It turns out the most popular dog breed in Australia is no longer the faithful labrador or always-happy golden retriever. Instead cavoodles are the top pick.

A cross between a poodle, usually either toy or miniature, and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the cavoodle has become increasingly popular, according to Budget Direct’s recent pet insurance quote data.

The cavoodle represented about 15 per cent of dogs in Australia, according to the data.

Cavoodles far outrank labradors and golden retrievers, which were tied in second place making up 4.19 per cent of dogs in Australia.

Border collies were third, representing 4.09 per cent of dogs in the country.

French bulldogs remain in the top 10, while another poodle-cross breed, the groodle, is also popular.

Most popular dog breeds in Australia:

1. Cavoodle (14.86 per cent)
2. Golden Retriever and Labrador (both 4.19 per cent)
3. Border Collie (4.09 per cent)
4. Miniature Dachshund (3.50 per cent)
5. French Bulldog (3.49 per cent)
6. Maltese Cross (3.33 per cent)
7. Groodle (2.26 per cent)
8. German Shepherd (2.23 per cent)
9. Australian Kelpie Cross (2.22 per cent)

The golden retriever tied for second with labradors.

Why are cavoodles so popular?

The rise of the cavoodle may have something to do with COVID-19, specifically lockdowns.

Budget Direct notes that the breed “adapts well to inside environments and any lifestyle”.

They’re also known to be good family dogs, due to their “gentle, loyal, even-tempered, and people-orientated nature”, according to Greencross Vets.

They’re also described as being lively and affectionate and can be trained easily, using tricks such as positive reinforcement, repetition, routine and patience.

Cavoodles need constant love and attention and prefer to be surrounded by people or other animals, Greencross Vets said. The downside to this is they are prone to separation anxiety.

However, no two cavoodles are alike and, given they are a mix, it’s hard to predict what a dog’s personality would be like.

The cavoodle is a great family dog.

“Every cavoodle is unique and will have their own personality traits!” Greencross Vets said.

“If your puppy takes more after their poodle side, you may find they can develop a bit of an independent streak. Alternatively, they may take after their more relaxed Cavalier King Charles Spaniel genes.”

Purina noted that cavoodles have been rising in popularity for the past 10 years, but there are health issues that specifically affect cavoodles, including dislocating knee caps, allergic skin disease, cataracts and epilepsy.

What also might make cavoodles appealing is the fact that some, but not all, are hypoallergenic.

“One of the most desirable traits of the cavoodle is its supposedly hypoallergenic nature,” Cavoodle Community said.

“The poodle side of its lineage is considered hypoallergenic, but the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be a moderate shedder. So are cavoodles actually hypoallergenic? Most of them are. But it’s a little bit more complicated than that.”