In brief:

• The top pet names and breeds for 2025 have been announced.
• This article lists the top 10 cat names and breeds for the year.
• This article lists the top 10 dog names and breeds for the year.

The results are in for the most common pet names and breeds in Canberra for 2025.

The rivalry between Daisy and Luna continued this year, with Daisy bumping Luna out of first place for most popular dog name after coming in second place last year. Meanwhile, Luna retains its stellar title of being the most popular cat name in 2025.

Cavoodles defend their crown as Canberra’s most popular dog breed for the fourth consecutive year. Domestic Short Hair remains the most popular cat breed in the capital.

Whether they are dog or cat lovers, Canberra pet owners clearly have one thing in common: they love to read. From popular fantasy worlds through to classics, Canberrans have brought beloved characters to life with their cat and dog names.

Standouts include Frodo and Samwise from The Lord of the Rings, Geralt from The Witcher, Agatha Christie’s very own Captain Hastings, Mr Darcy from Pride and Prejudice and a special mention to Harry Potter-inspired Albus Dumbleclaw.

Names inspired by gods and heroes from Greek mythology tells us a few Canberra book clubs read Percy Jackson this year. From the king of gods Zeus and his daughter Athena to beloved hero Hercules, and Styx – named after the river that winds its way through the underworld.

Dogs

Of dogs currently registered in the ACT, the top 10 dog names and breeds for 2025 are listed below.

Names:

• Daisy
• Luna
• Charlie
• Coco
• Teddy
• Milo
• Bella
• Archie
• Ruby
• Molly

Breeds:

• Cavoodle
• Border Collie
• Dachshund
• Kelpie
• Labrador Retriever
• Golden Retriever
• Poodle
• American Staffy
• Jack Russell
• Groodle

Cats

Of cats currently registered in the ACT, the top 10 cat names and breeds for 2025 are listed below.

Names:

• Luna
• Milo
• Willow
• Jasper
• Daisy
• Leo
• Cleo
• Charlie
• Mochi
• Tiger

Breeds:

• Domestic Short Hair
• Domestic Medium Hair
• Ragdoll
• Domestic Long Hair
• Burmese
• British Shorthair
• Russian Blue
• Maine Coon
• Bengal
• Siamese

Make sure your pet is registered

Annual registration is compulsory for all cats and dogs over the age of 8 weeks. It’s free for owners to renew or update their registration details.

Pet registration provides insight into the most popular pet names and breeds and, most importantly, helps reunite lost pets with their owners.

Keep your pet safe during summer

Our pets rely on us to keep them happy, healthy and safe.

In warmer weather, it's especially important to ensure they have access to fresh drinking water and shade all day.

Avoid walking your pet in the middle of the day – early mornings and evenings are best to help protect their paws from burning. You can easily tell if the pavement is too hot to walk your dog by placing the back of your hand on the ground. If you can’t comfortably keep it there for 10 seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.

If you’re enjoying a holiday away from home, arrange for someone to care for your pet. Don’t leave them unattended. It’s also important to ensure your pet’s carer is familiar with its feeding and exercise requirements, as well as their medical needs.

To find more information on responsible pet ownership, including registering your pet and a list of registered boarding kennels, visit the City Services website.

Read more like this:

• Your guide to adopting a dog in Canberra
• The dog owner’s guide to Central Canberra
• Domestic Animal Services long-termer finds his fairytale

Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:

Subscribe to Our CBR