Cuddly and clever: meet surprise top dog breed

With all the labradors and border collies seen frolicking on our 12 dog beaches and 47 off-leash areas, you might expect one of those breeds to be the Sunshine Coast’s favourite furry friend.

However, of the 54,000-plus dogs registered with Sunshine Coast Council, the chart topper is a cuddly, clever pooch that has increased in popularity over the past decade.

Our favourite breed is the Cavoodle! There are 3,288 cute Cavoodles on the Coast, followed by 3,099 Border Collies and 2,465 of the old favourite Labrador.

Active and affectionate, Cavoodles are a cross between a Poodle (usually toy or miniature) and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

First appearing in Australia around the 1990s, their popularity has grown over the past decade because of their small to medium size, affectionate and intelligent nature and glossy, furry coat that rarely sheds.

Top 10 dog breeds 2024–25

Received your renewal notice?

Annual pet registration renewals were sent in the first two weeks of September, either by post or email, to owners of more than 11,842 cats and more than 54,000 dogs registered on the Sunshine Coast.

Pet registration is $30 (if animals are desexed and microchipped) and $15 if you’re a pensioner. Those with continuing fee-free registrations will receive a $0 renewal.

If you haven’t received a renewal notice, your pet’s details have changed, or you no longer own your pet or your pet has passed away, please contact Council as soon as possible to update your details and avoid receiving an infringement.

Managing for Growth Portfolio Councillor Winston Johnston highlighted the importance of pet registration.

“It helps Council reunite lost pets with their owners as well as provide funding for services such as education programs to promote responsible pet ownership, reuniting and care of lost animals and animal management within the community,” Councillor Johnston said.

“And it is also required by law.”

New residents urged to register pets

“We anticipate there are many more not registered, particularly with so many new residents moving to the Sunshine Coast,” Cr Johnston said.

“New residents can transfer their cat or dog registration from another region for free if registered within 14 days of moving to the Sunshine Coast. So, if you’ve recently moved, now is the time to contact us and register your pet.

“Or if you’ve added a new pet to your family or had them desexed, get in touch and update your details.”

Significant discounts apply for desexed and microchipped pets, with the cost being just $30 or $15 for pensioners.

There is also the option of a lifetime registration for desexed and microchipped cats – only $109 with no annual renewal fee required.

Registration is free for pets under six-months-old.

Pet registration renewals were due September 30, 2025.

Easy ways to pay your pet rego

There are several convenient ways to pay your registration renewal:

• Go to MyCouncil to pay your  cat or dog registration renewal  using Visa or MasterCard.
• Pay using BPay by contacting your bank to make a payment from your cheque, savings or transaction account.
• Drop into any customer contact centre located in Maroochydore, Nambour and Caloundra.
• Post a cheque or money order to Locked Bag 72, Sunshine Coast Mail Centre, QLD 4560. Include the bottom section of your animal renewal form with animal details.

Pet owners can also update their pet’s details, including changes to desexing, microchipping and pensioner details or cancelling your pet’s registration if you no longer own your pet, via MyCouncil or a simple online form on Council’s website by searching ‘cat and dog registration’.

Dog registration is required under the Queensland Government Animal Management (Cats & Dogs) Act 2008 and cat registration is required under Sunshine Coast Council Local Law No. 2 (Animal Management) 2011.