Labradors and their crosses have once again secured their position as the most popular dog breed in Victoria, according to new data released by the City of Victoria on January 8. This marks the 10th anniversary of the city’s dog breed map, which highlights trends in local canine ownership.
Labs dominate in 11 of Victoria’s 12 neighbourhoods, including downtown, where they have overtaken pugs. North Park, however, remains a Chihuahua-cross stronghold. The city is home to 6,437 licensed dogs, with the highest concentration in Fairfield, which boasts 944 dogs—about 15% of the city’s total canine population. James Bay and Victoria West follow closely with 811 and 808 dogs, respectively.
Despite the city’s population growth of 12,000 over the past decade, the dog population has remained relatively stable, with a slight decrease of less than one percent, from 6,500 to 6,437.
In terms of ownership, the majority of dog owners—around 72%—have one dog. Approximately 11% of owners have two dogs, and fewer than 2% have three or more.
When it comes to names, Luna is the most popular female dog name, with 68 dogs in the city named after the moon. Other top names for female dogs include Lucy, Poppy, Rosie, and Bella. For males, Charlie leads the pack, followed by Max, Cooper, Murphy, and Finn.
The City of Victoria also reminded dog owners to renew their dog licences for 2025, noting that licences are required for all dogs over four months old. A renewal before the end of February offers a $20 discount and the chance to win the coveted “No. 1 dog” tag. Licences can be renewed online or at local vendors.
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