Search data shows Victorians are most interested in Golden Retrievers and Border Collies, but what ranks higher when it comes to pet ownership?
Do yourselves a favour and Google a Cavoodle. Instant dopamine hit aside, future dog owners are turning to online searches to find out more about dog breeds and where to buy them.
While search volumes have decreased since a 2020 Covid spike, the Golden Retriever has consistently enjoyed popularity, followed closely by Border Collies and Cavoodles. So what is it about these breeds that stand the test of time?
A breed apart
Ian Bradnock, owner of the eponymous Ian The Dog Trainer business based in Melbourne, shared a few key differences between breeds. “A Golden Retriever is a large breed retrieval dog. They generally have a great temperament,” Mr Bradnock explained. “They do shed a lot of fur, but are very trainable and eager to please.”
Comparatively, he said Border Collies were a medium-sized herding dog that “can be quite high maintenance because they do require quite a bit of exercise. They are trainable but can have submissive temperaments.”
The cavoodle - a hybrid cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle - is a smaller breed. “They are generally one of the best family dogs around, particularly with young children or for retirement-age people. They do require grooming but their temperaments are pretty easy-going,” Mr Bradnock said.
Popularity vs reality
It’s interesting to note that according to Pet Insurance Australia, Cavoodles are the most popular dogs to own in Victoria (and Australia, in fact), despite being the third most searched-for dog in Google Trends. There may be a few factors contributing to this.
“They [owners] may have given their expectations a re-think based on where they live, how they live, and time they have available … a smaller breed might suit their style of living better,” Mr Bradnock said. “Space and time available have to feature in the choice of dog and sometimes the best solution for a companion dog is a smaller breed that provides all the companionship and joy on a low maintenance daily basis.”
The cavoodle - a hybrid cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle - is a smaller breed.
President of the Australian Association of Professional Dog Trainers (AAPDT) Basil Theofanides also believes availability may play into it. “My guess is that the dog they are after is in high demand with a long wait-time. Hence, people may choose a different breed, whether pure or cross, which isn’t so popular therefore acquiring it sooner than later.”
What dog trainers wished you knew
Buying from a reputable breeder is a sentiment the AAPDT shares. Mr Theofanides outlined a few key milestones he recommends puppy owners follow. “Acquire your pup at eight weeks of age, commence kindergarten puppy training from nine-to-ten weeks of age, take pup for walks outside from nine weeks of age and expose it to the outside world (people, noise, complex situations). Furthermore, establish boundaries at home and once pup reaches 16 weeks of age (minimum), enrol in an obedience program.”
Lastly, Mr Bradnock offers advice to think long term. “I always suggest to people that they work out what they very specifically want from their dog over the next 10 plus years and that will narrow the field down because their dog needs to fit into their life not the other way around. Keep the process simple, be clear about what you want, understand what you’re getting and start training early to avoid issues later.”
Explore the topics everyone is thinking and talking about and easily create your own data visualisations with Google Trends.
Contact Ian The Dog Trainer today to find out more about our in-home training program and learn very quickly what is right for you and your puppy or dog in and around your home.
