Chihuahuas rule in Vic West while pugs take precedence downtown. But when it comes to sharing the love of two-legged types, Labrador retrievers win paws down — they are the most popular canine in nine of 14 Victoria neighbourhoods and account for two of every three dog licences sold in 2014.
“It’s nice information and neat to know,” said Ian Fraser, senior animal control officer at Victoria Animal Control Services.
The number of licensed dogs in the city has doubled to 6,500 since 2004, due in part to efforts to identify canines not previously paying their way, he said.
The city has posted the top three breeds in each neighbourhood, the number of licensed dogs in each neighbourhood and the percentage of homes with dogs on its mapping website.
All told, the top five breeds according to licence data are Lab or Lab cross, chihuahua, golden retriever, Shih Tzu and Jack Russell terrier.
Fairfield is home to the most licensed canines — 802 — while more homes in Vic West (50 per cent) have a dog than any other neighbourhood. Just nine per cent of downtown homes contain a licensed dog — but that’s where the popularity of pugs (and chihuahuas, French bulldogs and Shih Tzus) peaks, according to the city.
Victoria Coun. Charlayne Thornton-Joe is not surprised at the proliferation of certain breeds.
“Golden Labs and golden retrievers have always been the most popular,” she said. Canadian Dog Annual magazine has ranked Victoria the second most pet- friendly city in Canada behind Kelowna, and “we’re going to work on being No. 1 next year,” she said.
The magazine used eight criteria for its rankings, including the numbers of vets, pet sitters, trainers and pet supply retailers, as well as pet-friendly accommodations, restaurants, dog parks or beaches. Air quality was also a factor.
Authorities still have a bit of a bone to pick with another 6,500 to 9,500 dogs living without licences in Victoria — something that’s legal only for pups under four months of age. Unlicensed dogs can bring fines of up to $125 a day. Luckily, licence renewal time is coming right up.
City dog owners who renew before Feb. 28 will save $20 and be entered into a draw to win the first dog tag of the year (0001) and barking rights as the city’s No. 1 Dog.
Licence fees help pay for dog poop disposal bags in city parks and offset the costs of animal control service and the pound that shelters, feeds and cares for lost and injured animals.
Licences also provide a way to reunite owners and lost pets, something that happens to hundreds of Victoria dogs each year. There’s a contact person available 24 hours a day to give out the first name and phone number of the owner of a dog found wandering, Fraser said.
Finders can also opt to have animal control pick the dog up.
In 2014, 93 per cent of dogs were claimed by their owners, said the website of Animal Control Services.
Despite the misconception that impounded dogs are put down, only four canines were put down in 2014, typically due to aggression or serious injury.
In Victoria, licences for neutered or spayed dogs cost $30 by Feb. 28; unaltered dogs cost $40. After that date, the fees rise to $50 and $60 respectively. Licences are available at city hall and 15 other locations. For more information, go to victoria.ca/dogs.
Saanich fees are $25 for spayed and neutered dogs, and $35 for unaltered before March 1, rising to $30 and $40 after that date.
Oak Bay does not keep track of its estimated 1,400 licensed dogs by breed or area.
Licences are $39 for spayed or neutered canines before the end of January and $44 starting in February.
The fee for unaltered dogs is $55 and $60, respectively.
Esquimalt dog licences cost $31 for spayed and neutered dogs; $41 for unaltered dogs. Licence fees must be paid by Jan. 31 to avoid a late penalty of $5.
