golden Retrievers. In terms of pet insurance quotes, the breed accounted for 16.1% over the past four years, with certain areas in Sydney, Brisbane, and other states leading in Cavadoodle ownership.
While the Cavadoodle is the most popular dog breed in Australia, it is not yet officially recognised by Australian or international kennel clubs. For a breed to gain official recognition, there must be at least five generations without crossbreeding from the first generation under an approved breeding register program. Despite this, the Cavadoodle has become the top pick for many Australians, reflecting its appeal and popularity in the country.
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Cats are the second most popular pet
The Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, which covers 17,000 Australians annually, found that almost two-thirds of Australians have at least one pet, with dogs being the most common, followed by cats, then fish, birds, horses, and other pets like reptiles and small mammals. The survey also revealed that people with dogs but no cats had a slightly higher income than those with cats but no dogs.
Another survey by Compare the Market found that across Australia, Canada, and the USA, women were more likely to be cat people than dog people (29.9% vs 20.7% in Australia, 34.5% vs 29.7% in Canada, and 29.5% vs 24.2% in the USA). Interestingly, in Australia, there was almost no difference between men and women when it came to looking for a new pet, with 13.4% of men and 13.3% of women.
A study by Budget Direct revealed that Australian pet owners have a clear preference for pedigree dog breeds, with the top five dog breeds being Cavoodles, Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Maltese Crosses. However, they are not as particular about felines, with mixed-breed cats proving to be healthier than pedigree cats. The top five cat breeds in Australia include Domestic Short Hair, Domestic Medium Hair, Tabby, Domestic Long Hair, and Ragdoll.
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Australian Mist Cat is the most popular cat breed
Cats or dogs, which side are you on? If you're an Australian, chances are you prefer dogs. Yes, dogs are the most popular pets in Australia, with close to half of Australian households owning a dog. Cats come in second place, with around a third of households owning one.
Now, if you're a cat person, you might be wondering about the most popular cat breed in Australia. Well, that would be the Australian Mist Cat, a breed native to the country. This breed is relatively new, dating back to the 1970s, when it was developed by Dr Truda Straede. The Australian Mist is a cross between the Abyssinian cat, the Burmese cat, and the Australian Tabby cat. It has a distinct and unique coat pattern, with spotted or marbled tabby patterns in a variety of colours.
The Australian Mist is known for its good-natured personality and general good health. They are affectionate, relaxed, and friendly, getting along well with children and other pets. They are ideal for people who want a loving and even-tempered cat that enjoys spending time with their owners. However, they require a lot of attention, and may develop emotional or behavioural problems if left alone for extended periods.
Australian Mist cats are moderately built, with moderately formed tails that are not unusually long or short. They have large, lustrous eyes, with straight upper lids and curved lower lids. Their fur is ticked, giving them a soft, shaded appearance, and their coat colour can take up to two years to fully develop.
While the Australian Mist is popular in its country of origin, it is still considered a rare breed and has yet to gain widespread recognition in Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. However, its unique appearance, good nature, and health are contributing to its growing popularity outside Australia.
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Australians spend more on dogs than cats
Australians have a strong affinity for their pets, with dogs being the most popular. Dogs are present in 48% of Australian households, while cats are present in 33% of households. This equates to 6.4 million pet dogs and 4.9 million pet cats. Australians spent a total of $33 billion on their pets in 2022, with dog owners spending an average of $3,200 per dog each year and cat owners spending an average of $2,100 per cat. This disparity in spending is likely due to the higher costs associated with dog ownership, such as food, boarding, grooming, walking, and healthcare.
Dog ownership in Australia increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with people seeking comfort and companionship during lockdowns. This resulted in a booming pet industry, with a growing market for premium experiences and services for pets. Australians spent over $30 billion on their dogs and cats in 2021, with dog owners spending significantly more than cat owners. Dog owners spent an average of $238 on items like bowls, carriers, leashes, clothing, and collars in 2021, while cat owners spent $224. Overall, dog owners spent approximately $20.5 billion in 2021, while cat owners spent about $10.2 billion.
The higher spending on dogs is also reflected in the insurance and veterinary care categories. In 2022, 17% of households with dogs had pet insurance, compared to 12% of households with cats. While cat owners spend more on veterinary services per year, dog owners still spend a substantial amount. In 2021, cat owners spent an average of $717 on vet bills, while dog owners spent $617. This indicates that despite the higher costs of owning a dog, Australians are willing to invest more in their canine companions.
The popularity of dogs in Australia is further evidenced by the thriving dog-walking industry. Many Australians returning to the office after the pandemic have sought dog-walking services, creating a lucrative market for dog walkers. This trend highlights the importance of dogs in the daily lives of Australians and their willingness to spend on services that ensure their dogs' well-being.
In conclusion, Australians' strong bond with their pets, especially dogs, has led to increased spending on various pet-related products and services. The popularity of dogs in Australia, combined with a recognition of pets as family members, has resulted in higher overall spending on dogs than on cats.
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Frequently asked questions
Dogs are the most popular pets in Australia, with around 48% of households owning one. Cats are a close second, with around 33% of households owning one.
The most popular dog breeds in Australia include Cavadoodles, Miniature Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs, and Labrador Retrievers.
The Australian Mist Cat is a popular breed native to the country. The breed is relatively new, dating back to the 1970s, and was developed by mixing Abyssinians, Burmese, and Domestic Shorthairs.
Popular male dog names include Archie, Teddy, Charlie, Buddy, Frankie, and Luna. Popular female dog names include Bella, Coco, Daisy, and Ruby.








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