‘Charlie’ is still top dog when it comes to popular names for Christchurch canines.
Over the past year, there were 470 registered Charlies in the city, with Bella and Poppy not far behind on 451 and 440 and Luna rounding out the top four with 411.
Ruby (369), Max (361), Molly (353), Daisy (327), Archie (292) and Frankie (286) were all in the chase for top 10.
Meanwhile nature was a popular theme with Pearl (51), Misty (48), Winter (23), Snowy (24), Summer (29) and River (38) popping up on the list.
And old-fashioned is in fashion if Walter (44), Arthur (41), Wilbur (29), Dudley (29), Bertie (33), Fred (40) and Albie (39) are anything to go by.
From today, Christchurch City Council will be sending out reminder notices to dog owners in the city and Banks Peninsula to register their furry friends for the coming year. All dog owners are legally required to register their dogs before the dog is three months of age.
Christchurch residents registered approximately 40,000 dogs in 2024/25, which is slightly more than 2023/24.
“It’s great that so many of our residents are choosing to have a dog as they make wonderful companions and pets,” says Animal Services Manager Lionel Bridger.
“The services provided by the Council’s Animal Management team through registration fees help to keep the whole community safe and protected, including the dogs themselves. We provide dog control, dog shelter and dog adoption services, free microchipping, dog exercise areas and education programmes to teach dog safety.”
Mr Bridger thanked the almost 40% of dog owners who have registered their dogs to date, and encouraged owners to register before 1 August, as late fees will apply after this date.
Payments can be made online or at any of the Council’s Service Centres.
Find more information about dog registration on the Council’s website.
