IPSWICH is a city of dog lovers, with more than 26,400 dogs currently registered across the region.
And new Ipswich City Council figures show Border Collies are the city’s most popular breed, while Bella has claimed bragging rights as the most common name.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the city was mad about dogs.
“Ipswich pet owners love their dogs,” Mayor Harding said.
The Border Collie leads the pack with 1703 registrations, representing 7.2 per cent of the city’s registered dogs.
Labrador Retrievers are second with 1465 registrations, followed closely by Staffordshire Bull Terriers with 1437.
Maltese dogs rank fourth with 1326 registrations, ahead of Dachshunds on 1196.
Rounding out Ipswich’s top 10 breeds are Poodles with 1106 registrations, Australian Cattle Dogs with 1024, Australian Kelpies with 1009, German Shepherd Dogs with 959 and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with 882.
In total, 180 different breeds are registered with Council for 2026-27.
When it comes to names, Bella is Ipswich’s favourite, appearing 295 times across Council’s register. Luna is close behind on 292, followed by Charlie with 259, Ruby with 214 and Daisy with 208.
Coco, Max, Buddy, Molly and Rosie complete the top 10.
Council figures also show the overwhelming majority of Ipswich dogs have been desexed – 85 per cent.
Mayor Harding said Council had sought to keep the cost of responsible pet ownership as low as possible.
“Council keeps its fees and charges as low as possible every year, and this includes for dog ownership,” she said.
The figures come as Ipswich expands its facilities for four-legged residents, with Council opening a new district-level dog off-leash area at Limestone Park last week.
The Chermside Rd facility includes separate areas for small and large dogs, agility equipment, shelters, seating, drinking fountains, bins and landscaping.
“The new facility on Chermside Rd, Ipswich is another example of Council investing in facilities that enhance lifestyle and make our community an even better place to live,” Mayor Harding said.
“Dogs are an important part of many families, and this new off-leash area provides a dedicated place where they can run, play and socialise, while creating another great spot for our community to connect outdoors.”
The Limestone Park facility brings the total number of dedicated dog off-leash areas across Ipswich to 22.
