The reign of Luna as the most popular name for a dog in the Australian Capital Territory has officially ended, according to new data released by the ACT government. The floral favourite Daisy has taken the crown for 2025, marking a reversal of last year's order.
Top Tails and Whiskers: The Official Rankings
While Daisy is the new top dog, Luna has not fallen far, securing the second spot on the canine list. For felines, however, Luna remains firmly in first place, continuing its long-standing popularity. The ACT government published its annual list of registered pet names and breeds, providing a fascinating snapshot of Canberran tastes.
The top ten names for registered dogs in the ACT for 2025 are:
- Daisy
- Luna
- Charlie
- Coco
- Teddy
- Milo
- Bella
- Archie
- Ruby
- Molly
For cats, the most popular names are:
- Luna
- Milo
- Willow
- Jasper
- Daisy
- Leo
- Cleo
- Charlie
- Mochi
- Tiger
Breeds That Rule the Roost (and the Couch)
When it comes to breeds, certain favourites have shown remarkable staying power. The Cavoodle (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cross Poodle) remains the most popular dog breed in Canberra for the fourth consecutive year. It is followed by the intelligent Border Collie and the ever-charming Dachshund.
For cats, the humble Domestic Short Hair continues to be the breed of choice for most Canberra households, with Domestic Medium Hair and the affectionate Ragdoll completing the top three.
The government's report highlighted a distinct literary and mythological trend in local pet naming conventions. Names inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, such as Frodo and Samwise, appeared alongside Geralt from The Witcher and Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. Greek mythology also proved a rich source, with pets named Zeus, Athena, Hercules, and Styx.
Registration: A Safety Net and a Data Source
ACT Minister for City and Government Services, Tara Cheyne, emphasised the dual importance of the annual pet registration process, which is compulsory and free for all cats and dogs over eight weeks old. "Not only does pet registration provide an insight into the most popular pet names and breeds, more importantly, it helps reunite lost pets with their owners," Ms. Cheyne said.
With summer temperatures rising, the minister also issued a timely reminder for pet owners to keep their animals safe. She advised ensuring constant access to fresh water and shade, and avoiding walks during the heat of the day. A simple test for pavement heat is to place the back of your hand on the ground; if you cannot hold it there comfortably for ten seconds, it is too hot for your pet's paws.
The data shows a shift from last year's trends, where names inspired by food and drink like Baguette, Schnapps, and Affogato were notable. The name Matilda, previously on the lists, has now dropped off entirely for both cats and dogs.
